AARP Maine

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Celebrate summer with AARP Maine!

The Fraud Watch Network Helpline is inundated with calls about scams involving investing in start-ups. Scammers make up elaborate details about hot investment opportunities, or may try to sell you a vague or nonexistent product. As they pressure you to invest, they flaunt their wildly accomplished resume, and offer unrealistic promises, including guaranteed high returns. Don’t trust someone’s pitch without doing your research. The promise of guaranteed returns is a big red flag. Find out if the investment product is registered with the SEC or your state securities agency. And if it sounds too good to be true, you can bet it likely is.

Learn about ways to avoid illegal robocalls and phone scams in this free, two-part webinar.

You may know about the tech support scam, where you get a call or pop-up about a virus on your computer and need to give someone remote access to “fix” the problem. Now there’s a refund twist to this scam. Scammers call, explaining you bought a tech protection plan in the past and that the vendor is going out of business and owes you a refund. Scammers might ask for your bank account information or for remote access to your computer, which leaves you vulnerable to further fraud. If you get a call like this, hang up and report it to the AARP Fraud Watch Network.

Is the high cost of your prescription drugs making you sick? Mainers are sharing their stories.

Join AARP for our free monthly social events all across Maine! They’re a great way to meet new people and find out what we’re doing in your community. The first beverage - either alcoholic or non-alcoholic - at each event is on us.  Bring a friend - all are welcome!

When Congress takes a break and legislators return home, it’s a good time to get their ear. AARP Maine is recruiting volunteers to meet with the state’s congressional delegation during recess periods.

Government grant scams are on the rise. Scammers lure targets through ads (newspaper, email, text messages, and even by hacking into your friends’ social media accounts), claiming you’re eligible for a $25,000 grant for a $1,200 fee. Know that government agencies do not hand out “free” money and most government grants go to institutions following lengthy applications. Never pay money to receive money. Watch out for requests to wire money for upfront fees or taxes or requests for banking information for “deposits.”

If you’re looking for a loan or credit card but don’t think you’ll qualify, or have been turned down by a bank because of poor credit history, you may be tempted by ads and websites that guarantee loans or credit cards, regardless of your credit history. Know the offer is a scam when you apply for the loan or credit card and find out you have to pay a fee in advance. That fee is a tip off to a rip off. If you are struggling with debt and need help, check with your local consumer protection agency or credit union to learn about options for nonprofit credit counseling services. An advance-fee loan isn’t the solution.