Mark your calendars! Bonnie’s Bus will provide mobile mammograms at the Fairmont Senior Center on Friday, December 13, from 8 AM to 4 PM! Early detection is key, so take advantage of this important health screening.

Please remember: Do not use deodorant, antiperspirant, powder, lotion, or ointment on or around the chest area on the day of your mammogram.

If you have questions about the screening or insurance, call 877.287.2272. To schedule your appointment, call the Fairmont Senior Center at 304.366.8779.

Menu is subject to change without notice.

image of man making a presentation

If you have Medicare, you can change your health and prescription drug plans during Open Enrollment, which runs from October 15 through December 7.

Leading up to and during this time, you might see lots (and lots and lots) of ads and get lots (and lots and lots) of phone calls about Medicare Advantage plans. Private companies offer these plans and can differ from original Medicare in terms of key things like in-network coverage, out-of-pocket costs, and referral policies for specialists.

There will be some changes to Medicare drug coverage coming in 2025. So, as you review and compare your options this Open Enrollment Period:

1. Confirm what you’re really getting. If you’re thinking about changing your coverage to or from a Medicare Advantage plan, don’t just take an ad, agent, or broker’s word for it when it comes to the details. Call the plan directly, check its website, or call 1-800-MEDICARE: Will your primary doctor, or other doctors you see, be in-network? Will your costs (including copayments) change? Will your prescriptions be covered? Will you need prior authorizations to get the care you need?

2. Keep records. If you talk to an agent or broker about a plan and its cover, keep track of who you spoke to, when you talked, and what they told you. Ask for a written description of the plan’s terms. If the plan isn’t what they promised, the more information you have, the better.

3. Get help comparing Medicare costs, coverage, and plans. Start with the State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs) in all U.S. states and territories. Find unbiased information about your coverage options at Medicare.gov and 1-800-MEDICARE. Call the MCSC, Inc. office at 304.366.8779 and speak to David Summers, our SHIP Coordinator, to schedule an appointment to discuss your options free of charge.

If you think you made the wrong plan choice because an agent, broker, or ad gave you misleading information, call 1-800-MEDICARE. Tell them what happened, and they’ll share what options you have. Then tell the FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

#MarionSeniors #OpenEnrollment #Medicare Federal Trade Commission

🆓 Free COVID-19 Tests Available! Order your free at-home COVID-19 tests, courtesy of HHS and USPS. These tests will help detect the latest COVID-19 variants and are good through 2024. Plus, the Orasure InteliSwab is available for those who are blind, have low vision, or low dexterity. Order today: https://covidtests.gov/.

Lunch is served Monday - Friday from 12 - 1 pm. (Note the Mannington and Fairview Centers are closed on Wednesdays).

The suggested contribution from those 60+ is based on MONTHLY income. $0 - $406 is $1.75; $407 - $657 is $2.00; $658 - $908 is $2.50; $909+ is $3.25. Although additional donations are always welcome.

Call our Nutrition Specialist at 304.366.8779 ext. 109 about eligibility for home delivered meals

Attention! The September 24th MCSC, Inc. board meeting will start at 11 a.m. instead of 1 p.m. Please note the earlier time!

See what's cookin' this September at Marion County Senior Citizens, Inc.

Lunch is served Monday - Friday from 12 - 1 pm. (Note the Mannington and Fairview Centers are closed on Wednesdays).

The suggested contribution from those 60+ is based on MONTHLY income.
$0 - $406 is $1.75; $407 - $657 is $2.00; $658 - $908 is $2.50; $909+ is $3.25. Although additional donations are always welcome.

Scammers and your EBT Cards

Debbie Stingo, our Executive Director, wants to share this important information:

With SNAP benefits, you use an EBT card to buy food at the store. But we’re hearing about scammers using illegal skimmers to steal card information, then grabbing your benefits for themselves. Here’s how to spot and avoid these scams.

Scammers sneak illegal card skimmers onto payment terminals in stores, so they can grab data from your card’s magnetic stripe. All without you knowing a thing. Since EBT cards require PINs, scammers find ways to get those codes: they might try to phish you, using texts or calls to get you to share your PIN, or set up hidden cameras by the card skimmers to record you entering your code.

