PREBLE COUNTY — We are currently living in unprecedented times, and this provides ample opportunity for scammers to come up with new ways to take advantage of unsuspecting people. These scams are often targeted at the elderly, and it is essential that we are aware of the types of scams these individuals will try. Right now, there are two major scams that are happening: contact tracing scams and COVID-19 testing scams.
Contact tracing is the process of identifying and contacting people who have been in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19. Contact tracers will work with someone who is positive to collect the names and numbers of anyone they have been in
Contact tracers might begin by sending you a text message. They also might reach out with a phone call, but there are several things they will not do. Contact tracers:
Will not ask for money. Contract tracers will never ask you for payment, whether that is through cash, card, gift card, or any other form of payment.
Do not need your bank account or credit card number. They do not need this information. A good rule of thumb is to never give this information to anyone who contacts you and asks for it.
Do not need your social security number. They will also not need your social security number, even the last 4-digits.
Do not need your Medicare number. Contract tracers will never ask for your Medicare number.
Immigration status does not matter. If contract tracers are asking for this information, they are not legitimate, and this is a scam.
Will not send links through email or text. Contract tracers will not send you any links through text or email. Clicking on these links could download malware to your computer or phone. Some scammers are contacting recipients of Medicare and offering free COVID-19 testing or testing supplies for them. Be wary of advertisements on social media for COVID-19 tests or supplies. Make sure that any appointments you make are at actual locations.
Do not respond to or open links sent to you through text messages from unknown sources
Medicare and Medicaid will not call beneficiaries to offer COVID-19 testing or products. If you receive a call from them, this is likely a scam.
The best thing you can do is get a referral from your doctor for a COVID-19 test. You can also contact your local police or sheriff’s office to see if the testing site is legitimate.
Scammers will pressure you to make a payment or provide detailed information quickly, making it seem like you need to submit it right now or face consequences. If they are doing this, get off the phone. You can do your own research about the legitimacy of the call after you are off the phone. Do not feel like you must make a decision on the spot about providing information. Get off the phone. Call a family member or friend and talk to them about the call. Get an outsider’s perspective. The most important thing to remember is that you do not need to decide anything during that phone call.
The Federal Communications Commission offers a scam glossary that you can look at to see the many types of scams that individuals will try. Once you realize that this might be a scam, hang up the phone. If a scammer has contacted you or if you suspect that someone has attempted to scam you, report it online with the Office of Inspector General or by calling 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477).
Sponsor-a-Senior – Meals on Wheels
You can make a difference in a senior’s life by donating just $12.50 a week. That’s $2.50 per day; $50 a month or $600 a year. Any amount will help. Your donation provides so much more than a hot, nutritious meal. You help provide a visit by one of our trained drivers to bring not only a meal, but a wellness check, a smile and conversation, and help with tasks such as bringing in the mail. Our drivers look forward to checking on his/her seniors each week day and the seniors look forward to seeing our drivers. In fact, if the weather is bad, some of our seniors call in to make sure the drivers are going to be ok. No amount is too small. Please consider making a donation by calling 937-456-4947.
Drive Thru Thursdays
There will be no Drive Thru Thursday this week due to our Senior Day Drive Thru Celebration and Annual Meeting. We will see you next week, Thursday, May 20 for Drive Thru Thursday. If you would like to sponsor one or more of our Drive Thru Thursdays, contact Stacey Fullmer at [email protected].
Online Zoom Classes
Get up and get moving with Maria and Holly as they guide you through super fun classes from chair yoga to belly dancing! Dust off your dancin’ shoes! We’ve added a virtual dance party too! Call (937) 456-4947 for more information.
Big Announcement Coming
Get ready for a “members-only” announcement coming soon with exciting information! Not a member? Call 937-456-4947 to join! Only $10 a year and as a member you get all the information first!
All activities originate from the Senior Activities Center at 800 East St. Clair St. in Eaton, via Zoom online classes unless otherwise mentioned in the post. Like our Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/preblecountycouncilonaging/ or https://prebleseniorcenter.org/ or give us a call at 937-456-4947. Membership at the Senior Center is $10 a year. In addition to other benefits, members automatically receive our bi-monthly “Senior Scene” newsletter that features all our latest news and activities.
