AARP Warns Alabamians of Gift Card Scams

AARP has issued a warning to Alabamians about the rise of gift card scams, which often involve aggressive tactics, including threats of violence and kidnapping to coerce victims into sending money. In a separate report, AIB has alerted its customers to a new scam where fraudsters impersonate bank representatives, asking victims to hand over their debit cards to taxi drivers or couriers. Additionally, an elderly woman in Ahmedabad lost her life savings to an IVR scam that tricked her into pressing buttons on her phone, granting fraudsters access to her bank account. Skimming scams have also surged, costing consumers and banks over $1 billion annually, while two men were sentenced for a refund scam that targeted small businesses by tricking employees into processing false refunds. Experts recommend vigilance against these scams and advise against sharing personal information over the phone or online. The increasing sophistication of these fraud methods underscores the need for public awareness and caution.