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Identity Theft: What It Is, How to Prevent It, Warning Signs and Tips

Mon, September 13, 2021 Published by

The following information is provided to you from a third-party website called NerdWallet who provide financial advice from their long list of contributors. This information is provided for your education only and is not a direct post from Beatitudes Campus. We will regularly provide content involving scam awareness, fraud and other information to better educate and inform our residents to be on the alert at all times for these types of potential scams and fraudsters. You may find this original article here: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/how-to-prevent-identity-theft

– Korry Nelson, Media Design Specialist, Beatitudes Campus

Identity theft is when someone uses your personal data — your  name, Social Security number, birthdate, etc. — to impersonate you, typically using that information to steal from you.

It’s a growing problem in the U.S., and pandemic relief made it worse as identity thieves targeted relief checks and unemployment benefits. Theft of benefits in 2020 was up a whopping 2,920% over 2019. Overall, the Federal Trade Commission received 1.4 million complaints of identity theft from consumers in 2020, up 113% from the year before.

Here’s what you need to know to reduce chances you’ll be a target, spot warning signs and take quick action to minimize damage.

What is identity theft? 

Identity theft happens when someone uses your sensitive data to pose as you or steal from you. Identity thieves may drain your bank and investment accounts, open new credit lines, get utility service, steal your tax refund, use your insurance information to get medical treatments, or give police your name and address when they are arrested.

Frequent data breaches mean your information may already be exposed. In this new reality, it’s smart to take steps to prevent malicious actors from using your personal information and ruining your financial life.

7 types of identity theft and the warning signs

Once a criminal has your info, here are common ways it may be exploited:

1. Credit identity theft

Credit identity theft happens when a criminal uses your personal information, such as birthdate and Social Security number, to apply for a new credit line.

Warning signs: You might see an unexpected change in your credit scores or an account you don’t recognize on your credit reports. You may get debt collection notices or a court judgment against you. The best way to prevent it is to freeze your credit.

2. Child identity theft

Criminals steal a child’s identity and apply for credit in that child’s name. Often it is not discovered until the victim applies for college loans or other credit.

Warning signs: If your child is getting offers of credit cards or phone calls about late payments or debt collections, investigate. You can freeze your child’s credit to prevent it.

3. Synthetic identity theft

Synthetic identity theft is when criminals use a patchwork of identity details to construct a fictitious consumer, using a Social Security number — often one of a minor child or one that is simply made up — that is not yet in the credit bureaus’ database and combining it with a name and address. They then apply for loans and credit cards, often making payments for years as the credit limits grow. Then comes a “bust out,” when cards are maxed out and the criminals disappear.

Warning signs: If you try to freeze your child’s credit and discover their Social Security number is already in use. Often it is not discovered until the child is applying for student loans. It is not always preventable, because sometimes criminals make up and use a Social Security number even before it’s assigned.

4. Taxpayer identity theft

Sometimes fraudsters use a Social Security number to file a tax return and steal your tax refund or tax credit.

Warning signs: You may be unable to e-file because someone else has already filed under that Social Security number, you get an IRS notice or letter referencing some activity you knew nothing about or IRS records suggest you worked for an employer that you did not. Filing early can help you beat criminals to filing in your name, and some states offer six-digit identity protection PINs (after a rigorous verification) with additional security.

5. Medical identity theft

Using someone else’s identity to get health care services is medical identity theft. It’s particularly dangerous because it can result in medical histories being mixed, giving doctors and hospitals wrong information as they are making health care decisions.

Warning signs: Claims or payments on your insurance explanation of benefits that you do not recognize can suggest that someone is using your health care benefits. If you’ve fallen victim, you’ll need to both report it to your insurance company and inform your health care team to be sure information in your health care records is actually yours.

6. Account takeover

Criminals use personal data to access your financial accounts, then change passwords or addresses so that you no longer have access.

Warning signs: An email, letter or text from your financial institution that refers to an action (like a password or email change) or transaction you don’t recognize.

