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Fraud Prevention
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Watchdog
Alerts
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When "Do me a favor" is a scam
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Dear
Wayne,
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We
humans are generally helpful by nature, and this tendency is something
criminals often seek to manipulate, whether it's a sham
tug-at-your-heartstrings charity, a fake crisis of a loved one or now
the "Can you do me a favor?" scam. The latter typically involves
criminals posing as bosses, friends, family members or even a local
faith leader. But they all have one thing in common�a request for gift
cards.
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More
from the AARP Fraud Watch Network
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How
It Works
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�
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You
receive a brief but urgent message from someone you know asking for a
quick favor�run to the store and pick up some gift cards, and they'll
reimburse you later.
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�
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The
message can come by email, text or social media, and the sender claims
to be traveling or is otherwise tied up.
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�
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The
ask may come from a supervisor at work who needs the gift cards for an
employee appreciation event, a faith leader who is looking to quickly
help a family in need, or a family member or friend.
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�
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The
request is for specific gift cards and a specific amount, and they ask
you to snap photos of the front and back (exposing the PIN) and send
the pictures.
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What
You Should Know
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�
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Gift
cards are attractive to criminals�they are everywhere, aren't generally
trackable and can be converted to cash in an instant.
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�
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Anytime
someone asks you to buy gift cards and share the numbers off the back,
it's a scam�full stop.
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What
You Should Do
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Verify.
If you get a message like this, contact the person in a way you know to
be legitimate and ask them if they sent it.
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�
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If
you buy gift cards only later to learn it was part of a scam, contact
the retailer or card issuer immediately. If the funds weren't drained
in full, you may be able to get some of your money back.
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�
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Remember
that all scams are crimes. If you ever experience financial loss from a
scam, contact the police to file a report. If you get resistance,
persist so you have a formal record in the event of possible future
restitution.
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Knowledge gives you power over scams. The AARP Fraud Watch
Network equips you with reliable, up-to-date insights and connects you to
our free fraud helpline so you can better protect yourself and loved
ones. We also advocate at the state, federal and local levels to enact
policy changes that protect consumers and enforce laws.
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Sincerely,
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Stephanie
Hunsinger
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State
Director
AARP New Jersey
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And
one more thing�
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Support
for Fraud Victims: AARP offers a free emotional support program for
people affected by a scam or fraud. In partnership with Volunteers of
America, these ReST (Resilience, Strength and Time) sessions are
online, hour-long, confidential small groups led by trained peer
facilitators. Experiencing a scam can be devastating, but it doesn't
have to define you. Interested? Visit www.aarp.org/fraudsupport
to learn more.
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When
it comes to fraud, vigilance is our number one weapon. You have the
power to protect yourself and your loved ones from scams. If you can
SPOT a scam, you can STOP a scam. Please share this alert with friends
and family and visit the Fraud Watch Network
for more information.
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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://cp.email.aarp.org/sms_tcs
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