1.
A Big Win or a Big Red Flag?
Reports of sweepstakes scams to the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline are on the rise. The prospect of a big financial windfall or amazing vacation plays on our emotions. Criminals count on our excitement to deceive us into paying a fee or divulging sensitive information.
Know that no legitimate sweepstakes or contest requires payment in advance or sharing your Social Security number or bank account details.
If an unexpected message sparks strong emotions and demands urgency, treat it as a potential fraud attempt. Take an “active pause” — an intentional step back to consider the scenario and reflect on what you might know about it. That moment could lead you to recognize the scam and protect yourself and your assets.
2.
Gift Cards are for Gifts
Gift cards are popular and convenient for consumers — and for criminals who favor them as easy and hard-to-trace forms of payment.
They may claim the fastest way to fix an urgent financial problem is to go to a store, load a specific amount of money onto one or more gift cards (sometimes called electronic vouchers), and then share the activation numbers from the back of the card. No legitimate government agency or business will ever accept payment this way.
If you or someone you love has experienced this financial crime, turn the card over and call the issuer at the number provided; they may be able to freeze the card before some or all of the funds are drained. You should also report this crime to law enforcement to document what happened should there be a means of restitution down the road.
3.
Shady Contractors Can Hammer Away at Your Wallet
Home repairs are inevitable, whether from everyday wear and tear or unexpected damage. But when you’re looking for help, the wrong contractor can make matters worse. Some promise quick, low-cost fixes, then deliver poor work, damage your property or disappear before the job is done.
Be cautious of contractors who show up uninvited and say they can start work right away, pressure you to make quick decisions or ask for cash up front. After severe weather, shady contractors may also push you to sign over insurance payments or take out loans for payment.
Always take time to review your options before agreeing to any work. Get at least three bids, check references and reviews, and read contracts carefully before signing. Don’t agree to pay the full cost upfront. While a deposit may be required, it should not exceed a third of the total estimate.
4.
Your Points Are Worth Money — and Scammers Know It
Chances are you’ve signed up for a rewards or loyalty program at some point, even if you rarely check your account. These are popular targets for this very reason: loyalty account owners don’t tend to monitor their balances the way they might monitor financial accounts.
Criminals hack into loyalty and rewards accounts through phishing messages, malware-infected sites that collect your data and stealing username and password combinations. Once inside, they transfer the points or redeem them.
Protect your rewards by protecting your accounts with strong, unique passwords and turn on multi-factor authentication whenever possible. Sign up for account alerts so you’re notified of any changes or suspicious activity. And if something looks off, contact the loyalty program directly through your account or a phone number you know is legitimate.
