AARP Massachusetts Monthly Fraud Watch Update for August 2016

Background:
Did you know that someone’s identity gets stolen every two seconds? The AARP Fraud Watch Network provides you with tips and resources to help you spot and avoid identity theft and fraud so you can protect yourself and your family. Our watchdog alerts will keep you up to date on con artists’ latest tricks. It’s free of charge for everyone: AARP members, non-members, and people of all ages.
The AARP Fraud Watch Network is:
 An Educator: Get real-time alerts about the latest scams, tips on how to spot them, and the inside scoop on how con artists think so you can outsmart them before they strike.
 A Watchdog: Our nationwide scam tracking map gives you access to a network of people who've spotted scams and the opportunity to pass along your own experiences, so together we can beat con artists at their own game.
 A Resource: Get connected to a real live person trained in how to avoid fraud and advise you if you or a loved one has been scammed by calling our fraud hotline or attending a forum in your community.
 Free for Everyone: Anyone, of any age, can access our resources at no cost.
Scam Alert #1:
Do you have a sign for a home security system in your yard? If so, be wary of this summer scam. Fraudsters will hire college students to troll through neighborhoods looking for houses with security system signs in their yards. The student will tell the homeowner the security company is going out of business, and the student’s “company” is taking over the account. The homeowner is told she has to buy new equipment and sign a new contract. Only the equipment is fake and the homeowner is paying for a service she isn’t receiving. If you get this kind of visit, check first with your home security company. Better yet, don’t do business with someone who comes unsolicited to your home.

Be a fraud fighter! If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.

Report scams to local law enforcement. Contact the AARP Fraud Watch Network at www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork for more information on fraud prevention.
Scam Alert #2:
How many of us remember when our magazine subscriptions are up for renewal? Most people can’t, and that’s where scammers step in. They are sending very realistic subscription renewal notices, typically offering a steep discount for renewing by a certain date. The subscriber sends in the money to renew the magazine, all for not. If you are unsure about when your subscriptions expire, you can find the date on the mailing label on your magazine. If you get a renewal notice you’re unsure of, contact the publisher directly. Be a fraud fighter! If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.
Report scams to local law enforcement. Contact the AARP Fraud Watch Network at www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork for more information on fraud prevention.
Scam Alert #3:
Connecting to the Internet in a public space like a coffee shop, the library or an airport is a wonderful modern convenience, but it comes with significant risk. Fraudsters have come up with a number of ways to steal information from you or attack your computer while you are on public Wi-Fi. It is never safe to assume any privacy on public Wi-Fi, even when prompted for a password. Keep your surfing safe when on public Wi-Fi by sticking to things like reading the news and checking the weather. In short, never do anything on public Wi-Fi that requires a password. Be a fraud fighter! If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.
Report scams to local law enforcement. Contact the AARP Fraud Watch Network at www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork for more information on fraud prevention.
Scam Alert #4:
The IRS scam has a new twist. A scammer will call, claiming to be from the IRS and that you will be arrested if you don’t pay back taxes immediately. The caller will tell you to buy an iTunes gift card and put the amount you owe on it. Then you are to call back and provide the 16-digit code that is on the card to complete your payment. The con artist then sells the codes on the online black market and pockets the cash. Know that the IRS only accepts checks, cash and credit cards as forms of payment. And Apple sells iTunes gift cards solely for purchases on the iTunes store and the app store. If you are not shopping on the iTunes or app stores, you should not be using an iTunes gift card. Be a fraud fighter! If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.
Report scams to local law enforcement. Contact the AARP Fraud Watch Network at www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork for more information on fraud prevention.
Scam Alert #5:
Planning an interstate move? Beware of rogue movers who may take your goods hostage and overcharge you. The bad players typically give you a low estimate over the phone or online without ever seeing the items you want moved. Once your belongings are on their truck, they demand more money. They force you to pay more if you want your goods back. Research movers before hiring anyone, and always get a written estimate. The federal government and legitimate moving companies are working together to fight interstate moving fraud. Go to www.protectyourmove.org for a helpful checklist and to learn more.
Report scams to local law enforcement. Contact the AARP Fraud Watch Network at www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork for more information on fraud prevention.