NEWS FOR BOOMERS AND BEYOND
NOVEMBER 2015
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Veterans Advocate Rick Patton assists Fond du Lac County veterans and their dependents in obtaining benefits
INSIDE: Event Calendar • Loneliness • Lottery Scams • Living Will Vs. Durable Power
Making a difference in the lives of veterans
A
STORY BY LOIS A. PfLum | PHOTOS BY DOug RAfLIk/ACTION REPORTER mEDIA
lthough not a true native of Fond du Lac, Rick Patton feels very comfortable working in his office at 50 N. Portland St., where he serves as Fond du Lac County Veterans Service Officer. Friendly, approachable and welcoming would be a good way to describe Patton, age 53, who has held this position since July 5, 2011. He sits in the chair formerly occupied by predecessor John Wertschnig. At that time, he and his wife, Karen, moved to Fond du Lac to be closer to his family. Born in Merrill, Wis., Patton moved to Waupun with his family at the age of six months. It was there that he grew up, and graduated from Waupun High School in 1980. It was during his junior year at high school that he joined the National Guard on his master’s degree thru George a part-time basis. Washington University and ultiHe then attended the University mately in 2011, he graduated from of Wisconsin-Milwaukee for one there with a M.A. degree in Voc. year, followed by a stint at Cardinal Rehab Counseling.While studyStritch College. During the interim, ing for his master’s degree, he was Patton was engaged in different lines hired to be a County Veteran Service of work. Then in 1988, he attended Officer in Taylor County, a position college for another year in Edinboro, he held for a little over a year. Penn. “Working with veterans tears In 1990, Patton joined the U.S. Army at my heart strings because of a and actively served his country until personal experience ‌ I wanted to he received an honorable discharge help veterans,â€? Patton said. in 2002. Patton When the had brief stints Fond du Lac of selling insurposition opened “Working with veterans ance and even up, he applied, driving a school was hired and tears at my heart strings bus for seven moved to Fond because of a personal and a half years. du Lac. The However, most rewarding experience ‌ I wanted Patton decided part of Patton’s to help veterans.â€? his formal job here is to education was help veterans — Rick Patton not complete receive the and returned benefits they to school are entitled through the Veterans Rehabilitation to. At the time of a veteran’s death, program. His next steps were online he also works with the surviving courses from New York Institute spouse/family members. of Technology where he received Patton says there are somewhere a bachelor’s of science in 2008, in between 8,000 and 9,000 veterans psychology and other pertinent just in Fond du Lac County. His office courses. staff consists of one full time and Patton then started to work on one part time staff besides himself.
2 | EXPERIENCE
“Between the three of us we assist about 1,500 veterans in one form or another, directly with veterans bene-
fits and to family members in a year, to assist them with benefits they are entitled to after their veteran dies,� Patton said. The County Veterans Service Office provides approximately 6,500 to 7,000 small flags to be placed on veterans graves in area cemeteries annually. Patton says one of his goals is to be able to retire as County Veterans Service Officer with twenty years under his belt. Patton and his wife, Karen, were married in 2001. Willow, a rescue dog, joined the Pattons when he was about one and a half years old, and has shared their home for the last five and a half years. Both are active members of the Edgewood Community Church and attend Bible studies whenever they can. They both enjoy biking and walking Willow, and hiking the Kettle Moraine Trail/Ice Age Trails.
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ACTION PUBLICATIONS | NOVEMBER 2015
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All About Life Rehabilitation Center
Achieves Five-Star Quality Rating from CMS EXPERIENCE is published by Gannett Wisconsin Custom Publishing. Contents of the section are for Action Reporter Media. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior consent of Gannett Wisconsin Custom Publishing. For information, contact Heather Bradwin-Haseman at 920-979-3615 or hbradwin@appleton.gannett.com.
EDITOR / MARK BARNA ADvERTIsING sALEs MANAGER / HEATHER BRADWIN-HASEMAN GRAPHIC ARTIsT / JAMES HOSLET
Providing high quality care and services to our residents is a responsibility we take very seriously and we are pleased to share that we have achieved a Five-Star quality rating from the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Designed to help patients, families, and caregivers compare nursing centers more easily, the Five-Star Quality Rating System promotes transparency and accountability across the post-acute care industry by providing a ranking of one to five stars, with five being the best.
