Scams & Fraud

Criminals are always seeking ways to target consumers, but you can take steps to protect yourself.

When it comes to fraud prevention awareness, a new AARP report shows most Americans — including 81% of those ages 50 and older — believe scams and fraud have reached a crisis level. That same report indicates a good number of consumers get a D in fraud awareness. While Americans are aware of fraud's pervasiveness, they remain vulnerable. The best way to beat scammers at their own game, according to the report, is to share what we know about scams with others.

How to stop scammers from ruining your holidays

The holidays are a time for togetherness, celebration, and giving. Unfortunately, scammers take advantage of the season to give gifts to themselves, using your money to pay for it. In fact, a new AARP study shows that the entire gift-giving process, from purchasing the perfect gift to making sure it gets to the recipient, offers a number of opportunities for scammers to get in on the act for their own benefit.

As if not having electricity or running water wasn’t enough, now many Texans have additional things to worry about – scammers trying to take advantage of people in already very trying situations.

During the holiday season, scammers and fraudsters ramp up their deceptive efforts. Amy Nofziger, AARP's director of fraud victim support, outlines ways to identify, avoid and report them.

At a time that may feel like a bleak confluence of a public health crisis and economic uncertainty – as COVID cases and unemployment rates continue to rise – it is important to know the risks of small-dollar payday and auto-title loans.

Fake investments and medical equipment, phony retirement plans, precious metal scams --these are but a few of the fraudulent schemes the Texas State Securities Board has been grappling with lately, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As the world is rallying to combat the spread of COVID-19, people are looking for ways to protect themselves. But lurking in the shadows are scammers seeking to take advantage of this situation.

AARP in Houston outlines ways to spot suspicious emails and swindlers on Facebook, among other ways to protect yourself from holiday scams, on its monthly podcast.