Once they have your information, the scammers create duplicate cards and drain your benefits. They can even find out how much is stored in your account by calling the state’s benefit hotline. Even worse, you probably won’t know what’s happened until you’re at a register with a cart full of groceries and find your card nearly (or totally) empty.

Here are some ways to avoid these scams:

Spot card skimmers. Before you swipe your EBT — or any — card, pay attention to the card reader. Is it loose, off-center, or do parts of it wiggle? Then don’t put your card there. Report it to the store manager and consider shopping elsewhere.

-Change your PIN often. Change your EBT PIN at least once a month, right before you get your next benefits.

-Watch for phishing. State agencies and EBT processors will never call or text you to ask for your PIN or card number. Anyone who does is a scammer.

-Check your EBT account regularly for unauthorized charges. If you see any, change your PIN right away to stop the thief from making new purchases — and contact your local SNAP office.

For more information on what to do if your SNAP benefits get stolen, follow this link https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/stolen-benefits

IT’S TIME FOR THE JUNE ACTIVITIES NEWSLETTER…

Look at the fun offerings by CLICKING HERE

GRANT AWARDED TO SENIOR CENTER

From Our Executive Director Debbine Stingo: I would like to thank Delegate Mallow for helping Marion County Senior Citizens, Inc receive a Local Economic Development Assistance Grant awarded by the WV House of Delegates to go towards the installation of the senior outdoor exercise equipment to be located at our North Marion site located in Mannington along with additional recreational upgrades at that location. I would like to thank Commissioner VanGilder for attending our award ceremony.

IT’S TIME FOR THE MAY ACTIVITIES NEWSLETTER…

Look at the fun offerings by CLICKING HERE!

Read The May 2024 Food & Fitness Newsletter

CLICK HERE.

IT’S TIME FOR THE APRIL ACTIVITIES NEWSLETTER

Look at the fun offerings by clicking HERE

Read The April 2024 Food & Fitness Newsletter

CLICK HERE

It’s National Caregivers Appreciation Month!

Debbie Stingo, Executive Director of Marion County Senior Citizens invites everyone to show appreciation to anyone who is providing care for either yourself or a loved one. Please read this article that highlights 5 ways you can show your Caregiver some love. CLICK HERE

Learn More Ways to Protect Yourself

Debbie Stingo, Executive Director of Marion County Senior Citizens Inc. is sharing this important information from the Social Security Administration on protecting yourself and your loved ones from identity theft. She encourages everyone to follow this link and learn more about this very important topic: https://blog.ssa.gov/protect-yourself-from-identity-thieves/

Please Be Our Valentine and Join Us at One of our 3 Locations For February Activities

See our Activities Newsletter by Clicking Here

Read The February 2024 Food & Fitness Newsletter

CLICK HERE

Possible Free Telehealth Services for the Disabled

DID YOU KNOW THAT FREE Telehealth Services are now available for those West Virginia citizens who are currently using the Aged and /Waiver OR the Intellectual/Developmental Disability Waiver or the Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver? These services are being provided through the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources. If you, a relative, or someone you care for falls into one of these eligible groups please get more information on how to take advantage of these FREE Telehealth Services by filling out the online form by following this link: https://redcap.link/ETHP

Read The January 2024 Food & Fitness Newsletter

CLICK HERE

Read the December Food and Fitness Newsletter

CLICK HERE TO READ.

Read the November Food and Fitness Newsletter

Click Here

Tax Rebate

The strange workaround to get a rebate on your personal property taxes has been changed, according to Upshur County officials.

Previously, to get the vehicle credit from House Bill 2526, taxpayers had to only pay half of their personal property taxes by Oct. 1 and then the other half in 2024, otherwise they would lose the chance to get the credit. But during a meeting in Buckhannon on Wednesday, Dustin Zickefoose, Upshur County Assessor, explained that after some changes in the State Legislature during a special session on Tuesday night, anyone is eligible for the second half of the 2023 rebate credit, even if they pay their personal property taxes in full.

The rebates will come through the 2024/2025 tax incomes.

Taxpayers that do not owe income taxes and are not required to file taxes will be able to file a claim for a rebate in early 2025. They can continue to check this website for more information and form requirements as they become available.

