Fight Fraud with AARP; If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam
Welcome to the AARP Massachusetts, Anti-Fraud Resource Page. AARP has always taken a strong stance against fraud and is working constantly to make sure you and your loved ones are able to avoid fraud as much as possible and to provide next steps should you find yourself falling victim to scams.
On the second Tuesday of every month, take just 30 minutes to tune in online to our Fraud Talk Tuesday monthly information sessions to stay up to date on the latest scams plaguing the Bay State. What do you need to tune into these free events? Nothing, just sign up by clicking any of the blue links below to RSVP. All recordings of past information sessions are posted on our YouTube Page here.
- May 14- The 10 Worst things To Carry In Your Wallet and Purse & Why Scammers Want Them | 12:00pm | Online
Learn about why you should stick to just the essentials with what you carry in your wallets, purses, and pocketbooks. Also learn about everything a scammer can do with just your driver's license and what to do if you lose it. Click here to sign up.
- June 11 What You Should Know About Cryptocurrency with Mass. Attorney General’s Office 12:00pm| Online
Cryptocurrency scams and fraud are skyrocketing - from investment fraud, to romance scams and other cons. We’ll discuss with the Mass. Attorney General’s Office what you should know about Cryptocurrency to keep you and your loved ones safe from being victimized. Click here to sign up.
- July 9 Travel, Timeshare, Rental and Vacation Scams 12:00pm | Online
Scammers don’t take a vacation. And neither should we when planning our next get-a-way. Learn how to protect yourself vacation and travel scams. Click here to sign up
- Aug 13 What to Do After You’ve Experienced a Scam| Online
The financial loss and emotional trauma of being victimized by scams and fraud can be devastating. We’ll provide key steps to protect your bank accounts and personal information, and find the support you need as you move forward. Click here to sign up
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.
Additional Resources:
Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell joined us for a Tele Town Hall to discuss fraud. Her best advice? It's that age-old saying, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. You can listen to all the valuable information she passed along to our members by clicking here or on our Facebook Page by clicking here.
- Attorney General Campbell also gave out some important telephone numbers if you've experienced or think you're experienced fraud:
- The Attorney General's Consumer Hotline: (617) 727-8400
- The Attorney General's Elder Hotline: 1-888-243-5337
More Resources:
- 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