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Frauds aimed at older adults are becoming more creative. “Scammers stay on top of whatever is new, such as the popularity of Zoom, COVID-19 vaccines and online shopping,” and then move fast
to create ploys that best fit the moment, says Amy Nofziger, AARP's director of fraud victim support. Here are nine such frauds happening widely right now. 1. ZOOM PHISHING EMAILS Con
artists registered more than 2,449 fake Zoom-related internet domains in the early months of the pandemic, just so they could send out emails that look like they're from the popular
videoconferencing website, according to the Better Business Bureau. THE SCHEME: “You receive an email, text or social media message with the Zoom logo, telling you to click on a link because
your account is suspended or you missed a meeting,” says Katherine Hutt, national spokesperson for the BBB. “Clicking can allow criminals to download malicious software onto your computer,
access your personal information to use for identity theft, or search for passwords to hack into your other accounts.” HOW TO AVOID: Never click on links in unsolicited emails, texts or
social media messages, Hutt says. If you think there is a problem with your account, visit Zoom's real website at Zoom.us and follow the steps for customer support. 2. COVID-19
VACCINATION CARD SCAMS Many who got a COVID vaccine posted selfies on social media showing off their vaccination card. Scammers immediately pounced. THE SCHEME: “With your full name, birth
date and information about where you received your shot, scammers have valuable data for identity theft, breaking into your bank accounts, getting credit cards in your name and more,” Hutt
says. HOW TO AVOID: If you want to inform friends and family that you got your shots, a selfie with a generic vaccine sticker will suffice. “Or use a Got My Vaccine profile picture frame on
social media,” Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody suggests. And review your social media security settings to choose who can see your posts. 3. PHONY ONLINE SHOPPING WEBSITES Phony retail
websites aren't new, but they look more real today than ever before. “Fake sites are using photos from real online retailers and mimicking their look and feel,” Hutt says. THE SCHEME:
You click on an ad online or on social media, see stuff you like at a great price, enter your credit card info … and never receive a product. “Or you receive a lower-quality item shipped
directly from an overseas seller,” Hutt says.