Zickefoose told 12 News after the Chamber of Commerce luncheon on Wednesday that he’s trying to get the word out about the credit.

“It’s a mechanism to some of your personal property taxes paid back. It’s going to be administered through income tax at the state level, but locally, we’re trying to get the word out as people come in and pay and get assessed that ‘hey, there’s a possibility you can get this money back.’ So it helps out a little bit and brings the money back to your pockets,” Zickefoose said.

To see this story as it appeared on TV please click the following link: https://www.wboy.com/news/west-virginia/important-changes-made-to-west-virginia-personal-property-tax-payments/

 

Scenes from our July 28, 2023 Indoor Picnic

Romance Scams

For Military Consumer Month, let’s talk a little about how romance scammers target people who support the troops — and sometimes servicemembers themselves. These scammers can be any age, gender, or sexual orientation and may approach you on dating sites or on social media platforms. In 2022, nearly 70,000 people reported a romance scam to the FTC — and losses hit a staggering $1.3 billion.

These scammers may steal photos of real military personnel for their profiles. They might say they need cash to apply for a “leave request” to visit you. Or to pay for food and medical treatment during their deployment. One recent twist involves romance scammers pretending to be U.S. troops deployed to Ukraine where there’s no U.S. military presence. The scammers ask you to send them care packages by wiring money through an official-looking (but fake) military website. (Servicemembers never have to pay to get packages, food, medical treatment, or to take leave.)

How can you avoid a romance scam?

• If an online love interest asks you for money — especially using gift cards, wire transfers, payment apps, or cryptocurrency — that’s a scam. Period.

• If someone appears on your social media and rushes you — to start a friendship or romance, or to get into a “great” investment opportunity (maybe in crypto) — slow down. Talk to someone you trust before you respond. Try a reverse image search of profile pictures. If the details don’t match up, it’s a scam.

• If you suspect someone is a scammer, cut off contact. Tell the online app or social media platform right away, and then tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Do you have a disability?

Every July, Disability Pride Month is a powerful reminder about the importance of disability rights. This July, it’s also a time to talk about Medicaid renewal scams that could affect millions of people with disabilities.

To make sure people had insurance during the pandemic, states had to keep people enrolled in Medicaid — but that requirement has been phased out.

So where do scams come in? Well, people eligible for Medicaid now have to re-enroll. If they’re not eligible for Medicaid, they need to find new insurance. And that means scammers will start targeting those people — including people with disabilities.

To avoid the scams, here’s what to know:

• Medicaid won’t charge you to renew or enroll. Your state Medicaid agency may call, text, or email you to renew. But it won’t ask for money or information like your credit card or bank account number. Learn about eligibility at Medicaid.gov/renewals.

• Start at HealthCare.gov if you need new insurance. HealthCare.gov compares insurance plans, coverage, prices, and your eligibility. It only asks for your monthly income and age to give you a price quote. Don’t share your bank account or credit card number to get a quote for health insurance. That’s a scam.

• Scammers try to sell medical discount plans that are not medical insurance. Medical discount plans charge a monthly fee for supposed discounts on some medical services or products from a list of providers. They’re not a substitute for health insurance. Some plans just take your money for little or nothing in return. If anyone pressures you to sign up quickly for a medical discount plan, that’s a red flag.

During Disability Pride Month, share this information with your friends, family, colleagues, and social networks. And if you spot a scam, tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Debbie Harvey, Executive Director of Marion County Senior Citizens has announced that Marion County Senior Center is the recipient of a 2023 AARP Community Challenge Grant from AARP West Virginia to support community fitness and wellness enhancements along the Joel McCann Memorial Trail in Mannington.

The Marion County project is among the largest group of grantees to date. Grant funds will be used locally to purchase and install new outdoor fitness equipment at the Mannington Senior Center and near Mannington City Hall.

" I am so excited that our grant application was chosen." said Harvey. She added "With this grant we are able to add outdoor exercise equipment for those 50+ along the Joel McCann Memorial Trail at two different locations in Mannington. A portion of the equipment being purchased will be located at our senior center located behind the pavilion and a portion will be located near Mannington City Hall across from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

By having this equipment in two locations along the trail; more seniors in the community will have access to this equipment. It is proven that exercise helps you to live a longer and healthier life. Staying active is so important for the senior population. This outdoor equipment will be a big plus for those 50+ that do not have access to exercise equipment and do not wish to pay gym membership fees. Thank you, AARP, for choosing our project."

