Beware of Online Scams
e internet is a wonderful place to stay in touch
with friends, conduct business and get informa-
tion. Scammers also really like the internet be-
cause it gives them access to the billions of people
who are online every day. When you are online
make sure to take proper precautions to keep your
personal and financial information safe and avoid
these common scams:
Phishing: Scammers impersonate a business or
federal agency to trick you into giving out personal
or financial information. is is oen an email ask-
ing you to verify or update bank numbers or other
personal information. Never send sensitive infor-
mation via unsecure channels.
Social Media: Facebook and other social media
sites can have many scams. Beware of offers that
sound "too good to be true" and avoid profiles of
people who you don't know. Even be skeptical of
offers from "friends" as accounts can be mimicked.
Tech Support: Also known as the "Microso
scam." Never respond to pop-up windows that say
you have a virus.
Online Dating: Lots of relationships begin online.
Scammers also like to meet potential victims on
those same dating sites. If you are meeting people
online, never send money to someone who you
have not met in person.
Fraudulent Sales: Do your research before buying
anything. Ensure the seller is legitimate and if the
price is "too good to be true" ask more questions.
Sites like Craigslist are riddled with scammers. If
you shop on Craigslist or a similar site, only deal
locally, never wire money and never ship anything.
If you have questions about an online scam, feel
free to contact an AARP Foundation ElderWatch
volunteer specialist at 800-222-4444, option 2, to
talk you through the situation.
~ By Mark Fetterhoff, Sr. Program Specialist
AARP Foundation ElderWatch
303 E. 17th Ave Suite 210,Denver, CO 80203,
mfetterhoff@aarp.org, 720-947-5305
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