Scams & Fraud

Scammers commonly use the names of well-known and reputable computer companies, online retailers, money transfer services and virus protection software companies to try and trick their victims. These business imposter and computer support scams often claim to be with companies like Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, Norton, McAfee, PayPal and eBay, just to name a few. It is important to remember that computer scams can occur on any device that can access the internet including a smartphone and tablet. The following are some red flags to look out for to help debunk some of the most reported computer-related scams:

Especially in the past few years, online dating and social media sites have become one of the most popular ways for people of all ages to connect with new friends and potential lovers. While many people have good intentions when meeting others online, scammers also increasingly use these sites and apps (ex. Facebook, Instagram, Words with Friends, etc.) to obtain money, gifts or personal information.

The start of a new year often means creating resolutions. Why not make your resolution to stay scam free this year? While scams can take various forms, there are often “red flags” that are common to many scams. Recognizing red flags will help you avoid new and old scams alike. The following are some common red flags that are indicative of many current scams out there today:

Before you donate to charities between now and the end of the year, do your research to make sure your hard-earned money is going to the intended cause. A 2021 AARP survey found that 38% of US adults say they have received a charity request that seemed fraudulent. The following are a few tips to help make sure that your donation is benefitting the intended cause:

A recent survey from AARP ElderWatch and the Colorado Attorney General's Office show disciplined spending habits for most residents over 50. But an increase in online shopping means a rise in fraud.

Scammers follow the news and different trends, but can you believe they even follow the weather too?! When temperatures rise or fall scammers take advantage of heating and cooling needs of consumers. Utility scammers commonly pose as someone who works for your gas, water or electric company. These scams can be very tricky because they often know your name, address and the correct name of your utility provider. They also work to convince you they hold important resources like your heat and water in their hands.

People of all ages now use text messages to communicate, often even more so than talking on the phone or via email. Scammers have noted this trend and now use text messaging to contact potential victims. As the use of smart phones and text messaging grows, it is critical that cell phone users are extra vigilant about potential scams that could come to their phone via text. The following are a few tips for avoiding potential text message scams:

Fake government grant offers have become more prevalent during the Coronavirus global pandemic. Even though collecting cash sounds nice, anytime you receive an offer for “free money” that seems “too good to be true” you should go with your instinct and ignore it. Fake grant offers are scams designed to steal your money and personal information. Here are some tips to avoid government grant scams:

During difficult financial times it is helpful to know about potential ways to save money as well as collect funds that might be owed to you. Two resources that many older Coloradans might not be familiar with, but should be, are Colorado’s PTC-104 rebate and retrieving unclaimed property/funds in your name.

Scammers follow the news. They have noticed that as a result of the pandemic many Americans have lost their job and had to file for unemployment insurance. Because of this trend scammers have been using the personal information of millions of Americans to fraudulently file for unemployment benefits in their name. Thousands of retired Coloradans have been notified that benefits have been filed for in their name, despite not having worked in many years. If you received this notification, don’t panic! Follow a few important steps: