Protect Yourself From Scammers!
By Evelyn (Evie) Preston, The Money Lady
“Tis the season of getting as well as giving. However, I received—and turned down—$2.5 million from Publisher’s Clearing House without buying one magazine, and I only needed to swiftly send all my bank info…acct. #, routing #…you get the idea. Well, my gift to readers this holiday season is legit…“gentle reminders” of the past year’s more important messages. Number one—seniors must stay alert to scams!
Scoop readers are too smart to fall for midnight calls from fake grandchildren or Microsoft “techs” demanding to “get into and fix” our computers. If this reads like “old news,” just today an Amazon caller worried that my account had been billed for big bucks—push 9 to check. I quickly trashed the message. Say “No!” to all those iffy calls. Do not be courteous or compliant; just hang up or delete messages!
Emails, even those you may recognize from a company you use with familiar logos and layouts may be bogus. If they seek personal/ financial info, account #s, etc. it’s best to contact them from your end…definitely do not click on any links. Also be wary of odd pleas from a person you know or knew long ago asking for help with a gift card or purchase. Delete! Delete! Delete!
With real mail, closely check past due bills or now-due subscriptions. Review charges (the best clinics and hospitals notoriously double bill), toss endless requests and recurring bills. Keep dates of all giving and receiving, be it MADD or magazines.
Smart devices also try to outsmart us. Cell phones, like computers, can follow personal contacts, interests and even our movements. And be assured: the IRS, PayPal and websites aren’t kicking us out, demanding immediate payment, changing our registration or ruining our credit…Delete!
Erase “cookies” from computers. Block cell phones against intrusions. Unsubscribe way at the bottom of an email. It usually works.
Santa’s gone but here’s a list for savvy seniors to check twice. Even as Covid still claims our attention, let this be the year when “to do’s become “must do’s.” Along with New Year’s best wishes for family, friends, country and world, we can add a 2022 toast to our Financial Health and Happiness!
Resolve to:
• Contact financial advisor(s) and/or tax preparer—2021 surprises may be in store.
• Discuss financial, health and personal matters with family.
• Update/review trusts, wills, Health Care Directives (a copy to
healthcare provider), policies, warranties.
• Organize electronic online “life,” and file IDs and PWs with trusted advisors or family.
• Update investment mix and relevant info—review new retirement rules.
• Evaluate long held life insurance—compute premiums to payouts and if no longer needed, cash out and self-insure.
• Delete old log-ins for long unused web sites….oops, a “to-do”
for me!
• Check out retirement residences if interested—popular venues often have long waiting lists—consider long term care and prepaid funerals.
• Review home maintenance and stay ahead of potential problems
• Understand how recent CA legislation impacts seniors: Prop 19 (2020--both parts,) recent Housing bills #9, #10.
• Consider volunteering, exercising more, eating healthier and/or trying something new!
Happy days ahead! As for strict diets, counting steps or buying bitcoin…delete…for now!
Evelyn (Evie) Preston is a financial columnist for A050 and worked a financial advisor for over 25 years. Reach her at 650.494.7443.
