AARP ElderWatch wants to help you Recognize, Refuse and Report Consumer Fraud

Keeping Safe throughout the Holiday Season

During the Holiday Season many of us are very generous and trusting.  While you’re out shopping for that perfect gift, fraudsters are looking for the perfect target!  This holiday season be watchful of the following scams.

Naming a Star

What better gift could you give than a star? Various companies claim you can name a star for between $20 and $150. These companies will send you a certificate with the name and location of "your star" promising that its name will be in a star registry.  The problem is that stars are only named by the International Astronomical Union.  Anyone else who claims to be able to name them is telling you a tale.  Like true love and many of the other best things in life, the beauty of the night sky is not for sale, but it is free for all to enjoy.

Online Auction Scams

‘Buyer beware’ takes on a more serious meaning when applied to online auctions.  Accept the fact that you are dealing with someone who could disappear at any time.  Bid wisely and pay for items using your credit card, better yet company such as, PayPal, so you can cancel payment if you don't receive your merchandise, or if what you receive is less than you were expecting.

Spam Solicitations

Never purchase anything from an unsolicited e-mail. No matter how good a deal you think you are getting, it is not worth the risk of losing your money or giving any of your information to a possible scammer.  Also, by responding to these e-mails you are proclaiming yourself as easily fooled and a great target for any number of Internet scams, such as identity theft.  Spam scams have become so prevalent that they are virtually indistinguishable from legitimate advertisers, and there are legitimate advertisers out there. But, as this is the current reality, don't take the risk.

AARP ElderWatch is a partner with the Colorado Attorney Generals office and the AARP Foundation.

1-800-222-4444