AARP Fraud Watch   
   Protect Against Scams This Holiday Season   
      
   Dear Ben,   
      
   As we enter the holiday season, it pays to be vigilant to avoid scams or    
   slip-ups that could put a damper on your celebrations. Here are some ways to    
   keep your holidays happy.   
      
       Beware of fake smartphone shopping apps. Scam artists have found a new way    
   to make you part with your hard earned money. They are creating fake shopping    
   apps for iOS and Android phones that capture your payment information and then    
   leave you holding the bag. Both Apple and Google are weeding out fake apps as    
   they are reported, but be on the alert.   
      
       Buying gift cards? Consider this. Thieves hit store gift card racks,    
   secretly write down or scan the numbers off the cards, then check online or    
   call the toll-free number to see if someone has bought the cards and activated    
   them. As soon as a card is active, the scammers drain the funds. By the time    
   your gift recipient tries to use the card, the money is long gone.   
      
       Keep the debit card in your wallet. Consumer protection experts recommend    
   the use of credit cards rather than debit cards for most purchases, to protect    
   from fraud and theft. With credit cards, you are liable for only up to $50 of    
   fraudulent use. In the case of a lost or stolen debit card, your financial   
   loss    
   could be much more significant.   
      
       Sign for those package deliveries. Package delivery companies are not    
   responsible for stolen packages that are left at your front door without    
   requiring a delivery signature.   
      
       Be mindful when applying for temporary holiday jobs. Bogus online job    
   applications for holiday help aim to get you to share personally identifiable    
   information, especially your Social Security number. Don’t share your number    
   with anyone unless you absolutely have to, and never provide it until you    
   confirm you are dealing with a real organization looking for employees.   
      
       Is that really a holiday e-card? Fake e-cards can carry malicious software    
   or contain unwanted advertising. Clues of a fake card include not knowing the    
   sender, not being familiar with the e-card company, and misspellings.   
      
       If a deal sounds too good to be true… You know the rest. Watch out for    
   deals offered by companies with unfamiliar websites. Check for reviews on   
   Yelp,    
   Google or through the Better Business Bureau. Even search the retailer’s name    
   and “scam” to see if it checks out before typing in your payment information.   
      
   Please share this important alert with friends and family.   
      
   Sincerely,   
      
   Kristin Keckeisen   
   Fraud Watch Network   
      
   P.S. Spotted a scam?  Tell us about it.  Our scam-tracking map gives you    
   information about the latest scams targeting people in your state.  You’ll   
   also    
   find first-hand accounts from scam-spotters who are sharing their experiences    
   so you know how to protect yourself and your family.   
   The AARP Fraud Watch Network connects you to the latest information about ID    
   theft and fraud so you can safeguard your personal information and your    
   pocketbook.   
   Visit the site ›   
   GET HELP:   
   If you or someone you know has been a victim of identity theft or fraud,    
   contact the AARP Foundation Fraud Fighter Center at 877-908-3360.   
   FORWARD TO A FRIEND:   
   Share this alert with your family and friends so they know how to spot the    
   common strategies scammers use and have the tools they need to defend    
   themselves against their tricks.   
   Forward this alert ›   
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