Dear Readers: It seems scammers never rest; they just keep targeting people who are trusting. One of the fastest growing scams is the Social Security scam. You might get a call from some stranger who tells you that your account has been suspended. They will then give you a fake number to call so you can resolve this issue. Hang up immediately and don’t call any number they give you. They want to get as much information as they can so they will be able to steal your identity, get into your bank account and/or steal your Social Security checks. This scam is growing, so be on the alert. If you have not received your Social Security check as usual, contact the Social Security Administration (www.ssa.gov) or call 1-800-772-1213 as soon as possible. — Heloise

SEND A GREAT HINT TO:

Heloise

P.O. Box 795001

San Antonio, TX 78279-5001

Fax: 1-210-HELOISE

Email: Heloise@Heloise.com

EYEGLASSES

Dear Heloise: Many times, people will throw out their old glasses if they are broken or if they need to get a new pair for whatever reason. Please ask your readers to stop and remember that the Lions Club International can use those glasses. They need all types of glasses, both prescription and non-prescription. Volunteers will collect, clean and catalog the glasses, after which they are often sent to various cities and developing countries for people who cannot afford to buy glasses.

Many optometrists’ offices have a collection box to make donating your glasses easy. For more information go to www.lionsclub.org. The gift of clear sight is a wonderful and generous thing to give another person. — Preston in Minnesota

FLIP-FLOPS

Dear Heloise: My son came home from camp two weeks ago with athlete’s foot. Athlete’s foot thrives in warm, moist places such as a shower, and it’s contagious. In the future, my son will wear flip-flops in the shower at camp as a way to help prevent picking up this very uncomfortable, very itchy fungus. I felt this might help others who use communal showers. — Rose in Nebraska

FOSTERING

Dear Heloise: In this time when we’re all staying at home more, many animal shelters need people who will foster homeless cats or dogs. Most shelters are operating with a smaller than usual staff (who usually foster animals besides working at the shelter), and they need kind-hearted folks who’ll volunteer to love and care for a foster cat or dog. If you have the room and are willing to take in just one animal, then please contact a local shelter and help care for a sweet little pet. — Georgia in Texas

Georgia, thanks for the reminder that the need is greater at this time for both volunteering at shelters and fostering. Now is also a good time to consider giving a permanent home to a cat or dog in need of a family. If each of us would do our part to volunteer, foster or adopt a homeless animal, especially during these difficult days, our homes would be happier and our hearts would be lighter. — Heloise