Page 38 - June 2020 Issue.indd

Senior Spot account numbers to deposit stolen funds to. Th e
account holder believes that they’ve received the loan
they applied for, withdraws the funds, and, many
times, sends some of the funds back to the “lender” to

Senior Moments show good faith in repaying the loan. They are then

left holding the bag when the credit is returned.
by Mary Moran 410-479-2535 Warning signs are:
• The employer uses web-based email,

such as Gmail, Yahoo or Hotmail.
Despite the limitations caused by the virus that shall not be
• You are asked to open up a bank account in your

named, the weather is finally allowing us to get out and enjoy
name or in the name of the new company.
our yards or walk around the neighborhood. Let’s enjoy this
gift of nature and greet our neighbors while maintaining social • You are asked to receive funds and then

distancing! process or transfer funds via wire transfer,
ACH, mail or money order.
CMS is allowing “equitable relief” to allow individuals who
missed an enrollment period extra time to enroll in Medicare • You are instructed to keep a portion
A&B without penalty. More specifically, individuals who could of the money you transfer.

have enrolled between March 17th and June 17th through their

Pretty shady stuff, but if you just follow along step by step, it’s
initial enrollment period (IEP), the general enrollment period
easy to see how someone could get sucked into such a scheme,
(GEP), or a special enrollment period (SEP) have until June
especially if your emotions are involved, like with children, the
17 to enroll and not be penalized. While certain individuals
poor or the elderly.
could be eligible for coverage immediately, many will have to
wait until July or later for their coverage to become eff ective. How to protect yourself
Individuals who already have Medicare Part A and wish to • Don’t use your bank account to transfer
sign up for Medicare Part B cannot sign up online. Individuals money to anyone. Don’t accept any job

interested in using the equitable relief period to enroll in offers that ask you to do this.
Medicare Part B coverage, and who are eligible to apply under
the IEP or GEP, should complete form CMS-40B and mail the Senior Homecare by Angels

request to their local SSA fi eld office. Applicants can get this Bathing Assistance • Dressing Assistance • Grooming
form online at www.social security. Gov. Assistance with Walking • Medication Reminders
Errands • Shopping • Light Housekeeping
During these trying times many folks will try to supplement
Meal Preparation • Friendly Companionship
their incomes but beware of unsolicited emails or social media
Flexible Hourly Care • Respite Care for Families
contacts promising easy money for not a lot of work.
1. Work at Home Scams—Online job posting websites The Most Recognized and Respected Name in Senior Home Care
are used by criminals to find individuals seeking

flexible work hours and work from home jobs. America’s Choice in Homecare
They are asked to set up an account and deposit/

launder money—what could be easier?

2. Mystery Shopping Job Scams—The employee is
hired to assess the performance of money service
businesses—i.e. salons, repair shops, banks, accounting

firms, and law firms—by completing Electronic

Funds Transfers (EFTs) and then evaluating the
service using bogus customer satisfaction forms.
We’re here for YOU!
3. Social Networking Scams—Facebook and Twitter Available 24 hours a day,
are sometimes used to recruit individuals to 7 days a week
act as money mules by inventing imaginative
stories to befriend and persuade individuals
to receive and forward stolen funds. 2
Locations
4. Credit Scams—Young people and those who have
221 Glenwood Ave, Easton • 443-746-0494
fallen on hard times are especially vulnerable to credit 2 2 1 G

scams. They may apply for loans over the phone or 106B Williamsport Circle, Salisbury • 443-210-2007
online with unfamiliar lenders who then get their visitingangels.com/mideasternshore
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