Do You Know What You Don’t Know? Me Neither !

I started doing scam prevention work back in 2003 when the Internet was weaving its web across computer systems  everywhere and texting was still a novel way to communicate with friends.I remember when fax machines made their debut, electric typewriters were considered new technology, and we spelled out words in full rather than using initials or funny faces or  cartoons to express ourselves.It has been challenging to keep track of the shifts and growth in communication throughout the years especially when it comes to con artists.

In the past scammers knocked on doors and dialed rotary phones to rip people off. Today they have an abundance of tools at their disposal  to fake and fool unsuspecting cionsumers. I’ve considered updating my book Scammunition but the reality is much of the technological advances are beyond my understanding and I don’t know what I don’t know. One thing is certain – scammers are still searching for your personal data and that hasn’t changed at all. The same cautionary measures I mentioned in my book still apply. Be on guard and proceed with caution in all dealings with others. Do your homework and remain vigilant. Better to be safe than sorry still applies all these years later.

Stay safe Friends !


Seasons of Change – To Bloom Or Not To Bloom ?

Frozen iguanas falling from trees. Blizzards and tornadoes race across the country and we wonder where the unusual seasonal changes fit in our lives. Anomalies? Perhaps. Our  wild weather patterns and the ensuing chaos and havoc they can wreak are unpredictable, but one thing is certain – scammers are always ready to take advantage of vulnerable people especially during disasters. More than ever folks need to be and stay vigilant as we navigate whatever comes our way. Guard your personal information. Browse my past posts for hints and tips on how to stay safe. Now if Mother Nature gets back on course maybe we can enjoy some springtime blooms!

Happy New Year 2026! What’s In Your Alphabet?

Happy New Year Everyone – one year ends and another begins and we stop to consider what is left behind and what lies ahead. It seems that old scams have been given new life with the use of evolving technology. Between AI, Chat GP, photoshop manipulations and other acronyms we are becoming an alphabetized society  intent on using  shortcuts without the benefit of considering actual facts. Scammers have been handed new weapons to use against unsuspecting consumers and we are lacking the proper tools to defend ourselves. My best advice is to question everything and don’t accept anything at face value – pun intended.

I hope everyone has a healthy and happy 2026. I will be working on writing projects and jumping down rabbit holes to gather information to bring clarity and integrity to my work. In the meantime I urge consumers to CYA –Cover Your Assets 🙂

Till next time…

Seasonal Scammers Are Planning Ahead. Are You?

I’ve spent nearly 23 years working on scam prevention awareness and  I see the same ones pop up year after year..Reminders are always a safe bet when trying to educate consumers.  Seasonal scammers  watch their calendars and devise new ways to take advantage of people who may need certain services based on their locales. Some examples :

June 1 – November 30 are the designated dates for Hurricane Season. Be leery of anyone who offers tree cutting/trimming services with special, limited-time offers or conditional fees. Make sure they are licensed and insured. Look for reviews or ask for referrals from other customers. I have seen some incredible tree surgeons at work and they don’t hesitate to provide you with their business info.

In states where snow removal is a necessity during the winter the same advice applies. Be sure they are licensed and insured. Get recommendations from trusted family and friends. Does the business have reasonable rates or are they overcharging for their services when a storm hits ? Look them up online and do a little investigating of your own.

As the holidays approach more and more consumers are shopping online. A QR Code scam called “quishing” has increased over the last few years. There are many variations and a popular one  during the holidays is a misdelivered package that shows up on your doorstep. The instructions might advise you to scan the QR code to report a problem and once you do, the person or people on the other end of the communication tries to gather your personal information while pretending to help deliver the package to a fictitious shopper. Use caution when dealing with mysterious deliveries. Call the delivery company to return the item and keep yourself safe. They say “buyer beware” but the receiver of any unwanted packages should be aware, too.

Thanks for checking in !

Build Them Up, Don’t Tear Them Down ! When Scammers Hit The Ones You Love.

I’ve been involved with teaching and sharing tips for scam prevention for over 20 years .I’ve written monthly newspaper columns, given workshops and lectures, and assisted many folks in resolving troubling issues as office manager for the Seniors vs Crime Project in FL. I’ve trained myself to be diligent and cautious in order to help others.especially vulnerable senior citizens. To my dismay , more folks  are being exploited and victimized via romance,  fake family emergency calls,  and medical identity theft  tactics to name a few.The aftermath of experiencing a scam  can be just as frightening and stressful as the actual act itself. Here’s a few suggestions to help loved ones and friends recover with dignity, pride, and love.

Don’t shame or demean them. They’re embarrassed and confused already.

Be proactive in educating them about online and telephone scams.

Be available ifor any questions or concerns about emails, texts, or solicitations.

It takes courage to admit you’ve been scammed. Praise them for sharing.

Remember everyone is at a different level of proficiency with tech. Be patient.

Purchase a copy of my book Scammunition on Amazon. The information is still useful in today’s fast-paced world.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy summer season.

 

SIMPLICITY

 

I pluck the petals of sun-drenched buttercups

Playing a game of “he loves me, he loves me not”

Secretly hoping that he does just for today

I blow on wispy dandelion heads

Cradled in my palm like fragile strands of milkweed encased in knobby green pods

I spot ripe, red raspberries and pop them into my mouth

Tickling my tastebuds and staining my lips with a juicy palette of sweetness

And find hope in ways I can’t explain.

BUGGIN OUT!

 

 

Stickman,  Stickman  knocking  at  my door

I said “Hey Legs! What ya looking for?”

He said “Yo Lady! I’m simply passing through

Just relaxing for a bit and I’d like to thank you.”

He scuttled back and forth and did a little jig

I watched his leggy dancing he wasn’t very big

He finally turned and nodded, “I best be on my way”

He took off really fast and wished me a good day.

c 2025

 

Some New Ideas For A New Year

Writing is a bit of an oxymoron for some folks like me who are private by nature yet have something to say. Non-fiction can be fun. Researching and chasing facts down rabbit holes to maintain integrity and respect as an author is important, no matter how small a detail is. The same can be said for fiction. I believe that any writing reveals parts of our own psyche, a glimpse into our minds and hearts that may not be revealed otherwise. Life experiences can weave their way into a characters motive and motivation while research can provide other parts of the equation that make up a story or find a resolution. For shy or quiet folks it can be intimidating to try to express themselves in certain genres. For me that is poetry. I feel vulnerable writing and sharing poetry allowing readers to peek inside my heart to see what makes me tick. Yet, I have no other way to let myself be known so I try to put emotions into words. Whether or not it works remains to be seen.

My idea is to share some of my poetry here if for no other reason than to have a change of pace. It is my hope that some people may enjoy it. I will begin next month and see how it goes. In the meantime stay safe and warm. I value all of you who check in. Feel free to say hello !