TURN YOUR VACATION INTO A STAYCATION
Vacations provide opportunities for families to spend time together in a relaxed environment, get away from the routines of everyday life, and create meaningful memories. If you’ve recently had to cancel a trip but still want to create the experience of a vacation for your family, then a staycation is just what you need. Transform Your Backyard When you’re trying to recreate a vacation, the outdoor areas of your home present a variety of possibilities. You can turn a sandbox into a relaxing beach, complete with a kiddie pool “ocean.” If you have trees, then set up a zip line or obstacle course. You can even stimulate summer brains with a scavenger hunt around the backyard with hidden clues in the dirt or bushes. The ultimate prize can be something you would have purchased on your original vacation, like a souvenir you can find online. Create a ‘Family Museum’ Many vacations include an educational aspect in order to enrich our understanding of the place we’re visiting, and museums are a great way to accomplish that. If you’re confined to the house, then teach your kids about your own knowledge and interests and encourage them to get creative and make their own contributions, too. Have
everyone create art, take photos, or write about their prized possessions. Display these masterpieces around your home and let their creators take you on a tour. Learning more about one another builds meaningful bonds. Bring Your Trip Home You probably chose your original vacation destination in order to experience new and different cultures and activities. But just because you’re no longer traveling to that location doesn’t mean you can’t experience some of what it has to offer! Research popular local cuisine, activities, and history of the area, then create ways to experience them with your family. Cook a traditional meal, recreate a scenic location through photographs, or share a story about local lore and history. Your changed plans will no longer feel like a missed opportunity. Staying at home doesn’t mean your family can’t have the fun of a vacation. All it takes is a little creativity and innovation to build an experience that will bring your family closer together.
SPREAD THE WORD
Protect Yourself from Social Security Scams
Be on the lookout for fake calls and emails
Social Security Phone Scams Are On The Rise
Telephone and email scammers are pretending to be government employees. They may threaten you and may demand immediate payment to avoid arrest or other legal action. Do not be fooled! If you receive a suspicious call: 1. HANG UP 2. DO NOT GIVE MONEY OR PERSONAL INFORMATION 3. REPORT THE SCAM AT OIG.SSA.GOV
According to the Federal Trade Commission, 2019 saw a “dramatic surge” in scam artists pretending to be members of the Social Security Administration (SSA). On average, individuals lost around $1,500 to these impersonators last year. Thankfully, the SSA has provided the following guidelines to help protect you from these malicious scams. Of course, SSA employees aren’t the only impersonations these scammers use. They may call pretending to be a child or grandchild in “desperate” need of money — claiming they need to post bail in a foreign country, for example. In general, if you receive a call out of the blue requesting your Social Security number or a wire transfer, hang up immediately.
What to look out for
Scammers pretend they’re from Social Security or another government agency. Caller ID or documents sent by email may look official but they are not .
The caller says there is a problem with your Social Security number or account.
Any call asking you to pay a fine or debt with retail gift cards, wire transfers, pre-paid debit cards, internet currency, or by mailing cash.
Callers threaten you with arrest or other legal action.
Be Alert
Be Active Protect yourself, friends, and family! » If you receive a questionable call, hang up and report it at oig.ssa.gov » Don’t return unknown calls » Ask someone you trust for advice before making any large purchase or financial decision » Don’t be embarrassed to report if you shared personal information or suffered a financial loss » Learn more at oig.ssa.gov/scam » Share this information with others
Social Security may call you in some situations but will never : » Threaten you » Suspend your Social Security number » Demand immediate payment from you » Require payment by cash, gift card, pre-paid debit card, or wire transfer » Ask for gift card numbers over the phone or to wire or mail cash
UNKNOWN CALLE R
Social Security Administration | Publication No. 05-10535 | February 2020 | Produced at U.S. taxpayer expense
2 | GilletteLawGroup.com
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