Fraud/Identity Theft

Don’t provide your Social Security number or account information to anyone who contacts you online or over the phone. Protect your PINs and passwords and do not share them with anyone. Use a combination of letters and numbers for your passwords and change them periodically. Do not reveal sensitive or personal information on social networking sites.

Shred receipts, banks statements and unused credit card offers before throwing them away.

Fraudsters look for monthly bank or credit card statements and other mail containing your financial information. Consider enrolling in online banking to reduce the likelihood of paper statements being stolen. Also, don’t mail bills from your own mailbox with the flag up.

Monitor your financial accounts regularly for fraudulent transactions. Sign up for text or email alerts from your bank for certain types of transactions, such as online purchases or transactions of more than $500.

Order a free copy of your credit report every four months from one of the three credit reporting agencies at annualcreditreport.com.

Make sure the virus protection software on your computer is active and up to date. When conducting business online, make sure your browser’s padlock or key icon is active. Also look for an “s” after the “http” to be sure the website is secure.

Use the passcode lock on your smartphone and other devices. This will make it more difficult for thieves to access your information if your device is lost or stolen. Before you donate, sell or trade your mobile device, be sure to wipe it using specialized software or using the manufacturer’s recommended technique. Some software allows you to wipe your device remotely if it is lost or stolen. Use caution when downloading apps, as they may contain malware and avoid opening links and attachments – especially for senders you don’t know.

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If you think you may be a victim of identity theft, Click Here for a helpful guide on the steps you can take to protect yourself.

1. As we near the holiday season, online shopping increases and so do online scams. Only use trusted sites to make online transactions and be wary of steeply discounted items. Sometimes scammers will attempt to lure you into making a purchase with phony online sales. In addition, if you plan to buy or sell your own goods online, use a website or app that uses proper safety measures to ensure that you don’t lose your money in the process.

2. Over 500,000 people start seasonal jobs during the holiday season. Scammers like to take advantage of seasonal workers by posing as potential employers on third-party websites. When prospective employees apply for these job listings, they will be asked to provide personal information such as their date of birth, address and social security number for “verification purposes.” Scammers can then use this information to steal your identity. One big red flag to look out for is a job which offers a lot of money for very little work. If the position seems too good to be true, it is probably a scam. If you have questions about a job listing you see online, go directly to the business website or give them a call.

3. Many people travel during the holidays to visit with family and friends. Be cautious of false rental advertisements online. Do not use third party websites to book hotels and be particularly wary of home rentals. Verify listings through online consumer feedback before you close the deal. Some scammers will copy photos and details from real rental listings. They then accept pre-payment for booking the house or apartment. You may only discover that you have nowhere to stay on the day you’re supposed to check in. Never give someone money before you see the place you are supposed to stay, and always verify the listing with hotels directly before booking any rooms.

4. During the winter season, we see an increase in scammers calling consumers and pretending to be a representative from their local utility provider. The fraudster will claim that your previous payments haven’t cleared or that you owe them money. They will tell you that you need to pay the outstanding over the phone, or else your power, heat, or water will be turned off within the hour. The swindler will insist that you didn’t pay the bill (even if you know you did), and will tell you to pay over the phone with a credit card or a cash transfer. Scammers are banking on your fear that your heat will be shut off during the cold winter season in order to collect your personal information. Don’t fall for it! Hang up and call your utility provider directly to confirm your billing status.

1. Every November we celebrate Veterans Day and this year is especially meaningful as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day. In a shameful twist, scammers see honoring veterans as a perfect time to call across the country pretending to represent charities benefiting our nation’s heroes. Scammers often use sound-alike names (or invent authentic “organizations”) to solicit funds. Before donating, verify each charity by checking their names and reputations at give.org or www.charitynavigator.org. This Veteran’s Day, we should be honoring our veterans, not lining the pockets of scammers who use their name so disrespectfully.

2. Medicare Open Enrollment runs through December 7th, and it’s a banner time for Medicare fraud. Beware of ads that promise medical equipment covered 100% by Medicare. You may see one in the newspaper offering a free power chair, or a TV infomercial claiming you can get anything to ease your pain with no money out of pocket. Medicare only covers durable medical equipment that is medically necessary with a doctor’s prescription. If you have any questions about what is or is not covered, call 1-800-MEDICARE. Your local Area Agency on Aging can also review available Medicare plans during Open Enrollment to see what will work best for you and help you sign up.

3. Even though we are still several weeks away from tax season, scammers are hard at work trying to scare you into paying back taxes and other IRS “penalties” all year round. If you receive a call saying something like “Urgent! We found that fraud was committed on your last tax filing which you are hiding from the Federal Government,” please hang up. Scammers are very good at making you feel you did something wrong, especially when they pretend to be from the IRS! Remember to STOP and VERIFY. Call the IRS yourself at 1-800-829-1040 and you will soon see that the call you received is a scam. To report an IRS impersonations scam, visit this IRS site.

4. With holiday season upon us, scammers have plenty of inroads to steal our money and event he gifts we send. Here are some way to protect yourself: When shopping online, use well-known sites and type in the web address yourself, instead of clicking on a link. Buy gift cards online from the retailer or from the cashier, to avoid compromised cards that may be sitting on gift card racks. Require a delivery signature for packages to avoid the possibility of holiday packages being stolen from the recipient’s doorstep. Visit aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork for more tips on enjoying a scam-free holiday season.