AARP Idaho

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.

This year, AARP Foundation is again providing f ree tax assistance and preparation for taxpayers through the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, in its 46 th 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.

National Crime Prevention Month is the backdrop for three FREE Idaho Scam Jams in October. Presenters will describe the latest scams and offer tips on how to recognize a con artist, guard against identity theft and report Medicare fraud. AARP Idaho is hosting the events in cooperation with several state agencies, including the Office of Attorney General, Departments of Finance and Insurance, and Commission on Aging, as well as the Better Business Bureau and local police. Scammers often prey on older adults who have accrued assets over a lifetime. The Scam Jams are scheduled Oct. 9 in Hailey, Oct. 21 in Boise and Oct. 23 in Weiser. Lunch is free and space is limited

AARP Idaho has announced that Janet Kinzer of Athol was selected to receive the 2014 Andrus Award for Community Service, the Association’s most prestigious volunteer award. Each year AARP honors the legacy of AARP founder, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, with the AARP Andrus Award for Community Service. This award is a symbol of the power of individuals to make a difference in the lives of others. AARP Idaho state director Mark Estess formally presented the honor to Kinzer at a ceremony in Coeur d’Alene.

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 fall 2014. 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.

Join the Sun Valley Jazz Jamboree in celebrating its 25 th anniversary October 15 – 19, 2014. AARP members and their guests (up to four per membership) will receive a 15.00 discount off the five-day “All Events” tickets and a $5.00 discount off the purchase of an “All Day” ticket. If purchased on-line by October 7, an additional savings is offered by the Sun Valley Jazz Jamboree as opposed to purchasing in person at the event.

AARP Idaho is co-sponsoring a free Scam Jam in Rupert, Idaho at the Wilson Theater. The event takes place Wednesday, May 7 from 9:00am until 3:45pm and includes a free lunch with keynote speaker Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden. William “Bill” Deal, Director of the Idaho Department of Insurance will discuss the Affordable Care Act, and Idaho Senator Dean Cameron.

AARP Idaho has appointed Tom Trail as state president – the highest state-level volunteer position within the nonprofit, nonpartisan organization. AARP Idaho has more than 177,000 members statewide and more than 38 million members nationwide.

AARP Idaho is hosting a free Fraud Watch Network event in Pocatello, Idaho at the Clarion Inn (1399 Bench Road). The conference takes place Thursday, April 17 from 9:15am until 1:30pm and includes a free lunch and door prizes. Speakers include Pocatello Mayor Brian Blad, Pocatello Sheriff Lorin Nielson, former Idaho State Representative and current AARP volunteer president Tom Trail and local experts that will give you the tools and resources you need to stay protected from online identity theft, fraud and scams.