Scams & Fraud

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 The goal is to help residents safely dispose of outdated documents that may contain personal information.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:

Scam artists have been out in full force in 2016, relying on tried and true scams to bilk billions from unsuspecting victims. Here are some of the most frequently reported scams to the Fraud Watch Network hotline:

Just in time for the holidays, crooks have come up with a credible-looking way to scam online shoppers.

The holidays are a busy time, not just for consumers, but for con artists as well. To keep your wallet safe, tune in to a tele-town hall, which airs live on Thursday, Dec. 15, on South Dakota Public Broadcasting stations. The “South Dakota Focus” program begins at 8 p.m. CT/7 p.m. MT.

As we enter the holiday season, it pays to be vigilant to avoid scams or slip-ups that could put a damper on your celebrations. Here are some ways to keep your holidays happy.

Phony calls, pop-up messages, the “blue screen of death.” Americans have lost over $1.5 billion to tech support scams.