scams

According to the latest numbers from the Federal Trade Commission, an estimated four out of five Americans will lose money this year to phone and Internet scammers.  And typically, older adults are a favorite target.  So why are scammers targeting older folks? Kansas State Unive...

The top scams of 2022 targeted rural and urban Americans alike.  No matter where you live, scammers are constantly trying to find ways to con you out of your money.   “Scammers don’t care where you are from," said the AARP's Sean Voskuhl.  "They will tailor their ...

The Social Security increase for 2023 is welcome news for seniors, but it also means an increase in scam attempts.  Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income payments increased 8.7% this year, thanks to an annual cost-of-living adjustment required by law.  That tr...

Shopping scams are always a concern during the holiday season, but a new scam is keeping law enforcement on their toes.  Kieran Ramsey, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Portland Field Office, said the “wrong number” scam has become common in Oregon.   “It’s essentially ...

With the holiday season here, that means scammer are increasing their efforts to separate you from your personal information, your identity, your money and much more.  AARP’s Sean Voskuhl said scammers are not only targeting the elderly, but they now have children in their focus.  He said now i...

Scammers don’t miss an opportunity to try and take advantage of you, and some are even using the upcoming election to get people’s personal information.   “We know that emotions are high and it can be very polarizing," said Rebecca Barr, with the Better Business Bureau.  "And so, we are expe...

Grandparents love their grandchildren, and criminals love to take advantage of that for their financial gain.  One of the more popular scams is the Grandparent Scam, where a stranger will call up claiming to be the target’s grandchild.  They’ll ...

The year ahead will be one with many changes for Social Security beneficiaries, some they will like to see, others not so much. Social Security benefits increase 5.9% in 2022 thanks to a cost of living increase, the largest cost of living increase since 1982 ...

Now that the holidays are here, the AARP is reminding rural residents to shop safely online and watch for charity scams. Thanks in part to the worldwide supply chain delays the holiday shopping season has started earlier than normal, with shoppers trying to scoop up top gift items before they disappear ...

Medicare open enrollment started Friday, a critical health insurance program for elder rural residents. AARP’s Sean Voskuhl said it’s important for rural residents to review their Medicare plan each year to find potential costs savings. “One of ...