AARP Idaho

Disaster rarely gives you a heads up, and can take many unexpected forms. Everyone should have a plan of action, but some Americans can be particularly vulnerable during times of uncertainty. It's important to keep this in mind when forming an effective plan, and to consider your personal needs. Disaster preparation is more than storing water and food, and every situation requires a different solution.

AARP Idaho invites you to one of three FREE Idaho Consumer Fraud Forums in May 2015. Presenters will describe the latest scams and offer tips on how to recognize fraud, protect yourself and avoid becoming the next victim.

Are you an undergraduate or graduate student looking to gain real-world experience with a leading nonprofit? We’re looking for you! AARP Idaho is seeking a social media communications intern for summer and fall 2015. This is a paid opportunity. This position will be responsible for maintaining and growing the social media accounts for both the AARP Idaho and AARP Montana state offices.

The AARP Fraud Watch Network can help you spot and avoid fraud so you can keep your hard-earned money. Join us and hear from local experts as we reveal the secrets of con-artists and provide you with tools and resources you need to protect yourself from fraud and scams. Fight fraud today and protect your friends, family and you.

As lovers and those looking for love prepare to celebrate Valentine’s Day, AARP’s Fraud Watch Network releases new tips on how you can protect yourself from scammers from taking aim at your heart and pocketbooks.

Every two seconds, someone’s identity is stolen. And with tax season upon us, con artists are stealing Social Security numbers to file for fraudulent tax refunds. It’s a big problem. To date, the IRS has identified around 15 million false tax returns alone. And you can also view targeted information and a special video devoted to tax identity theft awareness at www.aarp.org/scamalert.

To coincide with Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week, the AARP Fraud Watch Network launches an education effort to help people protect themselves from tax scams, releasing a new video (see below), a tip sheet and encouraging people to take advantage of AARP’s free tax preparation services. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Idaho ranks 43 in ID theft complaints.

AARP Foundation is again providing free tax assistance and preparation for taxpayers across Idaho through the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, in its 48th year, is the nation’s largest free tax assistance and preparation service. You do not need to be a member of AARP or a retiree to use this service.

Tax season will be soon upon us, and scammers posing as Internal Revenue Service officials continue to call, saying you owe taxes and better pay up. They threaten to arrest or deport people, revoke a license, or even shut down a business. How do they do it? By rigging caller ID information to appear as if the IRS is calling, and sometimes even making a follow-up call claiming to be the police or the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Scammers prey on fears during the worst of circumstances – and the Ebola crisis is no different. Fraudsters are already using sleazy tactics to turn a quick buck.