It’s a great big world but in the last century technology has been making it smaller and bringing it closer. The internet has accomplished more in making the world accessible than even the invention of air travel, because the world is at your fingertips without you ever having to leave home. But it also opens the doors for thieves and scam artists who continually find new methods to swindle.

The newest rash of emails being sent on “phishing” expeditions purport to come from the IRS and promise the recipient of the email a tax refund that they have recently discovered to be owed. This technique may be even more effective than the scam emails using fake PayPal and eBay sites because no one ignores or deletes the IRS.

If you receive one of these emails, contact the IRS.

You’re retired and your days are your own to relax and enjoy. Or are they? During the daytime, phones are continuously ringing with calls from telemarketers. Caller ID, which is available in most areas, can help you screen those calls by showing you the number from which they originate but that still leaves you with jangling phones and the need to respond, even if the ultimate decision is to ignore the call because you don’t recognize the number. Call Intercept, another service offered by many phone companies requires callers from blocked numbers to either unblock the number or enter a code in order to allow the call to go through. This works well but means another fee on your phone bill and may discourage friendly callers who are rejected by the system.

Bur you can stop those telemarketing calls for free and it is very easy. Sign up for the National “Do Not Call” Registry. You can register by calling (888) 382-1222, TTY (866) 290-4326, from the phone that you want to have listed in the registry. Registering by phone can pose a problem if you live in an apartment complex that uses a PBX phone system but you can also register online at Donotcall dot gov. You will need a valid email address to sign up online as registering will generate an email to that address to which you must respond within 72 hours.

Be aware that registration is only good for five years at which time you will have to renew the request. Certain types of organizations, such as charitable and nonprofit groups and political organizations do not have to abide by the “do not call” list. However, they do have to respect your request not to call you again.

It’s easy and free. Sign up today!

There is a new scam in town and its a bad one.  It is a telephone scam that preys upon the senior population and their concern about prescription coverage.  With all of the recent changes, this is a scam that is particularly dangerous.

In this particular scam, callers claim to be selling a new Medicare prescription coverage for less than $400.  These are phoney calls!  Never give your Social Security number, driver’s license, date of birth or any other personal identifying information to anyone. 

New Scam - Warning About Phoney Prescription Drug Coverage

United States citizens are guaranteed by law to a fair trial with a jury composed of one’s peers.  But what happens if no peers can be found to serve on the jury?  This is exactly the problem being faced by the State of Georgia.  A woman, age 79, is accused of murdering her ex-boyfriend.  But the legal exemption age for serving on a jury in Georgia is 70.  No one can be found that is within ten years of this woman’s age. 

“This is the youngest jury pool I’ve ever seen,” said Lena Sims Driskell’s attorney, Deborah Poole. “Most of these people look under 30. How does one have a trial when you are not able to include a whole class of people in the jury?”
CNN

Driskell is accused of shooting the man she was seeing in the senior citizen’s home they both lived in when she discovered he was seeing another woman.  She has, according to news reports, confessed to the crime.

Potential jurors have said they could not judge a person older than themselves.  And none of the jurors being questioned were involved in any senior advocacy groups.  The death penalty is not being considered and the trial, once it is able to be started, is expected to be short.  But without a jury?  It is hard to say when Driskell will, or if, face a jury of her peers.

Client Too Old To Get Fair Trial