The Brian Lehrer Show How to Avoid an Onslaught of New Scams
Aug 7, 2025
In this episode, Amy Nofziger, Director of Victim Support at AARP's Fraud Watch Network, reveals the latest scam tactics targeting individuals across generations. She discusses alarming statistics showing $12 billion lost to scams and emphasizes the importance of critical thinking when engaging with unknown callers. Amy also highlights the rise of utility scams and the need for identity protection. Sharing real stories, she urges the community to report fraud to help protect others and provides essential tips for safeguarding personal and financial information.
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Verify Bank Calls Independently
- Always verify unexpected calls from banks by hanging up and calling the bank using an official number.
- Do not trust unsolicited calls, texts, or emails claiming account problems; contact the institution directly yourself.
Sophisticated Zelle Bank Scam
- Taylor shared how scammers impersonated Chase Bank and tricked her into sending $1,200 via Zelle.
- They used a sophisticated script including fake case numbers and transfers to secure the fraud.
Verify Utility Scam Calls
- If a utility company calls demanding immediate payment via gift cards, take a deep breath and verify by calling the company directly.
- Do not pay demands from unsolicited calls without confirming authenticity.