Idaho Scam Jams Take Aim at ID Theft

As part of the fight against fraud and identity theft, AARP Idaho in conjunction with the Idaho Scam Jam Alliance will host Scam Jams in Pocatello and Idaho Falls. The events take place on May 14 and 15 and feature local speakers from the Attorney General’s office, Better Business Bureau, local law enforcement, Idaho Department of Insurance and more. These interactive and informative conferences give participants the tools and resources they need to stay protected from online identity theft, fraud and scams.

Both events are from 9:30am to 3:00pm. The Pocatello Clarion Inn and the Idaho Falls Shilo Inn will host the conferences. Registration and more information can be found at www.aarp.org/id

The forums are part of 150 free events and fraud-fighting programs being held in communities coast-to-coast as part of AARP’s second annual Operation: Stop Scams.

The anti-fraud activities sponsored by AARP’s local offices in more than 35 states include: paper-shredding events, fraud education programs, AARP Fraud Watch Network background presentations, tele-town halls and phone bank call-out sessions to warn consumers of the latest scams.

Idaho residents reported 1,356 cases of identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission during 2017, yet a new AARP survey finds that almost half of consumers ignore experts’ recommendations to regularly shred their sensitive financial records.

The AARP Fraud Watch Network launched in 2013 as a free resource for people of all ages.  The FWN website provides information about fraud and scams, prevention tips from experts, an interactive scam-tracking map, fun educational quizzes, and video presentations featuring Fraud Watch Network Ambassador Frank Abagnale. Users may sign up for “Watchdog Alert” emails that deliver breaking scam information, or call a free helpline at 877-908-3360 to speak with volunteers trained in fraud counseling.