Scams & Fraud

As part of the fight against fraud and identity theft, AARP Idaho’s 2016 Shred Fest certainly proved its worth. AARP members descended on City Hall West in Boise to shred personal financial documents and other sensitive records. Before the event began, over 30 cars lined up to be the first in line. Over the next three hours, more than 500 cars pulled through delivering 800 boxes to be shredded. In total, AARP’s 2016 Shred Fest in Boise destroyed 16,000 pounds of documents.

As part of its ongoing efforts to help consumers avoid falling victim to identity theft, AARP Idaho is joining with the Boise Police Department to sponsor “ Shred Fest 2016” – an event to provide free shredding of personal financial documents and other sensitive records.

Boise, ID – AARP Idaho today announced that Frank W. Abagnale, nationally renowned expert on identity theft and fraud schemes, has been named AARP Fraud Watch Network Ambassador. Abagnale will work with the Fraud Watch Network to provide online programs and community forums to educate consumers about ways to protect themselves from identity theft and cybercrime.

Boise, ID—A new survey of internet users shows that the freedom and convenience of public wireless networks may come at a cost. Nearly half failed a quiz about online and wireless safety, and the survey results indicate that thousands nationwide are engaging in activity that could put them squarely in the sights of hackers looking to steal their personal information.

Every day, about 45 million spam text messages are sent to North American cellphones. If you don't have a text message plan, you'll pay around 20 cents for each one you receive.

June 11, 2015 - A collection of nonprofits, advocacy groups and state government agencies committed to helping Idahoans learn about identity theft and prevent fraud are forming a new partnership, Attorney General Lawrence Wasden announced Thursday.

With romance scammers using the Internet to rob Am ericans of an estimated $81 million per year, AARP’s Fraud Watch Network today called on the online dating industry to institute new safeguards to better protect their users. AARP Idaho is inviting its members and the general public to become involved in the national campaign by signing an online petition.

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.

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.