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Top senior scams and how to avoid them

IRON MOUNTAIN — Scammers prey on targets of opportunity and are not stupid. Seniors are often vulnerable to scams because of cognitive problems that may impair judgment. Loneliness and isolation can also make seniors more trusting. Once you have been warned of a scam, you’re more unlikely to fall victim to it.

1. The Grandparents Scam — This is mainly known for one receiving a phone call from someone claiming to be a grandson/granddaughter asking for financial help. When scammers call an older person, they may say something similar to: “Hi Grandma, do you know who this is?” When the grandparent tries to guess a name, the scammer has created a fake identity without having to do any sort of background research. The impostor will then claim to be in trouble and ask for money for bail, rent, or some other urgent need. Impostors will usually ask for the money to be sent to Western Union. If you receive a suspicious phone call from someone claiming to be a loved one or relative, call them back, and ask other relatives about the grandchild. Social media sites, such as Facebook, give scammers quite a bit of information about you and your relatives. Don’t be fooled if a suspicious caller begins to reference details from your life or a relative’s. Most of the scammers aren’t this sophisticated, but this tactic is not unheard of.

2. Email Scams — There are a lot of nasty email scams that are circulating. They usually vary from the lottery scam to the investment scam. Many emails assure the victim that the writer is either well-connected or rich and claim they can give you some of their fortune if you will offer some assurance to them. These scams are known as 419 scams or “Nigerian email scams,” although the email does not always come from Nigeria. There are many different stories, but the target is led to believe they’ll be given some sort of fortune, but the victim ends up spending a small fortune. Some targets will get more engrossed in the scam, go into denial, and send multiple payouts in hope of getting the fortune they were initially promised. Family members may not be able to convince their victimized loved one that they are being scammed, even if the loved one has lost everything. Other scams like “phishing” scams, will look very similar to an official email from a legitimate institution or company. These emails may lead to a copycat web page, imitating the style and branding of the company. One example would be a banking website. The aim of the scammers is to receive passwords, bank account information, and personal information. Email is often effective for scammers because they can send millions of emails at once and if only a few people fall for the email, the scammers will recover their costs and have extra. Scammers use online tools to cover their tracks and make themselves harder to track and prosecute by operating outside of the United States. Be distrustful of unsolicited emails and don’t reveal personal and private information online. If you have a question of the legitimacy of the email, call the company directly.

3. Charity Scams — These scams usually happen during major disasters. Scammers call and claim to be part of a charity that is seeking money to help get aid for victims and pay for disaster recovery. Some charity scammers will send emails soliciting donations, as well. If you wish to donate to a charity, contact them directly. Don’t donate to organizations that call you.

4. Investment Schemes- Examples are not limited to: pyramid schemes, your neighbor selling cheap plots of land as an investment opportunity, or someone at your church who is being persuasive in “taking advantage of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” Seniors are ideal targets for these scams because many seniors are planning for retirement, managing their savings once they finish working, and look to safeguard their money for later years. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Also, be suspicious of anyone who promises massive return of an investment. Only deal with credible and reputable institutions.

5. Lottery and Sweepstakes Scams — This old trick is still around. The victims is told they have won a lottery or sweepstakes but they must make a payment to “unlock” their winnings. Seniors who fall for the scam are sent a check that appears to have great value, but when it is attempted to be exchanged for money a few days later, the check will bounce. During that lag time, the scammers will quickly collect money for fees or taxes on the prize. If you have won a sweepstakes, you shouldn’t be asked to pay any suspicious or odd fees within a few days of the award.

6.Medicare Card and Medicaid Card ID Theft Scams- The scammer will call and claim on being a part of various government agencies and/or organizations. The call will claim that the senior’s Medicare or Medicaid cards must be replaced. This scam is ideal for the scammer to receive personal information for identity theft. Never give out personal information, especially your social security number or banking information, over the phone. Be careful of people who claim to represent official agencies and request personal information from you.

