Page 15 - Senior Times South Central Michigan June 2022 - 29-06

Senior Times - June 2022 Customer Service
Page 15
Number Scams
FOR A VIRTUAL TOUR VIST www.laurelsobedford.com
Protect yourself from tech support scams:
• Refer to contact information listed directly on the business's website, instead of relying on an internet search for support phone numbers (double check the URL) or use the phone number from the most recent or latest bill.
• Never allow a stranger remote access to the computer or mobile device if it has nothing to do with the reason you are calling technical support.
A MEDICARE RATED FIVE STAR FACILITY!
By: Katie Grevious, Communications Specialist, BBB
Many people are savvy enough to know that tech support scammers often reach out to potential victims by phone or with a popup. Even if the person takes a few minutes to look online for a number to reach popular streaming services and online shopping services such as Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon, or another type of online service for help, BBB advises to use caution. Scammers will post fake customer support num- bers online to fool callers into pur- chasing unrelated computer software or use a convincing script to remote access a device to cause all kinds of technical issues the user didn't need. Unfortunately, many large companies have been affected by this scam.
Your laptop or mobile device is acting up or a streaming service is freezing repeatedly. A quick search online reveals the customer support phone number, typically a toll-free number (1-888 or 1-844 number). Once dialed, a "representative" answers and with a few pieces of information provided, the "representative" declares that the account is compromised.
How the Scam Works:
• Avoid clicking on popup boxes or ads stating that something is wrong. If a popup doesn't seem to 'go away,' or is difficult to avoid, disconnect from the internet and Wi-Fi by shut- ting off the device immediately and restart it.
For referrals call us at 269.365.6366 879 E Michigan Ave, Marshall, MI 49068 www.MedilodgeofMarshall.com
or injury.
Let us help you piece together the puzzle after sudden illness
Recover. Rejuvenate . Revitalize . Return Home .
Skeptical? The "representative" reassures that they can provide proof that the account was hacked; however, they first need remote access to your device. By this time, the desire to get the account recovered and information back could be overshadowing the deci- sion to allow a complete stranger to remote access your personal computer or mobile device. Scam artists often will install malware that records pass- words, key strokes, or other files that contain personal information. According to BBB Scam Tracker reports, this scam is often used as a setup for selling expensive comput-
er security software, costing victims between $200 and $900. Unfortunately, it does nothing to fix things were never hacked in the first place.
or computer that was infected to a trusted local business and have it checked out.
• Install virus protection on your computer.
If you are a victim of a tech support scam:
• Contact the bank immediately to
report the incident and describe exact-
ly what happened.
• Take the laptop, tablet, mobile device,
• Remove any software that authorized remote access to the device.
• Change all of the passwords used to access bank accounts, social media, and other websites that contain per- sonal information.
• File a report with BBB Scam Tracker and with law enforcement authorities, such as the FTC.
For more information: If you’ve been targeted by this scam, help others avoid the same problem by reporting your experience on BBB Scam Tracker at https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker.
Many tech support scams use sim- ilar techniques; see BBB.org/techsup- portscam for more advice or check out the BBB scam news feed at https:// www.bbb.org/us/news/scams.
★★★★★
We Provide Top
Quality Nursing
Care & Therapy!
SERVICES WE PROVIDE
• Skilled Nursing Care • Respite Care
• Palliative Care
• Wound Care
• Short-Term Rehab
• Outpatient Rehab
• Stroke Rehab
• Joint Replacement Rehab
(269) 968-2296 • www.laurelsofbedford.com
270 NORTH BEDFORD ROAD • BATTLE CREEK, MI 49037
Empowering Lives, Guiding Futures
Here to Help with life’s challenges
Guardian Finance and Advocacy Services (Guardian) has been a trusted service provider in Southwest Michigan since 1966. As a 501( c )3 nonprofit corporation, our professional and compassionate staff provides a complete network of public fiduciary services to improve the lives of more than 1,200 clients each year.
Our core business has historically been in the court-appointed services of guardian- ship and conservatorship, though we also serve as representative payee, by appoint- ment of the Social Security Administration, andVA fiduciary, by appointment of the Veterans Administration.
Money Management Trust Management VA Fiduciary Guardianship
We are seeking to grow our services for the general public.These include trust management, financial power of attorney agreements, and money management programs, preventive offerings that can help people remain independent, avoid financial crisis, and prevent the need for court intervention.
We are a social enterprise driven by our nonprofit mission, and simultaneously working to maintain our successful business. Our services are supported
by client fees that are necessary to cover service costs, and our fee schedule is adjusted to accommodate each client’s ability to pay.
• Financial Power of Attorney • Special Needs Trust
• Representative Payee
• Conservatorship
Call for Help with Income Tax Preparation
Visit our website for more information www.yourguardian.org
693 Capital Ave. SW, Unit #3 Battle Creek, MI 49015
269-963-3253
Legal Advice
for Seniors
By: Anna Moss, Managing Attorney
The Legal Services of South Central Michigan-Battle Creek office will conduct interviews for legal advice and possible representation, without charge, to interested seniors. COVID Protocols will be in place. Be sure to keep a mask on hand in case it is neeeded for your interview. For more information call (269) 965-3951.
• Wed, June 1, 10-11am, Forks Senior Center, 101 N. Albion Street, Albion, 49224. • Tues, June 7, 2-4pm, Bedford Manor, 100 S. Bedford Road, Battle Creek, 49017.
• Wed, June 15, 11am-12pm, Marshall House, 200 E. Spruce, Marshall, 49068.
• Wed, June 22, 9am-12:30pm, Burnside Senior Center, 65 Grahl, Coldwater, 49036. • Fri, June 24, 9am-12:30pm, at the Battle Creek Office, 123 West Territorial Road,
Battle Creek, 49015.
Co-Owners:
We can meet your home care needs!
 Aide & Companion Service
 Medication Set-Up Supervision
 Housekeeping
 Transportation
 Nursing Services
 Dementia Capable Trained Staff
 Veterans Choice Program
 All Employees Screened & Bonded
Thomas J. Unger, ACSW Patricia D. Slayton, RN, MSN
5350 Beckley Rd, Suite D
(Side door of Southern Michigan Bank & Trust)
269-883-6002 www.homecaretransitions.net
60+ Years of Qualified Experience