DON’T FALL VICTIM TO THESE FINANCIAL SCAMS
Financial scams often go unreported and can be difficult to prosecute, so they’re considered a “low-risk” crime. However, they can still be devastating, leaving you in a vulnerable position with little time to recoup your losses. Here are some common scams and what you can do to avoid them. MEDICARE AND HEALTH INSURANCE SCAMS In these types of scams, perpetrators may pose as Medicare representatives in order to obtain personal information. Sometimes they will go so far as to provide bogus services at makeshift mobile clinics, then use your personal information to bill Medicare and pocket the money. To avoid this scam, know that a legitimate Medicare employee would never ask for your personal information over the phone or via email, since they already have it on file. If you suspect that Medicare is being charged for a service you didn’t request, call the federal
government’s official Medicare hotline at 1-800-MEDICARE.
of money and are willing to split it if the person makes a “good faith” payment.
COUNTERFEIT PRESCRIPTION DRUGS Most commonly, counterfeit drug scams operate on the internet. Those who fall victim to this scam find themselves paying money for a drug that does not help their medical condition, and some run the risk of unknowingly purchasing unsafe substances. This scam can be hard on the wallet and the body. TELEMARKETING AND PHONE SCAMS Fake telemarketing calls are one of the most common types of scams. With no face-to-face interaction and no paper trail, they are incredibly hard to trace and identify. Also, once a deal has been made, the buyer’s name is then shared with similar scammers looking for targets. Examples of telemarketing fraud include ...
Fake identity ploy: T he con artist gets the victim to wire or send money on the pretext that the victim’s relative is in the hospital and needs money. Charity scams: The con artist solicits the victim for money for fake charities. This often occurs after natural disasters. If you have fallen victim to a scam, notify the police, the Better Business Bureau (bbb.org/consumer-complaints), and the Federal Trade Commission (1-877- 438-4338). Further, obtain the contact information for the Adult Protective Services organization in your area by calling the Eldercare Locator national hotline at 1-800-677-1116 or visiting eldercare.gov and filing a complaint. You are not alone; there are people who can help.
The pigeon drop: A con artist tells the victim that they have found a large sum
SUDOKU
BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH SAUSAGE
Looking for an easy, delicious Thanksgiving side dish? This gem requires only a few ingredients.
Ingredients
• 2 tablespoons olive oil • 3.3 ounces fresh, hot Italian sausage
• 1½ pounds Brussels sprouts • ½ cup water • Salt and pepper
Instructions
1. Trim sprouts and cut in half. 2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, 3–5 minutes. 3. Add sprouts to skillet. Add ½ cup water. Add salt and pepper. Cover and cook 10 minutes or until just tender. Check them periodically and add a bit more water, if necessary.
4. When sprouts are just about done, remove cover and raise heat to medium-high. Cook, stirring just once or twice, for a couple more minutes. The liquid should evaporate, and the sprouts should start to brown. 5. Add more salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot or warm. Serves 4.
Recipe courtesy of InTheKitchenWithKath.com.
3
www.lawwithasmile.com • 310-577-9104
Published by The Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker