“Old age is always fifteen years older than I am.” —Oliver Wendell Holmes

Did you know?

In 2020 alone, American consumers lost at least $124 million to scammers asking to be paid in gift cards. Many senior folks are targeted in these schemes. If someone asks you to pay with a gift card, it’s a scam—a sign of fraud. Social Security numbers are the skeleton key to identity theft. Just today we received a call saying they were “from Social Security”. We know Social Security will never call and immediately hung up as the person began to push, also known as “phishing”, for information. Nearly half of Americans were targeted by a Social Security scam in the three months prior to November 2020. Social Security does not block or suspend numbers, ever. You might get a call from a supposed SSA representative bearing good news — say, a cost-of-living increase. To get the extra money, you just have to verify your name, date of birth, and SS number  — an actual SSA employee would not do this. Consumer Reports warns of another trick with an ironic twist: Fraudsters send out emails that appear to be from the SSA and instruct you to click a link to register for a free service that protects you from Social Security fraud! It is a phishing scam to take you to a fake government website that will steal your information.  With a little vigilance, Social Security scams are not difficult to identify and avoid.

We will be gathering outdoors at the new Pavilion next to Town Hall at noon for our May Senior’s Luncheon. We are offering a boxed lunch which will include a wrap, bag of chips, cookies and a soft drink/water. Choice of Vegetarian, Turkey or Ham at $5 for Hampton residents, and $8 for visitors. Rain or shine! Please RSVP by May 6th to hamptonseniorclub@gmail.com and indicate your choice of wrap (gluten free available upon request).  While we plan for our luncheon, know that if the status of the pandemic has an uptick we will reconsider, keeping your safety as our top priority. Masks required as per CDC guidelines. All Health Department Serve Safe procedures will be followed, however, if you prefer to brown bag it, that’s great too! For those of you wanting to stay a little longer, join the fun for some BINGO. We had to cancel the plans to the Wicked Tulips Flower Farm out of an abundance of caution.

For more information, questions or concerns, please feel free to contact:  Lisa Grady Co-Chair (860)-428-9565, or Janice Leitch

Co-Chair at hamptonseniorclub@gmail.com.

Andrea Kaye, Senior’s Vision Committee Member