7. Cemetery, Funeral, and Cremation Scams –A common scam is for a funeral home to cremate a loved once inside of an expensive casket, when a cardboard casket is more than sufficient for the purpose of cremation. Often, families complain that other unnecessary charges are added to their bill without permission. While grieving, it’s hard to make rational and business decisions. If there is a calmer family member who has good business sense, it may be ideal for this person to make funeral arrangements.

8. Repair Fraud- Repair fraud is common and many will fall for this type of fraud more than any other. Unnecessary car repairs can be ordered and duly paid for several times. Even a friendly neighbor could charge a large amount of money for simple yard work that you are unable to do yourself. If you notice that you’re making poor purchasing decisions, talk to a younger family member or loved one about getting help; possibly a financial power of attorney.

9. Counterfeit Prescription Medications — With prescriptions costing so much, many seniors turn to online pharmacies, which are based outside of the United States, to pay for medication. A large portion of medications coming from outside the US are counterfeit. Unfortunately, even prescription drugs from your local pharmacy could be counterfeit. 40 percent of US pharmaceuticals originate in India and an article in New York Times indicated that roughly 12 percent of medications from India are fake. The FDA is increasing regulation of foreign pharmacies which supply drugs to the US and are now holding them to the same standards as American plants. If you order your prescriptions online, you are playing with fire. Those drugs haven’t received the safety validations of drugs dispensed at certified pharmacies. These prescriptions could be inactive or even poisonous.

Sign up for scam alerts from the National Consumer Protection Bureau to stay on top of the latest scams.

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NURSING HOMES

Freeman

Kingsford

Sunday: Lunch/music noon; Uno, 1 p.m.; Coffee social, 2 p.m.; Church, 2:15 p.m.

Monday: Pretty nails, 10 a.m.; Resident council, 11 a.m.; Lunch/music, 11:45 a.m.; Bunko, 1 p.m.; Resident birthday, 2 p.m.; Bingo, 6:45 p.m.

Tuesday: Craft, 10 a.m.; Reminisce, 11 a.m.; Lunch/music, 11:45 a.m.; Popcorn, 12:30 p.m.; Puzzles, 1 p.m.; Kentucky Derby, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Room visits, 10 a.m.; Rosary, 11 a.m.; Lunch/music, 11:45 a.m.; Bingo, 2 p.m.; Movie, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Book club, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 11 a.m.; Lunch/music, 11:45 a.m.; Pictionary, 1 p.m.; Pokereno, 2 p.m.

Friday: Coffee social, 10:30 a.m.; Mass, 11 a.m.; Lunch/music, 11:45 a.m.; Cards, 1 p.m.; Singalong, 2:30 p.m.; Happy hour, 3 p.m.

Saturday: Parlor games, 10:30 a.m.; Lunch/music, 11:45 a.m.; Newspaper, 1 p.m.; Bingo, 2 p.m.

Iron County Medical Facility

Crystal Falls

Sunday: One to one church visitors, 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.; Yahtzee, 10 a.m.; Bingorama, 2 p.m.; Church of Christ, 3 p.m.

Monday: Cooking, 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.; Exercise, 11 a.m.; DT luncheon, noon; Room visits, 1 p.m.; Bingo, 2 p.m.; Sunshine club, 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Book club, 10 a.m.; Mass, 10 a.m.; Shopping trip, 1 p.m.; Wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; Current events, 2 p.m; Musical movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee social and puzzle time, 10 a.m.; Room visits, 1 p.m.; You be the judge, 2 p.m.;Nite bingo, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Puzzler, 9:30 a.m.; Bowling, 10 a.m.; Wildlife film, 1 p.m.; St. Mark’s, 2 p.m.; Happy hour, 2:30 p.m.

Friday: Crafts, 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.; Exercise, 11 a.m.; Shopping to St. Vinnie’s, noon; Senior basketball, 2 p.m.; Activity council, 3 p.m.; Comedy movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Room to room bingo and storytelling, 10 a.m.; Geri-gym, 11 a.m.; Intergenerational social hour, 2 p.m.

ManorCare

Kingsford

Wet Your Whistle, 9:30 a.m. (daily).

