topic Re: Deceptive Marketing Tactics in Membership

Deceptive Marketing Tactics

GregK345660 — Sat, 04 Oct 2025 14:47:41 GMT

As a newer member, I find AARP to be pretty great, and I'll continue to be a member.

But I have a criticism of some of the deceptive and manipulative marketing tactics used by either AARP or AARP-sanctioned partners.

These are:

1) Marketing mail that use cards that appear at first like a gift card of value, but really are just print outs of the "savings" you could get if you buy the insurance, etc.

2) Fake polls. An example is answering poll questions like, "Do you support Social Security?". These are blatantly just to get clicks, and are not good faith gathering of information.

Using these tactics on a population of people with increased susceptiblity of deception isn't a good look. I'd prefer AARP have a set of standards for marketing that prevented the low-brow tactics.

Again, overall great, just offering criticism if it helps.

Re: Deceptive Marketing Tactics

DeborahS342364 — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 21:16:16 GMT

I too have experienced disappointment with some AARP affiliated vendors. AARP seems to have little interest in after sale issues.

Re: Deceptive Marketing Tactics

VincentN328859 — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 23:40:57 GMT

Hello. Been with AARP a while, will continue to do so, but I must comment on programs associated with Insurance companies. Since 2000, as reported by " Violation Tracker", United health care has had 3.5 BILLION in violations. Unfortunately, the insurance industry has a horrible track record, and have ruined their industry. I have also been offered " Life Insurance", through " New York Life", and they have had over 70 Million in fines as reported by " Violation Tracker".It is unfortunate the American people, who have been burned by the insurance industry, no longer trust them. It is unfortunately very sad. Some companies , are making money hand over fist!, over the pain of the Americal Family, and government allows them to do it!

Re: Deceptive Marketing Tactics

AARPConsumerCare — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 16:05:42 GMT

We're sorry to hear you're having trouble with one of our benefit providers, @DeborahS342364. We are listening and would like the chance to help as soon as possible. Please visit https://help.aarp.org/s/article/contact-aarp to chat, text, or speak with a representative who can get you in touch with our Member Relations team, they're part of AARP Services, and act as liaison for AARP service providers. - Brandon C.