Beware of these scams

Law enforcement agencies on the Treasure Coast are warning us to beware of scams over the telephone and by email.  Seniors are often the target.  Here are some scams to watch out for.  You are nearing retirement and are invited to buy into a fund that promises financial returns much higher than normal.  Remember Bernie Madoff?   He bilked investors, including many in Florida, of billions with that promise.  Just say no.  You are told that you have won a lottery, often in another country.  To claim your winnings, all you have to do is pay a fee.  Forget it.  You are told your grandchild has been arrested.  To secure his or her release, you must transfer a certain amount of money to a prepaid credit card.  Police and courts don’t use prepaid credit cards.  Hang up.  A caller or email sender tells you that new Medicare cards are in the mail and asks for your Medicare number to make sure you get yours.  Never give Medicare information to anyone you don’t know.  You receive a letter from Social Security about your Social Security online account.  But you have never opened a Social Security online account.  Maybe a thief has set one up to obtain payments meant for you.  Tell Social Security.  For 88.9 FM, this is Paul Janensch.