Movie, 10:45 a.m. (daily) and again at 3:15 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Gathering place, 11:40 a.m. (daily), and at 4:30 p.m. (Monday through Friday).

Protestant Church service, Sunday, 3 p.m.

Exercises, 10 a.m. (daily).

Sunday: Just jokes, 10:45 a.m.; Morsels and more, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Who, what, when, 10:15 a.m.; Bingo, 2 p.m.; Po-ke-no, 5:45 p.m.

Tuesday: Pet visits with Toby, 10:15 a.m.; Mardi Gras party with Jim Clement entertaining, 2 p.m.; Movie and a manicure, 5:45 p.m.

Wednesday: Table talk, 10:15 a.m.; Bocce, 2 p.m.; Flip five, 5:45 p.m.

Thursday: Crosswords, 10:15 a.m.; Good neighbor bingo, 2 p.m.; Pictionary, 5:45 p.m.

Friday: All about March, 10:15 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Current events, 10:15 a.m.; Bingo, 2 p.m.

Maryhill Manor

Niagara, Wis.

Sunday: Community service, 9a.m.; Help your neighbor, 10:15 a.m.; Exercise, 1:30 p.m.; Bingo, 1:30 p.m.; Protestant service, 2:30 p.m.; Nondenominational bible study, 5:30 p.m.

Monday: Rosary, 8:30 a.m.; Trivia, 10:15 a.m.; Parachute, 1:30 p.m.; Trivia and coffee, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary, 8:30 a.m.; Bingo, 10:15 a.m.; Exercise, 1:30 p.m.; Creative art, 2 p.m.; Yahtzee, 6:15 p.m.

Monthly support group for grief and loss, second Monday of the month at 2 p.m.

Weekend pet visits.

Victorian Heights

Crystal Falls

Sunday: Sweet treat Sunday, 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.; VHAL “7 point” smear tournament, 1:30 p.m.; Social hour with snacks, 2:30 p.m.; Church of Christ service, 3 p.m.; Lawrence Welk show on PBS, 4 p.m.

Tuesday: Catholic mass service, 10 a.m.; Bowling, 10:45 a.m.; Come and enjoy a “Fat Tuesday” paczki, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Card and stamp store, 10:45 a.m.; Exercise, 11:15 a.m.; Jubilee shopping trip, 2 p.m.; Night bingo at Medicare, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Therapeutic adult coloring, 10:45 a.m.; St. Mark’s church service, 2 p.m.; Cribbage, 2:30 p.m.

Friday: Exercise, 11:15 a.m.; Happy hour, 4 p.m.

Saturday: Intergenerational social hour, 2 p.m.; Bingo, 2 p.m.

Victorian Pines

Iron Mountain

Exercise, Monday through Friday at 11 a.m.

Juice time, daily at 10 a.m.

Shopping days: Tuesdays and Fridays at 10 a.m.

Sunday: Bible study, 2:30 p.m.; Refreshments, 3 p.m.

Monday: Bingo, 2 p.m.; Refreshments, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Hoodie Hoo Day, 2 p.m.; Banana splits, 3 p.m.

Golden Living Center

Florence, Wis.

Sunday: Bingo, 10 a.m.; Bingo and/or kings corner, 2 p.m.; Social hour, 3p.m.

Monday: Bible study with Dorothy and Wayne, 10 a.m.; Bingo with Bette, 2 p.m.; Room visits, 3:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Pastor Doug church service, 10 a.m.; Music by Valri, 2 p.m.; Ice cream social, 3:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Ash Wednesday Catholic mass, 10 a.m.;p Birthday party, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Pastor Jason church service, 10 a.m.; Flippo cards, 2 p.m.; Room visits, 3 p.m.

Friday: Jackpot, 10 a.m.; Bowling, 2 p.m.; Movie night, 7 p.m.

Saturday: Bingo, 10 a.m.; Mingle and munch, 2 p.m.; Trivia, 3 p.m.

