AARP is focused on protecting consumers year-round and this is a good time to highlight key tips to keep you safe.

Never give out personal or financial information over the phone or Internet – especially if you don’t know the person on the other end.

Be careful of what links you click on or what numbers you call back. If something seems to be good to be true it is.

Lastly, be your own detective by using trusted resources to determine if something is a scam before responding.

One great resource is the Federal Trade Commission and its website, www.consumer.ftc.gov. It has resources to help protect yourself from scams and fraud and ID theft as well as tips on how to maximize your security online.

Be a fraud fighter! If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.

Visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork or call the AARP Fraud Watch Helpline at 1-877-908-3360.