We used to dread the telemarketers who interrupted us during dinner. Now, unwanted calls come at any time of the day, and the person on the line is often peddling something even worse than a subpar product. Telephone scams get more sophisticated daily, and we must be increasingly mindful of how we talk to unexpected callers. Improved technology means we can no longer trust what we see or hear. Scammers can spoof caller ID, meaning a phone call that looks like it’s from a trusted business or family member may not be. Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) mean other markers of authenticity we used to rely on no longer apply. The Grandparent Scam has been around for years. A scammer calls an older adult pretending to be their grandchild (or other family member) in an urgent situation requiring money. They may claim to be stranded or in jail and often ask their target not to tell anyone about the call. Recent AI advances also mean scammers can now mimic specific voices, making them extra convincing. Never give in to this type of urgent request to send money. Hang up, check on your loved ones, and call the police. Other scams involve requests for personal or payment information from seemingly reputable sources. For example, a caller might claim to be from your bank and want to verify information to secure your account from suspicious activity. Tell the caller you will reach out directly on the bank’s official line if this happens. (The more the representative pushes back on the phone, the more likely the call is a fraud.) Then hang up, visit the bank’s official website, and manually dial the number listed to determine whether the original communication was valid. Do the same with calls from utility companies, the IRS, or anyone else who wants your personal information or money. TELEPHONE SCAMMERS’ MOST EFFECTIVE TRICKS DON’T BE FOOLED
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‘THE CURIOSITY CHRONICLE’ BY SAHIL BLOOM I’m cheating just a little on my last selection. “The Curiosity Chronicle” isn’t a book but a digital newsletter. I get a lot out of reading Bloom’s thoughts, but one called “The Beauty of Enough” stuck with me the most. The article focuses primarily on the concept of hedonic adaptation — the tendency of humans to revert to a happiness baseline shortly after new positive or negative events. Bloom eloquently shares a parable that displays this concept. The parable encourages us to identify our unique definitions of success and purpose. I generally categorize myself as a person where the “quest for more” is a driving force. However, as Sahil says, “If I can leave you with one lesson, it’s this: ‘Never let your quest for more distract you from the beauty of enough.’” Many more self-improvement books have inspired me over the years, but I’m always looking for my next great read. If there’s a book or online resource you think I’d love; please email me at Austin@PatriotWealthNC.com. I look forward to learning more about what lessons have helped you to lead a better life. –Austin Kobilka
Walnut and Blue Cheese Tomato Salad
Inspired by FeastingAtHome.com
This salad makes a unique side dish and healthy next-day lunch!
Remember, scammers rely on urgency to fool people. Panicked people think less clearly. Someone who believes they or a loved one are in danger generally asks fewer questions and is more willing to follow instructions. Avoiding scams requires slowing down and considering the facts with clear eyes and a level head.
INGREDIENTS • 1/2 cup walnuts • 2 lbs ripe heirloom tomatoes • Kosher salt, to taste • Black pepper, to taste • 1/4 cup smoked blue cheese, thinly sliced • 1 tbsp fresh dill • Chopped fresh Italian parsley, to taste • 3 tbsp olive oil • 2 tbsp red wine or balsamic vinegar • 1 garlic clove, finely minced
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350 F. On a baking sheet, toast the walnuts in the oven for 12–14 minutes. 2. Wash and slice the tomatoes. Place slices on a platter, slightly overlapping. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. 3. Scatter toasted walnuts and blue cheese on top, followed by dill and preferred amount of parsley. 4. In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, wine or vinegar, and garlic to make the dressing. 5. Spoon dressing evenly over salad and serve.
When in doubt, don’t answer the phone or hang up. You can always sort out a genuine problem later but rarely recover your money from a scammer.
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