Rural scams

Rural scams

David Sparks Ph.D.
David Sparks Ph.D.
Scamming you out of your money is big business, and scammers are constantly finding new ways to do so. And in rural America, you’re not immune to scams, as fraudsters are finding ways to personalize their scams to sound more legit. AARP Oklahoma State Director Sean Voskuhl says scams are becoming harder to spot.

“Scammers are getting more creative these days in finding ways to take your money. The use of look-a-like websites is on the rise, from everything to consumer goods to travel websites, and even farm supplies. They may look like the original website, but have a slightly different web address to catch you off guard, and often offer deals that feel too good to be true.”

 

Safeguarding your personal info online is an effective way to minimize your risk of being targeted.

“Thanks to data breeches on social media and consumer-based websites, scammers can often get more information to make their pitch sound more legit. Your info, bought by scammers on the darkweb, could include personal details about your life, farm, equipment and vehicles, and more, sometimes including credit card information. While we rely on website owners to keep that data secure, it’s important to be aware and think about what information you are putting out there.”

 

Voskuhl adds you should know how to spot a scam. Data shows that if you are aware of a specific scam, you are 80 percent less likely to engage with it.

“Know the most common types of scams so you can identify them, including identity theft, phone fraud, phishing, ransomware, new account fraud and even drop addresses scammers use to purchase items online. There’s information available on the AARP Fraud Watch Network, a free resource to help you learn about these scams, and stop them.”

 

Visit aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork to learn how to proactive spot scams. And learn more by watching AARP Live Thursday night at 9 pm Central Time on RFD-TV.

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