Scams and Technology

Crooks love to target seniors. It maybe that those who are older are perceived as having their finances more in line, and less mental aptitude for detecting scams. These scammers often disguise themselves as legitimate business people. Typically they pressure victims to make impulsive and expensive decisions. While some will show up on your front porch it's far more likely that they will target you through technology since it is much more cost effective. Generally, they do not engage in legitimate businesses practices which is fortunate because it makes it easier to spot a scam. Always exercise caution and remember the old but true saying; if something seems too good to be true, it is.

How do scammers operate?

Robocalls

Automated sales calls (excluding calls for charity or politics), when you have not given explicit permission to the business to call, are illegal, increasing the likelihood that any call of this nature is a scam. If you push buttons on these automated calls the swindler will know it's a live line and you're likely to receive more calls. Be aware that blocking these numbers is generally ineffective as they change numbers often. It is best just to hang up.

Email and the Internet

Emails

Emails are a great way for con-men (and women) to get your personal information either by tricking you into giving it to them or by inserting something called malware onto your computer through downloaded images or attached documents. When viewing emails from sources you don't know- or unusual emails from an account you do - you should never allow images, download documents, or click links. Additionally you shouldn't call any phone numbers given in the email.

Phishing emails are a common scam. These emails try to get you to enter your personal information by acting like a legitimate company. They can imitate your bank, a charity, a law firm or government agencies (they may falsify a logo or make one up). They may try to steer you to websites that look legitimate in order to get your account information. It is best never to go to business sites through links in an email, instead Google the website. Legitimate companies will generally not ask you to send private information via email as it is not secure.

Wi-Fi

Simply connecting to public Wi-Fi can be risky; anyone can set up a Wi-Fi hotspot so it's hard to ensure your safety. Malicious individuals will often set up hotspots with common names (e.g. linksys or Free Public WiFi) to take advantage of unaware individuals.

If you do use a public Wi-Fi, you should not enter any personal information such as passwords, or your credit card number. Be aware that this alone doesn't make you safe on public networks - if your computer has file-sharing turned on you could be given malware or have your sensitive documents accessed by other people on the network.

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In general, when it comes to your personal information you can't be too careful! It's always wise to insist on doing more research before giving someone your personal information or establishing yourself with a new company. Look into reviews online, see what credentials they possess and the legitimacy of those credentials. Be very wary of companies that ask you to wire money, or use a re-loadable debit or gift card to pay them. Most legitimate companies won't ask you to do that.

You can read about some common scams here: Common Scams Targeted at Seniors

Emergency Preparedness for Seniors

Nobody needs to be convinced that emergency preparedness is important; we walk our children through the steps, but what about everyone else? Given common restrictions in mobility or disabilities in older adults it can be especially important to consider what is necessary to do in the event of a disaster. We will be giving basic advice in this article, but remember the type of emergency you are likely to face depends on your area and you should plan accordingly.

First you should take normal disaster preparedness steps such as:

• Plan with housemates/ family on where you would meet both directly outside of your house, and if you get evacuated.
• Ensure you know how to turn of the gas and electricity to your home.
• Store important medical records, and documents in a waterproof container, and put these with a grab-and-go bag (containing the suggested supplies listed bellow).
• Learn about the emergency plans in locations where you spend a lot of time (volunteering, working, etc.).
• Identify an out-of-town contact who you can call, or message with your location, and well-being (it's important that they're far enough away not to be involved in the disaster which ensures that they will be easier to contact).
• Fill out an Emergency Contact Card and keeping in in your wallet.
• Contact your Local Emergency Information Management Office to find out what sorts of emergency alerts go out (will you have access to one?), and what other resources they may offer (evacuation assistance, etc.).
  • If you will have trouble hearing about an emergency consider working within your county to set up an emergency phone tree.

Now consider your individual needs, this plan should account for your lowest level of functioning. We recommend that you track everything you use to live independently for a week then plan for having a weeks worth of as many of those supplies as possible in your kit.