STOP ELDER ABUSE

The COVID-19 pandemic may have led us to focus more on ourselves – and forget about checking in with others. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day reminds us about the importance of staying in touch with older persons.

Elder abuse is the intentional mistreatment or harming of an older person. An older person is defined by the Social Security Act as someone over age 60. This abuse takes many forms – including physical, emotional, neglect, sexual harm, and financial exploitation. More than 1 in 10 older adults experience some form of abuse each year. That number is likely much higher because elder abuse is often underreported– especially in underserved communities.

Abuse victims typically show emotional and behavioral red flags, such as depression, unusual fear or anxiety, or intentional isolation. Many victims are abused by someone they know or trust. It’s important to look for unusual changes in behavior around:

Family members.

Staff at inpatient facilities.

Hired or volunteer caregivers.

People in positions of trust like doctors or financial advisors.

You can also help make a difference by checking in with older loved ones. Looking for warning signs of mistreatment is the first step to preventing abuse. Signs of physical abuse include bruises, burns, or other unexplained injuries.

There may also be signs of neglect like:

Poor nutrition or hygiene.

Lack of necessary medical aids like glasses or medications that a caretaker should be providing.

There may also be indications of financial abuse. These may include:

Unpaid rent.

Sudden changes to a will.

Unusual changes in money management.

Large, unexplained financial transactions.

Mortgages despite sufficient financial resources.

Allowing someone new to access bank accounts.

If you suspect that someone is a victim of elder abuse, don’t ignore it! If you or someone you care about is in a life-threating situation, call 911. If you suspect that something isn’t right – but nobody seems to be in immediate danger – contact:

Your local Adult Protective Services.

The National Center on Elder Abuse at 1-855-500-3537 (ELDR).

You can also find additional local resources by searching the Eldercare Locator for your community.

This World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, take some time to call or visit with an older adult. Ask if they are okay and listen to what they tell you. Pay attention to signs of abuse or unusual behavior. Most of all, don’t be afraid to report instances of suspected abuse. Everyone deserves to be safe, regardless of age, and help is available.

Please share this information with your family and friends – and post it on social media.

WATCH OUT FOR TEXT SCAMS!

If you get tons of scam text messages, you’re not alone. Lots of people have been reporting to the FTC that they’re getting texts from scammers impersonating people and organizations you know and trust — like your bank or companies like Amazon. An analysis of consumer reports reveals the top text scams from 2022. So, what are they? And how do you avoid them?

The latest FTC Data Spotlight explores how text scams try to get you to act NOW. Whether it’s the thrill of getting a free item or the panic about a large unauthorized charge, scammers know that these texts are hard to ignore. The most-reported text scam looks like a fraud alert from your bank, but it’s fake. It might say there’s suspicious activity on your account and tell you to call a number. Or to reply “yes or no” to confirm a big purchase (that you didn’t really make). But don’t do it. There is no real problem. They just want your money or personal information.

Another common text scam promises a “free gift”— if you click a link. But then they ask you for payment information to cover the “shipping cost.” If you give it, you’ll get unauthorized charges on your account…and no free gift.

So how do you avoid these and other text scams?

Don’t click on links or respond to unexpected texts. If you think a text might be legit, contact the company using a phone number or website you know is real. Don’t use the information in the text message.

Report text scams. Forward them to 7726 (SPAM). This helps your wireless provider spot and block similar messages.

And if you spot a text scam, the FTC wants to hear about it. Tell us what happened at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

 

Senior Nutrition Information

Read the Food & Fitness Newsletter For January 2023

CLICK HERE

Medicare Part B Changes For 2023

Changes are coming next year for Medicare Part B coverage.

What is not changing:
If you are eligible at age 65, your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP):

Begins three months before your 65th birthday.

Includes the month of your 65th birthday.

Ends three months after your 65th birthday.

If you are automatically enrolled in Medicare Part B or if you sign up during the first three months of your IEP, your coverage will start the month you’re first eligible. If you sign up the month you turn 65, your coverage will start the first day of the following month. This won’t change with the new rule.