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NOVEMBER 2015 | ACTION PUBLICATIONS
EXPERIENCE | 3
November Calendar Compiled by the Fond du Lac Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. For detailed information visit fdl.com or call (920) 923-3010. Brat fry — Sunday, Nov. 1, at the Little Farmer LLC, N9438 U.S. 151, Malone. Grilling will be done by the Social Work Club of Fond du Lac. Visit mytlf.com or call 920-921-4784. Chili and soup supper — 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1, at Salem-Eldorado UMC, W7910 Church Road, Eldorado. flavors of WisConsin Gift fair — 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1, at Fond du Lac Public Library, 32 Sheboygan St. Featuring locallyproduced food products from across the state. fall play "rash aCts" — Sunday, Nov. 1, UW-Fond du Lac, 400 University Drive. "Rash Acts" is a collection of short plays: unique comedies, nightmares and quirky dramatic portraits. It will be directed by Richard Gustin. foot of the lake poetry readinG series: niCk demske — 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3, in Café 1906, Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts, 51 Sheboygan St. Free event includes guest writer, open mic, cash bar. holiday Wonder art and Craft expo — 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at the Fond du Lac County Fairgrounds Recreation Center, 520 Fond du Lac Ave. sam BroWn & the Brink — 8 p.m. to midnight, Saturday, Nov. 7 at Big Al Capone’s, corner of U.S. 151 and County W in Pipe (Malone). Wade house hearthside dinner — 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at Wade House Historic Site, W7965 State 23, Greenbush. A 19th-century hearth-cooked meal prepared with your own hands in the stagecoach hotel. Reservations required. paCkers party — 11 a.m. doors, event start at noon Sunday, Nov. 8, at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 795 Fond du Lac Ave. Admission includes beer, soda, chili, hot dogs, snacks, desserts, big screen TV, games, raffles, door prizes. Blood drive — noon to 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 6, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 300 Church St., Lomira. For an appointment call
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800-733-2767 or visit redcrossblood. org. Books BetWeen Bites: “handy andy, the andy pafko story,” By Joe niese — 12:10 to 12:50 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, at Salem United Methodist Church, 120 Sheboygan St. Reviewer Marty Paulsen. meet the produCer dinner — 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, at LaClare Farms, W2994 Fond du Lac County HH, Pipe. LaClare’s Chef Jim creates a multi-course meal using locally sourced ingredients, paired with a local brewery or winery. For information, visit laclarefarm.com. Cheese pairinG — 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, at LaClare Farms, W2994 Fond du Lac County HH, Pipe. Includes three types of cheese paired with three different types of wine or beer. For information, visit
laclarefarm.com. ChiCaGo shoppinG trip — 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14. Organized by the Fond du Lac Recreation Department. Explore Chicago’s skyline, Magnificent Mile and the Sears Tower. Visit fdlrecdept.com. holiday Wine event — 5 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14 at Fox Valley Savings Bank, 51 E. First St. Proceeds benefit New Beginnings & 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten. A Riedel glass is included in the ticket price. Taste wine, chocolate, cheese and more. russ drezdenC — 8 p.m. to midnight, Saturday, Nov. 14 at Big Al Capone’s, corner of U.S. 151 and Fond du Lac County W in Pipe (Malone). Wade house hearthside dinner — 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov.
14 at the Wade House Historic Site, W7965 State 23, Greenbush. Enjoy a delicious hearth-cooked meal, prepared with your own hands in the historic Wade House stagecoach hotel. Limited seating; reservations required. Private Hearthside Dinners may be arranged. symphoniC Band Cathedral ConCert — 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15, at St. Paul’s Cathedral Church, 51 W. Division St. A concert of sacred and classical music. fall harvest festival and Craft shoW — 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18, at Lutheran Homes and Health Services, 244 N. Macy St. Vendors include homemade crafts, jewelry, make-up/skin care products and more. Profit from food, basket raffle and resident art work sale will go back to the residents.
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Fond du Lac County Senior Dining Menu variety of collectibles, gifts, original crafts, clothing and arts. Raffle and silent auction. goBBleFeSt — 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25 at The Shack Sports Bar, W4786 State 23. Performance by Boogie and the Yo-Yo’s. For information, call 920-238-5587. FeStival FoodS turkey trot — 8 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 26 at Fond du Lac High School, 800 Campus Drive. A five-mile chip-timed run and a twomile untimed run/walk. Visit festivalfoodsturkeytrot.com/fond-du-lac. cheeSe pairing — 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, at LaClare Farms, W2994 Fond du Lac County HH, Pipe. Includes three types of cheese paired with three different types of wine or beer. Visit laclarefarm.com. eric diamond — 8 p.m. to midnight, Saturday, Nov. 28 at Big Al Capone’s, corner of U.S. 151 and Fond du Lac County W in Pipe (Malone). Small BuSineSS Saturday — all day Nov. 28, in downtown Fond du Lac. Participating businesses will feature special sales, free product samples, food and more.
