Q. My brother, Alexander, recently transferred his residence to a Living Trust Plus®. Shortly after, he received a "Deed Processing Notice" in the mail that looks a lot like an official government bill. It indicated that he and … [Read more...]
Critter Corner: How Can Seniors Protect Themselves from Becoming Victims of Fraud
Dear Hayek, My mother lives alone and is very trusting. She typically picks up the phone when it rings and has conversations with whoever is calling because she is lonely and loves to chat. I worry that she could easily fall … [Read more...]
Scam Alert: There Has Been an Uptick in Pension Poaching Scams
William Webster, 98, is a World War II Navy veteran and former Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). He and his wife, Lynda, were targeted in a scam recently, according to an FBI.gov report. When the couple … [Read more...]
Critter Corner: Steer Clear of these Coronavirus Scams
Dear Angel, My mom is home alone during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. She gets lots of calls that seem suspect. For instance, someone called her trying to sell her face masks and someone else called asking for donations, … [Read more...]
Critter Corner: Been the victim of a Social Security Scam? There’s a New Online Form for That!
Dear Magic, My mother was the victim of a Social Security scam. I told her she should report it, but whenever she tries, she is on hold for what seems like forever. Is there another way? Thanks, Ree Portit --- Dear … [Read more...]
Telehealth Scams are on the Rise: How Not to Fall Prey
This past winter, John Ernest got a call that showed up on his caller ID as being from "Medicare," asking if his father, Dean, who lived in a nursing home at the time, needed a free orthotic brace for pain. John knew that Medicare … [Read more...]
Critter Corner: How to Avoid Being a Victim of a Social Security Scam
Dear Ribbit, I heard that there has been an upsurge in Social Security scams lately. What are they about and how can I avoid them? Thanks! Lee Vameealone --- Dear Lee, You are correct. The Social Security … [Read more...]
Critter Corner: Scams Targeting Veterans and What to Do
Dear Magic, I have read that scams targeting veterans are pretty prevalent, and that is so unfortunate. Can you tell me what types of scams they are, so I can warn my dad? Thanks for your help! Nomar Scamms --- Dear … [Read more...]
Internet Scams Targeting the Elderly
Q. My Aunt Julie was recently the victim of tax-related fraud. She explained what happened and I knew right away that it was a scam targeting the elderly. Someone claiming to be from the IRS called her and told her that she owed … [Read more...]
Critter Corner: Scam Targeting Tax Refunds
Dear Bebe, I read something about a scam where computers belonging to tax preparers are being breached, people are getting fake refunds deposited into their accounts, and then being asked to return the money to scam artists. … [Read more...]