MSP trooper presents scam program to Golden K
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KINGSFORD -- There's a stirring of fallen leaves in the wooded areas lately. November has arrived bringing an anxious movement among camp sites. Traffic increases in and out of grocery stores and gas stations as camouflaged silhouettes prepare for the next adventure on the calendar. Hunting season is about to explode onto the scene.
Most of the Golden K seniors have great memories of hunting seasons past. For now, they are satisfied with Monday morning meetings to share stories. Judy Sielaff brings the club together with the opening ceremonies. The Welcome song greeted Michigan State PoliceTrooper Geno Basanese as guest speaker and Crystal Hogan as special presenter.
Sarah Gospodarek took home the winnings from the 50-50 drawing. Happy Dollars included sports updates on wins for Michigan Tech University, Kingsford and the Detroit Lions.
Golden K took a moment to sing "Auld Lang Syne" for beloved longtime member Sharon Scholke as they send condolences to her family.
Crystal Hogan informed the group of changes that will be implemented on ordering tickets on the upcoming Community Chorus Christmas Program. The concert is scheduled for Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 at the Kingsford High School auditorium. Tickets will be available online this year and information can be found on their website.
Michigan State Trooper Geno Basanese has been a familiar face at the Golden K. He brings the seniors information and guidance on recent scams locally and globally.
Developments in technological knowledge are being used for beneficial purposes, but also for subterfuge. The more high tech we become, the more scams appear on our computers and phones -- sometimes even through the mail.
Asking you to purchase gift cards is a common method used to get your money. Basanese stressed the importance of being alert to all requests that are not familiar to you. Be especially wary of those that ask for an urgent response. Phone scams can be extremely misleading and convincing. There are times when people let their guard down and answer a call or give information to a fake site.
Calls can be threatening or inviting and full of promises. Common methods include offering a gift, a sympathetic ear or even suggesting you made a fabricated charge. The best advise is don't respond. Don't click on anything. Hang up and call the number that you are sure connects to accounts you own. If you need assistance, Geno advises taking the information to local or Michigan State Police. They track and monitor scams and try to minimize their vulnerability.
Many scams go unreported. People are embarrassed or ashamed at being mislead. In today's world, it happens all too often. Let others know about questionable calls.
If you do get scammed, report it to the police. Keeping track of scams can help get the word out and prevent others from making the same mistake.
Scammers may try to catch you off guard and make it seems like an emergency. They have been know to pose as utility companies and threaten closures or shutoffs. A recent trend is to just say hello or send a text asking for a fictitious name. When you reply to correct them, they have you. Block, hang up, delete and be safe.
Check your bank and credit statements and report discrepancies. It's challenging times, so let's all be diligent and meet the challenge.
The Golden K will meet at 10 a.m. Monday at the First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford for next week's program, coffee and doughnuts.