Summer will be here before we know it and many folks look forward to warmer weather. Tank tops, shorts, and bathing suits beckon from the back of the closet but on closer inspection (and reflections) they may not fit. Enter the “spring thing” where determined consumers decide to lose a few pounds to look their best in the upcoming season. The most important aspect of looking for ideas to trim some weight is to exercise caution and stay on your toes when it comes to scams !

Scammers lie in wait ready to pounce on many seasonal trends using any tactics they can to ensnare you into purchasing bogus products – in this case weight loss products. Here are some common claims -aka warning signs – that are used to reel in unsuspecting people.

You will lose 20 pounds in 20 days!

All weight loss with our products is permanent!

Eat whatever you’d like and still lose weight!

Everyone will have the same results !

Read our wonderful reviews!

Where’s the ingredients? None listed? That’s a big problem !

On a forum or chat? Be careful over-sharing/posting too much personal info. Safeguard your privacy !

If you believe you are the vista of a weight loss scam contact the Federal Trade Commission at http://ReportFraud.ftc.gov Consult your physician before making any changes and gather nutrition tips on reputable websites. Stay and be safe.

Love is in the air but does something stink ? Scammers are targeting dating sites and other social media to play games that end with broken hearts and empty bank accounts. Here are a few warning signs to watch for per the FTC :

Heroes in hiding. Made up stories of heroic deeds, secret missions, and top secret clearance requirements in foreign countries should raise red flags. They claim they cannot send pictures because of  the nature of their work. Unsuspecting victims may be caught up in the intrigue and excitement of fake tales.

Requests for money, expensive gifts, and other questionable requests are signs of a scam. Often times scammers will make up stories of sick children or needy family members in an effort to pull on heartstrings in the hope that they can gain access to your money. Two letter reply is a firm NO !

Professing undying love and claiming to be the only person who truly cares for you is a common tactic that aims a crooked arrow to your heart. While speaking and pretending to be someone they aren’t , scammers are planning other ways to steal your money and personal info.

If you believe you may be a victim of a scam contact the social media app admins and report it to the FTC at http://ReportFraud.ftc.gov

Stay safe !

Hello Everyone :

It has been an interesting year filled with bumps, curveballs, and surprises. I am still learning how to navigate my way around a new computer and trying to keep up with the latest technology can be challenging.

I have several writing projects in the works and am exploring other creative outlets such as painting with mixed media and other craft projects. The ever-evolving scam problems keep changing faces but all seek the same thing – your personal info. Please stay on guard and don’t become complacent. Keep practicing your individual form of self-defense.

I would like to thank everyone who continues to check in and see where and what is happening in my little corner of the universe. I am considering adding additional subject matter here to diversify a bit and hope you’ll continue to accompany me when I do.

Best wished for a safe, healthy, and Happy New Year in 2024. You are appreciated !

As new year begins I have the privilege of meeting and working with a great group of students from several different local senior communities. Their contributions and willingness to learn allows me to enjoy the dual status of instructor and student of their diverse backgrounds and knowledge base. Whether learning the skills needed for Hands-Only CPR or be receptive to the concepts of lucid dreaming, I am very grateful to everyone who participates and joins in on the fun. Looking forward to more classes and opportunities to meet new people.

Vehicle breakdowns are stressful no matter the cause. A friend of mine recently had a spate of bad luck with her vehicle and was grateful to have road service membership with the XYZ company, a nationally recognized firm with millions of members. Unfortunately for her she had to be towed twice in one week to the same mechanic. Much to her surprise three tow truck drivers tried to overcharge her for the trips (one was cancelled immediately) and rudely informed her that they were following directions from the dispatcher as far as how much to charge and claimed their GPS system showed them the mileage. The garage was a straight and simple route.

Armed with her own GPS calculations and a receipt from the prior tow to the same place she quickly resolved the issue and informed the XYZ company of what had happened. Per customer service the dispatchers do NOT tell tow truck drivers what to charge. This leaves vulnerable folks subject to false charges if they are not familiar with the rules and guidelines of their road service providers. The lesson here is to never be afraid to question a charge and voice your concerns to the proper people. Use whatever means that are available to you, in this case GPS, and don’t be intimidated by rude people when you’re in a stressful situation. Safe travels all!

Please note these examples of email scams. Each appear to be from reputable companies – a common technique called spoofing. Further inspection of the highlighted areas reveals poor grammar, missing account information, and no identifying information. The goal is to lure folks into clicking on the suggested area so the scammers can try to obtain personal data to be used or sold to other unscrupulous users. Please take a minute and carefully inspect any and all suspicious emails no matter how legitimate they may appear to be. Be safe and stay safe!

FTC compiles fraud data each year to track the trends throughout the country. Identity Theft continues to be the #! complaint once again. For more information on identity theft issues visit http://www.identitytheft.gov

Tis the season for shopping and sales and special deals. Besides taking precautionary measures while shopping online and in-person, it might be helpful to be informed about recalls. For lists and notices ranging from toys to trucks check out the link below.

Wishing everyone a safe and Happy Holiday Season!

http://www.Recalls.gov