AARP Pennsylvania

As we step into 2024, AARP Pennsylvania reminds everyone to be vigilant against scams that continually evolve with technological advancements. The start of the new year is a prime time for scammers, seeking to exploit individuals through various fraudulent schemes.

It’s New Year’s Resolution time. Time to make a commitment to be fraud aware in 2024. For the next 52 weeks, like clockwork, scammers will be on the prowl looking to steal our money or sensitive information. Instead of making one pledge this New Year make a resolution to remember these three words: stop, think and verify.

In a significant step forward for the well-being and rights of older Pennsylvanians, Governor Josh Shapiro recently signed into law three key pieces of legislation supported by AARP Pennsylvania.

“On behalf of our 1.8 million members and all Pennsylvanians 50-plus, AARP Pennsylvania is opposed to the PAWC’s rate adjustment request recently filed with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC). On average, the PAWC proposal would raise water rates for residential customers by at least 25 percent. If approved, charges to the customer could increase by about $17.59 each month -- or $211 a year..."

A new 2023 AARP Fraud Watch NetworkTM report is highlighting the ways criminals target consumers during the holiday season. A majority (80%) of U.S. consumers say they have experienced some type of fraud this year – many of which ramp up over the holiday shopping season. These holiday shopping scams have increased from last year’s report, from receiving fake notifications about shipments, to online ad scams, and more. 

For the first time since AARP began publishing the Scorecard in 2011, more than half of Medicaid long-term care dollars nationwide for older adults and people with physical disabilities went to home- and community-based services instead of nursing homes and other institutions.

One of the most nefarious scams today is bank impersonation. Money stolen through these schemes is rarely recoverable, so it’s particularly important to be aware of this scam and share what you know with others.

Jim Palmquist has been selected by AARP, the nonprofit organization for people 50 and older, to receive the 2023 AARP Pennsylvania Andrus Award for Community Service, the Association’s most prestigious and visible state volunteer award for community service.

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.