Some questions to consider:

• Do you need help grooming or dressing yourself?
• How would water/ electricity being down effect your functioning? How will this effect any medical treatments you may be receiving (dialysis, etc.)?
• Do you need special equipment to eat?
• How can you cope with debris in your home/ along your exit route? If you can't what steps can you take so you don't have to (bolting bookcases to walls, etc.)?
• Do you need special transportation?
• Do you have a caregiver? How much do you need them? Would they be able to reach you? Would they come with you if you evacuated to a shelter?
• Can you escape from your common buildings? Without auditory cues? Without an elevator? What if a ramp is knocked loose?
• If you need to call for help how will you do it?
• Will your hearing aids work if they're wet?
• What does your service animal need?
• What special needs would you have in a community shelter? Is there anywhere else you could go?
• What steps can you take to mitigate these potential set backs?

Talk to your health care provider about plans, especially if your receiving regular treatments, cannot keep a weeks worth of medication on hand or your at home treatments require electricity.

If you are liable to panic or have important information to communicate to rescuers memorize phrases ahead of time.

If you have mobility issues be aware that there are devices (lightweight chairs or stretchers typically) that are designed to allow you to be more easily assisted down stairs. Consider how you can ensure something of the sort would be available to you (talk to manager, carry one, etc.).

If you have sensory impairments ensure you will be able to escape without typical cues, and that you will be alerted to the emergency (flashing lights on fire alarms, vibrating alerts, etc.).

In an emergency it's important to have a support network to check on you to ensure your safety in a timely manner. Ideally three individuals near each location where you spend your time (coworkers, roommates, friends, family, neighbors, personal attendants, church members). These individuals should be given keys, copies of emergency documents, and be shown where emergency supplies are. Make these relationships reciprocal, be a part of their support network and learn what you could do to provide life-saving aid to them too. You can try to make the creation and maintenance of this group fun by making going over plans and needs a social event. You could even consider organizing a preparedness event to make connections and form these relationships. You all should agree on a means of communication that does not rely on phones; this includes cell phones! In times of emergency areas can have cell service shut down. Instead think about means of communication like whistling, shouting, knocking or hanging a sheet in a window. And don't forget to tell your contacts when you go out of town, just in case. You should check in with all members of your emergency plan at least every 6 months to ensure that everybody remembers the plan and will be taken care of.

Pet Preparedness

If you have a pet you should plan for it as well, Red Cross does not allow pets (service animals are allowed) in disaster shelters so make sure you have a plan for your furry buddy (call hotels, and ask about no pet policies in the event of an emergency; check with friends; ask animal shelters/ veterinarians if they can shelter animals in an emergency). Don't forget to include a photo of the animal and its medical records in your waterproof document container.

Suggested emergency supplies

• 3 days of food and water per person/ animal (manual can opener may be needed)
• Medical equipment
• Medications and information about them (dosage, frequency, doctor)
• Emergency contact information
• Important documents (including information on operating life saving devices)
• Flashlight, radio, and first aid kit (extra batteries)
• White cloth, whistle, or glow sticks
• Dust mask or other filter
• Plastic sheltering
• Moist towelettes, hand sanitizer and garbage bags for sanitation
• Money
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Blankets
• Heavy gloves
• Duct tape
• Comfortable shoes
• Extra supplies based on climate (more blankets, water, etc.)

Remember the best thing you can do for an emergency is to prepare ahead of time.

Visit www.ready.gov, www.emergency.cdc.gov, www.redcross.org/prepare/location/home-family for more information and resources.

Testimonials Part 3!

Transcript: "I believe in the HELPS program, it has made a wonderful difference in my life and if there are any senior citizens that are having a problem, by all means look into HELPS. It's wonderful and it will help you tremendously."



Transcript: "Okay, my husband had a massive stroke. He was in perfect health, and he died and all our debtors were calling day after day after day, you know? Thirteen, fourteen fifteen calls a day. And I was having what I thought were seizures but they were just real bad panic attacks because I was grieving and trying to deal with the creditors at the same time. I was at my wits end. I couldn't grieve, you know, they didn't give me time to grieve, and they didn't seem to understand what I was going through and of course my income, I only have a third of the income I had when my husband was alive so I couldn't pay my bills. So I called the attorneys at HELPS and had a consultation with them and my life immediately changed for the better. The biggest benefit is not having to deal with people that call and are cross and, you know, threatening. They take care of that for me, I don't have to worry about that anymore. That gives me so much peace of mind because there was really nothing I could do until I talked to them. Oh! I'm so thankful for them, I thank God for them, they're my guardian angels."