NOVEMBER 3 Chicken, Broccoli & Rice Casserole, Tossed Salad, Chocolate Pudding, Plum Halves*, Dinner Roll NOVEMBER 4 Roast Pork Loin, Mashed Potatoes, Red Cabbage, Applesauce, Ice Cream Cup*, Sliced Bread NOVEMBER 5 Teriyaki Chicken Breast, Baked Potato, Carrots, Birthday Cake, Pear Slices*, Dinner Roll NOVEMBER 6 Salmon Loaf, Escalloped Potatoes, Broccoli Cuts, Petite Banana, Fudge Brownie*, Sliced Bread NOVEMBER 9 Glazed Ham, Sweet Potato Bake, Health Slaw, Pineapple Tidbits, Cookie*, Cantaloupe Slice, Frosted Cake*, Dinner Roll
NOVEMBER 10 Meatballs in Honey, Mustard Sauce, Baby Red Potatoes, Peas and Carrots, Alexander Torte, Seedless Grapes*, Dinner Roll
NOVEMBER 19 Pepper Steak, Baby Red Potatoes, Chinese Ramen Sal., Sugar Cookie, Pear Slices , Dinner Roll
NOVEMBER 11 Baked Chicken, Twice Bk Style Pot., Pickled Beet Salad, Fruit Cocktail, Cinnamon Roll*, Sliced Bread
NOVEMBER 20 Chicken Breast, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Apple Slices, Fudge Brownie*, Sliced Bread
NOVEMBER 12 Beef Stroganoff, Casserole, Spinach Salad with, Rasp. Vinaigrette, Cantaloupe Slice, Frosted Cake*, Dinner Roll
NOVEMBER 23 Meatloaf, Sour Cream and Chive Potatoes, Winter Blend Veg., Ice Cream Cup, Plum Halves*, Sliced Bread
NOVEMBER 13 Mushroom Pork Cutlet,Mashed Potatoes, Corn, Applesauce Cake, Pineapple Tidbits*, Sliced Bread
NOVEMBER 24 Beef Stew, Maple Brussel Sprouts, Peach Slices, Frosted Cake*, Cheddar Biscuit
NOVEMBER 16 Beef Bologna, Baked Potato, Summer Blend Veg., Fruited Gelatin, Rainbow Sherbet*, Sliced Bread
NOVEMBER 25 Roast Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Escalloped Corn, Pumpkin Pie, Cranberry Gelatin*, Sliced Bread NOVEMBER 26 Thanksgiving
NOVEMBER 17 Lasagna Casserole, Mixed Italian Salad, Cream Sicle Torte, Honeydew Melon*, French Bread
NOVEMBER 27 Closed to observe the Thanksgiving Holiday
NOVEMBER 18 Pork Jaegerschnitzel, Mashed Potatoes, Swiss Spinach, Applesauce, Cookie*, Sliced Bread
NOVEMBER 30 Swedish Meatballs, Mashed Potatoes, Peas and Carrots, Butterscotch Pud., Fruit Cocktail*, Sliced Bread
Meal Sites: FOND DU LAC – Riverview Apartments, 101 Western Ave., Mon-Fri 11:45am; Westnor Apartments, 653 W Arndt St. noon; Portland Square Apartments, 55 N. Portland, 11:45am; Senior Center, 151 E. First St. Mon-Thurs 11:45am; NORTH FOND DU LAC – Northgate, 350 Winnebago St., noon; RIPON – Russell Manor, 504 Russell Dr., 11:45am; Willowbrook Apartments, 615 W. Oshkosh St., noon; WAUPUN – Senior Center, 301 E. Main St., noon. Eligibility & Nutrition: All persons or married to someone 60 years or older are eligible for the Fond du Lac County Elderly Nutrition Program. Each meal contains 1/3 of the current daily Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) established by the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academy of Sciences. Registration: Preregister at least one day in advance by 1pm, by signing up at a meal site or calling Fond du Lac Courthouse, 929-3937; Waupun Senior Center, 324-7930. For cancellations call the Department of Senior Service at 929-3937 before 1pm the business day prior to the meal. Donations: There is a suggested donation of $3 for those 60 years of age or older or married to someone 60+. Mobile Meals donation of $3.50. Volunteers: Volunteers are needed for the Senior Dining Program of the Fond du Lac County Dept. of Senior Services. Call 929-3114 for more information.
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286 18th Street • Fond du Lac
EXPERIENCE | 5
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Searl pickett chamBer muSic SerieS — 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, at the former St. Patrick’s Chruch, 41 E. Follett St. Pianist Eli Kalman, professor of music at UW-Oshkosh and cellist Parry Karp, artist in residence at UW-Madison School of Site,Music to perform. njoyprintmakerS — Opening reception meal,to be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, s inNov. 20 at Share Fine Art Galleries, oach228 S. Military Road. Share Fine Art rva-Galleries is bringing local printmaksideers together for this featured exhibit Open 1 to 8 p.m. Thursday through dralSaturdays, 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays. . 15,tour the town art walk — 5 to 1 W.8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20. All manner andof artists available. Visit tourthetownfdl.com. andJeneratorS — 8 p.m. to midnight, p.m.Saturday, Nov. 21 at Big Al Capone’s, erancorner of U.S. 151 and Fond du Lac 4 N.County W in Pipe (Malone). madeSigma holiday houSe — 9 a.m. to care3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, at the Fond ood,du Lac County Fairgrounds Expo workCenter, 520 Fond du Lac Ave. More than 70 juried artisans offering a s.
NOVEMBER 2 Chop Steak in Burg.,Mushroom Sauce, Mashed Potatoes, Mixed Vegetables, Peach Slices, Frosted Cake*, Sliced Bread
❚ LIFE ❚ LOVE ❚ LOSS ❚ LEGACY
❚ LIFE ❚ LOVE ❚ LOSS ❚ LEGACY
FUNERAL & ESTATE PLANNING
Living Will vs. Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care ISABELL M. MUELLER, ATTORNEY
I
n the State of Wisconsin there are two separate health care advance directives: the Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care and the Declaration to Physicians (commonly called the Living Will). As advance directives, both are designed to provide direction regarding your health care and treatment in the event that you are no longer able to make your wishes known. Beyond that, however, the two are very different documents. The Living Will informs your physician what your preferences are regarding “life-sustaining”
measures. These life-sustaining measures may include treatment or machines that will keep your heart and lungs functioning if they are no longer able to do so on their own. The document requires you to indicate whether or not you would like specific forms of life-sustaining measures to be used. The Living Will, however, only comes into use in the event that your physician has reached the conclusion that you are unable to make your own decisions and you are either terminally ill and near death, or you are in a persistent vegetative state. Further, the Living Will falls short in preventing the need for a guardianship because it does not allow you to delegate to another individual the authority to make these
Law Offices of ISABELL M. MUELLER
Fond du Lac County Department of Senior Services
Wills and Probate Powers of Attorney Revocable Living Trusts 19 E. 1st Street Fond du Lac WI 54935 (920) 960-9552 www.muellerlawoffices.com
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FUNERAL & ESTATE PLANNING
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medical decisions for you. The Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care actually allows you to appoint an “agent”, as well as an alternate agent, to make decisions for you in the event that you are no longer able to do so yourself. Once two physicians have stated in writing that you are incapacitated, your health care power of attorney has been activated. From this point forward, your agent has the legal authority to make the necessary decisions about your care. The document requires that you make some specific choices about your care, but also contains a section wherein you can add more personal instructions or guidelines for your agent. The topics most commonly addressed in this section are: religious preferences and nursing home placement, as well as life support or end of life decisions. Because the Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care addresses any situation in which you may become incapacitated, not just the specific ones addressed by the Living Will, and also because it appoints an actual agent to make decisions for you, it is the more comprehensive document. Although Living Will may have a place in your estate plan, the Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care is the essential document that every adult should have.
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Senior Service Transportation Service Phone Numbers ELDERLY VAN: 60+ years of age ......................................................... 929-3936 HANDI-VAN: Wheelchair or mobility impaired, no age restriction....... 929-3110 ESCORT: Frail, no age restriction ......................................................... 929-3936 Senior Dining & Mobile Meals (60+ years of age) 929-3937 WI-5001868879
ACTION PUBLICATIONS | NOVEMBER 2015
BRANDPOINT MEDIA
W
hile Americans tend to associate the holidays with togetherness, joyful occasions and feelings of warmth and happiness, the season can also worsen feelings of loneliness and isolation for some people — especially older adults. Loneliness is not only bad for seniors’ mental health, it can affect their physical wellbeing as well. “The holidays can present families with an opportunity to spot signs of loneliness in their older family members and take steps to do something about it,” says Dr. Kevin O’Neil, chief medical officer of Brookdale Senior Living. Research illustrates the link between loneliness and the advancement of dementia, deterioration of physical health and shortened lifespans. Conversely, multiple studies show feeling connected and happy is good for your health and can lead to a longer lifespan. “Social connections are vital for people of all ages,” O’Neil says. “Emotional ties are even more important for seniors, yet they are also more vulnerable to losing those bonds through the
death of a spouse, grown children busy with their own lives or the relocation of a long-time friend who moves closer to be near their own family.”
