Scams & Fraud

Fraud Prevention Tips

AARP Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Insurance Department, Oklahoma Department of Securities, the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office and the Oklahoma Banker’s Association will present a four-part fraud prevention webinar series. Topics include Medicare and healthcare fraud prevention, as well as information on relationship scams, cyber scams, investment, banking and securities fraud.

Scammers look to capitalize on the news of the moment, especially if the headlines can instill fear and motivate people to act. The ongoing outbreak of the coronavirus is no exception. While scientists and medical professionals are working overtime to find ways to test for and stem the spread of the virus, the Federal Trade Commission warns that bad actors are working hard to use this as an opportunity to deceive consumers and steal their money or sensitive information.

One in five seniors over age 65 have been the victims of fraud, losing a staggering $2.9 billion a year to identity thieves and con artists. Unfortunately, even more is lost to exploiters who are family, friends or caregivers. To assist Marylanders in identifying and combatting fraud, the Office of the Attorney General, Office of the Comptroller, AARP Maryland, CCCSMD (Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Maryland), the U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, the Commissioner of Financial Regulation from the Maryland Department of Labor, and a coalition of consumer protection groups today announced a statewide public awareness campaign during PROTECT Week (Protecting Older Americans from Financial Exploitation), June 15-20, 2020.

The Internal Revenue Service encourages taxpayers to be on the lookout for IRS impersonation calls, texts and email phishing attempts about the coronavirus or COVID-19 Economic Impact Payments. These scams can lead to tax-related fraud and identity theft.

Stay ahead of the con artists

Hear from Tony Aukland with the N.D. Information Technology Department

With identity theft on the rise, AARP Hawaii will update islanders on how to protect themselves from the latest scams, from stealing mail to selling bogus coronavirus treatments.

From offering miracle cures for COVID-19 to seeking personal information for stimulus checks, scammers are taking advantage of the global pandemic to steal people’s money and identities.

Con artists are finding new ways to dupe people during the coronavirus pandemic. Fraud Watch Friday, a monthly AARP Montana–sponsored radio program, provides residents with ways to stay alert to swindles.