DON’T FALL VICTIM TO THESE FINANCIAL SCAMS
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 ...
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. 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.
The pigeon drop: A con artist tells the victim that they have found a large sum of money and are willing to split it if the person makes a “good faith” payment.
Fake identity ploy: The 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.
WELCOME HELENA KAMPWERTH
The Newest Member of the Elder Care Team
Whenever a new addition joins the Elder Care Firm family, we get excited. When they are as devoted to our values as Helena Kampwerth is, that excitement gets magnified. Helena’s only been with us for a couple of months, but she’s been on our radar for a while. As soon as we had the chance to add her to the team as a paralegal and assistant, we knew we couldn’t pass it up. “I met Chris about five years ago at an event,” Helena says, “and I’ve been in touch with Lori for over a year. Once there was an opening at the firm, I made it my first priority to fill it.” She’s already making an impact on our clients. “I absolutely love it here,” Helena adds. “The commitment and care devoted to our clients is unlike any firm I’ve ever seen. From the first time I met Chris, I knew he was special. And working alongside the team here has only proved that further.”
When she’s not assisting our clients in developing all types of plans, from estate matters to VA benefits, Helena has a number of hobbies that occupy her time. “I enjoy golfing and cooking,” she says. Of course, we had to ask what sort of delicious food she makes. “Learning new dishes is a passion, but comfort food is definitely my go-to. I do try to moderate that with some healthier dishes.” Another of Helena’s interests is remodeling her house. Maybe she shouldn’t have told us that, though, because now we know who to turn to the next time one of our offices could use freshening up. All kidding aside, we’re so happy that Helena has come aboard, and we can see the positive effect she’ll have on our clients. With Thanksgiving right around the corner, we’re certainly thankful for Helena’s arrival.
2 • www.MichiganEstatePlanning.com
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