AARP Pennsylvania

The holiday deals have already begun, but buyer beware – not all of those great deals you see online are legit. Because if the online shopping season has started it means that online scam season has officially begun too.

It’s the holiday season – a time for togetherness and celebration. For many of us, it’s a season of giving. Unfortunately, the gift-giving process also brings opportunities for scammers to enrich themselves. Our goal isn’t to take the joy out the holiday season or take the fun out of gift-giving, rather, it’s to help you be aware so you can protect yourself and your loved ones.

In August of 2022 the Veterans Administration (VA) began the largest expansion of benefits in its history with the enactment of the PACT Act. The Act, which compensates military personnel and veterans for exposure to toxic chemicals has led to 4.5 million toxic screenings and the expansion of benefits to more than 400,000 individuals. It has also created an opportunity for criminal scammers.

Social media has become a dangerous marketplace. Scammers are great at creating slick ads and professional looking websites and for minimal cost they can force them into your feed.

Scammers are like viruses: they continually evolve in response to the latest news and trends. Here are two scam variations that experts have seen trending so far in 2023.

AARP Pennsylvania strongly urges Medicare beneficiaries to exercise extra caution during this year's Medicare Open Enrollment period, which runs from October 15 to December 7. A recent data breach involving a government contractor put an alarming number of Medicare beneficiaries at risk, heightening the importance of vigilance during a time already susceptible to fraudulent activities.

AARP Pennsylvania and the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens will host a virtual outdoor holiday decor class on Wednesday, Nov. 29, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

When we think about cybersecurity we may think about computers and smart phones. But the reality is everything from our TVs to thermostats to appliances are potentially vulnerable to hackers. In this new normal, online safety is a must so remember - smart devices need smart security.

AARP strongly supports new bipartisan legislation, the Alleviating Barriers for Caregivers Act, which would make it easier for family caregivers to navigate key financial and health care programs. The bill was introduced today by Senators Edward Markey (D-MA) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and is co-sponsored by Senators Kyrsten Sinema, (I-AZ), Susan Collins (R-ME), Bob Casey (D-PA) and Thom Tillis (R-NC).

It’s open enrollment season, which also means it’s Medicare fraud season. Eligible beneficiaries have until December 7th to shop for the best deal for their health care dollar. Unfortunately, some of the deals offered won’t be deals at all.