Local Resources

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.

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 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 is mounting a local campaign to fight identity theft and fraud through its Fraud Watch Network.

The Aging and Disability Resource Center guided by the Idaho Commission on Aging (ICOA) serves Idaho's seniors and people with disabilities by safeguarding their rights, fostering self-sufficiency, providing counseling, and advocating on their behalf. The ICOA provides opportunities for individuals to access a comprehensive array of private and public pay, long-term care, support services through "Single Access Points" operated by the local Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs). Find more information here.

(Boise, ID) – AARP Idaho, teaming up with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), will host an “encore entrepreneur” event in Boise on April 25, 2013. The event will be held at SBA Boise district office, 380 East Parkcenter Blvd, Suite 330 from 9:00am to 10:30am.

A new public service announcement sponsored by AARP Idaho and state officials is helping people with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers locate useful resources. In the PSA written by AARP Idaho, Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter (R) calls attention to Idaho’s free hotline, called 2-1-1 CareLine. People can dial 2-1-1 to be connected with local support services and educational materials – some are free or low cost for those who are eligible. The public service announcement will begin airing in May 2013. To learn more go to 211.idaho.gov or to view the PSA click here.

Boise, Idaho - According to research done by AARP Idaho, just under half of those eligible for property tax reduction in Idaho actually apply for this discount. Therefore, the Idaho State Tax Commission is partnering with AARP Idaho to make more people aware of the benefit that’s available to lower-income seniors and others who qualify. helps