Don't be fooled by health scams

Doesn't believe everything she hears

Scams, they are out there and they want to target us. Con artists know how to make connections. There're out to get our money and many of them do not mind if they ruin us. Now through the Internet and phones they can come from all over the world. There are some good websites that give information and tips about protecting ourselves again scams. 

http://www.ncoa.org National Council of Aging

http://www.aarp.org

http://www.fbi.gov Federal Bureau of investigation

I read an article from Wall Street Journal about how to fight back against scams. 

http://online.wsj.com/articles/if-youre-over-50-youre-a-scam-target-1412467756?tesla=y&mod=WSJ_RetirementPlanning_MoreHeadlines&mg=reno64-wsj

It is good to familiar yourself with the subject, if you have parents it's also a good idea to check in with them to help protect them from these parasites. Scams interests me because they often are wolves in sheep clothing and attack us through our health. The hook is they know we want to feel better and feel more secure. What they want is our money and they could care less about our health. Jesus made a statement that his followers had to be “wise as serpents”. We have to have the discernment or judgment to look beyond words to motivations. 

One of my favorite characters from mystery is Jane Marple. She looks like a sweet old lady which I think she really is, but beyond that exterior is a shrewd detective. We know she's a romantic and she cares about people, but she hates evil when it destroys other people. She takes in gossip without being a part of it and it gives her clues and leads to solve the crime. She has a strong sense of justice. Basic to her approach is a belief that people can lie. And when they choose to lie they will be found out and the truth will be discovered. Of course it helps that Agatha Christie Will be completely unfair with the reader and invent facts to make everything fit. She's a good storyteller so we forgive her. 

When it comes to scams related to health seek good websites that are fact base. Find out about anything before you buy and don't just use the seller’s point of view. Talk it over with your kids, your doctor, and trusted friends. If it is too good to be true then it probably isn't true. Remember you are in control and don't feel pressure to cave in. If you were widowed and your spouse was the one that made these decisions then ask yourself what would they do. 

I like to be liked and I have a hard time saying no. When it comes to money all of a sudden I become like my father. He could smell a crook. Remember a hacker, a con running a scam does not see you as a person. You are just an opportunity to steal from. No matter how sweet they may sound they want to take away your life. So put on Jane Marple’s hat and let others know the rat you’d encounter. Keep walking.