Signs of loneliness or isolation:
● Your loved one has suffered a loss, either the death of a spouse or friend, or relocation of a long-time cohort. ● Verbal cues such as complaining they have no friends, feel confined to the home, no one to talk to or severely miss a long-deceased companion. ● Exhibit signs of depression, including trouble falling asleep, irritability, loss of appetite and disinterest in activities that used to excite them. ● Their eating habits have changed. Seniors who are feeling isolated and depressed may lose their appetite, or engage in comfort eating. ● Personality or behavioral changes are evident. Your normally stoic loved one has become tearful, a chatty person becomes quiet, or an out-going personality is now withdrawn. ● They become “clingy,” holding a handshake or hug longer than normal, and becoming upset when it’s time for a visit to end. ● They complain of pain or health issues that the doctor can’t explain. In some cases, the “illness”
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Tactics to combat loneliness:
● Physical exercise increases the body’s level of “feel good” hormones, and can contribute to improved sleep, as well as fewer aches and pains. Seniors should get 30 minutes of moderately intense exercise per day. ● Watch a funny movie or TV show together. Laughter’s positive effects on the mind and body are well documented. ● Make new connections. Sit with someone at lunch whom you don’t know well. Ask a neighbor to go for a walk. Join a club or social organization. ● Volunteering has many positive effects on mental health. You’ll feel good about helping others and also expand your opportunities to meet new people. ● Learn something new. It’s not only good for cognitive health, it gives you the chance to make new connections with other students. Take a craft class, go to a personal finance seminar or take a cooking class.
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NOVEMBER 2015 | ACTION PUBLICATIONS
may be an attempt to get attention. In other cases, it can be a physical response to loneliness. ● A person who was once capable may begin to have difficulty managing daily tasks or finances.
Lincoln House
We know that at a time of loss, the last thing you want to worry about are the details of funeral arrangements. At Kurki-Mach Funeral Chapel & Crematory, we will help you with those details with care and compassion, in ways you will remember at the time, and with appreciation later on.
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Serving the people of Fond du Lac since 1971 EXPERIENCE | 7
Seven tips to avoid lottery scams
A
n email or letter has arrived informing you that you’ve just won the lottery. The communication states all you have to do is pay the processing fees or taxes and provide proof of your identity — then the money will be yours. It seems too good to be true. That’s because it is. What you are looking at is a lottery scam, intent not on giving you the money it promises, but instead on taking as much of your money as possible. Thousands of people each year fall victim to scams such as these. The good news is there are some things you can do to help protect yourself from falling victim to a scam.
Never provide personal information
If the correspondence starts asking for personal information, this should be your first clue that it might be a scam. And never provide banking information to people or businesses you don’t know.
Look for that personal touch
If the letter, email or text claims you’re a winner, then they should know who you are. Look for the personal touch in the correspondence. How does the communication start? Is your name
included? Is it spelled correctly? Or does the message begin with a more general ‘Hello’ or ‘Dear Valued Customer.’ If the header is general like this, it is because it has been sent other people, too, promising each that they have won as well.
financial institutions have to make the funds available to account holders within days. Just because the money is available in your account, doesn’t mean the check is good. Remember that in order to win a lottery, you must enter in the first place.
Look for unprofessionalism
Avoid foreign lotteries
Many scammers give themselves away if the message contains poorly-written sentences and typos — the red flags of a scam.
Never send money to a stranger
You can be at risk of becoming a victim of fraud if you do not know the person.
Remember the rules of the lottery
Many scams can be spotted immediately because they do not clearly disclose the terms and conditions, including the rules and how to claim your winnings. You will never have to pay money in advance if you’ve won a legitimate lottery. If you received a check with the lottery letter and deposited it into your bank account, never send funds from the deposited check until it officially clears, this can take weeks. Under federal law,
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Many lottery scams offer high-dollar winnings to the recipient from a foreign lottery. This is most likely a scam. Furthermore, playing legitimate foreign lotteries via the mail or over the telephone is illegal under federal law.
Call for help
If you fear you have been scammed — take action immediately. If you believe you have been a victim of fraud using Western Union, call Western Union’s fraud hotline at 800-448-1492. Additionally, contact authorities and other applicable financial institutions and notify them you think you’ve been the victim of a scam. If you sent a money transfer through Western Union and it has not been paid, you can generally receive a refund. Once the scammer picks up the funds — the money is gone.
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