7. Criminal identity theft

Criminal identity theft occurs when someone gives law authorities someone else’s name and address during an arrest or investigation. This is often done with false identification, such as a fake driver’s license.

Warning signs: You may be detained by a police officer for reasons that are unclear to you, or be denied employment or a promotion because of something found in a background check. Back to top

11 ways to prevent identity theft

You’re unlikely to find a fail-safe way to prevent identity theft, and monitoring services only let you know after something has gone wrong. But there are 11 things you can do to make it much harder for identity thieves.

1. Freeze your credit

Freezing your credit with all three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian and TransUnion — restricts access to your records so new credit files cannot be opened. It’s free to freeze your credit and unfreeze when you want to open an account, and it provides the best protection against an identity thief using your data to open a new account.

2. Safeguard your Social Security number

Your Social Security number is the master key to your personal data. Guard it as best you can. When you are asked for your number, ask why it is needed and how it will be protected. Don’t carry your card with you. Securely store or shred paperwork containing your Social Security number.

3. Be alert to phishing and spoofing

Scammers can make phone calls appear to come from government entities or businesses, and emails that appear to be legitimate may be attempts to steal your information. Initiate a callback or return email yourself, working from a known entity such as the official website, rather than responding to a call or email. And be wary of attachments — many contain malware.

4. Use strong passwords and add an authentication step

Use a password manager to create and store complex, unique passwords for your accounts. Don’t reuse passwords. Adding an authenticator app can reduce your risk. Don’t rely on security questions to keep your accounts safe; your mother’s maiden name and your pet’s name aren’t hard to find. Think carefully about what you post on social media so you don’t give away key data or clues about how you answer security questions.

5. Use alerts

Many financial institutions will text or email when transactions are made on your accounts. Sign up so that you know when and where your credit cards are used, when there are withdrawals or deposits to financial accounts and more.

6. Watch your mailbox

Stolen mail is one of the easiest paths to a stolen identity. Have your mail held if you’re out of town. Consider a U.S. Postal Service-approved lockable mailbox. You can also sign up for Informed Delivery through the USPS, which gives you a preview of your mail so you can tell if anything is missing.

7. Shred, shred, shred

Any credit card, bank or investment statements that someone could fish out of your garbage shouldn’t be there in the first place. Shred junk mail, too, especially preapproved offers of credit.

8. Use a digital wallet

If you’re paying online or in a store, use a digital wallet, an app containing secure, digital versions of credit and debit cards. You can use it to shop online or at a compatible checkout terminal. Transactions are tokenized and encrypted, which makes them safer. In addition, contactless transactions have fewer health risks.

9. Protect your mobile devices

Mobile devices can be a real risk. According to Javelin’s report, only 48% of us routinely lock our mobile devices. Use passwords on your electronic devices. Use a banking app rather than a mobile browser for banking.

10. Check your credit reports regularly

The three major credit reporting bureaus are giving consumers access to a free credit report weekly until April 20, 2022. Check to be sure that any accounts in forbearance or deferment are being reported properly, and to watch for signs of fraud. You can also sign up for a free credit report and score from NerdWallet to receive alerts when there are changes.

11. Monitor financial and medical statements

Read financial statements. Make sure you recognize every transaction. Know due dates and call to investigate if you do not receive an expected bill. Review “explanation of benefits” statements to make sure you recognize the services provided to guard against health care fraud. Back to top

10 ways identity theft happens 

Here are some of the ways your personal information can be compromised:

1. Lost wallet

When your wallet is lost or stolen, someone else may gain access to all the information in it.

  • Don’t carry your Social Security card or more credit cards than you use regularly, and don’t keep a list of passwords and access codes in your wallet.
  • Make photocopies of your credit cards, front and back, and keep them in a secure location so that you can easily call the issuer if a card or your wallet is lost. Some issuers allow you to temporarily “turn off” a lost card; with others, you have to cancel and get a new card issued.

2. Mailbox theft

Someone simply takes your mail or forwards your mail to a different address, so that you suddenly stop getting most mail.

