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AARP AARP States New Hampshire Scams & Fraud

Scam Alerts for April

Scam Alert
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New frauds and scams seem to crop up weekly.  Identity theft and other scams rob millions of Americans of their hard-earned money.  Last year alone, Americans lost $18 billion dollars to fraud and scams.  In fact, every two seconds, a con artist steals someone’s identity.

What tricks do con artists use to steal your money?  How can you outsmart scammers before they strike?  Beat the con artists at their game.  Check out this month’s scam alerts and don’t get taken in with the fraudsters’ tricks.

Oh, and if you would like to host a top frauds and scams presentation in your community, send us an email at nh@aarp.org.  We have a corps of trained volunteers who can bring to you a one-hour top frauds and scams presentation.  Free of charge!

So, here are some more frauds and scams which may be coming to you!

IRS Scam Warning Sign On Landline Phone
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IRS Scam

Tax time is here again and so are the IRS impostors!

Scammers posing as IRS agents or Treasury Department officials are continuing their deceptive ways.  Know that the IRS will first contact you through the mail if you owe taxes.

If you receive a phone call or suspicious email or text from the IRS, chances are it’s a scammer posing as an IRS agent.  If you receive a scam call, hang up immediately and report the call to the IRS at 800-366-4484 or www.tigta.gov.  If you receive an email, forward it to the IRS at phishing@irs.gov and then delete it.

Identity theft lock
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Tax Identity Theft

Scammers take full advantage of opportunities during tax filing season to make a fast buck.

They commit tax identity theft by filing a phony tax return using victims’ personal information to get a refund.

To protect yourself against this scam, file your return as early as possible

Use a secure internet connection if you file electronically, or mail your tax return directly from the post office.

Travel Deal Scams

Fraud in travel concept, 3D rendering isolated on white background
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Are you looking to make a get-away as spring arrives?

Know that scam artists are out there looking to take advantage of deal-seeking travelers.  Be leery of “free vacation” offers – there is often a catch, such as taxes and fees, mandatory presentations or add-ons.

Stick to trusted sites if booking travel online, and never pay a deposit or other rental fees by wire transfer.

Watch out for unsolicited calls, texts or emails offering too-good-to-be-true deals.  Research businesses before committing money to a trip.

Advance-Fee Loan Scam

If you’re looking for a loan or credit card but don’t think you’ll qualify, or have been turned down by a bank because of poor credit history, you may be tempted by ads and websites that guarantee loans or credit cards, regardless of your credit history.

Silhouette Of Hands Giving Bribe
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Know the offer is a scam when you apply for the loan or credit card and find out you have to pay a fee in advance.  That fee is a tip off to a rip off!

If you are struggling with debt and need help, check with your local consumer protection agency or credit union to learn about options for nonprofit credit counseling services.  An advance-fee loan isn’t the solution.

Get more information on frauds and scams at AARP’s Fraud Watch Network.  Sign up for Watchdog Alerts and stay alert on con artist’s latest tricks.  It’s free of charge for everyone – AARP members, non-members, general public and people of all ages.

Be a fraud fighter!  If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.

 

 

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