AARP Hearing Center
RALEIGH, N.C. —Nearly 9 in 10 Americans encounter holiday-related fraud attempts, according to AARP’s Fraud Watch Network. To help North Carolinians stay safe this season, Attorney General Jeff Jackson, Secretary of State Elaine Marshall, and AARP fraud prevention volunteers have launched an on-demand video packed with practical tips to spot and avoid scams.
Introducing “Winter Scam Jam 2025”
The new video helps viewers:
- Recognize common holiday scams
- Learn where to report suspicious activity
- Find resources for assistance if needed
This initiative is part of the NC Senior Consumer Fraud Taskforce, which works to protect older adults from pervasive fraud across the state.
Why Holiday Scams Are Rising
Fraud spikes during the giving season. Common schemes include:
- Fake charities
- Online shopping scams
- Gift card scams
- Travel scams
- Shipping-related phishing messages
According to the FTC, cryptocurrency scams are among the most damaging. “Bitcoin ATMs have cost Americans over $250 million in 2024,” says Michael Olender, AARP North Carolina Director. “Criminals prefer cryptocurrency because it’s hard to trace and nearly impossible to recover.”
Expert Warnings
Attorney General Jeff Jackson cautions:
“We’ve seen people lose their life savings through bitcoin ATM scams. If you use a bitcoin ATM, it’s very difficult to get that money back.”
Secretary of State Elaine Marshall adds:
“Fake charities prey on good intentions. If you get an unsolicited call asking for donations, research the organization independently, avoid high-pressure tactics, and never click on links in unsolicited messages. Always check before you write one.”
How to Stay Safe
- Verify charities through official state resources
- Be skeptical of anyone requesting money or personal information
- Pause before acting — talk to a trusted friend or adviser
- Call the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline for guidance: 877-908-3360 (Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. ET)
- Sign up for free regular updates and AARP Fraud Watchdog Alerts.
Take Action Today
Watch the “Winter Scam Jam 2025” video and subscribe to AARP North Carolina Fraud Watch Minutes on YouTube for ongoing updates.
AARP Winter Scam Jam Video
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