Scams & Fraud

Would you believe that every 2 seconds, someone’s identity is stolen? And it’s not hard to imagine, given all the data breaches in the news lately. Combating fraud is a priority for AARP Utah and that is why we are participating in AARP's nationwide Operation : Stop Scams on May 5 at Mountain View High School in Orem, where we will be holding a free shredding event open to the public of all ages, regardless of AARP membership.

Join our series of online Q&A sessions to learn how to avoid them.

There is good news for those of you on Medicare--new cards will be issued on April 1 that don't have your Social Security number on them, which in the past has exposed beneficiaries to possible identity theft. The bad news? Scammers will take advantage of this fact to pose as Medicare employees, calling you and claiming that you need to pay for a new temporary card--sometimes stating that this new card will cost $50. To "process" it, they'll ask for your personal financial information, such as your bank account or credit card information and use this precious data to steal your identity.

Scammers are now going to the Social Security Administration website and setting up “my Social Security” accounts of workers that are of retirement age in an attempt to steal their retirement benefits. People age 62 and older face the highest risk of this scam.

Brain fitness and fraud prevention—top concerns in Utah—will be the focus at a Real Possibilities University in West Valley City this month.

by Kristin Keckeisen of the AARP Fraud Watch Network

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.

An 84-year-old widow called the AARP Fraud Watch Network after accepting a free trial offer for skin cream she had seen a famous personality touting on television. She had no idea she needed to cancel after receiving the free trial. She was sent more product at a cost of $200 and is fighting to return the product and get her money back.

Free public Wi-Fi, available at places like airports and coffee shops, are convenient, but can be risky.

At AARP, we’re serious about wanting to help consumers fight identity theft! That’s why we’re teaming up once again with Fox 13 News and Shred-It to offer free shredding events, this time in both Midvale and Ogden on Saturday, July 15 from 8:00am–11:00am. This event is open to the public, regardless of age or AARP membership. Shredding sensitive financial documents and other materials that contain personal information will prevent thieves from using these data to open false accounts or lines of credit.