NIAGARA, Wis. — As my husband and I were getting closer to retirement age, I noticed that we began getting a lot more telephone calls that were scams. One caller was particularly persistent. He kept telling me that our computer needed some upgrades and that he could help me complete them if I just allowed him into my computer. I promptly hung up. He continued to call — he had a distinctive accent so I easily recognized his voice — and I got more and more agitated and threatened to report him to the authorities if he called again. The phone calls stopped for a while.

Then one day, the same caller tried again, this time asking for Patrick. I was happy to hand the phone over to my husband and listened all the while he chatted him up and kindly told him we did not need his services. Honestly, I could not believe my ears. I asked my husband why on earth he took so much time with the caller who was obviously trying to take advantage of us in our “advancing years.” He just laughed and calmly said it was not a big deal and that there was no reason to be rude.

Months went by, and the same caller tried again. This time he told my husband that he wanted to refund him money for over-payment on a particular virus protection plan for our home computer. All my husband had to do was give him an account number to which he would forward our $495 refund. Again, my husband remained calm and told him to simply mail him a refund check all along knowing this guy was a scammer. He wanted to see just how far he could take him. Eventually, my husband suggested he give it to his favorite charity and hung up. The phone calls continued for a while; my husband communicated to the caller in the same polite, patient tone as always. The caller never called back.

I found my husband’s response to be quite annoying at the time because I did not believe this scammer deserved to be treated nicely at all. Then I read a very interesting article in the most recent edition of the AARP magazine. It was titled, “Revealed! Who Gets Scammed” and talked about the characteristics of people who are most likely to fall for a scam. It was a real eye opener. Doug Shadel, the author of the article, explained that he had worked on a variety of studies for decades in an attempt to learn the characteristics of people who got caught up in scams. Why did some fall for them and others did not take the bait? It turns out that my husband’s attitude will never allow the scammer in, and mine will eventually open the door wide. I was shocked!

Scammers know that if they persist long enough, they will be able to trick those folks who are in an emotional state; either you are already emotionally vulnerable or they can manipulate you into losing your cool. Many studies have looked at age, educational level, income level, geographic location, and personality types; none of them showed any type of consistent vulnerability. This study proved that it was not “who” you are that matters but “how” you are when the pitch gets made. Scammers know that if they can get you emotionally rattled — scared or angry or frustrated — that they will be much more successful in getting you to fall for their pitch. I did not know at the time I read this article that I would soon be able to test its findings myself.

Recently I was sitting at my computer going through my email as I do every morning. I found a notice in my in box that began with “Dear Customer” and proceeded to tell me that my Norton antivirus protection program had been renewed and updated successfully and that my account had been charged $259.99. There was an invoice number and date along with a toll-free number to call if I wished to unsubscribe and to ask for a refund. I immediately called the number and it was busy. I could already feel my emotions kicking in — anger, fear and confusion all showed up to the party. I checked our checking account online to see if any deduction had been made in that amount — nothing yet. I called my credit union, telling them what had happened. They asked me if I had ever given them account information, and I said I had not. She told me not to worry, that this happens a lot, and that if any funds were deducted from my account without my authorization that there was a procedure that would be followed to recoup the money. Wait and do nothing?

I did not feel very assured after hanging up the phone. So, control freak that I am, I called the toll-free number on the invoice again. This time it rang. It was the beginning of a perfect storm. This very polite, calm young man asked me a number of questions and with each answer, I could feel my blood pressure rise. I hesitated as he began walking me through the steps that would allow him to refund me the money for the subscription I did not want. His very calm voice said, “Press this button… read me what it says… you should see a screen that says… now click this.” As I completed each step, I voiced my concerns with each keyboard stroke. As I became more agitated and hesitant, he remained calm and said “he completely understood, but this was the best way to get my payment returned and the subscription discontinued.”

Then it hit me. This was my vulnerable moment; I was confronted with the possibility of losing $260 and with a technology issue I did not understand. I also wanted to fix the situation so my credit union’s advice “to wait and do nothing” did not match my personality at all. I remembered the article I had just read about this very topic and how scammers win when their victims become emotional. And I also recognized that young man’s voice as being the same one who could not get past my husband’s calm demeanor. And, it finally became clear to me that there were way too many steps involved if all I was doing was cancelling a subscription.

I knew in that moment that what I was doing was allowing him entry into my computer. I said, “No! I am just going to wait like my credit union told me to do.” I hung up immediately before completing the process through which he was leading me. Within seconds, the phone rang again. I picked up the receiver and hung up immediately; the scammer never called back. He knew he had missed his opportunity — this time.

