SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — Today is National Consumer Protection Week. This event was created by the Federal Trade Commission to raise awareness about the many tactics scammers use to steal your money.
The AARP Fraud Watch Network works with the FTC, Social Security Administration, and other partners to prevent future fraud.
“Knowing what to look for is key. We always say, if you can spot fraud, you can stop fraud,” says Liz from the AARP Fraud Watch Network .
This week, you'll learn how to avoid falling victim to a scam.
“As part of National Consumer Protection Week, the AARP Fraud Watch Network is hosting a Facebook Live event featuring a variety of experts from the Social Security Administration, the U.S. Postal Service, and more to speak on a variety of topics.” Mary Michaels said. said AARP South Dakota's communications director.
“They're going to pressure you to make a decision right away. They're not going to take no for an answer,” said Nick Moore of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
Thursday's educational focus is called “National Slam the Scam Day,” with a particular emphasis on thwarting Social Security scammers.
“How people might contact you and say, 'I'm from the Social Security Administration, there's a problem with your account, or your account is associated with criminal activity.' , with a particular focus on,” Michaels said.
This is a common tactic used by scammers to get you to hand over personal information or send money, but knowing how legitimate organizations operate can help you know when you're being targeted. Help you understand.
“The Social Security Administration will never call you asking for such information. They will only call you if you contact them with some kind of request. That is, whether by phone or by email. “Any time you see something suspicious, whether it's a message or a text message, you always have to stop and think and look at protecting your information,” Michaels said.
“Scammers will approach you out of the blue, apply pressure, emote, and claim that they can solve your problem, that you owe money, and that this is the only way you will pay. They may be made through cryptocurrencies, gift cards, wire transfers, cash transfers, or payment apps,” said Carol Kando Pineda of the FTC.
The Federal Trade Commission says victims of government impersonation fraud lost more than $509 million in 2022. All of AARP's National Fraud Prevention Week educational videos can be found on our Facebook page and shared with loved ones who may be common targets of scams.
“It's a great way to get new tips to understand what's going on, especially if you're around elderly people who are often targeted by these scams. We can help them understand what they should do,” Michaels said.
