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HARRISBURG — A new text-alert system is designed to protect Pennsylvania residents from scams, and Attorney General Josh Shapiro is encouraging people to sign up.
The alerts will be texted at least twice a month, offering tips on avoiding scams, warnings about new scams, as well as updates on consumer protection issues.
To sign up for the free service: www.attorneygeneral.gov/consumer-alerts.
“Protecting consumers and combating scams is a top priority of my office,” Shapiro said at a press conference with senior citizens at AARP headquarters in Harrisburg. “It’s important for Pennsylvanians to know what schemes are out there so they can avoid getting scammed. Our new text-alert system provides real-time updates and practical tips to empower Pennsylvanians to protect themselves from these schemes.”
Online threats, including scammers and sexual predators, have been quickly growing in sophistication in the past few years. This week, the Times Leader published a two-part series highlighting the criminal world of technology.
Senior citizens, according to the Attorney General, are more likely to be targeted by scammers. Of the 12.8 million residents in Pennsylvania, approximately 2.9 million are age 60 and older.
“Whether it’s over the phone, through the mail, online or at your front door, scam artists are always looking for new ways to steal your money,” said Mary Bach, chair of the AARP Pennsylvania Consumer Issues Task Force. “At AARP, we believe that if you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam, and the Office of Attorney General’s new text-alert program is a valuable new resource to help individuals of all ages avoid becoming victims of fraud and identity theft.”
In 2017, the Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection handled 21,942 complaints and saved more than $3 million for Pennsylvanians, a press release says.
Those who believe they have been victims of a scam should file a complaint with the Bureau of Consumer Protection: 800-441-2555 or [email protected].