| Wash, Rinse, Repeat |
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| Back in April, we wrote about how scammers were taking advantage of the pandemic for their own benefit. Unfortunately, the new spike in cases around the country is an opportunity for scammers to hit the reset button and begin anew. Be on the lookout for these scams if economic impact payments (stimulus checks) make a return and as anxiety rises over the pandemic’s resurgence. |
| First came the health scams
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| Initial scams around COVID-19 involved peddling treatments, tests and cures, or promises that you could reserve your vaccine by clicking a link (which would install malicious software on your device). When face masks were in high demand, scammers were posting fake ads, coercing people to pay for masks that were never sent. And, while more of an unfair business practice than a scam, vendors were charging outrageous prices for in-demand items (remember the run on toilet paper, anyone?). |
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| Next came the economic scams
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| Economic impact payments began in April, and as soon as they started hitting mailboxes and bank accounts, scammers began working the phones. Often they called claiming to be the IRS and asking for personal or financial information in order to process your stimulus payment. They would even ask for a fee to process the payment faster. Identity thieves were busy redirecting the payments from the intended recipient to their own pockets. And we are still hearing about identity thieves claiming unemployment benefits in the names of other people. |
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Sincerely,
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| Erik Gaikowski |
| AARP South Dakota
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| Fraud Watch Network
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The AARP Fraud Watch Network is now on YouTube! Click here to visit and subscribe! |
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Have you been targeted by a scam during the recent pandemic? Scammers are using heightened fear and anxiety due to the coronavirus and the recent social unrest to target unsuspecting individuals. There is a free webinar that will help you confidently spot and identify coronavirus scams so you can better protect yourself.
Click here to register. Plus, watch this short video to keep yourself safe from Wi-Fi scams. |
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If you think you’ve been targeted by scammers using these or other tactics, alert the South Dakota Division of Consumer Protection by calling 1‑800‑300‑1986 or visiting consumer.sd.gov. They can investigate your claims and warn other South Dakotans to stay vigilant.
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Get Help
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To report a scam or for help if you or a loved one has fallen victim, contact the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline.
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Receive AARP Watchdog Mobile Alerts*
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Text "FWN" to 50757 to sign up.
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*By entering your mobile number, you are opting in to receive text messages from AARP to the number you provide. Your consent is not required as a condition to purchase goods/services. Message frequency varies by account. Message and data rates may apply. SMS Terms and Conditions: https://aarp.info/tcofr
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