Crooks, Cons, and Clickbait In today’s high-tech times, phishing schemes reign supreme. All it takes to go broke is the click of the wrong key. So, before responding to that unexpected call, text, or email informing you of a tax bill you need to pay today, read this article to learn the truth behind these common swindles and how you can First and foremost, beware of any supposed communication from the IRS that requests immediate action. A sense of urgency is a common tactic thieves use to get victims to agree to specific terms or click a link promptly without much consideration. Some examples of this high-pressure “pay now or else” approach include threats of deportation or arrest — all of which are bogus. When you receive such a communication via email, closely check the sender’s email address or any website address included in the email body. If that website or email address contains misspellings or is longer than a typical one, it’s a safe bet it didn’t come from an honest source. And whatever you do, don’t click on any links! Senior Security at Risk Unfortunately, people aged 65 or older are typically the most targeted demographic for tax scammers. The IRS has seen a rise in fraudsters posing as agents or other government officials in recent years, with these thieves often pressuring senior citizens to make tax payments through gift cards or other unconventional methods. These scammers often spoof caller IDs to appear legitimate to their intended victims. In addition to posing as representatives from the IRS, they may falsely claim to be with Medicare or the Social Security Administration. The IRS never initiates contact via email, text, or social media regarding tax debts or refunds. If you receive a phone message regarding your taxes, don’t return it using the number provided in that message or the one displayed on the caller ID. To verify the legitimacy of a call, contact IRS customer service at (800) 829-1040 or, for the hearing impaired, TTY/TDD (800) 829-4059. Additionally, you can set up an online account at IRS.gov to track all up-to-date, verifiable information on your current tax situation. avoid losing your cash to criminals. How Scammers Steal from You Tips for Spotting a Fraud
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Cheesy Tomato-Basil Stuffed Chicken
INGREDIENTS
• 4–6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts • 1/2 cup basil pesto • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese • 1/3 cup oil-packed sun- dried tomatoes, drained, oil reserved • 2–3 tbsp sun-dried tomato oil
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, divided • 2 cloves garlic, smashed • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar • Chili flakes, to taste • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves • Salt and pepper, to taste
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 425 F. 2. Slice chicken down the middle horizontally (not cutting all the way through). 3. Spread pesto inside filleted chicken, then stuff with cheese and tomatoes before closing chicken, covering filling. 4. Place chicken in a large oven-safe skillet. Drizzle with oil. 5. Set the skillet over medium heat; cook 5 minutes. 6. Add 1 1/2 cups tomatoes, garlic, balsamic vinegar, and season with chili flakes. Cook 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat. 7. Bake in oven for 7–10 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tomatoes burst. 8. Toss remaining 1/2 cup tomatoes with basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. 9. Serve the chicken topped with fresh tomatoes.
SUDOKU
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