AARP Eye Center
Fighting Fraud & Stopping Scams in the Bay State
Posted on 11/15/24
by Ted Carey
Knowledge gives you power over scams. The AARP Fraud Watch Network equips you with reliable, up-to-date insights, and connects you to our free fraud helpline so you can better protect yourself and loved ones.
Fraud Talk Tuesdays
On the second Tuesday of every month, take just 30 minutes to tune in online to our Fraud Talk Tuesday to stay up to date on the latest scams plaguing the Bay State. All recordings of past information sessions are posted on our YouTube Page here.
Fraud Talk Tuesday: Tech Tools to Stop Scams
Tuesday, January 14, 12:00-12:30 pm
In this Fraud Talk Tuesday, we'll look into ways wecan use technology to protect ourselves from fraud. Criminals use technology to perpetrate fraud, but as consumers we can use technology to protect ourselves and our loved ones. Learn about the tools and techniques you can use to avoid becoming a victim and steps you can take if you get caught up in a scam.
Click Here to Register
It’s More than Just a Romance Scam:
Tuesday, February 11, 12:PM-12:30
Whether it’s romance or companionship, criminals can steal your heart and your trust…..to get your money. It can be difficult to help a loved one see that it is a scam. And these scams don’t always start on dating sites. Learn how to spot these scams and protect yourself or help someone who has been victimized.
Click Here to Register
With scammers looking to take advantage of consumers from all angles, new AARP survey research reveals that people need to be vigilant this holiday season as they buy gifts, book their travel arrangements, and donate to charities.
Read More Here
Resources to Spot Scams
The AARP Fraud Watch NetworkTM is a free resource for all. With AARP as your partner, you’ll learn how to proactively spot scams, get guidance from our fraud specialists if you’ve been targeted, and feel more secure knowing that we advocate at the federal, state, and local levels to protect consumers and enforce the law. If you are in need of immediate assistance- call the toll-free AARP Fraud Watch Helpline: 877-908-3360. Click here to learn more about the AARP Fraud Watch NetworkTM.
The AARP Fraud Watch Network Scam-Tracking Map shows scams reported in your area in real time. Report your scam to warn your neighbors and see what else has been reported near you. Click here to access the map.
Find Support If you've been targeted by scams or fraud, you are not alone. Our trained fraud specialists provide support and guidance on what to do next and how to avoid scams in the future. The AARP fraud helpline, 877-908-3360, is free and available to anyone. We also offer online support sessions for further emotional support.
Additional Resources:
- The Attorney General's Consumer Hotline: (617) 727-8400
- The Attorney General's Elder Hotline: 1-888-243-5337
- How/When to freeze your credit - https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2023/check-credit.html
- IdentityTheft.gov
- AnnualCreditReport.com or call 1-877-322-8228)
- Federal Trade Commission to report fraud- https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/
- FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): www.IC3.gov/complaint
Sign up for free, biweekly Watchdog Alerts to have information on the latest scams delivered right to your email and phone.
Looking to Schedule a Fraud Presentation?
Trained AARP Massachusetts volunteers may be able to assist you by providing a dynamic speaker to help fight fraud for your next event. Speakers are all AARP volunteers. Presentations are a free community service offered by AARP, they range from 30 to 60 minutes in length, and can be either virtual or in person.
Please click this link to submit our presentation request form with a minimum of 6-8 weeks notice prior to your request date(s). Then a volunteer scheduler will be in touch with you about the next steps