  • Sign up for USPS Informed Delivery. You’ll get an email with images of the items that should be delivered to you so you’ll know if things are missing.
  • Choose a secure mailbox and retrieve mail promptly.

3. Using public Wi-Fi

Hackers may be able to see what you are doing when you use free public Wi-Fi.

  • Don’t use public Wi-Fi for shopping, banking or other sensitive transactions.
  • If you choose to use public Wi-Fi, use a virtual private network service to create a secure connection.

4. Data breaches

Hackers invade databases holding sensitive information, such as in the Equifax credit bureau hack of 2017. Almost everyone has been affected by a data breach.

  • Assume that your data is already out there and take precautions accordingly.
  • Check your credit scores often — unexpected changes can be a clue — and read financial and insurance statements carefully. Monitor your credit reports, especially for new accounts or inquiries resulting from credit applications.

5. SIM card swap

This is when someone takes over your phone number. You may stop getting calls and texts, or you may get a notice that your phone has been activated.

  • Set up a PIN or password on your cellular account.
  • Consider using an authentication app for accounts with sensitive financial information.

6. Phishing or spoofing

Some fraudsters try to get you to disclose personal data, such as credit card numbers, Social Security numbers and banking information, by sending an official-looking email. Spoofing involves doing much the same thing with caller ID, so that the number appears to be that of a trusted company or government agency.

  • Do not give out personal data in response to an email or call.
  • Find contact information from a trusted source, such as your bank website, and use it to verify whether the call or email is legitimate.

7. Skimming

Skimming is getting credit card information, often from a small device, when a credit card is used at a brick-and-mortar location such as a gas pump or ATM.

  • Use cards with chips, which have added protections.
  • Pay inside at the gas station if you can, because skimming devices are more likely to be placed at unmonitored payment sites.
  • Detect fraudulent activity early by setting email or text alerts that let you know when your credit cards are used. If a card is used without your authorization, call the issuer immediately.

8. Phone scams

You may be told you have won something or even that you are in danger of being arrested. The caller claims to need personal, banking or credit information to verify your identity or to know where to send you money.

  • Don’t give personal information out over the phone.
  • Be aware of common phone scams. The IRS, for example, does not initiate contact with taxpayers by phone (or email or social media) to request personal or financial information, nor does it call with threats of arrest or lawsuits.

9. Looking over your shoulder

Fraudsters can learn a password just by watching your fingers as you key it in. The information on your credit card can be photographed with a smartphone while you shop online in a public place. A business might leave sensitive information where people can see it.

  • Be aware of your surroundings.
  • Don’t leave cards where they can be seen.
  • Cover your hand when you key in passwords or codes.

10. Malware

Opening an email attachment or visiting an infected website can install malicious software on your computer, such as a keylogger. That does what it sounds like — logs every keystroke, giving criminals access to passwords, account numbers and more.

  • Be cautious about clicking on attachments or links in emails and about the websites you visit.
  • Use a password manager, which lets you avoid keying in login credentials.

 Back to top

How to report identity theft

Identitytheft.gov is a one-stop shop for information and reporting identity theft. Start with that site, which is run by the Federal Trade Commission, and follow its recommended steps to make a recovery plan. You may also need to contact your police department, the Postal Service and the credit bureaus. The IRS has a phone line for identity theft, at 800-908-4490, and a taxpayer guide to identity theft on its website.

You can also go directly to your credit card issuer if your credit card was lost, stolen or used without your knowledge. If it appears someone else used your health benefit, contact your health insurer and consider contacting any involved providers to make sure someone else’s health history is not mixed with yours. Back to top

What happens when you report identity theft?

Reporting identity theft starts an investigation and the process of restoring your good name. The exact steps will depend on the type of identity theft.

Credit card issuers generally replace the cards with new ones with a different number, and you are back in business. Taxpayer identity theft or theft of benefits typically are resolved more slowly.

No matter which type of identity theft you experience, keep extensive notes about phone conversations and retain related emails. Back to top

What is the best identity theft protection service?