Thanks to Sondra R. and Sharon T. for sharing their stories with us!

I Owe Taxes I Can't Afford to Pay

Sometimes, seniors owe taxes they cannot pay. Often these taxes are old and from prior years when they were working. Some are paying these taxes and going without the basics of life. Although it is rare, some HELPS clients are being garnished 15% of their Social Security. You should know that there is a way to stop harassment and garnishment by the IRS. You can take steps to stop paying past taxes you can’t afford to pay.

The IRS can declare a taxpayer "currently not collectible," after the IRS receives evidence that a taxpayer has no ability to pay. This can be an enormous relief to seniors with a tax liability who are hounded by the IRS to pay their back tax debt. In order to receive Currently Not Collectible status from the IRS, you must prove that you do not have any assets that would enable you to pay the back tax debt you owe (this includes almost all HELPS clients). You must prove that you have enough money to pay for the very basic necessities of life and nothing else. The necessities of life would include: rent, mortgage, food and clothing, health insurance, car payments, auto maintenance, secured loans, utilities, etc. These are called allowable expenses.

Congress has set up an independent department in the IRS called the Taxpayer Advocate Service. It is their job to help persons, including poor elderly, obtain uncollectable status and stop garnishments. This can be done over the phone and it can be done fast! You can find the number for your location here. The Taxpayer Advocate Service is very helpful. We have found them to be kind and patient, after all that is their job.

For HELPS clients:  If you would prefer, we at HELPS will assist you with one of our
volunteers. You will call the IRS together with us on the phone, provide the information they require and in a very short time you can be placed on uncollectable status. No more letters, no more phone calls, no garnishment. 
This all costs you nothing! If you are paying taxes you cannot afford to pay, please pick up the phone and call HELPS.

To learn more about HELPS visit us at our website: http://www.helpsishere.org/

By Attorney Eric Olsen

Tips on How to Find Subsidized Housing

By Cynthia Heirs 
HELPS Housing Volunteer

Here are some tips in finding subsidized housing (housing based on your income and subsidized by Federal or State programs to make it affordable).

1. Contact your county housing authority where you want to live. They usually have a list of
subsidized housing for that county. Call and ask them to send you a list and an application for the types of subsidies they offer. Many offer Public Housing. Some of the Public Housing units are just for seniors and disabled person. Many offer Section 8 assistance that will allow assistance to stay in the home you are in. If you own a mobile home you may qualify for space rent assistance. Landlords are not required to take a Section 8 Voucher. The housing authority may also know of other properties in the county, managed by companies that offer subsidies.

Note: Most subsidies are based on your income and only charge you 30 percent of your adjusted monthly gross income minus a utility allowance.

2. If you have a senior and/ or disabled case worker, contact your case worker and see if they can send you a list of apartments in the area that are subsidized.

3. Look on the internet and type in “subsided housing” in the city you want to live in and see what information is available, e.g.: “subsidized housing, Fresno, CA”.

4. USDA Rural Development also has many properties that offer subsidized housing. The priority for many of their lists depends on your income. Some priorities are based on employment. 

This best website to find this information throughout the United States concerning USDA rural development housing is: http://rdmfhrentals.sc.egov.usda.gov Once you get to the site page you will see a map showing all the states. Click on the state you want, and then click on the county. You will see a list of apartments in each city that has USDA housing, showing how many units they offer, size of units, and if they are subsidized or not. Some will even state if they are family units or senior units. Then you would contact the manager of that complex and request an application. Be sure to talk slowly and leave a complete name and address including zip codes so they will have the information. You should check back in a few days to confirm they have received your message. 


You can contact places all over the United States, but before you move ask for pictures and check out blogs on the internet to see what people say about the apartments. Call the Chamber of Commerce and ask questions. You can never ask too many questions.

     Good Luck!!
     Sincerely, Cynthia