Tips to Protect Yourself From Scams

It happens all the time, your phone rings, or a piece of mail arrives in your mailbox; it seems offcial and urgent. The message is that you are able to save money or receive money from the government, Medicare, Social Security, or maybe even send money to a family member in need. Take a moment before taking any action and reference a few of these tips from the National Council on Aging.

• Do not do business with door-to-door or telephone salespeople who promise free medical equipment or services.

• Only give your insurance/Medicare identifcation to those who are providing you with medical services.

• Review your Medicare Summary Notices to check that you received the services that are being billed.

• Always ask for written material from a caller who is offering a “deal” or a charity.

• Ask for the callers name, name of business, phone number and address, then read it back to them, but change the phone number or address. If they don’t catch the mistake, it might be a scam.

• Take your time in making a decision.

• If there is a link in a text message or email, don’t click the link directly from there. Open a new internet window and look up the business separately to make sure it’s legitimate, and has a matching phone number or other information to what you see in the text or email.

• Look closely at the email address that emails come from. If there are spelling errors, it’s not from the true company. Don’t click further into it or follow links.

Here are a couple of resources to fnd out more information on scams.

• Medicare Scams/Fraud -Wisconsin Senior Medicare Patrol 888-818-2611

• Wisconsin Bureau of Consumer Protection 800-422-7128

The advertisements in this newsletter are obtained from the printing company LPI, not the ADRC. The ADRC provides unbiased information and assistance to those we serve.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The primary purpose of the ADRC is to provide the customer with unbiased information about services that will meet their needs. This includes sharing information with customers about agencies that provide needed services. The ADRC may operate programs that provide direct services to customers.

The ADRC Specialist:

• Cannot attempt to influence customers for fnancial gain or other self-interests.

• Cannot attempt to influence customers in the interest of any service or program provider, including the ADRC itself. The ADRC is prohibited from using revenue generated from direct service programs to support the ADRC Specialist program.

Garden Donations Wanted

Attention gardeners, do you wish there were a place you could donate your extra garden produce?

The Senior Nutrition Program kitchen would love to have it. Please drop off your clean fruits, vegetables and herbs to the Meals on Wheels Kitchen

5061 U.S. Hwy 53 Eau Claire, right next to the State Patrol offce, or ADRC Offce

721 Oxford Ave Rm 1130

Eau Claire, Monday-Friday 8:00-3:00 PM.

The beautiful produce will be used in menus for Senior Dining and Meals on Wheels and would be a great addition to our own fresh produce. Thank you and happy gardening!

Staying Independent, Preventing Falls

The impact of falls among older adults can lead to serious consequences.

Falls are common and costly, both to the individual and our health care system. The psychological effects can be severe and place us at greater risk of more falls. The encouraging news is that falls are not a normal part of aging and can often be prevented.

Tuesday, August 29, 2023 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Oakwood Home Apartments

3802 Damon Street, Eau Claire

In this presentation we will explore normal aging, research-based strategies to address challenges, and action steps you can take to reduce YOUR fall risk.

To register: Call 715-839-4735, 888-338-4636 or at www.adrcevents.org