PROTECTING YOURSELF WHEN SCAMMERS CALL Phone scams are as common as ever. Scammers just keep calling, hoping you will give them sensitive financial information. One of the most common scams is the IRS scam: The person on the line says they’re with the IRS and they claim you owe money. If you don’t pay, they warn that you will be arrested. Owing money and being arrested is a scary thought, but it’s a lie. Scammers rely on fear tactics to get their victims to pay up. Of course, this is just one example. Scammers use all kinds of lies to trick people, but the goal is the same every time: They want money. Sometimes they will demand a wire transfer or ask for an Apple iTunes gift card, a Google Play gift card, or another similar gift card. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reports that consumers lost over $3.3 billion to scammers in 2020. Unfortunately, that means the scammers’ tactics continue to work. If you are ever called by someone asking for or demanding money, you can take steps to protect yourself. 1. If someone calls claiming to be with the IRS, hang up immediately. Don’t waste your time. The IRS will never call you. Should the IRS legitimately need to contact you, they will send
you a certified letter through the mail.
2. If you get a call from someone claiming to be with a government
agency such as the Social Security Administration and they ask for your Social Security number or other sensitive information, hang up. 3. If, at any time, you are asked to send money via wire transfer or a gift card, the caller is a scammer. No legitimate government agency or a business will call you out of the blue asking for money. Scammers love gift cards because they are usually untraceable, and once they have the money, there is almost no way to get it back. 4. Lastly, stay rational over the phone. The scare tactics used by scammers can be effective, and scammers prey on this fact. Should the person on the phone use scare tactics on you (such as threats of an arrest or lawsuit), simply hang up.
DO YOU HAVE A LEGAL QUESTION?
ICED GREEN TEA, 2 WAYS
Nothing says summer like a glass of iced tea. Enjoy these two twists on a classic summer soother.
If we can’t answer your question, we would be happy to personally refer you to one of our trusted colleagues. We will even call them to give them a summary of your issue so they are aware and ready to take your call. But it all starts by reaching out to our office. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out at 757-220-4529.
Ingredients
• 2 tbsp loose-leaf green tea • 4 cups filtered water, divided Option 1: Rose and Coriander • 1 tbsp dried rose petals • 1 tbsp whole coriander seeds
Option 2: Ginger Mint • 1 handful fresh mint leaves • 1 inch fresh ginger, cut into coins
Directions
DAD JOKE
For Rose and Coriander Tea: 1. In a large pitcher, place green tea, rose petals, and coriander seeds. 2. Bring 1/2 cup water to just below boiling. 3. Pour hot water over tea leaves, petals, and seeds. Let steep for 10 seconds, then add the remaining 3 1/2 cups water. 4. Refrigerate 4–8 hours until tea reaches your desired strength. Strain and serve over ice. For Ginger Mint Tea: 5. Follow the instructions above, substituting the mint leaves and ginger coins for the rose petals and coriander seeds.
Q: Where do you learn to make a banana split? A: Sundae school
Inspired by 101Cookbooks.com
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