AARP Fraud Watch Network: Tips to Avoiding Gold Bar Fraud & Cruises to Nowhere Scams, a Live Fraud Victim Spotlight Webinar, and Helping Repeat Fraud Victims

Scams take many forms so being aware and understanding the variety of ways criminals use to steal money can help you stay a step ahead of scams. Scammers may seek payment through hard-to-trace methods with few or no protections including gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, peer-to-peer apps and, more recently, gold bars.

Criminals impersonating law enforcement or bank employees may convince targets to protect their bank accounts from an active hack by withdrawing their savings and purchasing gold bars as a way to keep their money safe. Then they send a courier to pick up the gold bars for ‘safekeeping.’ This scheme is happening across the country and victims are having their entire life savings stolen in this way. If your bank calls about an urgent matter, hang up and call them back at a number you know to be legitimate.

Avoiding the Cruise to Nowhere
While spring may be close, winter is still here and many of us would do just about anything to find some warm weather. Enter the cruise scam. These trips to nowhere literally pop up online as a “free” incentive or a can’t-miss deal. What they really are is an attempt to steal your information or your money. Here are three tips to help you avoid a cruise scam when shopping for your getaway:

• Beware of starting with a search engine: Scammers buy ads and use fake websites to appear at the top of results. Consider starting your search on trusted cruise line websites instead.
• Check the source: If you receive unsolicited cruise offers, investigate the company to verify its legitimacy, ask questions, and study the fine print before booking.
• Pay with a credit card: If you’ve done your homework and are ready to make the investment, credit cards offer the strongest and most immediate fraud protection.

Fighting Fraud with AARP Connecticut Free Webinar
Cryptocurrency scams have surged in recent years, with billions stolen annually. One of the biggest drivers of this trend? Romance scams. The free, live Fighting Fraud with AARP Connecticut webinar on Friday, April 25, at 12 p.m. will spotlight one victim’s story of romance, loss, and how the experience motivated her to advocate for other victims.

All crimes that seek to steal money or sensitive information through deception are loathsome. But perhaps the most malicious involve crimes of the heart. By building trust and forging deep emotional connections, scammers can manipulate their victims into making financial decisions they would not normally consider, like investing in cryptocurrency with the false promise of extraordinary returns. The webinar is free and open to members and non-members of all ages. Learn more and register for the April 25 event at https://events.aarp.org/victimspotlight.

AARP Connecticut launched the free, bimonthly Fighting Fraud with AARP Connecticut webinar series in February of 2024 to provide people with fraud prevention resources. People can virtually attend the live events where they can ask questions of the guests as well as watch recordings of previous webinars on the AARP Connecticut YouTube channel.

How to Help Repeat Fraud Victims
All too often, victims of fraud are repeatedly deceived by the same criminals regarding the same scheme. Or, once victimized, some are that much more vulnerable to new scams.

If your loved one is experiencing this, gently ask thoughtful questions that may prompt them to reflect on the situation, help them recognize inconsistencies, and come to their own conclusion that it could be a scam. It’s also important to try to understand underlying issues like unmet emotional or financial needs and develop a plan to address them.

Also have regular discussions about scams with family and friends. When you read or hear about some new scheme, talk about it. Put your concerns about protecting your loved ones in the context that fraud is everywhere but together we can help protect one another.

Lastly, and most importantly, avoid blaming the victim. Criminals are skilled manipulators who exploit our emotions. Victims need support, understanding and reassurance from their loved ones.

Knowledge gives people the power over scammers and helps them stay a step ahead of the criminals. Be a fraud fighter! If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam. Explore other free online Scam Prevention classes. Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 1-877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork.