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AARP AARP States Montana Scams & Fraud

U.S. Treasury Department, Federal Trade Commission to discuss Fraud Prevention and Consumer Protection with AARP Members; 50+ Audiences

Americans across the country will have opportunity to hear from top consumer protection authorities and get their questions answered during live tele-town hall meeting  

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Thousands of AARP members as well as others across the nation will have the opportunity to participate in a “telephone town hall" meeting with authorities from the U.S. Treasury Department and Federal Trade Commission about fraud prevention and consumer protection.

The AARP Fraud Watch Network is hosting this nationwide live event to share information about tax-related identify theft and IRS impostor scams; the warning signs, how consumers can protect themselves and where to go for help or additional information. The hour-long event is slated to begin at 11 a.m. Mountain Time.

AARP will call its members to invite them to participate in the meeting.  Members interested in participating will only need to hold on the line to be placed into the live event. After brief introductions and statements, participants will have the opportunity to ask their questions.

“Identity theft and other forms of fraud rank high among the concerns of the 50-plus in Montana,” said Tim Summers, AARP Montana State

Director.  “It’s estimated that fraud costs older Americans anywhere from $2.9 billion to $36 billion per year.  As society ages and people live longer this problem threatens to get worse.  So we’re delighted that officials from the U.S. Treasury Department and Federal Trade Commission will be joining thousands of our members across the country during our Tele-Town Hall to discuss what consumers can do to avoid fraud and what steps they can take if they have been victimized.”

“The Tele-Town Hall format has many advantages, not the least of which is the convenience for the participants who don't have to leave home or carve time out of their schedule to head down to a traditional meeting,” said Al Ward, AARP Montana State President.  “There’s no worrying about driving time, the weather or other conflicts -- members can just pick up the phone at home and instantly join the meeting.”

AARP tele-town hall meetings utilize a number of cutting-edge technologies including voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) technology that permit tens of thousands of people to connect in an interactive, two-way dialogue.

“We are looking forward to having a community conversation with AARP members across the state and nation and we are pleased to offer this opportunity for AARP members to hear directly from the U.S. Treasury Department and Federal Trade Commission on these very important issues,” said Summers.

In addition to AARP members, the general public can also participate by listening via the livestream at www.facebook.com/learnat50plus or registering for the event.  Registration places them on the list for the outgoing calls.  People can register at: https://vekeo.com/event/aarp-43534/

People can join the Fraud Watch Network for free, sign up for Watchdog Alerts and get help from trained volunteers through the Fraud Helpline at 877-908-3360 or online at www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork. People can obtain tax ID theft victim support from the IRS at: irs.gov/identitytheft or 800-908-4490.

Quick Glance Details:

  WHAT:     Tele Town Hall Meeting about tax-related identify theft and IRS impostor scams; the warning signs, how to protect yourself and where to go for help or additional information.

  WHO:      Speakers:

  • Host: Amy Nofziger, Director, AARP Fraud Victim Support
  • Guest: D.W. Anderson, U.S. Treasury Department, Criminal Intelligence & Counterterrorism Division
  • Guest: Seena Gressin, Attorney, FTC, Division of Consumer & Business Education
  • Guest: Lisa Schifferle, Attorney, FTC, Division of Consumer & Business Education

  WHEN:     Thursday, January 31, 2019, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Mountain Time

DETAILS:  AARP Members will automatically be called; others can participate in one of two ways:

 

 

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