Free Webinars: Keeping Yourself Safe from Scammers

[AARPLynne]

Could you recognize an impostor scam? Find out about two of the most common ones at AARP’s free, two-part webinar.

Part 1:  Valentines, Candy & Online Romance Scams

Tuesday, February 5, 2019, 7 p.m. ET

Part 2: It’s not the Government Calling: Protecting Yourself from Government Impostors

Thursday, February 7, 2019, 7 p.m. ET

Register today!

[retiredtraveler]

It seems to me that you're protected 99% of the time by one simple thing: Do not answer the phone unless you recognize the number. If you don't have caller ID, get it. Don't talk to anyone on the phone that you don't know, or are not expecting, who calls you. If you don't have an answering machine of some type, get one. We don't answer the phone when it rings. We check for a message. Be informed that scammers use spoofing technology ---- they can post a phony number on caller id, including posting your own phone number, to make you think it's legit. Don't answer the phone because it rings - ever.  Wait for the message.

It's really that simple.

If you're expecting a call from a medical facility, or contracters working on your house, you'll know that right away. Anyone else who you are not conducting business with gets an immediate hang-up.

That eliminated most threats right there. The 2nd area is getting emails. If you get an email you were not expecting, never click on any link in that email. If a company has official business with you, they will send you snail mail.