Warning Signs of Financial Scams CALLS AND CAUTION
With everything from the holiday season to the Medicare enrollment period hitting this time of year, many people
are busier and more distracted than usual. Unfortunately, the hustle and bustle of the year’s final months increases the opportunities for scammers to take advantage of unsuspecting victims. Here are three standard tactics telephone and online fraudsters use to trick you out of your paycheck or personal data.
TAKE A BREAK CREAMY BRAISED SHORT RIBS
MEDICAL MISREPRESENTATION With Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period
going into effect this month, fraudsters attempting to steal critical medical information are expected to rise. Medicare users are cautioned not to give their Medicare number over the phone or via email/text to anyone claiming to be an official representative or a salesperson offering a quote. Legitimate Medicare entities and representatives should already have your information on file, making any attempts to collect it over the phone an immediate red flag. EMERGENCIES AND EXPLOITATION No one ever wants to receive a call stating that a loved one is in the hospital for an emergency procedure or has run afoul of the law, especially when that caller requests your payment information to help remedy whatever precarious scenario they’ve presented. Unfortunately, thieves prey on the victims’ emotional state upon hearing such statements to prompt them to pay before they can process this information rationally. With the holidays being a time of family gatherings and increased travel, these scams will likely increase over the next few months. Before providing any payment information, ask the requester if you can call them back. This request is often enough for them to end the conversation and alert you to their true intentions. BOGUS TAX BILLS While fraudsters use virtually any reason to rob you of funds, posing as the IRS is one of their most frequent tactics. If you receive a text, email, or phone call that seems legitimate, be aware that thieves are using technology to create email addresses, web links, and caller IDs that closely mimic those of the IRS. Often, these communications threaten the recipient with hefty fines or even deportation if an alleged back payment isn’t made immediately. Before paying this supposed debt, contact the IRS at 800.829-1040 or TTY/ TDD 800.829-4059 to confirm your tax status and report the phony communication.
INGREDIENTS • 5 lbs bone-in short ribs • Ground black pepper • 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced • 6 garlic cloves, chopped • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves • 1 cup white wine or broth DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat the oven to 325 F.
Inspired by RecipesByJanet.com
• 1/2 cup water • 1 cup heavy cream • 1 cup chopped kale (optional) • 4 tbsp salted butter, divided • 8 fresh sage leaves
2. In a large braiser, season short ribs with black pepper. Scatter onion, garlic, and thyme over ribs. Pour in white wine or broth and 1/2 cup water. 3. Cover the braiser with a lid and roast for 2 1/2–3 hours. 4. Increase temperature to 400 F. Remove the lid, skim excess fat, and stir in heavy cream, kale, and 2 tbsp butter. Roast uncovered for 10–20 minutes. 5. Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Melt remaining butter and fry sage leaves until crisp. 6. Serve ribs hot with creamy sauce, garnished with sage.
PATRIOT WEALTH | 919.322.4113 | P3
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