NIAGARA, Wis. — Hello everyone! I am back this week after getting our home computer hacked once again. This particular incident was a bit different than the last time — which occurred in January of 2022 — so I wanted to tell the story in the hopes of sparing you the same situation. While the goal of the hackers is always the same — to scare you into trusting them so they can steal from you — the various approaches used are slightly different. I am going to start with a look back so you can learn from their similarities.

In January of 2022, I found an email notice 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 $260. 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 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 there was a procedure that could be followed to recoup the money. Wait and do nothing? That is not my nature.

So, control freak that I am, I called the toll-free number on the invoice. It was the beginning of a perfect storm. A young man asked me a number of questions as he began walking me through the steps that would allow him to refund me the money for the subscription I did not want. 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 remembered an article I had just read about this very topic and how scammers win when their victims become emotional. I also realized 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 hung up immediately before completing the process through which he was leading me. We took our computer in for service, and sure enough, a viewer had been installed. Had I done any online banking, they would have had access to my accounts.

About a year later, I made the mistake of clicking on an internet link to an article about Tom Selleck leaving the TV show “Blue Bloods.” We watch that show, and I was disappointed. It became a “news” article about how he had decided to go into selling dietary supplements and featured the testimonials from many celebrities who had found them helpful … and I could get a free sample for only a $6 shipping fee. I fell for it. The next day, my checking account showed $300 had been deducted for this “free” product! I worked with the company and my credit union for almost six weeks to get my money back. In the meantime, a small $25 deduction had been made twice for an exercise video subscription that I had never ordered at all! I learned two lessons through this incident. First, never click on, or buy from, any internet pop-up ad, and never use a debit card to pay for anything online no matter how small the cost. I had to order a new debit card, and our checking account was frozen until the situation was corrected.

The most recent hacking incident happened to my husband. He had gone to a site to find free clip art to help him with a project. Suddenly the computer locked up completely, and an alarming notice filled the screen that said, “Danger! Your computer has been hacked. Call Microsoft immediately.” And it gave a toll-free number. My husband was suspicious but could not shut down the computer, so he called the number. He was talked through a number of steps, and all the while asked the “Microsoft employee” how he could be assured of his identity. And all the while the agent assured him and told him he would feel the same way. When the agent began asking about bank account information, my husband came and got me to talk to him.

I hate to admit this, but I followed his directions and actually began checking our online accounts “to be sure no unauthorized withdrawals had been made.” Throughout the phone call, he told me that this was important and had to be reported. I checked our credit union account and two credit cards, and then he asked me very specific questions about investments or crypto currency. What made me finally realize it was a hoax was that he gave me three questions that I had to ask the “next person to come on the line” and then the call would be forwarded back to him. This was the step I recognized from the January 2022 incident, and I hung up immediately. The reason for this final step is to get your voice recorded. With your voice, the hackers can now use AI to quite literally put words in your mouth so they can make it sound like your authorization.

After engaging in this process for this long, we could “miraculously” operate our computer so l could shut everything down. The phone rang immediately, and I took it off the hook and hung it up. Then I left it off the hook for several minutes to avoid any further contact. I immediately had our checking account frozen along with the two credit cards that I had viewed while on the line with the hacker. My husband took our computer in for servicing, and once again a data viewer had been implanted. We had everything cleaned out and stronger virus protection installed.

I had coffee recently with a friend. As I shared this most recent hacking episode, she shared with me a very similar story. A very nice young man contacted her from Microsoft and began talking her through an extended list of computer checks to perform in order to “fix” her computer from what hackers had recently done to it. Since Microsoft could take no payment for their “services,” they would accept a gift card in payment and proceeded to give her directions for that process. She soon ended the conversation, and her computer is still getting cleaned up. Sadly, she is out the value of the “gift” card payment because she had authorized it.

It is human nature to feel very stupid after getting taken by these scammers. We know we have reached an age where we should be able to rely on our experience to tell us that something is not right. We ask ourselves, “Why did I not realize what was happening?” We wonder if anyone else has been so gullible. And we kick ourselves as we work through the hassle that has been created in our lives.

There are reasons why our age group is being targeted by these scammers. First, we did not grow up with computers. Most of us did not encounter personal computers until we received them through our employers and learned them on the job. Then there was a group of IT experts who could be summoned with a phone call to help us through any problem. We simply have not lived with this technology long enough to recognize what is happening until it is often too late. Second, when we are “in the moment” and our computer flashes that scary hacking message, it is very easy to panic. Our emotions naturally kick in, and we really want to believe that there is someone who can make it all better right away. Third, we are an age group that is likely to have accumulated a bit of retirement savings and would make a lucrative “catch” for a scammer. Finally, the hackers have been trained, and they have learned their lessons well. Notice how calm they are and how reassuring their voice tones are. They seem to be giving us what we need in the moment — knowledge and reassurance. It is a practiced skill.

Next week I will offer some tips on how to recognize the various hacking attempts and what to do to avoid being fooled by these “nice young men” on the other end of that phone call.

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NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

Group activities are ongoing — they welcome anyone who would like to entertain residents.

