Scams & Fraud

The summer months unleash door-to-door sales agents in communities across the country. The AARP SD Fraud Watch Network has already received reports of a scam run by con artists claiming to be from a home security company. While many home security companies conduct legitimate business using door-to-door sales agents, be wary of anyone using high pressure or scare tactics or those creating a false sense of urgency. These are common traits of a scam!

As severe weather begins to pop up across the northern plains, so do crafty con artists! The stormy summer months are prime time for home repair scams. The general ruse involves someone coming to your door and offering to do work on your home, typically at a steep discount, but never really delivering on the promise of 'improvement'.

Con artists don't care how hard you've worked. They steal billions from Americans like you every year! But you can learn how to fight back with the AARP Fraud Watch Network.

There are plenty of reputable contests and sweepstakes out there (including some from AARP). But there are also a lot of bad players looking to bilk you out of your money. Just today South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley released a statement warning consumers that winners of the Publishers Clearing House Sweepstakes do not receive phone calls about their prizes.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has reported that scammers are creating fake websites that look like known and trusted news sites to sell “brain booster” pills.

AARP South Dakota is hosting shredding events across the state this month as part of Operation Stop Scams, a series of AARP events nationwide. The goal is to help residents safely dispose of outdated documents that may contain personal information.

Did you know, if you buy something on Amazon.com,* you’re not necessarily buying directly from Amazon.com? Our Fraud Watch Network helpline recently worked with a buyer who was scammed by a third-party seller on Amazon.com. She ultimately got her money back, but she could have saved herself substantial time and efforts had she been armed with the following tips from AARP Fraud Watch Network!

As part of National Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week, AARP’s Fraud Watch Network and AARP Foundation Tax-Aide are joining forces with federal agencies to highlight the dangers of tax identity theft and recovery steps for victims.

Just last week, South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley urged caution to those trying to sell a timeshare property and today the AARP Fraud Watch Network has issued a similar warning. Buying timeshare vacation properties used to be fraught with fraud risks. Now, there are additional risks when it comes time to sell.

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley has released multiple warnings in the last few weeks alerting South Dakotans to new or renewed scams targeting our state. As you work, travel and give back, keep these scams in mind: