Save Your Money, and Keep it Safe from Scammers

April is National Financial Literacy Month, a month dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of financial literacy. In recognition, AARP Wisconsin is providing you with tools and resources to save your money and keep it safe from scammers. Check out the events and articles, and resources below to learn more!

UPCOMING EVENTS
Fraud in Pop Culture

• Thursday, April 21st
  12:00 - 12:30 pm CT
  
  Catch this episode of Thursdays With AARP Wisconsin on our Facebook and YouTube pages. 
  
  Con artists and their schemes have captured our attention; books, movies, TV shows, and podcasts are dedicated to telling their outlandish tales - both fictional and real.
  
  Guest Courtney Anclam, who manages AARP Wisconsin's Fraud Watch Network, joins host Amber Miller to discuss depictions of fraud and scams in pop culture, and how these schemes work in real life.
  
  You'll also get information about resources available to everyone.
  
  CLICK HERE to access  links to add this event to your calendar so you don't miss it! If you miss the streaming event, you can always catch the replay on our Facebook and YouTube pages.
  

Virtual Lunch & Learn: Save Your Money

• Monday, April 25th
  12:00 - 1:00 pm CT
  
  Join Amber Miller and Courtney Anclam for this virtual Lunch & Learn about scams, fraud, retirement and AARP Money Map resource. You will learn:
  
  • How to spot and avoid scams like identity theft and romance scams
  • Where to find resources from AARP and other Wisconsin organizations
  • The 10 steps to get ready for retirement
  • How to use the AARP Money Map which offers free tools, guidance to cut debt and expenses

  This is open to all ages and you do not need to be an AARP member to join us.
  
  LEARN MORE AND REGISTER
  

Staying Safe as Scams Evolve

• Tuesday, April 26, 2022
  6:00pm - 7:00 pm CT
  
  Scammers are adapting. Their scams are evolving. But you can stay ahead by staying up to date.
  
  At this free webinar, you’ll learn how to spot and avoid the newest scams (and their variations), that con artists are using. Staying current about the red flags of today’s scams can help you and your loved ones avoid engaging with them to begin with.
  
  We’ll delve into how scams are evolving and what you can do to protect yourself, including scams involving:
  
  • Cryptocurrency
  • Romance
  • Retailer impersonation
  • Tech support
  • And more!
    

  Speakers will share resources to help you keep up with the latest scams. And, as a bonus for attending, you will receive a free, downloadable copy of the AARP Fraud Watch Network’s all-new Watchdog Alert Handbook: Common Elements of Today’s Scams – And How to Stay Safe.
  LEARN MORE AND REGISTER
  

ARTICLES FOR YOUR REFERENCE

• As Financial Predators Modify Fraud Tactics, Potential Victims Need to Adapt as Well
  When spring forsythias bloom, sports events and concerts aren’t far behind. And with them come ticket scams.
  
  • Read the article here.
    
• Midwest Farm Report: It's not the IRS Calling
  Have you ever gotten a call from the IRS claiming that you owe the government money, and you’ll be arrested if you don’t pay right away? Or maybe Social Security has called saying there’s a problem with your account and they need you confirm your number to make sure it doesn’t get closed?
  
  You probably knew the truth – it wasn’t the IRS or Social Security calling, it was a scammer.
  
  • Read the article here.
  • Listen to the interview here.
    
• AARP Fighting For You Against Fraud
  Consumer fraud is soaring. Reported losses to fraud skyrocketed to $5.8 billion in 2021, an increase of more than 70 percent from a year earlier, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), a consumer protection agency.
  
  While education empowers older Americans to protect themselves, more is needed to eliminate this large-scale problem. That’s why AARP advocates for laws and regulations at the state and federal level to protect adults age 50 and older.
  
  • Read the article here.
    

FREE RESOURCES FOR YOU

• AARP Money Map™
  Get your finances back on track with an action plan.
  
  No matter your age or situation, unplanned expenses and debt can be difficult to manage. AARP can help. With just a few simple steps, AARP Money Map™ tools provide a clear plan of action and resources to help you get started - all for free. No membership required.
  
  Learn more at https://moneymap.aarp.org/.
  
• AARP Fraud Watch Network
  The AARP Fraud Watch Network 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.
  
  Learn more at www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork (www.aarp.org/fraude for Spanish resources)
  
  • Stay Informed
    Knowledge gives you power over scams. The AARP Fraud Watch Network equips you with reliable, up-to-date insights, alerts and fraud prevention resources to help you spot and avoid scams and protect your loved ones. We even cover the latest scams in the news.
  • 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.
  • Have a Voice
    AARP fights for consumers by advocating for laws and regulations to stop scams and shut down fraud attempts.  We also provide a voice to consumer concerns and help shape the public discussion on fraud.