AARP Fraud Watch
Protect Against Scams This Holiday Season

Dear Ben,

As we enter the holiday season, it pays to be vigilant to avoid scams or 
slip-ups that could put a damper on your celebrations. Here are some ways to 
keep your holidays happy.

    Beware of fake smartphone shopping apps. Scam artists have found a new way 
to make you part with your hard earned money. They are creating fake shopping 
apps for iOS and Android phones that capture your payment information and then 
leave you holding the bag. Both Apple and Google are weeding out fake apps as 
they are reported, but be on the alert.

    Buying gift cards? Consider this. Thieves hit store gift card racks, 
secretly write down or scan the numbers off the cards, then check online or 
call the toll-free number to see if someone has bought the cards and activated 
them. As soon as a card is active, the scammers drain the funds. By the time 
your gift recipient tries to use the card, the money is long gone.

    Keep the debit card in your wallet. Consumer protection experts recommend 
the use of credit cards rather than debit cards for most purchases, to protect 
from fraud and theft. With credit cards, you are liable for only up to $50 of 
fraudulent use. In the case of a lost or stolen debit card, your financial
loss 
could be much more significant.

    Sign for those package deliveries. Package delivery companies are not 
responsible for stolen packages that are left at your front door without 
requiring a delivery signature.

    Be mindful when applying for temporary holiday jobs. Bogus online job 
applications for holiday help aim to get you to share personally identifiable 
information, especially your Social Security number. Don’t share your number 
with anyone unless you absolutely have to, and never provide it until you 
confirm you are dealing with a real organization looking for employees.

    Is that really a holiday e-card? Fake e-cards can carry malicious software 
or contain unwanted advertising. Clues of a fake card include not knowing the 
sender, not being familiar with the e-card company, and misspellings.

    If a deal sounds too good to be true… You know the rest. Watch out for 
deals offered by companies with unfamiliar websites. Check for reviews on
Yelp, 
Google or through the Better Business Bureau. Even search the retailer’s name 
and “scam” to see if it checks out before typing in your payment information.

Please share this important alert with friends and family.

Sincerely,

Kristin Keckeisen
Fraud Watch Network

P.S. Spotted a scam?  Tell us about it.  Our scam-tracking map gives you 
information about the latest scams targeting people in your state.  You’ll
also 
find first-hand accounts from scam-spotters who are sharing their experiences 
so you know how to protect yourself and your family.
The AARP Fraud Watch Network connects you to the latest information about ID 
theft and fraud so you can safeguard your personal information and your 
pocketbook.
Visit the site ›
GET HELP:
If you or someone you know has been a victim of identity theft or fraud, 
contact the AARP Foundation Fraud Fighter Center at 877-908-3360.
FORWARD TO A FRIEND:
Share this alert with your family and friends so they know how to spot the 
common strategies scammers use and have the tools they need to defend 
themselves against their tricks.
Forward this alert ›
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