Hello Neighbors Network Friends,
December is upon us and, for some, this year has flown. We hope the holiday spirit is beginning to peek in on you. Even with all the joy this time of year can bring, there still is a great opportunity to learn something helpful before the new year dawns. Read on to gather some useful information about protecting yourself from scams during the holidays and throughout the year.
WHAT’S NEW
They say the best defense is a good offense. That is so true when it comes to scams and knowing what to do to protect ourselves. Last month, Officer Daniel Holland with the Maitland Police Department spoke with Neighbors Network Members and friends at the meeting we scheduled at the Maitland Library. He said bad actors are becoming more sophisticated in their attacks. We are sharing the best practice safety tips that we learned in hopes that it will help you be safer, too.
A few tips:
1) Never, never, never buy gift cards because someone says it’s the best way to settle an account. Asking you to buy gift cards to resolve a payment problem is the most popular scam. Once they get the card numbers from you, they will be off to scam the next person and your money will be gone.2) Delete apps and accounts on your phone that you don’t use. Both can be vulnerable to hacking. By minimizing your phone apps and accounts to the ones you use, you minimize your risk exposure.
3) Set up a “junk email address” to use when signing up for some things, instead of using your regular email address. For example, (YourName)GetsInfo@yahoo.com.
4) If you receive a call or message saying there’s a problem with one of your accounts, write down what they say the problem is, thank them, and hang up. Then call the company with a number YOU get, not one they give to you, or go to your account online and see if that problem really exists.
5) Be cautious if you receive an email, text or call asking for your personal information. Never share sensitive information, such as social security number, bank account details, credit card information, and your password(s) to someone who has reached out to you.
6) Avoid clicking on links or attachments from unknown sources. Scammers often create fake links or attachments to trick you into downloading malware or malicious code to steal your data.
Even the VA and churches are warning about scams. Here’s an excerpt from a letter from the VA to a Neighbors Network member.
In 2025, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) “received reports of a new scam involving bogus overpayment notifications targeting Veterans and beneficiaries who receive VA benefit payments. Scammers impersonate VA employees and send fraudulent text messages, emails, or phone calls telling Veterans they owe VA money because of a debt due to an overpayment of VA benefits. These fraudsters may use VA letterhead or logos to make their communication appear authentic. They typically pressure Veterans to pay outstanding fees immediately and directly to them instead of through official VA payment channels.
“If someone demands an upfront payment to help with your VA debt or claims, it’s a scam. Requests for payments via wire transfers, bitcoin, prepaid debit cards, money transfers, or gift cards are signs of a scam. VA does not use these payment methods.”
To learn more about how to avoid or report fraud, go to VSafe.gov or call VSafe at 1-833-388-7233. They’re available 24/7.
The moral of this story is “Don’t be afraid, be informed”. A bit of knowledge and caution go a long way to protect us.
SPOTLIGHT ON DONORS – Lorraine (Cookie) Pinsky
Lorraine has believed in Neighbors Network since she first heard about it in 2017. Over the years, she has volunteered in many ways, including driving, doing some tasks in Members’ homes, and now baking and delivering birthday cakes to Members on their birthday as part of the Bake n Take team. She also served on the all-volunteer Board until mid-2025.
Lorraine has been a donor for a number of years, too. Since turning 70-1/2, she makes a point of donating from the required distribution she withdraws from her IRA, creating a tax break by reducing her taxable income. She said she has to take the distribution before December 31 or get penalized. She’s glad to use it to donate to Neighbors Network.
Lorraine enjoys monthly Zooms with a group of friends she’s known since elementary and junior high school. She’s impressed with how well everyone is functioning at 80.She tells everyone she knows in other parts of the country about the top-notch services Neighbors Network provides. They’re amazed and wish they had it in their community. She’s glad we have it here and donates to help keep it thriving.
Lorraine wisely points out that people could join before they need services to support what Neighbors Network does and to ensure it is there when they’re ready to request services. “It could be any of us who will need the help,” she said.
We are so grateful for Lorraine’s continued support of NN!
Annual Fundraiser
While we are still in the midst of our annual fundraiser, we would like to take a moment to thank all of you who have so kindly donated already. Neighbors Network exists solely to help our older community members live safely, happily, and independently in their own homes, after all. It’s a cause that is easy to believe in. And yet, we are truly touched and delighted by the support we receive during this annual fundraising event and throughout the year. To know that our community is so compassionate is never lost on us and we never take your kindness for granted.
If you haven’t yet had a chance to donate and would like to support NN in this way, please click here to read the fundraiser letter and to reach the donation link on our website.
We so appreciate your help.
THANK YOU!
No matter what form your support of Neighbors Network takes, we thank you. We are so grateful to you all and truly hope the joy you share with the world is reflected back to you in the most delightful ways this season. It is truly an honor to be a part of your world.