INTERNET SCAMS TO LOOK OUT FOR

When you are tempted to say, Hello, fall plan also to say, Hello, flu shot. When fall is in the air, so are influenza and other viruses. The 20232024 flu season in the United States was characterized by elevated activity. Some estimates for the season include up to 65 million flu illnesses, 30 million flu medical visits, 830,000 flu hospitalizations and 72,000 flu deaths. Despite this impact, data indicates only 53.9% of U.S. children and 48.5% of U.S. adults received a flu vaccine during the most recent flu season. Imagine what the flu season statistics would be if getting an annual flu shot was as popular as pumpkin spice! We recommend you get the updated flu vaccine annually by the end of October to ensure the best coverage during the peak of the flu season, which starts to ramp up in October, peaks between December and February and fades in the spring. Receiving the flu shot in the fall also helps provide protection through the holidays, when people often gather and travel. Annual flu vaccines are especially important for those over the age of 65, who are at greater risk of developing serious illness from the flu due to age-related changes in immunity. Between 70 and 85% of all flu-related deaths occur in people 65 years and older and 50 to 70% of seasonal flu hospitalizations are in this age group. Since immunity from annual flu shots lasts about six monthsenough to cover the peak of the flu seasonand the flu strains the shot targets each season are different, its important to make your flu shot an annual tradition. The shots work by stimulating your body to produce protective antibodies within about two weeks. Since the flu vaccines first civilian use in 1945, the vaccines have been made from dead, or inactive strains of the flu, so its impossible to get sickened by the flu from vaccines. Its not the shot, but the creation of antibodies that can result in some side effects, which many mistake for flu-like symptoms. Really, any side effects, like briefly not feeling well, are signs the vaccine is working. Side effects can include soreness at the injection site, headache, low fever or muscle aches. Some people have no reaction at all. Symptoms of being sick with the flu involve fever, chills, extreme fatigue, muscle aches and more for several days. Getting the vaccination can reduce the duration and severity of illness and the risk for hospitalization from influenza. Theres a bonus: getting vaccinated also helps protect other people, including those who are vulnerable to health complications from the flu, such as children, pregnant women and people with underlying illness, like cancer, COPD, diabetes, asthma and congestive heart failure. Potential complications related to the flu can be pneumonia, stroke and heart attack. Living in independent living, assisted living, nursing homes and other group living also puts people at risk, because flu and other communicable diseases can spread more rapidly. Another vaccination recommended in the fall is for respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, particularly for adults aged 75 and older and for adults 60 to 74 who are at higher risk for severe RSV. That includes adults with heart or lung disease, weakened immune systems such as from cancer, or other underlying conditions including severe obesity and diabetes. RSV is a common respiratory virus that causes mild, cold-like symptoms. It can be dangerous for some infants and young children, as well as older adults. Symptoms of severe RSV include: fever, severe cough, wheezing, rapid or difficulty breathing, and bluish skin tone due to lack of oxygen. Like other respiratory infections, a cough or sneeze can easily spread RSV. People are typically contagious for up to eight days, but some people can be contagious for as long as four weeks, even after they stop having symptoms. Older adults only need to get an RSV shot once. Getting flu and RSV shots is easyand you can get them at the same timewith many pharmacies offering walk-in shots. Healthcare Network has walk-in Convenient Care open Thursday to Saturday until 7 p.m. for preventative services, as well as diagnosis and treatment of minor illnesses. If you havent gotten your shots yet, there is still time to celebrate fall with immunizations. Afterwards, you may even want to treat yourself for being proactive with a pumpkin spice latte.   About the Author Dr. Salvatore Anzalone, Vice President of Clinical Business Development at Healthcare Network, has been a board certified physician for over 35 years. Healthcare Network is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing quality healthcare that is accessible to everyone, regardless of employment, income, or insurance status. For more information about services, visit HealthcareSWFL.org or call 239-658-3000.

