AARP: 'Scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated'

Harrisburg, Pa. — As temperatures rise and utility bills follow suit, AARP Pennsylvania has issued a warning to residents about a surge in utility scams targeting older adults.

AARP warned that these scams often increase during the summer months when higher energy usage makes utility bills more significant, providing an opportunity for fraudsters to exploit.

"Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, often posing as utility company representatives to deceive individuals into providing personal information or making payments," said Mary Bach, AARP Pennsylvania Volunteer and Chair of the Consumer Issues Task Force.

In a news release from AARP, Bach emphasized the importance of staying vigilant. "It's crucial to be aware of these tactics and to verify the legitimacy of any unsolicited contact regarding your utilities," she said.

Utility scams can take various forms, including:

phone callsemailsin-person visits

Common tactics involve:

threats of immediate service disconnection unless payment is made oroffers of significant discounts on utility bills if personal information is provided

AARP Pennsylvania advises residents to always contact their utility company directly using the number on their bill to verify any claims.

According to the news release, recent AARP poll found Pennsylvania voters 50 and older are increasingly concerned about fraud and scams. When asked how concerned they are about the issue of fraud through tactics like robo-calls, phishing emails or other scams that could negatively impact them and their families, 62% of voters 50+ say they are very concerned. This is an issue that transcends political affiliation, with voters of all political stripes expressing concern.

David Kalinoski, AARP Associate State Director, stressed the importance of education and caution. "We urge everyone to stay informed and cautious. Never give out personal or financial information to unsolicited callers. Utility companies typically send several notices before disconnecting service and will never demand immediate payment over the phone."

Vacation scams

Bach also warned residents about "too-good-to-be-true" vacation scams.

"Nothing ruins a vacation faster than realizing your booking was a sham," she said. "We see a lot of advertisements for luxurious properties and premium car rentals at unrealistically low rates. It's crucial to do your due diligence before making any payments."

Vacation rental scams often involve properties listed with enticingly low rates and exceptional amenities, according to AARP. Scammers may hijack legitimate listings or create entirely fictitious ones using stolen images. They typically push for quick deals and upfront payments, only for travelers to discover the truth upon arrival, a news release said.

Car rental scams also surge during high travel seasons, with fraudsters enticing travelers with exceptionally low rates and insisting on advance payments, often through untraceable methods like gift cards or prepaid debit cards, leaving travelers stranded.

"Before booking, confirm the property exists through tools like Google Street View and insist on a detailed rental agreement. For car rentals, ensure you are using the company's genuine website or real customer service number," added Kalinoski, along with the following tips:

Research the property, owner, and travel deals thoroughly.Never pay by wire transfer, prepaid debit card, or gift card.Pay by credit card for added security and potential recourse.Verify all terms in writing, including cancellation and refund policies.

AARP Pennsylvania offers free educational seminars, fraud prevention tips, and access to the AARP Fraud Watch Network, using free biweekly Watchdog Alerts to heighten awareness. If you're interested, text FWN to 50757.

Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 1-877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Pennsylvania Fraud Resource Page at aarp.org/pafraud .