Big Scams Stories of 2017, A Look Back

Massive data breaches, a major Medicare card scam, new forms of phishing: there were lots of big scam stories from this past year, but also, hope for some scam victims. Take a look back with us:

• The Equifax data breach. A staggering 143 million Americans had their information compromised. This doesn’t mean you are automatically a victim of identity theft, however, vigilance is key. The best way to protect your identity is to monitor your credit reports. Go to www.annualcreditreport.com to get your free reports each year from the three major credit bureaus.  Don’t order all three reports at the same time – spread them out so you can keep closer tabs on any suspicious activity. Also, consider placing a freeze on your credit to prevent identity thieves from opening a new account in your name. Depending on which state in which you live, the bureaus may charge a small fee for this service. You will have to request to lift the freeze when you apply for credit.

• Phishing via text. Phishing is when scammers try to trick you into sharing sensitive information, typically through legitimate-looking e-mail messages from what appears to be a bank, federal agency or service provider requesting that you “verify” personal information. Now that people are catching onto e-mail phishing, scammers have branched out to texting – counting on our tendency to respond immediately to a text message. Whether it’s through your smartphone or instant messaging on a social media site, be wary of suspicious texts. When in doubt, delete.

• The Medicare card scam. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services are removing Social Security numbers from Medicare cards and will begin to issue new cards in April 2018 (new beneficiaries will receive them first). Beneficiaries are getting calls claiming to be from Medicare asking for payment to receive their new Medicare card, or asking them to verify their Medicare number. Know that Medicare will NEVER call to verify your number because they already have it. Also, there is no cost to get your new card. If you get a call like this, hang up and report it to your state’s Senior Medicare Patrol. Find the number at www.smpresource.org.

• Hope for wire transfer scam victims. If you were tricked into wiring money to scammers using Western Union between January 1, 2004 and January 19, 2017, you may be eligible to get at least some of your money back. The Federal Trade Commission and Department of Justice came to a $586 million settlement with Western Union earlier this year. Visit www.ftc.gov/wu to learn more. You can file your petition online or by mail by Feb. 12, 2018.

You can stay up to date on the latest scams targeting our area at any time of year by joining the AARP Fraud Watch Network.  Any one of any age can join for free by visiting  aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork or to receive Fraud Watch Network alerts by phone, call 1-866-542-8172