Scammers are increasingly adopting new methods to deceive unsuspecting victims, especially older adults. One of the latest threats is AI-generated voice fraud, also known as vishing (voice phishing). These scams use sophisticated AI technology to create highly realistic voices that mimic trusted individuals or organizations.Lets talk about what you should do if you receive such a call and how to protect your sensitive information.Understanding AI-Generated Voice FraudAs mentioned, scammers perform AI-generated voice fraud using synthetic voices that sound convincingly like a family member, friend, or legitimate entity such as a bank or government agency. These calls can be exceptionally persuasive and dangerous since the synthetic voices replicate the speech patterns and tone of the impersonated individuals. Additionally, fraudsters can manipulate caller ID to make it look like the call is coming from a trusted source when it is not.Common Tactics Used in AI-Generated Fraud CallsBe on alert for the following AI-generated fraud calls:Impersonation of Family Members: Scammers may claim to be a relative in urgent need of money due to an emergency. The voice will sound distressingly familiar, making it easy to fall for the ploy.Bank Representative Scams: Fraudsters impersonate bank representatives, asking for account details or prompting money transfers to secure accounts.Tech Support Scams: Callers pose as tech support from reputable companies, convincing victims to grant remote access to their computers or pay for unnecessary services.Government Agency Impersonation: They may mimic officials from agencies like the IRS or Social Security Administration, threatening legal action or demanding immediate payment of fines or taxes.Utility and Phone Company Scams: Fraudsters imitate representatives from utilities or phone companies, claiming issues with the account and requesting payment or personal details to resolve them.Steps to Take If You Receive a Suspicious CallSo, what should you do if you receive such calls that are highly convincing? Here are some essential steps to take:Stay Calm and Dont Panic: Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure you into making quick decisions.Verify the Callers Identity: If the caller claims to be a family member, ask specific questions only that person would know. If the caller claims to be from a legitimate organization, hang up and call the organizations official number to verify.Never Share Personal Information: Legitimate entities like the bank or the government will never ask for sensitive information over the phone. Do not provide personal, financial, or account details to the caller.Report the Call: Report the incident to your bank, local authorities, or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This helps to alert others and potentially track down the scammers.Educate Yourself and Others: Stay informed about the latest scam tactics and share this information with friends and family. Awareness is a key defense against fraud.If you need assistance or have concerns about potential scams, dont hesitate to seek help. At The Oberon House in Arvada, CO, we prioritize the safety and security of our residents. Contact us today to ensure your loved ones are in a safe space 303-420-7258!

Online shopping has become a convenient way for seniors to purchase everything from groceries to gifts. However, with the rise in online transactions, theres also an increase in scams targeting older adults. These scams can lead to significant financial loss and personal information breaches.Heres how seniors can recognize these scams and shop online with confidence.Recognizing Common Online Shopping ScamsThe first step to avoiding online shopping scams is to be aware of them. Here are a few common ones: Phishing Scams: These involve fraudulent emails or messages that appear to be from legitimate companies and ask for personal or financial information. These emails often contain links to fake websites designed to steal sensitive data. Fake Online Stores: Scammers create fake websites resembling legitimate online stores to lure shoppers. These sites may offer products at unusually low prices or request personal information to complete a purchase. Auction Scams: Online auction scams involve sellers who promise goods at a bargain but deliver nothing or send counterfeit items. The payment is often requested via unconventional methods, which can be challenging to trace. Identity Theft: Fraudsters may use online shopping sites to collect personal information such as Social Security numbers, credit card details, or addresses, which they can then use for identity theft.Tips for Safe Online ShoppingHere are some practical tips for seniors to ensure a safe online shopping experience:Verify the WebsiteBefore making a purchase, verify if the website is legitimate. Look for indicators such as a secure connection (check for https in the URL), a physical address, and contact information. Avoid sites with poor design, numerous pop-ups, or spelling errors, which can be red flags for scams.Use Trusted RetailersShop from well-known and reputable retailers. Major retailers and established online stores have security measures to protect customer information. If unsure about a lesser-known site, research reviews and ratings before proceeding.Check for Reviews and RatingsReading reviews and ratings from other customers can help determine the reliability of a website or product. Look for reviews on independent platforms and avoid those that seem overly positive or generic.Protect Personal InformationShare personal or financial information only through secured channels or with familiar websites. Legitimate retailers will not ask for sensitive details via email or social media. Be cautious of requests for personal information or payment methods outside standard practices.Use Secure Payment MethodsUse secure payment methods such as credit cards or well-known payment services (e.g., PayPal) when making purchases. These methods offer fraud protection and can help resolve disputes if there are issues with the transaction.Monitor Your AccountsCheck your bank and credit card statements regularly for unauthorized transactions. Promptly report any suspicious activity to your bank to minimize potential damage.Keep Software UpdatedEnsure that your computer, smartphone, and security software are up-to-date. Regular updates help protect against malware, viruses, and other cyber threats that could compromise your personal information.Seek Help If NeededIf youre unsure about an online transaction or encounter a suspicious website, seek help from a trusted family member or friend. They can help verify the sites legitimacy or offer guidance on safe shopping practices.Online shopping can offer convenience and accessibility, but its important to remain vigilant amidst scams. At The Oberon House in Arvada, CO, were dedicated to helping our community navigate these challenges and ensuring secure and enjoyable experiences. Contact us today to learn more 303-420-7258.