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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The Heart of Guidance: The Role of a Senior Advisor in Elder Care

By Donna Nichols • September 5, 2025
In a world that often moves too fast, senior advisors offer something rare and essential: time, understanding, and a steady hand. Unlike their counterparts in the business world, senior advisors in elder care aren’t focused on profit margins—they’re focused on people. Who They Are Senior advisors in this space are often seasoned professionals, caregivers, or community advocates who help older adults and their families navigate complex decisions. They may work in senior living communities, nonprofit organizations, healthcare systems, or independently. What They Do • Guide families through transitions: Whether it's choosing assisted living or downsizing a home, senior advisors help make sense of it all. • Advocate for dignity and autonomy: They ensure that older adults’ voices are heard and respected in every decision. • Connect to resources: From transportation and wellness programs to Alzheimer’s and grief support, they know where to turn. • Offer emotional support: Sometimes, the most valuable thing they offer is a listening ear and a calming presence. Why It Matters A senior advisor isn’t just a resource—they’re a lifeline. They help families breathe easier, empower older adults to make informed choices, and bring compassion into moments that can feel overwhelming. If you’re reading this and thinking, “That sounds like me,” you’re not alone. Many of us play this role informally, answering questions, calming nerves, and connecting dots. Whether you’re a professional advisor or a trusted neighbor, your presence makes a difference.  If you or someone you love is facing a big decision and could use a calm, caring guide—we’re here. No pressure, no jargon, just real people ready to help. Call us today on 386-847-2322 to start the conversation. Sometimes, the first step is simply knowing you’re not alone.

Grandparents Day: A Celebration of Heart, Humor & Heritage

By Donna Nichols • September 4, 2025
September brings a quiet kind of magic—the golden light, the hint of fall in the air, and a moment to honor the everyday heroes who’ve shaped our lives with love, laughter, and legendary stories: our grandparents. Whether you’re a grandparent yourself, a grateful grandchild, or someone who’s been “adopted” by a wise elder in your life, Grandparents Day is a chance to pause and celebrate the beautiful bridge between generations. What Makes Grandparents So Grand? • They’re walking history books—with tales of jukeboxes, moon landings, and the original recipe for Sunday gravy. • They’re master cheerleaders, showing up with hugs, cookies, and the kind of encouragement that sticks for life. • They’re wisdom whisperers, offering advice that somehow makes more sense with each passing year. And let’s be honest: they also have the uncanny ability to make you feel like the most important person in the room. A Legacy of Love Grandparents teach us that love doesn’t have to be loud to be lasting. It’s in the quiet gestures: the handwritten birthday card, the saved newspaper clipping, the way they remember your favorite snack or ask about that thing you mentioned weeks ago. They remind us that resilience is built over time—through hard work, humor, and a whole lot of heart. Their stories carry lessons we didn’t know we needed until we suddenly find ourselves living them. And for those who’ve lost a grandparent, this day can be bittersweet. But it’s also a chance to honor their memory—by sharing their stories, cooking their favorite dish, or simply whispering a thank-you into the September breeze. Celebrate with Us: A Little Fun for the Big Day This Grandparents Day, we invite you to: • Share a memory: What’s one moment with a grandparent that still makes you smile? • Send a shoutout: Post a photo or quote from your favorite grandparent on social media and tag us.

Honoring Our Elders: National Senior Citizens Day

By Donna Nichols • August 14, 2025
On August 21, we pause to celebrate the heartbeat of our communities—our senior citizens. This day isn’t just about marking a date on the calendar. It’s about recognizing the wisdom, resilience, and warmth that older adults bring to every conversation, every gathering, and every generation. Wisdom That Lights the Way From stories of first jobs and family traditions to lessons learned through love and loss, seniors carry a lifetime of insight. Their experiences are more than memories—they’re guideposts for those still finding their way. Today, we honor those stories and the voices behind them. Connection That Matters Whether it’s a neighborly wave, a shared recipe, or a quiet moment on the porch, seniors remind us that connection doesn’t need fanfare—it just needs heart. National Senior Citizens Day is a chance to say, “We see you. We value you. We’re better because of you.” Ways to Celebrate Host a storytelling circle or memory-sharing event Share a favorite photo and the story behind it Create a “Senior Spotlight” wall with quotes and wisdom Invite younger generations to learn a skill from a senior (gardening, baking, crafting) Spend time—listen, laugh, and learn A Day of Gratitude Let’s make August 21 a day of genuine appreciation. Whether you’re a senior yourself or someone lucky enough to know and love one, take a moment to reflect on the richness they bring to our lives. Their legacy is living, breathing, and beautifully unfolding every day.  This is a day to be celebrated every day! Senior citizens bring so much fulfillment to our lives, and we need to embrace the moments we spend with them, for they are precious.