Author Archives: virginiasmp

While scrolling Facebook, a quiz catches your eye: “Answer these questions and see which ‘Winnie the Pooh’ character matches your personality,” for example, or “What dog breed would you be?” You’re asked to name your first pet, favorite ice cream or top vacation destination. Revealing such trivia seems harmless — just fun chitchat with friendsContinue reading “Why You Should Think Twice Before Taking an Online Quiz”

Matthew Taylor Witkowski pleaded guilty to a one-count criminal information charging him with conspiracy to commit health care fraud. Documents show that he and a co-conspirator engaged in a scheme to defraud Medicare by illegally obtaining and selling fraudulent written orders for goods and services paid for by Medicare, including for durable medical equipment (DME).Continue reading “Man Pleads Guilty in Multimillion Dollar DME Case”

One thing is for certain: Many Americans are fed up with having to contend with the constant barrage of emails, texts and phone calls from criminals maneuvering to steal their money through ever-evolving and often highly sophisticated schemes. It’s “overwhelming,” agreed Attorney General Merrick B. Garland, 70, during a recent interview with AARP at theContinue reading “Exclusive: Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Vows to Fight Scams Targeting Older Americans”

IABBB is partnering with the IRS for a series of educational webinars for all US-Accredited Businesses.On Tuesday, February 21, 2023, at 1 PM Eastern, 12 PM Central, 11 AM Arizona and Mountain, 10 AM Pacific, and 8 AM Hawaii, IRS and IABBB will host a live webinar discussing scams and tax-related identity theft for individualsContinue reading “BBB and IRS Webinar: Scams and Tax-Related Identity Theft”

Want to help charities that support servicemembers and veterans? Around Veterans Day, charity scammers seek to take advantage of your generosity. They contact you about fake veteran and military causes, tugging at your heart strings — and grabbing for your wallet. A little research will help you spot these charity scams and make sure your donationsContinue reading “Charity Scams for Veterans Tug at Heart Strings and Grab for Wallets”

But when doling out dollars to charity, be careful. Crooks will take advantage of your generosity and steal your cash. “People are in a generous spirit,” says Amy Nofziger, who oversees the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline (877-908-3360). “Most of us are out hustling and bustling and planning parties and buying gifts, and the criminals make youContinue reading “7 Tips for Avoiding Fraud When Donating to Charities”

As a veteran, navigating government programs and benefits is complicated. Scammers know this – and take full advantage of it. BBB Scam Tracker has received numerous reports of con artists who pretend to represent the government and target veterans with promises of special grants and other programs. If you or a family member is a veteran,Continue reading “These Veterans’ Programs Seem Real. But Watch out for Impostors”

As we continue to honor and celebrate veterans, scammers increase efforts around holidays — like Veteran’s Day — to try to take advantage. Right now, a banking scam is tricking veterans (and current servicemembers) into sharing sensitive personal or financial information. Find out how. Imposters are contacting veterans, servicemembers, and their families. They pretend to beContinue reading “Imposter Scams Targeting Veterans and Servicemembers”

These days liars and con artists are popular fodder for documentaries, TV shows, blockbuster movies and best-selling books, but they’re a particularly ripe subject for podcasts, which allow for high-level investigative reporting and in-depth storytelling. Here we highlight 10 must-listen podcasts — including AARP’s The Perfect Scam — that feature shocking stories of truly reprehensible criminals, asContinue reading “9 Must-Listen Podcasts About Scams and Con Artists”

Some consumers have recently been getting text messages stating a major delivery carrier needs them to “update delivery preferences” on a package by clicking on a link. The problem? The text is a scam, and the link results in the theft of personal information. Most consumers love the convenience of making purchases online and havingContinue reading “Don’t Click on that Text! 5 Ways to Avoid Delivery Scams”