Article by Diane Kittelson, Pope County Senior Services Consultant/Coordinator

It seems like once a week we hear about new scams. The most recent notice from the Senior Linkage Line is about a Medicare Flex Card Scam. Some Medicare Advantage (Not Original Medicare) Plans offer prepaid debit cards (flex cards) to eligible members to cover some health-related expenses, which may include groceries. There is currently a scam that says Medicare is giving out flex cards worth several hundred dollars that users can apply toward food and other items. Unfortunately, this scam directs people to a website, where they are asked to provide personal information such as their Social Security Numbers, credit card numbers, Medicare numbers, date of birth,and/or back account information. If you have been approached with this scam it can be reported by calling the Senior Linkage Line at 800-333-2433. 

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS), Office of Inspector General is alerting the public to a fraud and scheme that uses social media and fake websites to steal money by offering fake HHS grants.

Scammers pretend to offer HHS grants, but ask for payment and personal information to receive the grants. They use social media platforms and chat applications to contact people and direct them to fake websites, online chats, and/or live customer support to gain access to personal or financial information. Below is some more information:

Do not pay to receive grants – HHS will never ask people to pay money to receive a grant. Scammers may ask people for gift cards or money to cover processing and/or delivery fees. Do not respond to, pay or share personal information with anyone contacting them via social media, email, etc. 

Do not share personal information – HHS does not message people through social media to begin a grant application. Scammers use these methods to gain people’s personal and/or financial information.

Do not be fooled by spoof websites – HHS websites always use a .gov domain. HHS does not use .org, .com or .us domains. These scams can be reported to the Senior Linkage Line too or by contacting the Federal Trade Commission at www.ReportFraud.ftc.gov. 

We will be hosting a virtual party where you can watch a presentation from The Better Business Bureau about Imposter Scams. Learn about Phone Banking Scams, IRS imposters, Emergency Scams, Favor for a Friend Scam, Tech Support Scams and learn more about the Better Business Bureau. There are two options to watch this: 1) A Virtual Watch Party will be held at Western Prairie Human Services. To reserve a seat call 320-424-0018. 2) If you have computer access and would like to access this from home you can get the link to register by emailing diane.kittelson@westernprairiemn.us.

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Save the date for the next Coffee with a Cop; 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at Glenwood Estates, 500 Franklin St. North. Here you can learn more about scams currently being reported in our communities and you get a chance to talk with local law enforcement about any other safety concerns for senior citizens. 

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Do you have concerns about falling? Western Prairie Human Services will be offering A Matter of Balance classes. These will begin on Monday, April 24, and held once a week for eight weeks. Each class will run about two  hours. Many older adults experience concerns about falling and restrict their activities. A Matter of Balance is an award-winning program designed to manage falls and increase activity levels. You will learn to view falls as controllable, set goals for increasing activity, make changes to reduce fall risks at home and exercise to increase strength and balance. These classes are for Senior Citizens who have fallen in the past and are concerned about falling again, those interested in improving balance, flexibility and strength and anyone who has restricted activities because of falling concerns. You must register for this class and there is limited seating. Please call Diane at 320-424-0018 to register or for more information.

Stay safe seniors!