SUMMER 2023
Suncoast SENIOR and CAREGIVER Newsletter SCAM SEASON
Unfortunately, disasters like hurricanes or major storms tend to bring out scammers. Here are some common storm-related scams to look out for and avoid.
INSURANCE SCAMS Insurance scams are prevalent after a storm passes. Since so many people have hurricane-related claims, scammers may call and pretend to be your insurance company. Do not give personal information, policy information, or any payment without making sure that you are speaking to the legitimate company. If needed, hang up and call your insurance company directly. Sometimes people pose as contractors and reach out after a hurricane with a promise to make repairs. They might come door to door or call, and they will likely ask for some money upfront. Once they get cash or trick you into sharing personal details, they disappear without fixing a thing. Make sure that any repair work is done by a legitimate contractor that you’ve researched and vetted.
CHARITY SCAMS
3 TIPS TO KEEP IN MIND
After a major storm, it’s hard to see so many people in need. Many people make donations during these hard times in hopes of helping their communities get through the aftermath of the storm.
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ALWAYS VERIFY LEGITIMACY. Whether it’s insurance, a contractor, a charity, or a financial institution, you want to make sure they are who they say they are.
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O NOT OPEN SUSPICIOUS EMAILS OR CLICK D SUSPICIOUS LINKS. Never click on any suspicious links or open any unexpected attachments. Scammers often use email or texting for phishing attacks and to spread malware.
Scammers are aware of this and will sometimes use these emotional times to create fake charities or do phishing attempts while posing as real charities. If you’re moved to donate, make sure it’s a trusted organization. Go to the organization’s website directly or verify legitimacy using the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance, GuideStar, Charity Watch, or Charity Navigator.
VERIFY ALL PHONE NUMBERS. When someone calls about a claim, a donation, your accounts, or any other thing that requires personal information, hang up and call them directly with a phone number you receive from their official website.
FAKE LOAN SCAMS Scammers may also pretend to be from or working with financial institutions. They reach out to people using social media or email and pretend that they can get you approved for an emergency loan or similar type of relief. Do not give out your personal information and never apply for a “loan” unless it is directly from your financial institution.
Remember, similar scams can go beyond hurricane season. Scammers may impersonate businesses like Amazon or Microsoft, or organizations like the FBI or your financial institution. Romance scams, sweepstakes scams, and phishing attempts also happen all year round, so stay alert.
Learn more about how to protect yourself at suncoastcreditunion.com/blog.
We love our senior-focused community partners! Each of these organizations provides crucial resources to older adults in the communities they serve. Please check them out to learn more!
Suncoast Credit Union partners with Seniors in Service to provide seniors with resources and a way of connecting with the community. Suncoast Credit Union TelePals program is designed to address the growing problem of seniors in social isolation. TelePals are volunteers who provide friendly conversation to seniors over the phone. Research shows providing connections to socially isolated seniors preserve their mental and physical health and supports aging in place. More than 15 Suncoast team members have volunteered as TelePals!
SENIOR COMMUNITY PARTNER UPDATES MEALS ON WHEELS
- JUNE 15 -
SENIORS IN SERVICE TELEPALS PROGRAM
On June 15th, Suncoast employees wear purple to support World Elder Abuse Awareness Day! It is important to raise awareness about the millions of older adults who experience elder abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation. We wear purple to promote a better understanding of issues that impact older adults, and to honor seniors and their caregivers.
SENIOR COMMUNITY PARTNER UPDATES
Continued
For people who are homebound, a visit from a Meals on Wheels volunteer delivering a hot, nutritious meal is sometimes the only human contact they will receive that day. A knock on the door brings hope, health, and joy to the senior community. Check out their website to learn more information or to find help in your local area.
https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/
SENIOR CONNECTION CENTER The Senior Connection Center services Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Manatee, and Polk counties as a resource for the 55+ community. They are dedicated to helping people age at home with dignity. Their staff of volunteers and professionals work closely with seniors, their families, and caregivers, and help identify and locate the services seniors need. Our Lead Risk Management Advocate, Donna Moses, regularly speaks with groups about financial exploitation, including an event for the FL Department of Elder Affairs.
Sign up to receive calls or to learn more about volunteering:
(813) 932-5228 | https://seniorsinservice.org/telepals/
SENIORS IN SERVICE HEALTH BUDDIES PROGRAM Health Buddies help adults living with chronic conditions improve their health through comforting, informative phone calls.
1-800-963-5337 | https://seniorconnectioncenter.org/
Health Buddies help reduce preventable hospital readmissions for individuals living with chronic conditions through telephone interventions that empower them to self-manage their health. Volunteers are trained to provide support to help clients live independently, with dignity.
SAGES PLAYS WITH PURPOSE SAGES Theater presents “Plays with Purpose”, highlighting a positive image of aging and featuring senior actors in meaningful leading roles. Their goal is to bring awareness to the community on topics of aging, stimulating discussion and enhancing access to community theater for all ages. As a sponsor, we invite you to enjoy two of their wonderful performances using these links:
Health Buddies serve Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas County at no charge to clients.
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY AGING SERVICES
• Denying Gravity: https://sagestheater.org/suncoast-credit-union-dg 727-536-7076 | https://sagestheater.org/ U.S. POSTAGE
PRSRT STD
All the above organizations welcome volunteers! If you are interested, please visit their websites or call the number listed for each to connect with them directly.
• Phoney Baloney: https://sagestheater.org/suncoast-credit-union-pb
PAID
813) 272-5250 | AgingServicesCustomerCare@HCFLgov.net
TAMPA, FL PERMIT NO. 480
Hillsborough County Aging Services offers services designed to enhance the lives of older adults, like offering hot meals, active adult programs, and referral or in-home services. Suncoast Credit Union presents financial education to seniors, with subject matter experts bringing awareness to financial scams and exploitations. Suncoast also supports their weekly wellness calls to seniors, providing financial guidance. !
P O Box 11904 | Tampa, FL 33680
(813) 492-8931 | HealthBuddies@seniorsinservice.org
All the above organizations welcome volunteers! If you are interested, please visit their websites or call to connect.