Dr. Sherry McCoy PhD

is a freelance writer & actor for the Stop Senior Scams Acting Program (SSSAP) in Los Angeles.  Follow SSSAP on Facebook .  For more info re: SSSAP, contact Adrienne Omansky at SSSAP4U@gmail.com.  Questions for the writer should be directed to “Dear Sherry” at Not Born Yesterday! P.O. Box 722, Brea, CA 92822 or nbynews@juno.com.

Join the Resistance to Stop Senior Scams

Dr. Sherry McCoy, PhD – Stop Senior Scams ℠Acting Program*

Happy New Year Everyone!  Here we are at the beginning of 2019.  It’s that time of year when many of us are in the process of creating New Year’s Resolutions – hopefully, meaningful ones. If we want to grow and improve the quality of our lives, we must first take stock of what really matters most to us in life.  And then, we must commit to a plan of action that supports those most cherished ideals. As seniors, we are all targets and potential victims of scams.  None of us are exempt.  No one deserves to be scammed out of their hard earned and well deserved retirement. Together, we must take steps to raise our consciousness about scams that target seniors.  So, in this New Year of 2019, I invite you to join the resistance to stop senior scams.  Please visit the Stop Senior Scams Acting Program’s Facebook page and join our mission. Thanks and welcome to the fight!  Here are some proactive tips from the Federal Trade Commission (http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0060-10-ways-avoid-fraud) that can help us steer clear of fraud in the coming year.

DO’S & DON’TS TO AVOID FRAUD

It’s never a good idea to send money to someone you don’t know.  Likewise, you should never pay a fee in advance in order to claim a prize, get a loan or a grant, or get a job.

Never wire money to strangers — including any sellers that insist upon wire transfers as a means of payment for their services / products; or to anyone claiming to be a friend or relative in an emergency who also wants you to keep the request a secret.

If you want to donate to a charity in the aftermath of a disaster, it’s best to give money to established charities rather than those that have popped-up overnight.  Pop-up charities may not have a strong infrastructure to get help to the people who need it, and they could be collecting money for illegal purposes.  For more tips on donating to charities, see ftc.gov/charityfraud.

Pay close attention to your bank and credit card account statements.  Watch for any suspicious charges for goods or services that you have not authorized.  If you see any such charges, notify your bank or creditor.

Be mindful that there is always a risk involved with investments – there are no guarantees.  Stay away from low-risk, high return investment opportunities, especially if you are pressured to act right away; send cash immediately; or guaranteed a big payoff with minimal or no financial risks.  Report these at ftc.gov.

Do not respond to phone calls, emails or text messages that ask for personal or financial information. In addition, don’t click on any links or call any phone numbers that may be included in these messages.  Scammers are hoping you will respond to their inquiries so they can steal your identity.

Contact your health care practitioner before you purchase health products or treatments.  Make sure you find out about any research that supports the product or treatment, and be aware of any risks or side effects. Also, it’s a good idea to purchase your prescription drugs from licensed U.S. pharmacies only.  Otherwise, you leave yourself open to the possibility of buying expired drugs, fake drugs, or drugs that may have been mislabeled.

If you feel you have been the target or victim of a scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at 877-382-4357 or https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/#crnt&panel1-1.  And then — Pass It On!  If you have questions about Medicare fraud / abuse, or believe you have been the victim of Medicare fraud contact the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP*) at 1-855-613-7080.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! — Remember: You may be a target, but you don’t have to be a victim!

*Dr. Sherry McCoy, PhD is a freelance writer & actor for the Stop Senior Scams ℠Acting Program (SSSAP) in Los Angeles.  Save the Date – SSSAP performs (free):  Wednesday, January 16, 1-2:30 pm, Griffith Park Visitors Center, Friendship Auditorium, 3201 Riverside Drive, LA, CA 90027.  Follow SSSAP on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SSSAP2016/?fref=ts.  For more info re: SSSAP, contact Adrienne Omansky at SSSAP4U@gmail.com.  Questions for the writer should be directed to “Dear Sherry” at Not Born Yesterday! P.O. Box 722, Brea, CA 92822 or nbynews@juno.com.