2023’S Top Scams

Donna Nichols • April 17, 2023
A woman is sitting at a desk looking at a laptop computer.

I’ve written blogs on this topic before, but I just can’t stand people, especially seniors, being taken advantage of. This came from the April 2023 AARP Bulletin, and I found it very interesting. I am not copying it word for word, I will just highlight some of the important parts of the 2023 top scams for you! All the ways to prevent the scams are recommended by the Better Business Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission. The April 2023 bulletin is not on the website yet, but there is much more valuable information at www.AARP.org.


1.     Look out for fake barcodes on gift cards! The crooks affix fake barcode stickers over the real ones on the back of gift cards in stores. When you purchase the card, the cashier scans the fake barcode at checkout which then directs YOUR money right into their bank account and leaves you with a worthless gift card. How do make sure you have a real gift card? Some of them have matching numbers on the barcode and gift card packaging that you can see and match. You can feel or gently scratch the barcode on a gift card before buying it. Don’t buy it if the barcode is on a sticker, the package is ripped, wrinkled, bent, or looks tampered with.


2.     Have you ever received a text message directed at someone else? You think you’re being nice by replying, “sorry, wrong number.” The person then tries to get you to engage in a conversation where they try to get some of your personal information. What do you do when you receive such a text? Do not respond. Simply delete the message, or if it says reply stop to end further messages, then block the number; don’t reply with stop. If you reply with the word stop, they know they have a working number. They may then use your number for another scam.


3.     Crypto Refund Swindles. If you have lost money in a cryptocurrency scam, BEWARE! You could now become a potential “refund and recovery” victim. The criminals set up fake “get your crypto cash back” websites and they make them look like they are from the U.S. Department of State. Once you respond, they will contact you by phone, email or social media and ask for personal ID information. They will ask for account numbers and passwords, plus an advance fee for their services payable by gift card or wire transfer. What do you receive? NOTHING!!!


4.     Fake High School Sports Streaming Sites. Criminals claim they will show you the big game, but instead they steal your money and information. During the pandemic, streaming your grandchild’s high school sports game became a big thing and they were often free via a legit outlet recognized by the school. However, scam streaming apps are popping up on social media before the events, posting messages about streaming the game; they may even mention a key athlete’s name to make it sound more legit. Sometimes the athlete will resend the message not realizing it’s a scam. So, when it is game time, you click on the link, enter your credit card number, and never see the game. The scammers now have your credit card information and your personal ID information. What can you do to prevent this? Contact the school before the game and ask them how you can stream it.


5.     Out-of-Stock item scam. Scammers are now creating fake websites with too good to be true prices for items we all want. You go online and order the item and wait. You receive an email stating it is out of stock and your refund is on the way. They promise you a refund, but you never receive it, and you can’t reach anyone at the company. How do you prevent this? FTC recommends researching businesses online before you buy, and only shop on secure websites with a lock symbol in the browser bar and an address that begins with “https.”


6.     I have got your package, where’s your house? This may be the scariest scam of all! Have you ever ordered a package and it was delivered to the wrong address? Sure, it’s happened to all of us. But scammers are now getting your phone number and texting or calling you saying they received your package by mistake, and asking your address. Also, fake delivery drivers may leave a note on your door stating delivery attempt failed, please call this number. When you call the number they will provide you a link to click on to schedule a delivery date, but that link downloads malware that will grab your passwords and account information from your computer. What to do if you get such a notice? Contact the seller or delivery service using a verified phone number and DON’T use numbers or links provided by potential scammers.


It's really sad how many new scams come out every day. It seems no one is safe from these people who don’t want to live an honest life like most of us. Our seniors are the most vulnerable and we at Assisted Living Made Simple are here to help protect you! If you have questions, please call us at 386-847-2322. If you think you have been a victim of a scam, or a potential victim, please contact your local law enforcement. 

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February and the Heart

By Donna Nichols • February 2, 2026
Small Habits That Make a Big Difference February brings a soft reminder to pause and check in with the most loyal companion we have — our heart. It beats for us without asking, carrying us through decades of joy, loss, laughter, and change. American Heart Month invites us to honor that steady work with simple habits that help us feel stronger, more energized, and more connected. The Power of Small Steps Heart health doesn’t require dramatic resolutions or strict routines. In fact, the most meaningful changes are often the smallest ones — the ones we can weave into our day without feeling overwhelmed. A ten‑minute walk after breakfast. Choosing water before coffee. Stretching your arms and shoulders while waiting for the kettle to boil. Turning on a favorite song and letting your body sway a little. These tiny choices add up. They support circulation, boost mood, and remind us that caring for ourselves is still possible at every age. Movement That Meets You Where You Are Not everyone can take long walks or join a fitness class — and that’s okay. Gentle movement counts. • Marching your feet while seated • Rolling your shoulders to release tension • Standing up and sitting down a few times to strengthen your legs • Reaching toward the ceiling to open your chest Every bit of movement helps the heart do its job with less strain. Food That Loves You Back Heart‑healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated. Think in terms of adding rather than restricting. • Add a handful of berries to breakfast • Add a few colorful vegetables to lunch • Add a sprinkle of nuts or seeds for healthy fats • Add one extra glass of water during the day Small additions feel doable — and they nourish the body in ways you can feel. Connection Is Heart Medicine, Too Loneliness can weigh on the heart just as much as physical strain. February is a wonderful time to reach out. Call a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while. Share a memory with a grandchild. Join a community activity, even if just for an hour. Let someone know you’re thinking of them. Human connection is one of the most powerful heart‑protective habits we have. A Month to Celebrate Your Strength Your heart has carried you through so much — every milestone, every challenge, every moment of joy. This month is not about perfection. It’s about honoring your resilience and choosing one or two small habits that make you feel good. A healthier heart doesn’t happen overnight. It happens in the quiet, steady choices we make each day. And February is the perfect time to begin.

Connection Is the Resolution That Lasts

By Donna Nichols • January 12, 2026
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A Fresh Start Doesn’t Mean Starting Over

By Donna Nichols • January 9, 2026
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