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Scams Out There
Donut Hole $250 Check ScamPlease know that "Any Medicare beneficiary who reaches the donut hole is automatically eligible to receive a rebate of $250. The elder's drug plan will contact CMS directly when this threshold is reached; CMS will issue the $250 check directly to the senior during the next quarter.
There is NO application process; there are NO phone calls associated with the issuance of this check! Any contact/s, or attempted contacts, should be immediately reported to CMS (1-800-MEDICARE: 1-800-633-4227) and local police. COA staff may feel free to contact their SHINE counselor if you have any question/concern re: this email. Thank you.
Courtesy of Emmett Schmarsow, Prog. Mgr. COAs & Senior Centers, ELD on behalf of the SHINE program.
Recent Census ScamsNew & Old Disaster Scams in MA"In the newest scam, con artists pose as insurance specialists or expeditors able to convince FEMA to increase home repair damage aid or the insurer to pay a larger settlement."Site for Confirming Scams/"Urban Legends"...A COA recently forwarded a message regarding "unwanted cash back" from WalMart or other stores. The claim appears to be false, but the site notes that people occasionally hit the wrong keys when using the electronic key pad. (Of course, it's not impossible to have a cashier who might commit fraud, but the problem seems vastly overstated. Please see: www.snopes.com/fraud/atm/cashback.asp)
It's never a bad idea to check the receipt before leaving the checkout register area!
Sincerely, Emmett Schmarsow, Prog. Mgr. COAs & Senior Centers, ELD
Using Caution with Email AttachmentsWhile email attachments are a popular and convenient way to send documents, they are also a common source of viruses. Use caution when opening attachments, even if they appear to have been sent by someone you know.
Why can email attachments be dangerous?
Some of the characteristics that make email attachments convenient and popular are also the ones that make them a common tool for attackers:
• Attackers know that most users will automatically trust and open any message that comes from someone they know. Be wary of unsolicited attachments, even from people you know. Many viruses can "spoof" the return addresses. If in doubt, check with the person who supposedly sent the message to make sure it's legitimate before opening any attachments: this includes email messages that appear to be from your ISP or software vendor and claim to include patches or anti-virus software. ISPs and software vendors do not send patches or software in email. What can you do to protect yourself and others in your address book?
• Trust your instincts - If an email or email attachment seems suspicious, don't open it, even if your anti-virus software indicates that the message is clean. Attackers are constantly releasing new viruses, and the anti-virus software might not have the signature. At the very least, contact the person who supposedly sent the message to make sure it's legitimate before you open the attachment. Even messages/forwards sent by a legitimate sender might contain a virus. If something about the email or the attachment makes you uncomfortable, there may be a good reason: don't let your curiosity put your computer at risk! Medicare Prescription Drug Plan ScamsBrief Synopsis: Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Scams
Go to: http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=cagotopic&L=3&L0=Home&L1=Consumer+Protection&L2=Scams+and+Identity+Theft&sid=Cago
The FDIC has issued several recent scam alertsPlease see this link for details: http://www.fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/alerts/index.html
Be Wary of Phone Calls, Emails, and Text Messages
It Could be a Scam!For more information about fraud and identity theft and how to protect yourself, please call the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation's Consumer Hotline at (617) 973-8787 or (888) 283-3757 (toll free in MA) or visit our websiteCanadian Bail Money ScamPlease be advised that the attached pdf contains a scam that recently happened to a senior citizen in Charlton, MA. Luckily, she felt something was amiss and called her other son, who in turn called his brother and found out it was not real.
The woman who this happened to called me this morning to warn me of what happened to her. She was very shook up by this event and honestly thought that she would not be the type who would fall for such a scam. But, because the phone call was so emotional, and the reception was poor, the woman was hooked — thinking she needed to help her son out of a jam.
Please pass it on! Thanks, ElaineElaine Kingston, Director
Council on Aging/Senior Center
37 Main Street
Charlton, MA 01507
Tel. 508-248-2231
Fax. 508-248-2379
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