Pinecrest

Powers

Sunday: Grace church, 10 a.m.; Scattergories, 10 a.m.; Movie, 2 p.m.; Hangman, 2 p.m.

Monday: Life connections, 9:45 a.m.; Sensory, 10:15 a.m.; Song service, 1:30 p.m.; Rosary, 2:30 p.m.; Plinko, 3:30 p.m.; Trivia, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Casino outing, 10 a.m.; Mardi Gras with Rosemary and Wayne MPR, 2 p.m.; Hang massage, 3:30 p.m.; Ladderball, 6 p.m.

SENIOR CENTERS

Note: All centers ask for 24 hour advanced reservations for lunch. If you have meals delivered and will not be home, notify the center.

Alpha-Mastodon Center

906-875-3315

Meal every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at noon. Reservations requested 24 hours in advance. 

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Lunch at noon.

Bingo on Tuesdays.

Free meal drawing on Thursdays.

Breen Center

906-774-5110

Meals: Monday through Friday.

Cards and games available 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Hostess on duty Monday through Friday. 

Treats and coffee, 8:30 a.m. through 111:30 a.m.  

Center retail store is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; volunteers and donations are welcome.

Birthdays acknowledge everyday.

Evening meals are held first and third Thursday of the month. Salad bar opens at 4 p.m. with dinner served at 5 p.m. Donations are $4 for those 60 and older and $5 for 60 and younger. Seating is limited, so make reservations early.

Blood pressure and blood sugar testing, every fourth Wednesday.

Crystal Falls Center

Head Cook, Tracy West

906-875-6709

Meals will be served on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 4:30 (a salad bar will be open at 4 p.m.). The dinner donation is $4 for those age 60 and over and $5 for those under age 60. All persons are invited. For reservations, call 906-875-6709. Cribbage will be played on Wednesdays at 1 p.m. and be concluded in time for the dinner. Center is closed Thursday through Sunday.

A site council meeting is held on the third Wednesday at 3 p.m.

Blood pressure taken by request anytime the center is open.

Crystal Lake Center

906-774-5888

The center is closed on the weekends.

The casino bus will no longer be running this season. It is expected to start running again in the spring or summer.

Monday: Woodcarvers, 10 a.m.; Majong in dining hall, noon; Les Artistes Art Club, noon; Bridge Club, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday and Thursday: Pinochle, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: Billiards, 9:30 a.m.

Wednesday: Spinning Spools Quilters Guild, noon; Crafters, scrap bookers, etc. also welcome; Knitting and crocheting class, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.; Camera Club, 6 p.m.

Friday: Smear, 12:30 p.m.

Last Saturday of the month: Music Jam starting at 1 p.m.

Feb. 21: Meatloaf, baked potato, carrots, desert

Evening Meals have a salad bar beginning at 4 p.m. with the meal beginning at 4:30 p.m. A donation of $4 is accepted for seniors (60 plus), but not required. Those 59 and younger are required to pay $5. Please

Transportation is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Call the center to book your ride.

Felch Center

Director: Norma Dixon

906-246-3559

Meals served Monday through Wednesday at 11:30 a.m.

Bingo on the first and third Wednesday of each month after lunch.

Congregate jigsaw puzzle done daily.  

Please call for meal reservation.

Aging and Disability Resource Center of Florence County

715-528-4890

Director: Lori Friberg

The suggested donation for those ages 60 and older is $4. The meal cost for those under 60 is $7. You may also contact the ADRC to request a menu or resources at 1-855-528-2372.

Three senior dining locations are listed below:

Fence Center/Town Hall

715-336-2980

Meal at noon on Wednesdays only. Reservations are requested. Cribbage and cards are available.

Florence Community Center/Town Hall

715-528-4261

Meal is served at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. Reservations are requested.

Jigsaw puzzles, cards, cribbage, and board games are available. The coffee is always on.

Hillcrest Senior Dining Center, Aurora

715-589-4491

Meal is served at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday. Reservations are requested. Jigsaw puzzles, cribbage, cards, and board games are available. The coffee is always on.

