PATIENT of the MONTH Judith Carden WALTHAM HOUSE (THE HOME FOR LITTLE WANDERERS)
5 Ways to Deal With Annoying Robocalls PROTECT YOUR IDENTITY AND KICK SCAMMERS TO THE CURB According to the latest data, scammers and telemarketers make 1,528 robocalls to Americans every single second. No wonder they’re driving us all crazy! Some of these calls are legitimate reminders about doctor’s appointments and payment plans, but around 55% of them are just nuisances — and we can’t rely on the government to stop them. If you’re sick of hearing about “your car’s extended warranty” or the “student loans” you paid off 40 years ago, try these five tips to cut down on robocalls and outwit scammers. 1. EXPLORE YOUR CARRIER’S FREE TOOLS. AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon all offer services to cut down on scam calls. Some of them are free and/or come with your phone, but others you have to pay for or activate. If you have Verizon, for example, you can download the “Verizon Call Filter” app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Visit your carrier’s website or call them to learn about the tools they offer. 2. DOWNLOAD AN AD BLOCKER. For extra protection, you can download a separate ad blocker from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Hiya is a free app that will give you caller ID and block spam calls, and Nomorobo is an award- winning option that’s free for landlines and costs $1.99 per month for cellphones. 3. WHEN IN DOUBT, LET IT RING OUT. If you don’t recognize the number calling, don’t answer. You can always call back if they leave a legitimate voicemail. 4. SUSPECT SPAM? HANG UP. So, you accidentally answered a spam call. Whether it’s a person or a robot on the line, hang up immediately! Even saying your name or the word “yes” could set you up for identity theft. 5. HANDLE VOICEMAILS WITH CARE. If you get a suspicious voicemail, never call the number or visit the website given by the caller. Instead, Google the company or agency they claimed to be with and call that number. If the real agency has no idea about the call, you’ve just escaped a trap. By taking all five of these steps, you can protect yourself and your wallet from Ponzi schemes, identity thieves, and annoying telemarketers. For even more specific advice, visit AARP.com and search “The Definitive Guide to Reducing Robocalls.”
“I believe that today’s youth deserve to live a life in which they feel safe, respected, supported, and cared for by those who surround them. Waltham House does this for our struggling youth in our own community. Waltham House is the first residential group home designed specifically for LGBTQ youth in New England and is one of only three of its kind in the nation. It provides a safe and supportive living environment with 24-hour staffing for up to 12 LGBTQ youth ages 14–18. The staff prepares them for either reunification with their families, transitioning to foster families, or to prepare for independent living.” –Judy Judy has worked with us at ProPT for a few different issues over the years and is currently progressing well in physical therapy after having surgery. With each course of care, she is a partner in her therapy program, dedicated to her home exercises and self-management. In the clinic, she shares her infectious laugh that brightens everyone’s day. ProPT wanted to recognize Judy as March’s Patient of the Month for all of her hard work and dedication! We at Professional Physical Therapy would be honored to donate to the charity of your choice if you become our next Patient of the Month!
2 www.proptinc.com • 508-528-6100
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