Volunteers are also needed to help with crafts and other activities.

Sunday: Church on TV/Resident choice, 10 a.m.; what’s the difference? 6 p.m.

Monday: Rosary, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; room visits, 1:30 p.m.; coffee time, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Tapping to the beat, 10 a.m.; YouTube,10:30 a.m.; book club, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Uno, 10 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; decorating for tomorrow, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: All-day travel to Hawaii.

Friday: Nail day, 10 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; bingo 1:30 p.m.

Saturday: Throw darts, 10 a.m.; resident choice, 1 p.m.; check out the game room, 6 p.m.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; you be the judge, 10 a.m.; chair exercise, 11 a.m.; afternoon matinee with popcorn, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Cooking/DT luncheon/exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Sunshine Club, 2:30 p.m.; bonfire, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Just friends, 9 a.m.; book club, 10 a.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; garden club/current events, 2 p.m.; comedy movie, 6 p.m.; Rhinelander Goodwill.

Wednesday: Coffee social; Animal Kingdom; exercise; monthly birthday with Bob Larson.

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

Friday: Crafts, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; activity council, 3 p.m.; musical movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Room-to-room bingo/high rollers, 10 a.m.; geri-gym, 11 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.; classic movie, 6 p.m.

Optalis Healthcare

(formerly Manor Care/ProMedica)

Kingsford

906-774-4805

Sunday: Yahtzee, 9 a.m.; manicures, 10:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; “Jeopardy,” 1 p.m.

Monday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; chair yoga, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Leisure cart, 9 a.m.; devotional, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Flip-o, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; patio painting, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; stretch it out, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; birthday party, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Chips and chatter, 9 a.m.; reminiscing, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Morning mixer, 9:30 a.m.; balloon ball, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Flip-o, 1 p.m.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Sunday: Coffee and trivia, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; rummage bingo, 2 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; exercise — sit and stretch, 10 a.m.; courtyard cabana — ice cream soda, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; Protestant service, 10 a.m.; yard Yahtzee, 10:30 a.m.; bocce ball, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; parachute, 10 a.m.; court yard cabana — beach bash, 2 p.m.; evening prayer, 5 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 9:30 a.m.; pamper and polish, 10 a.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.; Bible study, 3 p.m.

Friday: Silly Crafters — suncatchers, 10 a.m.; happy hour, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Morning mingle/spelling bee, 10 a.m.; Courtyard Cabana — ice cream, 2 p.m.

Florence Health Services

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

No group activities are scheduled at this time.

Victorian Pines

Iron Mountain

774-5158

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

Monday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 2:30 p.m.

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

Wednesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 2:30 p.m.

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

Friday: Juice time, 10; exercise, 11 a.m.; music with Crystal Hogan, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 2:30 p.m.

Saturday: Juice time, 10 a.m.

Pinecrest Medical

Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

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

Monday: Float decorating, 10:30 a.m.; movie, 2 p.m.; social circle, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Float decorating, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; social circle, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Float decorating, 10 a.m.; social circle, 2 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Float decorating, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; reminiscing, 6 p.m.

Friday: Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; karaoke, 2 p.m.; social circle, 3:30 p.m.; crossword puzzles, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Bingo, 2 p.m.

SENIOR CENTERS

Alpha-Mastodon Center

906-875-3315

The center at 415 Main St. is open four days a week, serving soup and sandwich meal from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, fish fries from 4 to 7 p.m. Fridays, pizzas from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday and dinner from 2 to 3 p.m. Sundays.

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Their new cook prepares meals on site.

Tuesday: Hamburger, mashed potatoes and gravy and vegetable.

Wednesday: Bacon-lettuce-tomato wrap, pasta salad and fruit.

Thursday: Chicken stir fry over rice and salad.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

Dine-in eating Monday through Thursday, serving at noon. Friday and night meals are on hold indefinitely. Carryout meals are available. Soup and salad bar are also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Open-face shredded chicken, cheesy potatoes and mixed vegetables.

Tuesday: Cheeseburger, potatoes and baked beans.

Wednesday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes and peas.

Thursday: Pork chops, sauerkraut, dumplings, gravy and peas.

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

Crystal Falls Center

Head Cook: Sterling Peryam

Assistant Cook: Bitsy Peryam

906-875-6709

The center serves meals for dine-in or takeout — call the center by 1 p.m. to make reservations or to place an order. All food is purchased from local vendors. All dinners include warm vegetables, salad bar, soup, 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 phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only. Menu for the week —

Monday: Spaghetti with meat sauce, noodles and garlic bread.

Tuesday: Chicken pot pie with biscuit topping.

Wednesday: Swedish meatballs and mashed potatoes.

DISCA home-delivered meals in Crystal Falls —

Monday: Sloppy Joe, corn and applesauce.

Tuesday: Egg McMuffin, seasoned potatoes and cranberries.

Wednesday: Mushroom Swiss burger, tater tots and California blend vegetables.

Thursday: Meatballs and red sauce, gnocchi and peas.

Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency

DICSA

Iron Mountain

906-774-2256, ext. 230 or 235

This is a Meals on Wheels program only. Home-delivered meals only — call to make arrangements. Menu for the week —

Monday: Sloppy Joe, corn and applesauce.

Tuesday: Egg McMuffin, seasoned potatoes and cranberries.

Wednesday: Mushroom Swiss burger, tater tots and California blend vegetables.

Thursday: Meatballs and red sauce, gnocchi and peas.

Friday: Chicken salad sandwich, beet salad and fruit cup.

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

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

Crystal Lake Center

Iron Mountain

906-828-1776

Schedule for the week:

Monday: Les Artistes’ art club, noon to 4 p.m.; woodcarvers, starting at 9 a.m.

Tuesday: Cards — Pinochle and cribbage, noon to 4 p.m.

Wednesday: Bingo, 1 to 3 p.m., cards cost 25 cents with 10 games played; Happy Quilters, 1 to 3 p.m.

Thursday: Spinning Spools quilting, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.;

Friday: Cards — Smear, noon to 4 p.m.

Felch Center

906-246-3559

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

Monday: Stuffed shell, corn and breadsticks.

Tuesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy and winter blend vegetables.

Wednesday: Turkey stuffing wrap, chips and three-bean salad.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: Sloppy Joe, corn and applesauce.

Tuesday: Egg McMuffin, seasoned potatoes and cranberries.

Wednesday: Mushroom Swiss burger, tater tots and California blend vegetables.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

ADRC

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Menu for the week —

Monday: Liver and onions or chicken breast, mashed potatoes, creamed peas and fruit.

Tuesday: Pulled pork on a bun, potato salad, baked beans and fruit.

Wednesday: Ravioli with meat sauce, spinach and strawberry salad, garlic bread, fruit and cookies.

Thursday: Meatloaf, baked potatoes, squash and fruit.

Friday: Hamburger stroganoff over noodles, side salad, carrots 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 Wednesdays only.

Florence Community Center/Town Hall

RSVP for meal at 715-528-4261

Same as ADRC menu. Open Monday through Thursday, serving at 11:30 a.m.

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

Center is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Meals are served through the Menominee-Delta-Schoolcraft Community Action Agency in Escanaba. Meals On Wheels program is available for those who are homebound.

Monday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, wax beans, fruit pudding and whole wheat bread.

Tuesday: Dinner frank, hot dog bun, carrots, corn on the cob and watermelon.

Wednesday: Barbecue chicken, baked potato, mixed vegetables, lemon blue dessert and dinner roll.

Thursday: Swedish meatballs over noodles, beets, green beans and fresh fruit.

Friday: Fish sandwich, hamburger bun, oven potatoes, winter blend vegetables and fruit cup.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Now open for dine-in eating, serving at 11 a.m. Salad bar is available. No night meals. Carryout meals also are available.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Coney dog, fries and corn.

Tuesday: Chicken marinara, Italian vegetables and breadstick.

Wednesday: Chef salad, cottage cheese and boiled egg.

Thursday: Roast beef, cheesy rice and broccoli.

Niagara Senior Center/Café

715-251-1603

The center is open, and dinner is served at noon on Monday through Thursday. Reservations are required one day in advance. Suggested donation is $5 for those older than 60 and $7 for 60 and younger. Bingo played on most Wednesdays. Transportation is available.

Monday: Grilled chicken with sauce, linguine noodles, broccoli, dinner roll and scotcheroos.

Tuesday: Ham salad sandwich, tomato basil soup, fruit and chocolate dessert.

Wednesday: Kielbasa, parsley potatoes, baked beans and fresh fruit salad.

Thursday: Swedish meatballs, noodles, gravy, succotash blend and pie.

Come to the center for bingo on Wednesday.

Norway Center

Director: Joyce Olesky

Head Cook: Brian Gutkowski

906-563-8716

Open for dine-in eating beginning at 11:15 a.m. Salad bar available from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Takeout meals will remain available from 11 to 11:30 a.m. — let staff know if planning to dine in or pick up. Menu for the week —

Monday: Roast beef over bread, mashed potatoes and gravy and vegetable.

Tuesday: Fish patty on a bun, macaroni and cheese and vegetable.

Wednesday: Liver or burger with onions, mashed potatoes and gravy and vegetable.

Thursday: Lasagna, breadstick/garlic bread and vegetable.

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

Center activity schedule:

Mondays and Thursdays — Exercise at 10 a.m. and card bingo after the meal.

Monday through Thursday — Card game 101 from noon to 3 p.m. — call Joe at 906-563-5587 for information.

Tuesdays — Quilting and sewing.

Wednesdays — Ceramics and crocheting.

Last Monday of each month — Book club at 9 a.m.

Second Thursday of each month — Birthdays and bingo.

Sagola Center

906-542-3273

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

Tuesday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes and corn.

Wednesday: Pulled pork sandwich, boiled potatoes and carrots.

Thursday: Chicken Alfredo, buttered noodles and broccoli.

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

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: Sloppy Joe, corn and applesauce.

Tuesday: Egg McMuffin, seasoned potatoes and cranberries.

Wednesday: Mushroom Swiss burger, tater tots and California blend vegetables.