Tips & Assistance from AARP Fraud Watch Network

Scams take many forms so being aware and understanding the variety of ways criminals use to steal money can help you stay a step ahead of scams. Scammers may seek payment through hard-to-trace methods with few or no protections including gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, peer-to-peer apps and, more recently, gold bars.

Criminals impersonating law enforcement or bank employees may convince targets to protect their bank accounts from an active hack by withdrawing their savings and purchasing gold bars as a way to keep their money safe. Then they send a courier to pick up the gold bars for ‘safekeeping.’ This scheme is happening across the country and victims are having their entire life savings stolen in this way. If your bank calls about an urgent matter, hang up and call them back at a number you know to be legitimate.

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Avoiding the Cruise to Nowhere

While spring may be close, winter is still here and many of us would do just about anything to find some warm weather. Enter the cruise scam. These trips to nowhere literally pop up online as a “free” incentive or a can’t-miss deal. What they really are is an attempt to steal your information or your money. Here are three tips to help you avoid a cruise scam when shopping for your getaway:

• Beware of starting with a search engine: Scammers buy ads and use fake websites to appear at the top of results. Consider starting your search on trusted cruise line websites instead.
• Check the source: If you receive unsolicited cruise offers, investigate the company to verify its legitimacy, ask questions, and study the fine print before booking.
• Pay with a credit card: If you’ve done your homework and are ready to make the investment, credit cards offer the strongest and most immediate fraud protection.

Fighting Fraud with AARP Connecticut Free Webinar

Cryptocurrency scams have surged in recent years, with billions stolen annually. One of the biggest drivers of this trend? Romance scams. 

All crimes that seek to steal money or sensitive information through deception are loathsome. But perhaps the most malicious involve crimes of the heart. By building trust and forging deep emotional connections, scammers can manipulate their victims into making financial decisions they would not normally consider, like investing in cryptocurrency with the false promise of extraordinary returns. The webinar is free and open to members and non-members of all ages.