AARP Scam Alerts

The Latest in Amazon Impostor Scams        

Criminals love to impersonate big businesses and the bigger the better. One of the largest targets of impostor scams last year was Amazon. According to the Federal Trade Commission, 44,000 reports about scammers using Amazon’s name were filed last year, with $19 million reported lost. Here are two of the latest versions of an Amazon impostor scam to be on the lookout for.

Complex scams that involve an Amazon impostor, a bank impostor and someone pretending to be a law enforcement investigator are trending. These scams have a heightened sense of legitimacy because the victim believes they are speaking to different independent entities who are all confirming the same threat. In reality they are talking to multiple criminals who are all part of the same scheme.

False membership renewal messages are another trending form of Amazon impostor scams. Because many customers aren’t aware of when their membership expires these messages can seem legitimate. The criminals also create real looking websites where you can share your payment information.

Whenever doing business, renewing a membership or dealing with a suspicious charge with any retailer, it is safest to do so at their official website or through their official customer service lines. Do not rely on links or phone numbers emailed or texted to you. These run a higher risk that you’ll be connected directly to a crook.

Homebuyers and Owners Beware

With today’s tight real estate market there is often pressure to act quickly when you find that perfect place. Scammers know this and are waiting to pounce. Here are three things to be aware of when shopping for a home.

Wire fraud can happen when a criminal impersonates a real estate or title company and asks you to send the closing costs to them. Before wiring any funds contact your real estate company and confirm the account information, routing instructions and total amount needed.

Criminals are also in the market to take advantage of those at risk of foreclosure. Beware of anyone promising to make your mortgage payment issues go away — especially if they ask for an upfront fee.

Lastly, if you are looking to rent a home, make sure and visit in person before paying a deposit. Rental scams happen often with criminals creating legitimate looking websites offering great deals on homes that aren’t really up for rent.

Disaster Scams

In 2023, post-disaster fraud cost Americans over $9.3 billion, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). With hurricane and wildfire season in full swing, it’s important to remind ourselves that when the clouds roll out and the smoke clears, criminal scammers tend to move in.

Following extreme weather events, criminals impersonate government, utility, and insurance workers. They may show up at your door or call with promises of federal grants, priority repairs, or faster claim processing in exchange for a fee or up-front deposit.

While actual Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) agents may visit your home to assist, they will never ask for payment and will carry a government-issued laminated photo badge. A FEMA shirt or jacket is NOT proof of identity.

Be cautious of door-to-door insurance and utility solicitations promising special or expedited assistance. Even if the offer appears genuine, ask for more information, and never give money on the spot. You should also contact your insurance or utility company through pre-established channels to confirm that an offer is legitimate.

Gold Bar Scams

Olympic athletes aren’t the only ones after gold this summer. Criminal scammers are increasingly trying to steal your savings through gold bar schemes.

Criminals may impersonate representatives from the government to convince you that your bank account is compromised. They’ll instruct you to withdraw your money and convert it into gold, before sending a “courier” to collect the bars for safe storage. However, once your gold is picked up, they’ll cut off contact and disappear. Thankfully, there are some warning signs of gold bar schemes.

No legitimate entity is going to ask you to buy gold. In addition, you should always be very weary if someone suggests that you must move your money to make it safe. While the involvement of couriers in gold bar scams may make it appear more legitimate, it’s another red flag.