What is changing:

Starting January 1, 2023, your Medicare Part B coverage starts the first day of the month after you sign up, if you sign up during the last three months of your IEP.

Before this change, if you signed up during the last three months of your IEP, your Medicare Part B coverage started two to three months after you enrolled.

If you don’t sign up for Medicare Part B during your IEP, you have another chance each year during the General Enrollment Period (GEP). The GEP lasts from January 1 through March 31. Starting January 1, 2023, your coverage starts the first day of the month after you sign up.

You can learn more about these updates on our Medicare webpage and our Medicare publication.

Please pass this information along to someone who may need it.

Avoid Social Security Scams!

Social Security-related scams continue to be widespread, especially during the holidays. Criminals pretending to be from Social Security and other federal government agencies are tricking victims into sending money or sharing personal information.

The scam tactics and scripts may vary, but the ultimate goal is to pressure victims to send money using methods such as gift cards or wire transfers.

This holiday season, protect yourself from scams. Be skeptical and cautious of unexpected calls or messages. Criminals are using the names of federal government officials and sending pictures of documents, evidence, federal employee credentials, and law enforcement credentials and badges, to try to prove their legitimacy. They may change the picture or use a different name, agency, or badge number, always with the intent to scam people out of money or personal information.

Ignore suspicious calls, texts or social media messages, emails, and letters.

We will NEVER:
• Send pictures of an employee’s official federal government identification.
• Suspend your Social Security number.
• Threaten you with arrest or other legal action unless you immediately pay a fine or fee.
• Require payment by retail gift card, wire transfer, internet currency, or cash by mail.
• Promise a benefit increase or other assistance in exchange for payment.
• Send “official” letters or reports containing your personal information via email.
We only send automated emails and text messages if you have agreed to receive them from us and only in limited situations, including the following:
• When you have subscribed to receive updates and notifications by email or text.
• As part of our enhanced security when accessing your personal my Social Security account.

If you owe money to us, you will receive a letter with payment options and appeal rights. We do not accept gift cards, wire transfers, internet or cryptocurrency, or cash by mail.

Report suspected Social Security-related scams — and other Social Security fraud — to our Office of the Inspector General. Follow SSA’s OIG on Twitter @TheSSAOIG, Facebook @SSA Office of the Inspector General, and LinkedIn for the latest information about Social Security-related scams. Please share this message with your family and friends — because scammers never take a holiday break.

BEWARE OF VETERAN SCAMS

As we continue to honor and celebrate veterans, scammers increase efforts around holidays — like Veteran’s Day — to try to take advantage. Right now, a banking scam is tricking veterans (and current servicemembers) into sharing sensitive personal or financial information. Find out how.

Imposters are contacting veterans, servicemembers, and their families. They pretend to be representatives of USAA Bank, Navy Federal Credit Union, and other banks. They’re asking for information — like your Social Security, bank account, or credit or debit card number, or your password. They’re saying that your debit card has been blocked, they’ve detected fraudulent activity, or some other urgent excuse. (These, by the way, are all lies.)

You may get one of these unexpected calls or voicemails from your bank, or even a surprise text or email with a link that includes an official-looking logo (also all fake). These are from scammers who want your information to get into your accounts or steal your identity. And if you click on the fake link, they could install malware on your phone or computer, which could give them complete access to your device and information.

Here’s how to protect yourself:

Don’t trust caller ID. Scammers fake the number they call from. Never call back phone numbers from your caller ID or those left in voicemails.

Never give personal information to anyone who contacts you out of the blue. Financial institutions won’t ask you for personal information or passcodes. If you think it could be legit, contact the company using a website or phone number you know is real.

Don’t click links in unexpected texts or emails. Those are often phishing scams. If you’ve clicked a link by mistake, update your phone’s and computer’s security software.

Suspect a scam? Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and visit MilitaryConsumer.gov for more resources. Also, read more about the FTC’s rulemaking proposal to combat impersonation scams.

NEED TO REPLACE YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY CARD?

