Watch Out For Holiday Scammers

With holiday shopping and year-end giving in full swing, some scammers are ramping up their efforts as well. In a recent survey for AARP, nearly 40 percent of those who’d purchased from an online ad had experienced fraud, and over 50 percent reported receiving a false package notification. State Director of AARP Nebraska Todd Stubbendieck says during this “season of giving,” many scammers attempt to take advantage of people’s generosity. He encourages people to confirm the authenticity of groups appealing for money. AARP Nebraska recommends that families talk about fraud and steps to guard against it, including using strong, unique passwords and establishing a security question, story, or phrase which only family members know. The organization also points out that criminals can now use artificial intelligence to make extremely convincing pleas for money.