Scam Alerts in Massachusetts

Every week we are posting about the latest scams to look out for, make sure to come back regularly to stay up to date. We know if you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam!

Our Information is Already Out There
If we really want to keep ourselves - and our money - safe from fraud, we must all come to terms with one thing: our personal information is likely already out there. In a time where data breaches are increasingly common, safeguarding yourself from fraud has become more important than ever. Here are three steps to help protect yourself from the risks associated with data breaches and other identity fraud risks:

1) Place a security freeze on your credit accounts with the three big agencies (Experian, Equifax and Transunion) so no one can open a new credit line in your name.

2) Establish online access to your financial accounts and monitor regularly (you can set up text alerts for activity on these accounts as well).

3) Use strong and unique passwords for every online account; consider using a password manager that creates complex passwords and stores them securely.

Crypto Romance Scams
In recent years, cryptocurrency scams have surged, with billions stolen annually. One of the biggest drivers of this trend? Romance scams. By building trust and forging deep emotional connections, scammers can manipulate their victims into making financial decisions they would not normally consider.

If someone you’ve only met online claims they are making money with crypto and offers to help you do the same, it’s a scam – full stop. It does not matter how genuine they seem or what “proof” they attempt to show you; encouraging you to invest and claiming that you can make extraordinary returns in cryptocurrency is one of the surest signs of a modern-day romance scam.

These criminals often pressure you to act fast, making it seem like you are about to miss out on a golden opportunity – another big red flag. The safest way to invest is to research opportunities to ensure they are legitimate and that you understand the risk as well as the potential. A good place to start is at the SEC’s site, www.investor.gov.

Gift Card Balance Scams
The holidays have passed, and for many, that means a stack of gift cards just waiting to be used. But before you check your balances online, beware of fake gift card balance-checking sites designed to steal both your post-holiday joy and your money.

Just because a website to check your gift card balance appears at the top of internet search results does not mean it’s legitimate. Search results can be filled with fraudulent gift card balance-checking sites, and scammers are constantly finding new ways to get their pages to show up at the top of results.

A safer way to check the balance of a gift card is to refer to the back of the card for a phone number or web address. If it’s not provided, proceed with caution. Avoid entering your gift card details into any search result labeled as “Sponsored” or “Ad.” In addition, be cautious of any site title that appears in wacky fonts or next to odd emojis; this is a common tactic scammers use to make their fraudulent web pages both visually pop and appear towards the top.

Getting Help After a Scam
Dealing with fraud in the aftermath can be fraught – not knowing where or if you should report (you should – it’s a crime), feelings of shame (even though it’s not your fault – blame the perpetrator), and an often-overwhelming emotional toll – let alone the financial impact.

One resource is the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline. Every weekday from 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. EST, trained AARP volunteer fraud fighters are helping victims and their families understand what happened, report the crime, and plan next steps to put their lives back together. That number is 1-877-908-3360.

AARP also offers an online small group victim support program to help address the emotional harm fraud victimization causes. These conversations are completely confidential and are a wonderful way to receive support from others. Sign up for a session today at aarp.org/fraudsupport.

Experiencing a scam can be devastating, but it doesn't have to define you. If you or someone you know has been the victim of fraud, make sure to file a report with local police; among other things, this may be useful in the event restitution becomes possible down the line.

Avoiding the Cruise to Nowhere
Winter is still here and many of us would do just about anything to find some warm weather. Enter the cruise scam. Many of these trips to nowhere literally pop up online as a “free” incentive or a can’t-miss deal. What they really are is an attempt to steal your information or your money.

Here are three tips for avoiding a cruise scam when shopping for your spring getaway.

1. Beware of starting with a search engine: Scammers buy ads and use fake websites to appear at the top of results. Consider starting your search on trusted cruise line websites instead.

2. Check the source: If you receive unsolicited cruise offers, investigate the company to verify its legitimacy, ask questions and study the fine print before booking.

3. Pay with a credit card: If you’ve done your homework and are ready to make the investment, credit cards offer the strongest and most immediate fraud protection.

Crooks Want Gold Bars Now
Understanding the ways criminals seek to steal money can help you stay a step ahead of scams.

While scams take many forms, scammers may seek payment through a few hard-to-trace methods with few or no protections, including gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, peer-to-peer apps and, more recently, gold bars.

