Fighting Fraud Together

LIVING YOUR BEST LIFE (AFTER 50)

The Guardian Continued

a sophomore at Kamehameha Schools. “I remember being struck with how beautiful it was, but it was so empty,” she recalls. Akana, a history buff, minored in Hawaiian archaeology and anthropology in college. As a reporter, she was drawn to stories about artifacts that made their way back to the palace—an antique chair found at Goodwill or a table located on the Mainland.

She talks about the palace with reverence, as though the building is a living person. “She’s 138 years old and showing her age. So even though millions were spent on restoring her… (it) needs so much more help,” Akana says.

Each day brings a new challenge. Her schedule might include a long Zoom call and climbing up to the roof to look at leaks.

Her people and communication skills came in handy, but now she’s tackling the ins and outs of administration, writing contracts and creating budgets during a pandemic. Visitors brought in 90% of the palace’s revenue until everything came to a halt in March. Careful budget cuts, donations and a paycheck protection program loan helped. Now, docent tours are back and the gift shop has moved online. “It was—and still is—an unsure time, but we’re pushing along,” Akana says.

The pandemic strengthened Akana’s commitment to protect the palace and she believes her career change was meant to be. “The palace is such an important part of our history” she says. “I feel more of a real urgency to Learn more take care of her, not just for about us, but for future genera- Living Your tions.” Best Life:

aarp.org/ disruptaging

Eight ways AARP Hawai‘i can help you protect yourself from becoming a victim of fraud.

They’re out to get you. Whether it’s someone pretending to be a COVID-19 contact tracer or calling to offer tech support for your computer, criminals keep coming up with new ways to trick you into giving out personal information or giving them money. In worst-case scenarios, people lose their entire hard-earned retirement savings.

That’s why in 2013, AARP launched the Fraud Watch Network as a trusted resource to track, in real time, scams happening all across the country and in your neighborhood. Criminals often target kūpuna because they generally have more money saved than younger people. “Scammers don’t care how hard you worked,” says Craig Gima, communications director of AARP Hawai‘i. “They’ll steal savings you spent a lifetime accumulating without hesitation and once it is gone, it is nearly impossible to get back. They are smart and they are ruthless and they are always coming up with new ways to steal your money. That’s why the Fraud Watch Network was created.”

Here are eight ways the AARP Fraud Watch Network can protect you and your loved ones.

1. Toll-Free Fraud Hotline

If you suspect you just talked to a scammer or that a loved one’s fallen victim to fraud, you can report it and receive help by calling 877-908-3360. Expert staff and volunteers are on the line to give you advice on what steps to take next. They can also provide tips on how to spot scams, and referrals to law enforcement or other agencies.

2. Scam-Tracking Map

View an online map that is constantly being updated with reported scams in your neighborhood. You can search using filters such as ZIP code, dates, scam type and contact method. aarp.org/money/ scams-fraud/tracking-map/

3. A Weekly Podcast

AARP launched a weekly podcast called “The Perfect Scam,” hosted by Emmy Award-winning journalist Michelle Kosinski. The series profiles America’s biggest scam stories and offers interviews with con artists and tales from scam victims and their families. aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/

4. Free Alerts

Sign up for a biweekly “Watchdog Alert” to receive emails and text messages that alert you about the most recent scams. Go to aarp.org/fraud and click on “Sign up for free ‘Watchdog Alerts.’”

5. Online Resources and Information

AARP’s website serves as a hub for fraud resources and information, complete with links to federal and state law enforcement organizations. aarp.org/fraud

6. Webinars and Local Workshops

The local AARP Hawai‘i office provides webinars, workshops and a speakers bureau that can give you insight on a variety of topics including how to spot scams and protect yourself. All are currently online due to the pandemic. You can search and register for upcoming events by visiting the AARP Hawai‘i website, aarp.org/hi. If you are interested in finding a speaker, go to states.aarp. org/Hawaii/learning-from-aarp-hawaiispeakers-bureau, call 545-6025 or email aarphispeakers@gmail.com for more information.

7. Social Media

Follow AARP Hawai‘i on social media for local news and updates on recent scams. It’s an easy way to stay up to date. @AARPHawaii on Facebook and Twitter and @aarp_hi on Instagram

8. Free Document Shredding Day

Got confidential docs? AARP Hawai‘i partners with other local organizations to sponsor a free document shredding day, so no one can get their hands on your personal information.

Bottom Line: Don’t click on links in emails and texts from strangers. If someone on an unsolicited call asks you for your Social Security number, bank or credit card information, medical insurance number or other personal information, hang up.

For more fraud tips, articles and resources go to aarp.org/fraud.