Elder Watch

Join AARP Colorado for a Scam Jam Weekend in June! AARP Colorado and AARP ElderWatch will be in Grand Junction and Fruita, CO June 28– 29, 2024 for three fraud events. Learn how you can stamp out fraud and help protect your identity.

Spring and summer months are often an ideal time to engage in projects around the house. The ElderWatch helpline receives many complaints about projects having to do with home repairs, remodel jobs and yard work. The following are some tips for hiring a contractor, handyperson or help with your yard:

Living on a fixed income during retirement can be challenging, especially in a time of increased inflation and decreased purchasing power. In 2022, inflation hit an all-time high in Colorado at a historic 8 percent.

At the start of a new year we often reflect on the previous year and make goals for the coming year. Why not make one of your goals for 2023 to “Recognize, Refuse and Report” scams?! While scams can take various forms, there are often “red flags” that are common to many scams. Recognizing red flags will help you avoid most scams. The following are some common red flags that may help you identify if a scammer is trying to steal your money or personal information:

It is the season of giving and while the majority of charitable requests are legitimate, it is important to remember there are some scammers out there who try and take advantage of the good will of others. A 2022 AARP survey found that 39% of U.S. adults say they had 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:

The holiday season creates new ways for scammers to victimize consumers. Especially with many consumers turning to online shopping it is even more important to remain vigilant. Here are a few steps you can take to help make this holiday shopping season safe:

AARP ElderWatch is here to help you organize your finances whether you’re a caregiver, have recently lost a loved one, or if you are looking to learn more about making and sticking to a budget. Meet with one of AARP ElderWatch’s trained peer-to-peer financial counselors in-person or over the phone for assistance. Call 800-222-4444 #2 to schedule your session today, free of cost. In the meantime, consider these quick financial tips to safeguard your hard-earned money:

Social media sites like Facebook, Instagram and any app that lets you connect (chat) with people can provide a convenient way to interact with others. It is important to remember that scammers also commonly use these platforms to find victims. Scammers often create fake profiles and pretend to either be someone you know, someone you want to know or an entity you trust. Because there are fake profiles it is difficult to know who you can trust on social media sites. The following are some red flags that you might be targeted by a scammer on Facebook or another social media platform:

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.

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.