Seniors: Avoid tech support scams

Posted

By Musetta Wollenweber

SUN Columnist

Have you received a phone call from someone claiming to be with the tech support division of a well-known software company?

They might address you by name and tell you that there is an issue with your computer that they can help solve.

Unfortunately, this is an all-too-common scam that can lead to a variety of negative outcomes, from installing malicious software to your computer to obtaining your banking and other personal information.

If you receive an unsolicited call from a tech support representative, remember the following:

• Never provide your credit card or financial information to the caller. If the caller claims there is a security threat to your computer, hang up and call your computer company directly.

• Never give control of your computer to a third party. Legitimate tech support may sometimes ask you to grant them access to your machine, but you should never do so without verifying the representative’s credentials directly with the software company.

• Collect as much information as you can about the caller and report it to your local authorities and AARP ElderWatch.

If you did accidently allow a tech support caller to access your computer, make sure to immediately change the passwords for your computer, e-mail and other online accounts. You should also run a virus scan. If you shared your financial information with the caller, you may want to consider placing a fraud alert on your credit report.

Prevent financial elder abuse. Call (800) 222-4444, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Trained specialists will listen and provide assistance.

Gait and balance

Physical therapists from Mercy Home Health will conduct free balance and gait assessments, as well as be available for any questions or concerns. Come to The Den Wednesday, June 12, and Wednesday, June 26, at 12:30 p.m.

Picnic in the Park

Enjoy the song/poem sets from Pagosa’s very own Ken and Jan Harms’ CD “Back in the Saddle,” recently reviewed as Best of the West CD in Western Way, a national magazine of the Western Music Association, Friday, June 14, noon at Town Park

Hula Hoop contests before and after lunch, too. How long can you keep it spinning, hmm?

Join the fun, but make sure you don’t miss out by making your reservation early. Limited seating available.

 Through town

Yep, that’s where the bus goes.

The senior bus, that is.

We are at your service, so get out in the community and let us do the driving. Get to where you need to go; door-to-door bus service is available Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday for seniors age 60-plus. Suggested donation is $2 per day.

What are you waiting for? Call for details at 264-2167.

Special delivery 

Are you struggling to get meals prepared because you are homebound, recovering from surgery or an illness? If so, let us do the cooking.

Enjoy Cafe Fox meals delivered to your door. Our hot meal, home delivery program is available to those living closer to town four days per week, with frozen meals Thursdays and weekends. Those living farther out of town might be eligible for the frozen meal program. Meals are available to people age 60-plus for a suggested donation of $4 per meal. Give us a call at 264-2167 for further information. Donations are greatly appreciated.

Weekly activities 

Friday, June 7 — 10 a.m. Stitchin’ in the Kitchen; 10:30 a.m. brain injury support group; 12:30 p.m. gym walk.

Monday, June 10 — 12:30 p.m. gym walk.

Tuesday, June 11 — 12:30 p.m. gym walk; 1 p.m. Meditation for Healing.

Wednesday, June 12 — Blood pressure checkups; noon, nutrition education — senior food safety; 12:30 p.m. free gait and balance screening.

Thursday, June 13 — Medicare counseling, by appointment.

Friday, June 14 — 10 a.m. Stitchin’ in the Kitchen; noon, Picnic in the Park (remember to make your reservation early).

Cafe Fox menu

All meals include our great salad bar.

Friday, June 7 — Beef lasagna, tossed salad, green beans, apricots, whole wheat roll.

Monday, June 10 — Green chile stew with pork, whole wheat tortilla, salad, fiesta corn, pineapple tidbit, oatmeal/raisin cookie.

Tuesday, June 11 — Beef and sweet peppers, brown rice, broccoli, tossed salad, whole wheat roll, brownie.

Wednesday, June 12 — Baked chicken, black-eyed peas, orange beets, orange wedge, whole wheat roll.

Thursday, June 6 — Closed, administrative day.

Friday, June 14 — Picnic in the Park. Homemade hamburger, roasted sweet potatoes, tossed salad, fruit salad with citrus, peanut butter cookie.

Reservations are required by 9 a.m. the morning of the day you would like to dine at Cafe Fox. You may make your reservation up to one week in advance by calling 264-2167, through our website at www.archuletacounty.org, at select departments and the Senior Center.

Suggested donation for older adults age 60 plus is $4, guests $6. Our meal program is partially funded through the Older Americans Act via the San Juan Basin Area Agency on Aging, United Way, Archuleta County, Town of Pagosa Springs and other individual donations and grants. These funds help support the cost of the meal which is approximately $12.85. Please note our menu is subject to change. The salad bar opens at 11:30 a.m. with lunch served from noon to 12:30 p.m.