The Social Security Administration introduced a new online service for residents of West Virginia available through its my Social Security portal at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. Kilolo Kijakazi, Acting Commissioner of Social Security, announced that residents of West Virginia can use the portal for many replacement Social Security number (SSN) card requests. This will allow people to replace their SSN card from the comfort of their home or office.

“I am pleased to offer West Virginia residents the safe, secure, and more convenient option for replacing their Social Security card through the my Social Security portal,” Acting Commissioner Kijakazi said. “West Virginia residents can now request their replacement Social Security card online, from the convenience of their home, alleviating the need to go into an office or send in important documents.”

U.S. citizens age 18 or older and who are residents of West Virginia can request a replacement SSN card online by creating a my Social Security account. In addition, people must have a U.S. domestic mailing address, not require a change to their record (such as a name change), and have a valid driver’s license, or state identification card in some participating states.

My Social Security is a secure online hub for doing business with Social Security, and about 74 million people have created an account. In addition to West Virginia residents replacing their SSN card through the portal, current Social Security beneficiaries can manage their benefits online—

they can start or change direct deposit online, request a replacement SSA-1099, and if they need proof of their benefits, they can print or download a current Benefit Verification Letter from their account.  People not yet receiving benefits can use their online account to get a personalized Social Security Statement, which provides their earnings information as well as estimates of their future benefits.  The portal also includes a retirement calculator and links to information about other online services.

Please note for many situations people only need their SSN--not their card. People can visit www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber to submit a request for a replacement card, start an application for an updated card, or to request a Social Security number for the first time. People may never need to visit an office and, if they do need to visit an office to complete the application, they will save a lot of time by starting online.

Use Multi-Factor to Protect Your Online Information!

An easy step can help protect your online accounts from hackers. Whenever you can, make sure your accounts ask for two credentials to verify your identity when you log in. It’s called multifactor, or two-factor, authentication. The protection is so powerful that the FTC insisted that Chegg, Inc., offer it to users of its online educational services as part of a settlement of an FTC data breach case against it.

According to the FTC, Chegg didn’t use reasonable security measures to protect the personal information of its users — mostly high school and college students — and employees. An FTC complaint charges that Chegg’s lax security resulted in four data breaches from 2017-2020.

One breach, in 2018, exposed 40 million users’ names, email addresses, passwords and, for some, their religion, heritage, date of birth, sexual orientation, disabilities, and parents’ income range, the FTC says. Other breaches exposed employees’ financial, medical, and W-2 information, including birthdates and Social Security numbers. The FTC says that Chegg repeatedly failed to fix the data security problems the breaches revealed, resulting in further breaches.

Under an FTC settlement, Chegg must take steps including offering users multifactor authentication options to secure their accounts. With multifactor authentication, you need a credential, or “factor,” beyond your password or PIN to log into your account. The factor can be something you have, like a one-time verification passcode you get from a security key or by text, email, or from an authenticator app. Or, it can be something you are, like your fingerprint, your face, or your retina.

With multifactor authentication, even if a hacker knows your username and password, they can’t log in to your account without the second credential, making your account far more secure than it would be with just a password for protection.

Under the settlement, Chegg also must put a comprehensive data security program into place, minimize the personal data it collects, and let users delete certain personal information from Chegg’s files.

Learn how to turn on multifactor authentication and other ways to secure your account on our website.

FBI Scam Warning

Our Executive Director Debbie Harney wants to share this important update and warning from the FBI about scams that are targeting West Virginia Senior Citizens. Follow this link to learn the details: https://www.wboy.com/.../fbi-warns-of-recent-scam-trend.../

SCAM ALERT…

Scammers are at it again, impersonating well-known businesses and trying to rip people off. This time they’re pretending to be from Geek Squad, Best Buy’s tech support service. Here’s what we’re hearing about the scam and what to do if you see it.

You get a text message or email that says you were or will be charged hundreds of dollars to renew your Geek Squad membership. If you want to dispute the charge or cancel your membership, the message says you must call a phone number within 24 hours.

If you call the number — which you should not do — the scammer might ask for remote access to your computer. If you give it to them, they can install spyware programs on your computer, steal your online banking credentials, and drain money from your bank account.

Some scammers may ask for your bank account information to refund your money, then fake a transaction and make it look like they accidentally refunded you too much. To pay them back, they tell you to buy gift cards and give them the gift card numbers and PINs.