Identity theft protection services let you know that your identifying information has been used, or that it is at risk because it was exposed in a data breach. If you are a victim of identity theft, they may also guide you — and reimburse you for costs — through the process of cleaning up the mess and restoring your identity.

If you’re already doing all you can do to protect your identity or feel you don’t have time to do it, you may want to consider an identity theft protection service. Protections vary, and most offer additional ways to protect your privacy and other services. The best choice among the paid services is one that fits your budget and offers you the coverage you care about.

Before you pay for one, though, check to be sure you don’t have an identity theft benefit or discount you’re not using. For instance, if you were affected by the 2017 Equifax data breach, you are entitled to identity restoration services even if you did not file a claim.

State of the Campus: March 26

Fri, March 26, 2021 Published by

We are showing that we are Beatitudes Strong because our campus currently is COVID-19 free. As the spread continues to decrease in Maricopa County and here on campus, we have been able to decrease the frequency of staff testing per our regulating agencies. We no longer will be doing twice a week testing for staff working in Plaza View or the Health Care Center.

State of the Campus, Dec. 11

Fri, December 11, 2020 Published by

On Monday, December 7, we tested 273 staff and contractors for COVID-19. We received 272 negative results and one positive result. This staff person who was positive works in maintenance, and contact tracing for possible exposure has been completed. We send our prayers for recovery to this staff person.

Scam Awareness Refresher

Mon, October 26, 2020 Published by

BEWARE – SCAMS are on the rise again! There are thousands of new SCAMS every year and there is no way to keep up with them all (we know, we try!). 2020 has been a most challenging year and scammers are looking to capitalize on every opportunity it presents. Elections, Social Security, IRS, Sweepstakes, Romance, Computer Hacking, Spoofing, Identity Theft, Golden Opportunity, Charity, Medical… the list of potential SCAMS goes on and on.

Haven’t Been Scammed Yet? You Will Be!

Tue, July 30, 2019 Published by

Soon, you will also see announcements of a trial Scam Prevention Workshop. Korry Nelson and I are working together to create a LLL class for you with the goal of arming you with better tools to protect yourself against these criminals.

Redevelopment Update: It’s Both Sites Now!

Tue, June 18, 2019 Published by

We are planning to have a second concrete contractor begin working on the 17th Drive site next week. You should see the sitework contractor moving dirt for the building pads this week. The framing will continue on Myrtle with the footings for Bldg #4 being poured on the 14th. The HVAC (Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning), will begin installation the week of the 24th on building #5 which was the first pad poured and the building that is framed. The project remains within budget.

Dust control is in effect at all times on all sites.

We appreciate your enthusiasm, participation and support. If you have any additional questions and information, please contact Scott Mardian,
smardian@beatitudescampus.org

Big Tech, Big Brother and a Bigger God

Sun, May 26, 2019 Published by

George Orwell’s novel, 1984, was so successful at creating an imagined yet potential future reality that seventy years later, one of its most famous phrases ‘Big Brother is watching you’, continues to be used when describing the potential for governments and business to use technology to intrude into our daily lives via technology. This past week, that phrase was used by many journalists writing about another breach of technological security. This time, the text messaging service WhatsApp had been hacked by people who had installed spyware, turning users’ cell phones into a surveillance system by activating its camera and microphone, tracking users movements and extracting information from messages that were sent. As Orwell envisioned, that potential in the hands of those seeking to cause harm or to control others has some very serious consequences and implications. If someone hacked my phone, I suspect the most interesting thing they would find would be my wife and I discussing our dinner plans, but the incident is another reminder of how much we value our privacy. Technology has created a double bind. It facilitates communication to an amazing degree. We can send a message to anyone, anywhere, anytime. But it seems to be coming with an increase in surveillance that makes private communication risky. What are we to do? Throw away the phone and return to sending letters with the Pony Express? I hope not. In Psalm 139, traditionally attributed to King David, we hear a half-complaint and half-rejoicing in the truth that he is unable to escape the omniscient God. ‘Where can I hide from your spirit?’ he asks. He answers his own question by saying that he can’t and that perhaps it doesn’t matter. He knows that God’s gaze not only penetrates the rock of the cave in which he hides, it sees into his very soul. God is able to read his life, decrypt it end to end. To use a modern idiom, David knows he has been soul-hacked. The idea of being soul-hacked would be appalling if the one knowing the secrets of our hearts was a malignant force out to mine the data of our lives and use the information for their own ends to crush and oppress us. But as the Psalmist goes on to say: ‘Your eyes have seen my unformed substance.’ ‘Created my inmost being.’ The God who cracks the encryption of our hearts, created that heart and gives us the code to open it. The One who is watching us, in this instance, is not against us but for us.

