Scams & Fraud

AARP Vermont Fraud Watch Network needs you! We are recruiting volunteers to act as team members in our efforts to protect Vermonters from becoming victims of fraud and scams. What is AARP Fraud Watch? The program is part of a nation-wide effort to educate the public on the nature fraud and the various forms it takes. In Vermont, we conduct presentations for groups and organizations on a variety of topics, we distribute literature by staffing information tables and by distributing materials, and we engage people in conversations about fraud. As a volunteer, you will receive specialized training and be paired as an assistant with other volunteers. You determine your own commitment and involvement, operating in your own “zone of comfort.” While volunteers are not paid, AARP Vermont reimbursed for expenses incurred in the work of the program such as meals and mileage. For more information, contact Elliott Greenblott, AARP Vermont Fraud Watch Coordinator – egreenblott@aarp.org.

In case you haven’t noticed, the holiday season arrived early this year (right after Labor Day) and once again the Grinch in the form of a con-artist is working hard to ruin your celebrations. In this two-part series, we’ll look at a number of ways criminals are working to separate you from your money.

In cooperation with the state Office of Attorney General and Department of Public Safety, AARP Vermont is spreading the word about VT Scam Alert, a new component of VT-Alert, the state’s emergency notification system.

Every day hundreds of local residents lose hard-earned money to a variety of fraud schemes. In fact, every 2 seconds, someone’s identity is stolen in this country! To strike back against scammers, AARP Vermont and AARP New Hampshire are bringing together top experts and law enforcement officials from both states to present at an informational Scam Jam event in Fairlee, VT at the Lake Morey Resort. Slated for September 19, the program features the VT and NH Attorneys General to kick off the agenda as well as officials from the consumer protection front lines who combat the growing problem day in and day out.

Protect Yourself Against Fraud

If you’re trying to sell your timeshare, be forewarned about a timeshare resale scam.

It’s panic time. Christmas and Hanukkah are here and the frenzy of holiday shopping, checklists and bills is mounting. It’s a time of good cheer, smiling faces, and good will to all. Sorry folks, but it’s also time for the Grinch! The scammers are out and about spreading holiday gloom in a number of ways so let’s take a look at the short list of do’s and don’ts. (sorry if some of this may sound familiar but reminders do not hurt).

As we head into the busy holiday season, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle. But, fraudsters see the season of giving as a season for scams.

Every day hundreds of Vermonters lose some of their hard-earned money to fraud. To strike back against scammers, U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy (D) is joining forces with AARP Vermont and the state Office of the Attorney General for a Scam Jam in Rutland on Tuesday, Nov. 15.

AARP Launches “Watch Your Wi-Fi” Campaign to Increase Consumer Awareness and Engage Businesses