Scams & Fraud

The ElderWatch Helpline has been fielding lots of calls about the “Say Yes” scam. Many news reports have warned that a scammer will call and ask a question to get the victim to say “Yes.” Then, reportedly, the scammer records that “Yes” to use it to authorize unwanted charges to a phone bill, utility bill or a credit card.

Scammers posing as IRS agents or Treasury Department officials are continuing their deceptive ways. First and foremost, it is important to remember the IRS will first contact you through the mail. If you receive a phone call or suspicious email or text from the IRS, chances are it’s a scammer posing as an IRS agent. Are you still unsure? Here are some red flags that the call, email or text you received is not really the IRS:

The internet is a wonderful place to stay in touch with friends, conduct business and get information. Scammers also really like the internet because it gives them access to the billions of people who are online every day. When you are online make sure to take proper precautions to keep your personal and financial information safe and avoid these common scams:

The holidays and the end of the year are upon us, which means it is time for giving. In a recent survey, the AARP Foundation ElderWatch found that while 80 percent of Coloradans give to charity, 46 percent of those who gave made contributions without verifying the legitimacy of the charity. Before you give, take these simple steps to ensure the money you are donating is going to the intended cause:

‘Tis the season for holiday shopping and since many people will purchase their holiday gifts online, this is a good time for some internet safety reminders. Here are some tips for protecting your personal and financial information while shopping online:

Identity thieves are lurking online, at your front door, over the phone and even searching through your garbage! Make sure to take precautionary steps to keep your identity safe. Here are 15 things that you can do today to help protect your identity:

Survey by AARP Foundation ElderWatch Finds Four-out-of-Five Colorado Adults Have Donated to Charity, but only about Half are Properly Vetting Before Giving

Did you receive a call from a “government” agency or other official-sounding entity claiming that you have qualified to receive a “free grant” to help pay your bills? Did the caller tell you that your application for a grant is guaranteed to be accepted, and you’ll never have to pay the money back? Does this scenario sound too good to be true? It is!

Do you know how to recognize, refuse and report fraud? Do you know the top 5 areas of fraud?

The AARP Fraud Watch Network is launching an education effort to help people protect themselves from tax scams, releasing a new digital advertising campaign, featuring a new video and a tip sheet. The Association is also encouraging people to take advantage of AARP’s free tax preparation services.