Scammers send alarming messages like this to rattle you. Don’t let them. If you think the message is legitimate, contact the company in question using a phone number you know is real. Do not use the number included in the message.

Also check your credit card or bank account for an unauthorized transaction. If you see one, report it to the institution and ask them to reverse it and give you back your money.

Find out what to do if you paid a scammer, or gave them your personal information or access to your computer. 

If you see a scam, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

BEWARE OF SCAMMERS

ATTENTION ALL SENIORS!   Debbie Harvey, our Executive Director wants to share this urgent message concerning the large amount of scams that are stealing money from our Senior Citizens.  She suggests that you be on guard for those who will try to deceive you. Report anyone who tries to scam you or maybe already has taken some of your money.   Do not be ashamed, we must report these individuals and put a stop to this awful problem!  Read about a recent scam in West Virginia by clicking on this link:  https://www.wboy.com/news/crime/las-vegas-woman-sentenced-for-scamming-wv-senior/

Are you 55 or over? Need a job?

Are you over age 55? Looking for employment? If your income meets certain limits, you can get FREE help obtaining a job. For more information, please follow this link: https://www.resumebuilder.com/senior-employment-programs.../

Did you know that?

West Virginia Senior Legal Aid has information that can help your relatives settle your estate faster and less expensive…read about it by CLICKING HERE

Trouble with Warranties?

Read this article from the Federal Trade Commission CLICK HERE.

Did you lose money to AdvoCare?

If you lost money to AdvoCare — a multi-level marketer of energy drinks, shakes, and supplements that allegedly swindled people out of money through a pyramid scheme — we have good news. Thanks to the FTC’s lawsuit, starting May 5, 2022, more than 224,000 people who lost money to the AdvoCare pyramid scheme will be getting checks or PayPal payments.

If you get a check or PayPal payment from FTC v. AdvoCare, cash or accept it quickly. Refund checks will expire on August 3, 2022 (90 days after being sent.) PayPal payments will expire on June 4, 2022 (30 days after being sent).

Got questions about your refund? Call the refund administrator, Analytics, at 855-744-1802.

And remember, the FTC never requires you to pay money or give account information to cash a refund check. Anyone who contacts you, says they’ll help you file for a refund or get your money back — if you pay them first — is a scammer. Report it to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Avoid Romance Scams

Chocolates, flowers, and spending time with your special someone are all Valentine’s Day traditions, but what about helping a friend or loved one spot and avoid a romance scam?

Even though a romance scam might not be affecting you, someone you know might be facing one. According to a new FTC report, people sent $547 million to online romance scammers last year. And more than a third of those who lost money said the contact started on Facebook or Instagram, often through an unexpected private message.

So pick up the phone and reach out to someone you might not have spoken with in a while. Check in with them, see how they’re doing, and listen to what they say. You might just be able to help them spot and avoid a romance scam.

As you start a conversation, here are some things to keep in mind:

If a friend or loved one mentions an online love interest, ask if they’ve met in person.

If they haven’t met in person, but that love interest has asked for money, that’s a scam. Period. No matter what story they tell — even if they send you money or gifts first.

Romance scammers often create fake profiles. Use a reverse image search to see if someone else has used that profile picture, or if the details don’t match up.

Never send or forward money to people you meet online. And only scammers ask you to pay by cryptocurrency, gift cards, or wire transfer.

Learn more at ftc.gov/romancescams and report scammers at ReportFraud.ftc.gov

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Social Media Scammers

In 2021, more than 95,000 people told the FTC that they’d been scammed with a con that started on social media. In fact, more than one in four people who reported to the FTC that they lost money to any scam said the transaction started with a post, an ad, or a message on a social media platform. And the losses amount to about $770 million.

Today’s Data Spotlight gives us insights into how scammers use social media to con people. Reports point to rampant investment, romance, and online shopping scams on social. People reported losing the most money to investment scams (particularly those involving bogus cryptocurrency investments) and romance scams. More than a third of the people who lost money to romance scams said it started on Facebook or Instagram.

The largest number of reports came from people who lost money trying to buy something they saw marketed on social media. Most said they didn’t get the stuff they paid for, while some reported ads that impersonated a real online retailer. Reports of social media fraud increased for all age groups in 2021, but people 18 to 39 were more than twice as likely to report losing money than older adults.

