The 2 Most Common Ways Criminals Steal From Seniors
OF THINKING BIG’
from students collaborating to solve supposedly impossible problems to wounded paratroopers making their way across the mountains
AND HOW TO SPOT THEM
of Burma toward safety. Whether you’re dusting off an old copy or picking it up for the first time, this classic is still worth a read in 2019.
Scamming older adults has become big business. According to the American Journal for Public Health, an estimated 5 percent of seniors are hoodwinked by criminals every year, and that statistic is thought to be a steep underestimate since somany scams go unreported. To stem the tide of seniors unknowingly giving $36 billion to scammers annually, it’s important for retirees and their loved ones to get savvy on the subject. Here are the two of the most common scams older folks fall prey to— and how to avoid them. Advanced Fee Fraud The most common con in 2017 and 2018 was the classic“You’ve won a sweepstakes!”scam. Victims are told they’ve won some exorbitant amount of money, but they must pay a fee to receive the prize. After the“fee”is paid, victims receive a fake check in the mail, but by the time it bounces, the scammers are gone and they’ve taken the money. If you ever receive a contract from an unknown entity out of nowhere, you should start seeing red flags. Unless you remember entering a contest, there is no chance you’ve won something. And it’s vital to understand that it is never safe to give out financial information over the phone or via email. Computer Software Service Fraud This type of scam is slightly more sophisticated. First, a hacker will call a victim and claim to be a member of a tech support teamor an employee from a trusted company like Microsoft or Apple. Then, they’ll tell the victim there is a problemwith their phone or computer and that if they cooperate with the“tech support”representative, they can sort it out. They may also ask you to install a piece of software on your device or provide credit card information to“validate your software.” The fact is that well-known tech companies will never send unsolicited emails to ask for your personal or financial information, and they definitely won’t ask you to install some shady software on your computer. If you ever receive a call out of the blue from“Microsoft,”hang up the phone immediately. The first step to stopping these criminals in their tracks is to be aware of their tactics. With these tips in your arsenal, you’ll be able to defend yourself and your bank account effectively.
ROASTED RADISHES WITH RADISH GREENS NIKKI’S FAVORITE
Radishes start showing up in droves during the spring and summer months, but all too often we only eat the bulbs raw on salads and discard the greens. This recipes bucks both of those trends, with the radishes being roasted alongside their green tops.
Ingredients
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3 bunches radishes with greens attached 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• • •
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Directions
1. Heat oven to 500 F. While heating, trim radishes and wash greens. Pat both dry using a paper towel. 2. In a large ovenproof skillet, heat oil over high heat until shimmering. Season radishes with salt and pepper, add to skillet, and cook until lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Transfer entire skillet to oven rack and roast for 15 minutes. 3. Once removed from oven, return skillet to stove. Over medium heat, stir in butter and add greens. Cook until they are wilted, about 2 minutes. 4. Finish with lemon juice and additional salt if desired. Serve immediately.
Published by The Newsletter Pro • www.thenewsletterpro.com
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