Scams & Fraud

Register today for the live tele-town hall event with Frank Abagnale, fraud expert on Thursday, November 8 from 1:30pm – 2:30pm. Frank’s life was depicted in the movie Catch Me If You Can starring Leonardo DiCaprio. He will be informing us on how to avoid scams and protect our families from fraud.

By Tim Poor

Join our series of online Q&A sessions to learn how to avoid them.

By John Reinhart

More than 22,000 Missourians reported they were victims of identity theft in 2015, giving the state the highest rate of complaints per capita in the nation. With Operation Stop Scams closely following this year’s April 18 tax filing deadline, the time is ripe for people to get rid of documents they no longer need.

Medicare Annual Enrollment runs through December 7, and it’s a banner time for Medicare fraud. Beware of ads that promise medical equipment covered 100% by Medicare. Like the one that might appear in the newspaper offering a free back brace, or the TV infomercial claiming you can get anything to ease your pain with no money out of pocket. Medicare only covers durable medical equipment that is medically necessary with a doctor’s prescription. Scammers hope you don’t know this. They want your Medicare number to fraudulently bill Medicare. Plus, your Medicare number is also your Social Security number so be especially cautious about giving it out.

Every three seconds, someone is a victim of identity theft and fraud. That’s why AARP Missouri is creating events to help prevent con artists from committing these criminal acts against you.

AARP in Kansas City volunteers created a stir with Fraud Watch Network resources at the 2016 Carver Day Celebration held at the Freedom School at Mt. Pleasant M.B. Church on July 9. The event was in celebration of the 1943 establishment of the George Washington Carver National Monument and also recognized the 100th birthday of the National Parks Service.

Brenda wanted to a take a break from her Holiday Shopping so she stopped for a coffee at popular chain coffee shop. Realizing she could log in on the public Wi-Fi she decided to make good use of her time and order a few more gifts online. This was good news for a potential scammer, but not good news for Brenda.