Scammers trying to get your money are always looking for new ways to reach people. And they’ll use whatever they know about you to target their pitch. Here are some things to do to protect yourself, no matter which social media platform you use:

Try to limit who can see your posts and information on social media. Of course, all platforms collect information about you from your activities on social media, but visit your privacy settings to set some restrictions.

Check if you can opt out of targeted advertising. Some platforms let you do that.

If you see urgent messages from a “friend” asking for money, stop. It could be a hacker behind that post pretending to be your friend.

Check out a company before you buy. Read Shopping Online for advice.

Don’t deal with a vendor that requires payment by cryptocurrency, gift card, or wire transfer. That’s sure to be a scam.

If you see or experience scam on social media, report it to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Need Assistance With Food?

Are you age 60 or older? Find it difficult to stretch your food budget? Give us a call to learn how you might qualify for meals through our food service programs. Call us Monday through Friday 8am to 4pm at (304) 366-8779. Here is our current menu CLICK HERE

CAREFUL WHERE YOU DONATE!

The season of giving is here. If you celebrate Christmas, you might be about to fill some stockings. But, for many, holiday giving includes supporting charitable causes. Charities in need of support will be making year-end appeals by phone, mail, email, and social media. Scammers know that, too, and every year try to trick people into giving to them, not the real deal. So here are some steps to take to make sure the charity is real and your money will support the programs you care about.

Check out the charity before you donate. Search online with the name of the charity plus words like “complaint,” “review,” or “scam.” Ask how much of your donation will go to the work of the charity (versus, say, fundraising). Learn more by seeing what organizations like the BBB Wise Giving Alliance, Charity Navigator, CharityWatch and Candid say about how a charity does its business and spends its money.

Double-check the name. Scammers sometimes use names that sound like real charities that you know and trust.

Don’t be rushed. Scammers love to pressure you to make fast decisions and pay them. But take it slow. Real charities will be happy to get your donation when you’re ready.

Avoid donations by cash, gift card, cryptocurrency, or money transfer service — if they demand to be paid that way. That’s how scammers ask to be paid. Your safer bet is to pay by credit card.

Report charity scams at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Your report can help people in your community protect themselves from charity scams and other types of fraud. The FTC uses reports like yours to investigate and bring law enforcement cases.

AVOID CROWDFUND SCAMS!

DID YOU KNOW THAT…..When you give money to a crowdfunding campaign, it goes directly to the campaign organizer?  But a dishonest businessperson might lie about the project, product, and timeline. And they might lie about the rewards you’ll get once the product is finished.  Before you donate to a crowdfunding campaign, please read how to avoid a scam. CLICK HERE

GUARD YOUR CARD!

Debbie Harvey, Executive Director of Marion County Senior Citizens, reminds EVERYONE to "Guard Your Card!"

She passes this along...We encourage you not to carry your Social Security card with you every day. The best way to “Guard Your Card” is to keep it in a safe place and share it only when required, which is rare. In fact, in most cases, just knowing the Social Security number should be enough. To learn more about keeping your Social Security Card and number safe please CLICK HERE

Avoid Telephone Scammers!

An important message message from Executive Director Debbie Harvey and her staff at Marion County Senior Citizens.   Calls from scammers are annoying and can cause a lot of trouble especially when you realize, too late, that they’re scams. What’s even worse? When the scammers target a client or loved one you’re caring for.  What should we do to prevent the calls and avoid being scammed? Learn more please CLICK HERE

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You are not alone!

Contact the West Virginia Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance for information about support meetings and other resources. Contact them at (304) 376-7438 or visit their website https://dbsawvblog.wpcomstaging.com/

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Debbie Harvey Honored For Senior Advocacy

Our Executive Director was recently presented a special award for her efforts in helping to prevent the closure of the John Manchin Sr. Health Care Center in Fairmont. Read the entire story by Clicking Here.

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Memory Care Information

Get free information regarding memory care and dementia that can assist you or a loved one who may be having such concerns. Please click on this link for all the details: https://www.memorycare.com/memory-care-in-west-virginia/

 
 
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