Criminals impersonating law enforcement or bank employees may convince targets to protect their bank accounts from an active hack by withdrawing their savings and purchasing gold bars as a way to keep their money safe. Then they send a courier to pick up the gold bars for ‘safekeeping.’ This scheme is happening across the country and victims are having their entire life savings stolen in this way. If your bank calls about an urgent matter, hang up and call them back at a number you know to be legitimate.

How to Help Repeat Fraud Victims
All too often, victims of fraud are repeatedly deceived by the same criminals regarding the same scheme. Or, once victimized, some are that much more vulnerable to new scams.

If your loved one is experiencing this, gently ask thoughtful questions that may prompt them to reflect on the situation, helping them recognize inconsistencies and come to their own conclusion that it may be a scam. It’s also important to try to understand underlying issues like unmet emotional or financial needs and develop a plan to address them.

Importantly, have regular discussion about scams with family and friends. When you read or hear about some new scheme, talk about it. Put your concerns about protecting your loved ones in the context that fraud is everywhere but together we can help protect one another.

Lastly, and most importantly, avoid blaming the victim. Criminals are skilled manipulators who exploit our emotions. Victims need support, understanding and reassurance from their loved ones.

2024 Fraud Totals
Fraud reached unprecedented levels in 2024, with a staggering $12.5 billion lost, a shocking increase of 25% over 2023. The number of reports remained stable from 2023 to 2024, but the percentage of reporters who had money stolen jumped from 27% to 38%.

Key Takeaways:

· Impostor scams continue to rise, with criminals impersonating trusted individuals, companies, or government agencies to deceive victims.

· 1 in 5 victims of impostor scams had money stolen from them, with an average loss of about $800 per person.

· Many scams were tied to gift card purchases or cryptocurrency, with a total of $2.95 billion being stolen from consumers across the country.

Email remained the most popular method for criminals to reach their victims, with a 25% increase in its use compared to last year.

These numbers are shocking, but the true extent of fraud is likely much higher, as a significant amount of fraud goes unreported. Last October, the FTC factored in underreporting from 2023, estimating that the $10.4 billion in losses reported to the agency that year was more like $158.3 billion.

Avoiding Fake Tax Preparers
April 15 is almost here, and many Americans are realizing that their plans to do their own taxes this year didn't work out. If you're one of them and looking for some last-minute help, here's what to look out for to avoid fraudulent tax preparers.

Pay attention to payment and promises. Tax scammers may ask for payment in cash up-front or ask to be paid a percentage of your return. Some might also promise a large return before they even see your paperwork. These are all red flags. No one can guarantee you a return nor should anyone be paid in advance or more than a standard fee.

Another warning sign is someone who avoids filling out their tax preparer ID or refuses to sign your return. Anyone who isn't willing to identify themselves on your tax forms or asks you to sign your tax return before it's completed shouldn't be trusted.

Tax season can be stressful, but resources are available at IRS.gov to help you find a reliable and safe professional to help you through it.

TSA Deadlines & Real ID Scams
The deadline is coming – in fact, it's almost here. Beginning May 7, 2025, airline passengers need an enhanced driver's license, known as Real ID, or a passport to board a plane. This change is based on a recommendation of the 9/11 Commission as a way to improve airline safety. Beware -- anytime there is a deadline there will also be scams.

Most Real ID scams will likely be phishing attempts that appear to be from a legitimate source, such as your state DMV or the federal Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Be wary of emails, texts or phone calls claiming to be from these agencies -- or another state agency -- and never click on links. These government offices will not contact you about Real ID. It is an optional license and is up to each individual to obtain it on their own.

For more information about obtaining a Real ID , contact your state or local DMV office or visit dhs.gov/real-id.

How to AvoidFake Check Scams
Several scams rely on convincing the target to deposit a check as a first step of the crime. They then convince the target to use the money in a specific way. For example, in some work-from-home scams, the “company” will send a check for deposit, and then once it “clears”, they direct the target to purchase needed office equipment from the company’s “catalogue”.

The catch? The check was fake and it bounced, and the equipment catalogue was fake, too. The money the target spent on “equipment” came from their own money. And, the equipment never comes.

Even though a check deposit may appear to be cleared on your banking app or website, the process can take several weeks. The criminals rely on most of us not knowing this, so they get us to deposit and then quickly transact against the deposit. When the check is determined to be fake, the target is out that money.

Be suspicious anytime someone wants to send a check that you then must act on with some immediacy – making purchases, paying a fee or sending funds to a third party for example.

Be a fraud fighter!

Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork.