Emergency Preparedness & Public Safety By NEIL KENNEDY
Scams and how to protect yourself As technology has advanced, so have the tactics of fraudsters. While scams can affect anyone, seniors
KENNEDY are particularly vulnerable to these deceptive practices. Scammers often target older adults, exploiting their trust, unfamiliarity with modern technology or isolation. However, understanding the types of scams and how to protect oneself can greatly reduce the risk of falling victim to these crimes.
Types of scams
■ Scams can take many forms and they often involve fraudsters pretending to be trustworthy individuals or organizations. Here are some common scams:
■ Phishing scams: Fraudulent emails or phone calls from people pretending to be from legitimate organizations like banks or government agencies. These scams often ask for personal information or prompt the senior to click on a link that can install malware on their computer.
■ Investment scams: Fraudulent opportunities, such as“ too good to be true” investments, that promise high returns with little or no risk. These scams can lead seniors to invest large sums of money in non-existent businesses or fake schemes.
■ Tech support scams: Fraudsters may call you, pretending to be from companies
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like Microsoft or Apple, claiming that your computer has a virus or security issue. They may offer to“ fix” the problem for a fee or ask for remote access to your computer, enabling them to steal personal data.
■ Romance scams: Scammers may create fake online profiles, build relationships with you over time and then eventually ask for money, claiming an emergency or financial need. These scams often target seniors who may be lonely or seeking companionship.
■ Lottery or prize scams: In these scams, you’ ll receive a message or call claiming that they’ ve won a large sum of money, but you must pay a fee or provide bank account details to claim their prize. In reality, the scammer is only interested in stealing the victim’ s money.
■ Medicare scams: Fraudsters posing as Medicare representatives may call or email seniors to ask for personal details, including their Medicare number, to“ update their records.” The goal is to steal the senior’ s healthcare benefits or commit identity theft.
How you can protect yourself
While scams can be hard to detect, you can take several steps to protect yourself from becoming a victim of fraud.
1. Be skeptical of any unsolicited communication
You should be cautious when receiving unsolicited calls, emails or messages from unknown individuals or organizations. Legitimate companies will never ask for personal or financial information through these channels. If you didn’ t initiate contact, it’ s best to ignore or block the message.
2. Use strong passwords and secure devices
If you’ re using the internet, make sure to protect your accounts with strong, unique passwords. Seniors should also ensure that their computers and
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smartphones have up-to-date security software to prevent malware and viruses. Enable two-factor authentication on important accounts whenever possible.
3. Never give out personal information
You should avoid giving out personal information, such as Social Security numbers, bank account details or passwords, to anyone over the phone, email or online unless you are certain of the recipient’ s identity. If in doubt, it’ s always better to hang up and call the organization directly using a verified phone number.
4. Consult family and trusted advisors
Before making significant financial decisions or investments, you should consult with a trusted family member, friend or financial advisor. This can help avoid high-pressure situations where fraudsters might try to push for immediate action. Check the ftc. gov / scams website for information on known scams. Register for the consumer alerts to have new information emailed to you. 5. Report suspected scams If you think you’ ve been targeted by a scam, it’ s crucial to report it to the authorities. You can contact the Federal Trade Commission( FTC) at https:// reportfraud. ftc. gov / or the Oregon Attorney General’ s Consumer Protection office( 877-877-9392).
By recognizing common warning signs and taking proactive steps to protect yourself, you can significantly reduce your risk. Building awareness, fostering communication with trusted family members and remaining vigilant when it comes to unsolicited offers or requests for personal information can go a long way in keeping you safe from scams. The more informed and cautious one is, the less likely they are to fall prey to fraud.
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Sports Center By STEVE RYAN, SPORTS CENTER LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
In remembrance of Beth Ryan Beth Ryan passed away on February 26, 2025. That day, we lost a very special person, way too early. Beth was born on March 27, 1949 in Fargo, North Dakota. Her family moved to Hubbard, Oregon in 1958. They lived on a 12-acre Christmas tree and chicken farm, just outside of Hubbard,
where they hatched, raised chickens plus raised and sold Christmas trees for many years.
Beth Ryan
COURTESY PHOTO
Beth met her future husband, Steve Ryan, at Hubbard Junior High School. Their friendship and love grew through high school and beyond and they were married on May 20, 1972. Beth worked for the Canby telephone association, before having children. In September 1976 they moved to Charbonneau.
Beth loved her children and her husband, but Beth also loved tennis and pickleball. Beth was one of the founding members of the Charbonneau Tennis Club, along with her husband, Steve. They played tennis with friends for over 45 years. She was also an active USTA member, playing with Charbonneau tennis teams for over 30 years.
Beth is survived by her husband and three wonderful daughters, Tiffany Hurwitz, Heidi Nutt and Coree Ryan plus three grandchildren. Being in the Charbonneau community for close to 50 years, Beth has an enormous group of friends that will miss her but will continue to love her in memory. She will be remembered through her three beautiful daughters especially. They inherited her beautiful smile and positive personality. Her husband Steve, who she has known for over 60 years and married for 52, will have a hole in his heart, but, with friends and the support of the Charbonneau community, hopefully will heal over time.
If you would like to try pickleball and / or tennis, please join us at our next resident, nonmember clinics on April 12. Pickleball will start at 11:30 a. m. and tennis at 1 p. m. on courts 3 and 4. We hope to see you there.
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