Hermansville Center

Coordinator: Pam Haluska

906-498-7735

Meal is Monday through Friday at noon. Suggested donation is $3 for those 60 and older and $7 for those under 60. Please call a day in advance before 12:30 p.m. to place a meal order 906-498-7735. 

Morning coffee is available each day

Fifteen games of bingo are played each Tuesday and Friday.

Tuesday: Bingo, 12:45 p.m.

Wednesday: Cards played in the afternoon

Thursday: Rides to Escanaba during the day.

Friday: Bingo, 12:45 p.m.

Monday through Friday: Walking in the gym from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. A treadmill is also available.

Iron River Center

Directors: Katherine Bortolameolli and Brian Kassa

906-265-6134

Meals served Monday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; $4 (over 60) and $5 (under 60).

Evening meal is on Thursdays with a salad bar at 4 p.m. and dinner at 5 p.m.

Bingo is on Sundays at 2 p.m. (doors open at noon) and Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 1:15 p.m. 

Cards are played on Thursdays, 1:15 p.m.

Bus trip to Iron Mountain is on the third Friday of the month.

Dance on the second Saturday of the month from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Cover charge is $6.

Pancake Day is on the third Saturday of the month, 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Transportation is available Monday through Thursday with the bus running 8:30 a.m. through 3:30 p.m. $4 (over 60), $5 (under 60), $6 (wheelchair).

Bingo every Tuesday and Wednesday at 1:15 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Doors open at noon.

Salad bar with Thursday meal, 4 p.m. and dinner at 4:30 p.m.

Niagara Northwoods Senior Cafe and Center

Meal site manager: Corrie Maule 715-251-1603

Center director: Jill Anderson 715-251-4154

March 15: ’50s and ’60s reunion.

March 16: St. Patrick’s Day celebration: meal includes corn beef and cabbage.

March 16: Bingo is played after lunch.

March 27: LCR tournament after lunch

Noon meals served Monday through Thursday.

Transportation to the meal site from the Niagara area is offered.

Wii games, cards, puzzles, and board games available to play for your enjoyment.

Senior groups who would like to use our meal site as their meeting place may join us for lunch and stay to have their meeting or social time.

Norway Center

Director: Susie Slining

906-563-8716

Monday through Thursday: Meals served at noon with salad bar. Soup is also available on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11 a.m. Please sign up early for means. (Meal donation is $5)

Milk, juice, bread, fruit, tea, and coffee served daily.

Two special theme noon meals each month with bingo, prizes, and 50/50.

Two evening meals (5 p.m.) on the first Monday and third Wednesday of the month with bingo, prizes, and 50/50.

Cards are played daily after the noon meal.

Craft and exercise classes: Mondays and Thursdays.

Ceramic and art classes: Wednesdays

Puzzles always worked on.

March 1: Blood pressure clinic 11 a.m. to noon.

March 6: Noon meal is liver or burger and onions.

March 6: Community dinner at 5 p.m. Serving famous company chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetables, soup and salad bar, dessert. Bingo, prizes, and 50/50. Sign up early.

March 7: TEFAP quarterly food distribution at the Iron Mountain Senior Center, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

March 11: Pasty sale. $5 for one-pound pasty. All orders must be picked up by noon.

Senior coloring class meets daily. All are welcome. Some materials will be provided.

Telephone reassurance is available. If you are a senior who doesn’t get out much and would like a friendly daily phone contact, the center will have someone check in to see that all is well. 

Note: A CSFP food card (green card) is available to income-eligible seniors. Make an appointment to get signed up. File of Life packets available at the center. 

Note: Ask about the Medicare Savings Program. This program helps people pay their Medicare part B premium. You may be eligible. Your local MMAP Counselor can be reached at 1-800-803-7174, or dial 211. 

Center membership cards are available for $5 at the front desk.

Sagola Center

Director: Connie Secrist

906-542-3273

Meals: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 11:45 a.m.

Cards: Tuesday and Wednesday and Thursday.

Commodities every other month and quarterly commodities are every three months.

Puzzle table for all to enjoy. 

Volunteers are always welcome.

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