Ron Mori
Happy 2020! This year is ramping up to be action-packed with the upcoming U.S. Census and November elections. As we start 2020, it’s easy for any of us to be distracted as we settle back into our regular routines. Just know that fraudsters never rest, and they are constantly creating new ways to scam people. A recent report from the AARP Fraud Watch Network found that a significant number of consumers are at risk of becoming victimized by scams.
Nearly 20 percent of those surveyed failed a simple quiz designed to test their ability to recognize the red flags on a variety of scams during the holidays.
An AARP Fraud Watch Network campaign is using advertising, social media postings, website content, webinars, tele-town halls and email alerts to warn consumers about some of the most prevalent scams:
Charitable Donation Scams
As we enter tax season, many charities solicit donations to support their important work. Unfortunately, scammers will try to get in on the action to line their own pockets. One-third of those AARP surveyed said that they have received a request for a donation from a group that was likely fraudulent.
Before making a donation, experts recommend using charity rating sites such as Give.org or CharityNavigator.org to make sure the solicitation is from a legitimate organization. You can also check on what percentage of collected donations actually support the charitable purpose.
AARP’s survey found that only 30 percent of U.S. adults conduct research on a charity before giving money. But of those who do, half have decided not to proceed with a donation based on what they learned.
Package Delivery Scams
AARP’s survey indicates that half of us who ship packages don’t request a signature on delivery. When packages are left at front doors, it is an easy opportunity for “porch pirates” to grab them. There were a number of national news stories around “porch pirates” during the recent holidays. You can manage a theft by requesting a signature upon delivery.
If requesting a delivery signature is not an option, AARP advises that you explore options offered by shipping companies that allow recipients to pick up packages from a secure location. Or, direct the delivery company to place packages somewhere that makes them harder to see from the street.
Also, be aware of email — or “phishing” — scams related to package deliveries. An email purporting to be from a shipping company about a pending delivery may actually be a scammer’s attempt to obtain sensitive payment information or install malicious software on your device.
One red flag is a generic “Dear Customer” salutation. Also, use your mouse to hover over the link you are instructed to click on to address the issue. If the web address does not look like it’s taking you to the actual company’s website, it’s a scam.
Gift Card Scams
The popularity of gift cards for various special occasions makes them attractive targets for scammers. Criminals visit stores with gift card racks and surreptitiously record the PIN numbers from the backs of the cards. Once the cards are purchased and activated, the scammer drains the funds. Twenty percent of those surveyed reported that they have given or received a gift card whose balance had already been depleted.
AARP recommends carefully examining a gift card for signs of tampering, prior to making the purchase. Even safer options are buying the cards from stores that keep the rack behind their counter or via online purchase directly from the retailer.
For more findings from the AARP survey, as well as additional fraud prevention tips, visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at www.aarp.org/fraudwatch.
Launched in 2013 as a free resource for people of all ages, consumers may sign up for “Watchdog Alert” emails that deliver information about scams or call a free helpline at (877) 908-3360 to report scams or get help from trained volunteers in the event someone falls victim to scammers’ tactics.
The Fraud Watch Network website also provides information about fraud and scams, prevention tips from experts, an interactive scam-tracking map and access to AARP’s hit podcast series “The Perfect Scam.”
Ron Mori is a member of the Washington, D.C., JACL chapter and manager of community, states and national affairs — multicultural leadership for AARP.