So, a word to the wise, keep your cool and your wits about you when dealing with scammers on the phone. Trust your instincts. If the situation feels odd or off, it is most likely a scam. Know your own emotional triggers. When you feel that emotion rising, end the call immediately. I believe that I will be hearing from him again. When I do, I will calmly end the call following the article’s advice and my husband’s example. And I will be making an early trip to the local computer store and service center to get our hard drive cleaned of any viruses.

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NURSING HOMES / SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing

and Rehabilitation

Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

Freeman’s has resumed small group activities. Visitation is currently being allowed twice weekly with screening and COVID-19 testing required before entering the building. All precautions are still being taken to protect residents. Everyone has adjusted to this new normal, however, they are all looking forward to a great get together when it is safe to do so.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.; name that word, 10 a.m.; chair exercise, 11 a.m.; afternoon matinee with snacks, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Cooking, 9 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; DT luncheon, 12 p.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Riddler, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Book club, 10 a.m.; Catholic Mass video, 10 a.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; volleyball, 2 p.m.; romance movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee social/”You Be the Judge,” 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; current events, 2 p.m.; night bingo, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Puzzler, 9:30 a.m.; bowling, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1 p.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; happy hour, 2 p.m.

Friday: Crafts, 9 to 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; mystery ride, 1 p.m.; throwaway bingo, 2 p.m.; activity council, 3 p.m.; comedy movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Room-to-room bingo/room visits, 9 a.m.; storytelling, 10 a.m.; geri-gym, 11 a.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.

Note: Valentine Ball dress and clothing selection in the skyway throughout the week.

ProMedica (formerly Manor Care)

Kingsford

906-774-4805

Limited visitation has resumed for family and friends. Appointments must be made in advance by calling the center.

Maryhill Manor

Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Church services are five days each week. Note that scheduled visits are in the front living room or outdoors and are by appointment only. Daily scheduled activities continue to be for residents only.

Sunday: Rosary, 8:30 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 9 a.m.; coffee and short stories, 10:15 a.m.; movie and popcorn, 2 p.m.; Protestant service, 2:30 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion, 8:30 a.m.; creative art 10:15 a.m.; pamper and polish, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion, 8:30 a.m.; hot cocoa and book club, 10:15 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion, 8:30 a.m.; Yahtzee, 10:15 a.m.; movie and popcorn, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary/communion, 8:30 a.m.; Uno, 10:15 a.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.

Friday: Bowling, 10:15 a.m.; happy hour with entertainment by Jim D., 2 p.m.

Saturday: Spelling bee, 10:15 a.m.; rummage bingo, 2 p.m.

Florence Health Services

(formerly Golden Living Center)

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

Visitation is allowed seven days a week in designated areas only. Each visit is limited to 30 minutes and must be scheduled in advance. All visitors will be subject to health screening before entering the facility. There are no group activities at the present time.

Victorian Pines

Iron Mountain

906-774-5158

Sunday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Monday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; left-center-right, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; Lutheran Bible study, 1 p.m.; trivia, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Friday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; tenant meeting, 1:30 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Saturday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; movie and popcorn, 2 p.m.

Pinecrest Medical Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

Sunday: Karaoke, 10:30 a.m.; cribbage, 2 p.m.

Monday: Coffee social, 10 a.m.; happy hour, 2 p.m.; bunco, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Scattegories, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; room visits, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Painting, 10:30 a.m.; spa treatments, 2 p.m.; baking group, 3:30 p.m.

Thursday: Exercise, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Friday: Yahtzee, 10:30 a.m.; Catholic Mass (multipurpose room), 2 p.m.; games, 3:30 p.m.; life stories, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Trivia, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; room visits, 3:30 p.m.

SENIOR CENTERS

Alpha-Mastodon

Center

906-875-3315

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Now open for dine-in eating — serving at 11:30. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Chop suey, rice, Oriental vegetables and lettuce salad.

Wednesday: Barbecue pork, bun, baked beans and bean salad.

Thursday: Pasties, mixed vegetables and coleslaw.

Note: All meals include milk, bread and butter, fruit and dessert.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

Now open for dine-in eating — serving at noon. Night meals are on hold indefinitely. Carryout meals are available. Soup and salad bar are also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Salisbury steak.

Tuesday: Barbecue chicken, baked potatoes and chef choice vegetable.

Wednesday: Pork roast, mashed potatoes and corn.

Thursday: Shepherd’s pie.

Friday: Fish or grilled cheese sandwich, potato wedges and coleslaw.

