Linden Woods Village

Americans lost $29.8 billion between 2020 and 2021 from phone scams. These threats are highly manipulative and make it impossible to recover your money. While these people can trick you into giving them your money, they cannot force you. But how do you know if someone is trying to scam you? Use this helpful guide the next time an unknown number calls you.Five Warning Signs of a Phone ScamThe ruse may change, but the purpose remains the samephone scammers want your money, and they are willing to say anything to get it. Since these scammers can make verbal threats, its essential you know what to expect from them and how you can report phone scams. Here are five straightforward ways to know when to hang up on a scammer.1. Prizes Dont ExistWhen we think of prizes, we think of an award or gift we receive after accomplishing something, and one of the most common phone scams is a promise of an award after payment. This request is a warning signno one pays for a real prize.2. No One Can Arrest YouFear-mongering is a scammers best friend. To get you to do what they want, a phone scammer will lie to you, threaten you, and promise your arrest. However, the police cant arrest you based on a phone call like this.3. You Have Time to ThinkLegitimate businesses will never pressure you to decide on the spot. Even if the calling company is the IRS or your credit card company, they will never request a final decision over the phone. However, spam calls pressure you to decide before you take the time to think about it.4. Never Pay with Cash or a Gift CardScammers know that a debit or credit card is traceable and that you can seek legitimate refunds for money lost. Scammers will request you to pay in cash, wire transfer, or with a gift card to avoid getting caught and stay anonymous. They want you to pay this way because there isnt a way to recoup your lost money, and it keeps them free from liability and tracking.5. Government Agencies Dont Use Phone Calls to Confirm Sensitive InformationOne of the most common ruses is the government agency front. If you receive a call from a specific agency asking about your sensitive information, hang up the phone immediately. A federal agency will never ask about your social security number, bank account numbers, or other private information over the phone.ConclusionAs technology develops and changes over time, so do the ploys for taking peoples money. When dealing with phone scammers, its always best not to answer a call from a number you dont recognize. However, that is not always possible to avoid unwanted calls, so make sure you know how to recognize phone scams and use caller id. When talking on the phone with a suspected phone scam, listen for clues about prizes, arrests, government entities seeking private information, and payment methods. The moment you notice one of these warning signs, hang up the phone and report them.

It happens every year. The days get shorter. The temperature drops. And cold weather chills our very bones. Even though we know exactly when to expect winter, it seems to surprise us every yearmaybe were willfully ignorant.Change up your routine this year. Dont let the cold weather keep you from having fun. There are plenty of fun indoor activities seniors can do during the cold winter months.Why Should Seniors Participate in Activities in the Winter?Its hard for everyone to stay active during the colder months. But its even worse for seniors, especially those with limited mobility. Activities are great for keeping busy when you cant go outside, but theres so much more to it.Seniors should participate in fun indoor activities in the winter to keep a sharp mind, improve their heart health, and better their mood. Plus, an active lifestyle in the winter means an active lifestyle in the spring and summer. And when seniors are active all year round, theyll live longer, healthier lives.Ten Activities for SeniorsStaying busy and having fun during the winter doesnt need to be hard. In fact, its not with the right plan and a few friends. Whether your senior is living in a senior living community or at home, here are our recommendations for healthy activities they can do during the winter.1. Book ClubFinding a group of people who love to read is the first step towards starting a book club. Best part is the group can meet regularly at a community or online and share their thoughts.2. PaintingA picture is worth a thousand words. Help a senior get their creativity out with a beautiful painting of a sunset or their favorite pet.3. Listen to a PodcastPodcasts are great for helping a seniors attention span and creativity. Help them find their favorite genres, like sports, politics, murder mysteries, or personal development.4. Cards and Board GamesCards and board games are a great way to bring people together and keep their mind sharp. We recommend Settlers of Catan, 42 (a domino game), and solitaire.5. Watch Old MoviesNothing brings back old memories like watching movies from your childhood.6. ExerciseExercise, solo or group, is a great way to get the blood flowing and muscle toned for a long, happy life.7. YogaYoga helps relieve stress, increases flexibility, and improves your moodwin-win-win for seniors!8. SwimmingNeed to take it easy on the joints? Try exercising in a pool or swimming.9. CookingCooking good food is a great way to maintain hand-eye coordination, memory, and a full belly!10. Indoor GardeningGet the herbs and small produce you need for cooking from an easy indoor garden.What Will You Do This Winter?Now is the perfect time to get productive and healthy. Any of these indoor activities are sure to bring a smile and some lasting memories.Did we miss an activity you love? Share it with us!