AARP - Ad from 2023-03-15
As featured on Aarp
Details for AARP - Ad from 2023-03-15
+1(866)663-3290
Just like the Groundhog says, winter isn’t going away
This year Social Security payments are being boosted by
anytime soon. That fact has many of us looking for a warm
the biggest cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in more than
getaway this spring, but beware: scammers could be
40 years, and beneficiaries aren’t the only ones looking
lurking on the other end of that sweetheart spring break
to cash in. Social Security impostor scams are among the
deal. These three tips will help you spot a potential travel
most reported scams each year and criminals are already
scam.
seeking to use the COLA boost to their advantage.
First, be wary of any deal that is dramatically lower than
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has reported that
what else is available at your destination. Next, verify the
scammers have been contacting people claiming that they
legitimacy of online travel sites by looking closely at the
have to pay a fee or share personal information in order
web address – scammers often “spoof” legitimate hotels
to receive the higher payments. The truth is that COLA
and third-party booking sites. Finally, don’t trust anyone
adjustments happen automatically.
who requests a wire transfer or prepaid gift card to pay for
The best way to fight back against Social Security impostors
your getaway – these are the payment forms preferred by
is to remember that SSA will not contact you out of the blue.
today’s scammers.
Any unsolicited call claiming to be from Social Security is
Don’t get left out in the cold this spring, be a fraud fighter!
likely to be fraud – especially if they ask for personal or
If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.
financial information or payment.
For many fraud victims, the financial toll is only part of the
story; nearly two in three victims suffer a significant health or
emotional impact, according to research by the FINRA Investor
Education Foundation.
Banking has changed quite a bit thanks to the internet. While
many people still prefer the brick and mortar experience when
dealing with their money, today you can do many of the same
functions online and over the phone. Criminals are cashing in on
these remote transactions by impersonating banks.
To address this reality, the AARP Fraud Watch Network and
Volunteers of America (VOA) developed a free program to
provide emotional support for people affected by fraud. AARP
VOA ReST, which stands for Resilience, Strength and Time,
features small groups whose participants are led in discussion
by one or more trained peer facilitators. These online, hour-long
sessions help to re-establish trust, integrate your experience
and build back your resilience despite a difficult and painful
occurrence. Discussions are confidential and you are welcome
to attend one session or several – it’s your choice.
Experiencing a scam can be devastating, but it doesn’t have
to define you. Visit www.aarp.org/fraudsupport to learn more
about the free program and register today. Remember, you
are not alone.
These scams start with a phone call, email or text that appears to
come from your financial institution. These spoofed communications
carry urgent warnings about problems with an account or
transaction and direct you to click a link or call a given number.
The first defense against these types of banking scams is knowing
that a reputable bank will not contact you out of the blue and ask
for sensitive information. If you get a phone call, text or email
saying there is a problem with your bank account, don’t engage.
Instead, contact your bank in a way you know to be legitimate
(a phone number on a statement, for example). By verifying the
official number before calling you will know for certain that you’re
talking to the legitimate institution and if there is a problem, they
will help you address it.
Visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork or call the
AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 1-877-908-3360 to report a scam or get help
if you’ve fallen victim.