Note: All meals served with a choice of skim milk or juice and fruit.

Crystal Falls Center

Head Cook: Sterling Peryam

Assistant Cook: Rocky Scarlassara

906-875-6709

The center is now open and is once again serving meals for dine-in or takeout – call the center by 1 p.m. to make reservations or to place your order. All food is purchased from local vendors. All dinners include salad bar, homemade desserts, coffee, tea, or milk. Salad bar begins at 4:30 p.m. and dinner is served at 5 p.m. Pickup for takeout meals is 4 p.m. — call ahead and leave a message with your phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only. Menu for the week — no information available.

Crystal Lake Center

Iron Mountain

906-774-2256

ext. 230 or 235.

Home delivered meals only — call to make arrangements. Menu for the week —

Monday: Cheeseburger, potato wedges and baked beans.

Tuesday: Spaghetti with meatballs, broccoli and breadstick.

Wednesday: Smothered chicken, mashed potatoes and winter blend vegetables.

Thursday: Chef salad with dressing, dinner roll and yogurt.

Friday: Baked fish, green beans, tartar sauce and coleslaw.

Note: All meals include a choice of skim milk, juice, or no beverage.

For more information, call Christine McMahon at 906-774-2256.

Felch Center

906-246-3559

Now open for dine-in eating — call for serving times. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Omelets, sausage and hashbrowns.

Tuesday: Salmon, baked potato, peas and coleslaw.

Wednesday: Pork roast, mashed potatoes and gravy and winter blend vegetables.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Aging and Disability

Resource Center of

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Restrictions have lifted at some centers — see below. Menu for the week —

Monday: Chicken pot pie, broccoli and fruit.

Tuesday: Mushroom Swiss burger, sweet potato fries, baked beans and fruit.

Wednesday: Pasty, coleslaw, fruit and cookies.

Thursday: Homemade pizza, dark green salad and fruit.

Friday: Baked chicken, rice pilaf, green beans and fruit.

Note: All meals served with whole grain bread, butter and milk.

Fence Center/Town Hall

715-336-2980 — RSVP for meal at 855-528-2372

Same as ADRC menu, served at noon on Wednesday only.

Florence Community Center/Town Hall

RSVP for meal at 715-528-4261

Same as ADRC menu. Now open, served at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday.

Tipler Town Hall

RSVP for meals at 715-674-2320

Same as ADRC menu, served at noon on second Thursday only.

Hillcrest Senior Dining Center, Aurora

RSVP for meals at 715-589-4491

Same as ADRC menu. Now open, served at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday.

Hermansville Center

Coordinator: Barb Peters

906-498-7735

Now open – information coming soon.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Now open for dine-in eating — serving at 11 a.m. — salad bar available. No night meals. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes and corn.

Tuesday: Tuna casserole, peas and carrots and dinner roll.

Wednesday: Sloppy Joes, potato wedges and broccoli.

Thursday: Chicken Alfredo, noodles, California blend vegetables and breadstick.

All meals served with milk or juice and a serving of fruit.

Niagara Senior

Center/Café

715-251-1603

Now open for dine-in eating — dinner is served at 11:00 a.m. Monday through Thursday. Reservations are required one day in advance. Suggested donation is $4.50 for those over 60 and $7.00 for those age 60 or under. Bingo played on Wednesdays. Transportation is available.

Monday: Sausage and cheese pizza, dark greens salad, Mandarin oranges and vanilla pudding.

Tuesday: Pork roast, mashed potatoes with gravy, broccoli and spice cake.

Wednesday: Chicken breast Alfredo, noodles, mixed vegetables, mixed fruit, breadstick and cookies.

Thursday: Sloppy Joe, potato wedges, baked beans and cupcake.

Norway Center

Director:

Michelle DeSimone

906-563-8716

Now open for dine-in eating served restaurant style beginning at 11:15 a.m. Salad bar available from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Takeout meals will remain available for pick-up from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Let staff know if you are dining in or picking up. Menu for the week —

Monday: Barbecue chicken, coleslaw and potato wedges.

Tuesday: Beef stroganoff, egg noodles and peas.

Wednesday: BLT wrap, sweet potato fries and sugar snap peas.

Thursday: Sweet and sour chicken, rice and stir fry vegetables.

All meals include milk, juice, fruit, bread and dessert.

Sagola Center

906-542-3273

Now open for dine-in eating — call for serving times. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn and fruit.

Wednesday: Italian sausage sandwich, coleslaw and fruit.

Thursday: Roast turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, peas and fruit.

All meals served with an option of milk, juice or no beverage.