Scammers rarely announce themselves. A text that looks like it comes from a delivery company, a call claiming there is a problem with your bank account, or a pop-up warning that your computer is infected can all arrive on an ordinary afternoon. The best defense combines good habits with tools that do some of the watching for you, and antivirus software discounts through a membership make those tools easier to keep running year after year.
This guide works through the main threats one at a time and pairs each with the member tool or support service designed to deal with it.
Threat One: Robocalls and Scam Texts
Unwanted calls are more than a nuisance. Many are the opening move in a scam, from fake prize notifications to impostors claiming to be a government agency.
Nomorobo
Nomorobo blocks scam calls and texts before they reach you, and members save 40% on Nomorobo app subscriptions. Sign in with your member login on the Nomorobo website to apply the saving. Once it is running, fewer suspicious calls get through, which means fewer chances for a caller to catch you off guard.
Threat Two: Viruses, Malware and Fake Warnings
Malicious software can slip in through an email attachment or a link that looks harmless, and fake security warnings try to frighten people into paying for something they do not need.
Norton 360
Norton 360 blocks malware in real time and helps protect against scams. It now includes Norton 360 with Genie, an AI scam checker that helps you judge whether a message or website looks suspicious. Members save up to $90 on the first year, and the promo code is applied automatically when you go through the member link or call the number on the benefit page.
Threat Three: Identity Theft
Stolen personal details can be used to open accounts, file claims or run up debts in someone else’s name, and the damage can take a long time to undo.
LifeLock by Norton
Members save up to 44% on LifeLock identity theft protection plans, which start at $6.99 a month, and if your identity is stolen, LifeLock will help fix it. As with Norton 360, the promo code applies automatically through the member link or by phone. For anyone who manages finances online or has had details exposed in a data breach, it adds a valuable layer of identity theft protection on top of careful habits.
Threat Four: When Something Has Already Gone Wrong
Even careful people get caught out. What matters then is acting quickly and knowing where to turn.
Fraud Watch Network
The Fraud Watch Network shares free tips on spotting and avoiding scams such as identity theft, investment fraud and holiday scams, along with a scam-tracking map that shows alerts from law enforcement in your state. It is a good place to check whether a message you received matches a known scam.
Fraud Watch Network Helpline
If you or a loved one has been targeted, the toll-free helpline connects you with trained volunteers and staff who advise on next steps. It is open Monday to Friday during the day and evening, Eastern Time.
Warning Signs Worth Remembering
Most scams share a handful of tell-tale features, whatever story they use. Learning to spot them takes the pressure off in the moment:
- Urgency: a demand to act right now, before you have time to think or check with someone.
- Unusual payment: requests for gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency instead of normal billing.
- Secrecy: being told not to mention the call to family or your bank.
- Too good to be true: prizes, refunds or investment returns that arrive out of nowhere.
- Impersonation: a caller or email using the name of a well-known company or agency to win your trust.
A Simple Safety Checklist
- Install security software on every computer and keep it updated.
- Turn on call and text blocking on your phone.
- Never give out personal or banking details to someone who contacted you first; hang up and call the organization on a number you trust.
- Review bank and card statements regularly for anything unfamiliar.
- Bookmark the scam-tracking map and keep the helpline number somewhere easy to find.
Staying One Step Ahead
Scams change constantly, but the basics of staying safe do not. Block the calls, protect the devices, watch over your identity and know who to call if something slips through. With scam protection tools for members in place, the whole household can go online with more confidence.
Join AARP to unlock member savings on antivirus software, call blocking and identity theft protection, along with expert fraud support for the whole household. BlogsBuddy covers more ways to keep your finances safe online.