Secondary Member cannot be Primary Member

[WendyPNW]

I am trying to add my spouse to my account in account details, but each time I select add second member I get an error message of: "Sorry, the secondary member name must not match the primary member name. Please enter a different name.". BUT I don't see this person listed anywhere in my account details. I am listed as the primary member.

[JeffreyBR549]

And in our case, we share the same email address and yet it expects us to each have our own.

[AARPJanelleM]

@WendyPNW Hi Wendy, here to help! I tried to send you a private message here on the Community site, but it looks like you don't have private messages enabled. If you'd like to enable private messaging, and send me a direct private message with the info for your secondary member, I'll be happy to get them added to your account. Learn how to enable private messages here: How to Send a Private Message

Also, if you'd rather have this handled over the phone, we can be reached at 1-888-OUR-AARP (1-888-687-2277). We look forward to speaking with you further!

[ArivanhS756951]

Same thing is happening to me

[AARPJanelleM]

@ArivanhS756951 Hi Arivanh, let me fix this! Please send me a private message with your secondary member's full name and date of birth, thank you! Here are the steps to send a private message: How do I send a private message

[ThelmaA35214]

Hi @AARPJanelleM I am having the same issue trying to add a secondary member to my account.  I get the same error message as noted in the original email thread.  The name being added has the same last name as me, but the first name is different.  Also, I tried to follow the steps you provide to enable private message, but the "Private Messenger" section in the "Settings" does not even appear there for me.  I did find a "My Private Messages" link on my "Community Profile" page, but when I click on it, I get an "Access Denied" message.  Any help would be appreciated.

[BeatriceF965858]

Same issue here. Why don't they just fix the website??

[TinaV584586]

i agree, I'm having the same issue. It's clear from the messages that it's been happening for at least a couple of years. Why can't they just fix it?

[AARPConsumerCare]

@TinaV584586 I'm sorry you're having trouble, but I can help! Please reach out in a private message with your secondary member's full name and birthdate, and I'll be happy to add them for you. Visit https://help.aarp.org/s/article/contact-aarp?cmp=SNO-LITHIUM---&socialid=14013457298 to chat, text, or call 1-888-OUR-AARP (1-888-687-2277)

I look forward to hearing from you.  Jodee R. 

[AARPConsumerCare]

Hello @BeatriceF965858, thank you for your continued support. This is certainly not the type of experience we want you to have. Let me help you add a second member to your account. When you get a moment, please send me a direct message with your AARP membership number, your secondary member's full name and date of birth, so I can access your account and add your secondary member to it. You can also chat with an agent by clicking the CHAT icon on the right side of the screen. I look forward to hearing from you. - Daniela R. 

[GeorgeP489169]

same problem, can you help and fix the website for the next member?

[AARPConsumerCare]

I'm sorry to hear you're having issues adding a secondary member to your account, @GeorgeP489169. Please send us a private message or use the "CHAT" feature located at the bottom of the page. Thank you. - Diana G.

[AARPJanelleM]

@ThelmaA35214 Hey Thelma, let's get this fixed! Please give us a call when you have a moment: 1-888-OUR-AARP (1-888-687-2277).

[JohhnL634304]

And as mid September 2024: Problem remains. Since I have the same problem

[AARPConsumerCare]

Hi, @JohhnL634304, I'm sorry to hear you're having issues adding the secondary member to your membership. Please send me a private message with your name and mailing address to locate your account. I will be happy to help you with this. Thank you! - Diana G.