Coronavirus Scams Are On The Rise !

As soon as it became apparent that Coronavirus was a potential problem for citizens worldwide, scammers got to work devising ways to capitalize on other’s misfortunes. As always, they are using the same tactics I covered in my book Scammunition – online, on the phone, and in-person. Here are some examples:

Fake online retailers are hawking test kits guaranteed to keep you and loved ones safe. There are NO test kits available online and don’t click on any links that promise otherwise.

Robocalls and fake promoters are offering to ship free test kits to Medicare beneficiaries who may be homebound or self-isolating. They are looking for your Medicare identification numbers to use illegally for other scams. Do NOT give our your info!

New charities have popped up all over looking for donations. Be especially wary of any that require gift cards, cash, or wire transfers. Go to http://www.charitynavigator.org for more information on how and what to do if you wish to make a donation.

Because more and more people are at home, dishonest individuals are scouting neighborhoods offering everything from toilet paper to hand sanitizer in an effort to get your personal information. Don’t open the door and engage with strangers. Protect yourself from being taken advantage of and remain vigilant.

As time goes on more scams will crisscross the nation. I will try to stay updated on potential problems and will pass them on. Stay healthy and well in all areas of your life.

My Short Story Heroes Published in International Literary Magazine!

I’m very pleased to announce the publication of my non=fiction short story titled Heroes. Inspired by my two young grandsons it is a tribute to the power of love. Look for menu on top left and go to December 2019 non-fiction section and scroll down. Here’s the link and as always thank you to those who support my writing efforts!

https://www.scarletleafreview.com/

Happy New Year! Here’s Your First Tip For 2020!

It’s a New Month, a New Year, and a New Decade. As we remind ourselves to use the new year on paperwork and other materials, law enforcement officials and others are cautioning consumers to be sure they write out the whole year – 2020 – rather than just 20. Eliminating the 20 at the beginning of an entry invites scammers to take advantage of the omission by adding any number to the end and using that to their advantage. For example, modifying a document can make it appear to be post- dated or pre-dated depending on the situation and that can cause issues further down the line.20 can suddenly become 2021 or 2018 and everything changes without consumers ever knowing. Let’s make  2020 – A New Scam-Free Year for all!

Info For My Jan-June Classes at MTP. Save The Dates!

Please join me in 2020!

AHA Hands-Only classes will teach you the skills to perform CPR, use an AED, and how to determine when and if CPR should be administered. This is NOT a certification course and your active participation is optional. Come and learn how to save lives. Click below for dates and registration forms.

https://www.campusce.net/mtp/Course/Course.aspx?c=448

 

NEW CLASS: Lucid Dreaming: Another Altered State of Mind

Join a discussion and learn how to keep a dream journal and explore the realms of dreaming. Use your own symbols to interpret your dreams and find out what your mind is doing while your body rests. Let’s have some fun! Click below for dates and registration forms.

https://www.campusce.net/mtp/Course/Course.aspx?c=2562