Residents have recently reported to AARP about a new sweepstakes phone scam circulating in Alabama.
According to reports, scammers claim to represent AARP, Publishers Clearing House, Walmart, and other brands in attempts to get people to provide their bank account information, saying they need it to deposit sweepstakes winnings into their accounts. Once they get the account information, the scammers are then able to remove money from those accounts.
“We were alarmed to hear that AARP, along with other well-known brands, is being used by criminals to perpetrate their schemes and steal from Alabamians,” said Candi Williams, AARP Alabama state director. “We want to make it clear that AARP is not sponsoring any such sweepstakes, nor would anyone from AARP demand anyone’s bank account information.”
Sweepstakes scams are not new, and they circulate frequently. Scam artists can be persuasive, using tactics that have worked for them in the past. Those tactics often include using well-known brands to make them sound legitimate.
AARP advises never to provide bank account or other financial information to anyone by phone, text, or email unless you are certain you know who you are dealing with and why they need the information. If you have questions or believe you or a family member or friend may have been targeted by scammers, call AARP’s toll-free fraud helpline at 877-908-3360 for assistance.
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