AARP Fraud Watch Network Goes to the Capitol; Latest & Tips on Veteran, Black Friday/Cyber Monday, and Solar Scams; Fighting Fraud Webinars; and “Shred Fraud” Sweepstakes

Across the country, someone’s identity is stolen every two seconds. Fraud is an escalating crisis, with losses far exceeding what is reported. While $9 billion in fraud losses were reported in 2022, The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) estimates the true financial impact at $137 billion due to underreporting. The impact on victims and their families can be financially and emotionally devastating, especially for older Americans.

The AARP Fraud Watch Network testified before Capitol Hill lawmakers in September to this effect, urging stronger consumer protections and support for victims of these crimes. The AARP representatives emphasized the rapid rise in fraud, calling it “meteoric”, and urged a coordinated effort from government, industry, and advocates to tackle the growing threat. They also warned lawmakers that technology is making it easier for criminals to prey on older adults.

The Latest on Veteran Scams
One out of every three American veterans has had a scammer try and steal their benefits. Fraud cost veterans, service members, and their families $477 million in 2023, according to the latest FTC data, and this only includes fraud that was reported. In fact, over 85% of veterans have encountered service-related scams in the last 12 months.

Scammers employ vet-focused twists on impersonation scams, investment fraud, and more. Criminals frequently impersonate the VA, often threatening to cut off benefits if the target doesn’t provide sensitive personal information or pay bogus fees. They may also initiate contact about investment opportunities, with low fees or special offers just for veterans.

The White House along with the VA unveiled new fraud prevention resources for veterans. Visit www.Vsafe.gov online or reach out to the new call center at 833-38V-SAFE (833-388-7233).

Black Friday/Cyber Monday Scams
The holiday deals have already begun, but not all those great deals we see online are legit. The start of the online holiday shopping season means that online scams intensify with it. Here are the two simple steps people can take to stay a step ahead of the online Grinch this holiday shopping season.

• Type – don’t click. The safest place to shop online is with trusted retailers by using their app or typing their web address into the browser rather than a link from a text, email, or online ad.
• Fraud criminals are experts at hacking social media accounts and one of the first things they do is send out fake offers to a victim’s friends and family. Be mindful that any unbelievable deal a social media friend messages you about is truly not to be believed.

Solar Sale Scams
The sun might be shining on solar energy, but buyers beware – costly solar panel scams could leave you in the dark with massive loans and higher bills. Here’s what you need to know to stay in the light against this scam.

• The sales pitch often starts with a solar salesperson knocking on the front door, calling on the phone, or connecting on social media, offering promises of lower energy bills, reduced emissions, and increased resale value. They’ll likely push a special deal – but only if you sign right away.
• Be suspicious and don’t share sensitive personal information with anyone who calls, emails, or visits you out of the blue promoting a solar panel deal, and always read the fine print before signing any document.
• Know that the government does not have any program that installs solar panels on the houses of Americans for free. If you are interested in solar, research providers, get multiple estimates, and check for complaints and issues with installation companies by visiting the Better Business Bureau national business directory at bbb.org/search.

Catch Fighting Fraud with AARP Connecticut Webinar Series Live or On Demand
Learn about the current fraud tactics being used, how to recognize red flags, and strategies to avoid the dangers with the free, bimonthly Fighting Fraud with AARP Connecticut webinar series. People can virtually attend the live episodes where they can ask questions of the guests as well as watch recordings of previous webinars on the AARP Connecticut YouTube channel (watch episodes on Artificial Intelligence, Identity Theft, Cryptocurrency, and Romance Scams). The 2024 schedule will close with the Department of Consumer Protection for a discussion about gift card scams on Friday, Dec. 20, at 12 p.m. Register by visiting https://events.aarp.org/FightFraudDec.

AARP Connecticut “Shred Fraud” Sweepstakes
Shred fraud! Enter AARP Connecticut’s “Shred Fraud” Sweepstakes for a chance to win an Amazon Fire 7 Tablet and Amazon Basics Cross Cut Paper and Credit Card Home Office Shredder to prevent sensitive documents from getting into the hands of scammers. The AARP Connecticut sponsored sweepstakes will be open and accepting entries until January 1, 2025, at 12 a.m. Entries must be received during this time and the first person drawn randomly will be the prize winner.

*** The official sweepstakes entry form can be found here ***

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States/District of Columbia. Must be 18 years or older to enter. Only one (1) entry per individual. Official sweepstakes rules can found here.

Knowledge gives people the power over scammers and helps them stay a step ahead of the criminals. Be a fraud fighter! If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam. Explore other free online Scam Prevention classes. Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 1-877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork.