AARP has an online resource you should consider bookmarking and reading regularly. It is Fraud Watch Network. There are articles about various issues including, right now, Tax ID theft and fraud. https:// www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/fraud-watchnetwork
My dear friends recently had their home remodeled. The contractor made a promise of a construction loan. Halfway through the project the contractor stated the loan was simply not an option. After much fighting (legal action) and positioning, my friends emptied their retirement accounts to settle the issue. The moral of the story – get every promise in writing. Never ever, give personal financial information in email, never! Look at http://CampbellAARP.org for more useful posts and resources.