Beatitudes Campus Town Hall

Mon, May 13, 2019 Published by

Prior to the Town Hall Meeting, a Celebration of Life was held to honor the memory of Rev. Dr. Culver “Bill” H. Nelson, D.D., LHD, the beloved founder of Beatitudes Campus. Michelle Just, President and CEO, Dosia Carlson and Leroy Calbom spoke of the outstanding leadership, vision and community service that exemplified Dr. Nelson’s life. The Life Center was filled with grateful residents honoring Dr. Nelson with their presence.

David Ragan, Sr. VP of Resident Services, welcomed residents and especially some residents who were attending a Town Hall for the first time. He noted that years ago, when he attended national meetings, Beatitudes Campus was the standard in residential care and Dr. Nelson’s leadership was legendary.

Michelle Just was delighted with Mayor Kate Gallego’s Proclamation stating that May, 2019 is Older Americans Month. The Proclamation explained that President Kennedy recognized seniors 60 years and older in 1963. Beatitudes Campus began in 1965 and was one of the first Senior Independent Living and Health Care Residences in the nation. Beatitudes Campus has served 17,000 older adults since its beginning. The watchwords for Older Americans Month are connect, create and contribute.

During the April 10th meeting, six of the eleven standing committees and three of the six building Senior Representatives reported. Of significant interest: Community Relations reported that the Campus is providing volunteers to Maryland School and five scholarships to Washington High School students; Health and Wellness conducted a seminar “Money Matters” in March, will be doing a workshop in April entitled “Ready, Set and Go”, and have planned a five part program “Behind the Curtain” in July and August; preparations are being made for the Earth Day “Protect” march and program, April 26th.

David Ragan announced that the new battery operated leaf blowers have been ordered and will soon be seen around campus. The gas powered blowers will still be used around the edges of the campus, but responding to the wishes of residents, battery operated blowers will be used in the other areas of the campus and are a worthwhile investment.

David introduced Zack Coronado from the Mobile Valley Physicians group which will be offering an on-site clinic here on Campus, beginning July 1st. Zack explained that the group was established three years ago in the East Valley. Through strategic growth, they now have over 1000 patients and are happy to have the opportunity to show residents the quality of services they provide. For the next 60 days, we will see Zack and his associates around campus explaining the process for registering for the clinic and how it will work. The group has contracts with over 60 insurance companies and can OK your insurance when you provide them with your insurance card. Whether you currently have a physician you are happy with or not, it is advisable to sign up for the Mobile Valley Physicians clinic so that you can use it if you are ill and cannot get an immediate appointment with your own doctor. Mary Rihani, a family nurse practitioner who is board certified in Adult-Gerontology, will be the attending physician in the clinic here on Campus. If you wish, Mary will visit you in your apartment to provide medical services. The Clinic will be located in the Plaza South building where Dr. Mawyer practiced. New patient registration forms for Mobile Valley Physicians can be picked up at the Welcome Center desk.

Gabi Holberg, Assistant Director of I.L., introduced Louis Molina from Unique Lab Services who will be offering blood lab services here on campus. Louis said that his group has contracts with Labcorp and Sonora Quest and is able to take all insurances. The lab will be open from 8:30—9:30AM on Wednesday mornings in the Recreation Center. Bring your lab orders and insurance card to the Clinic. Louis is willing to go to a resident’s apartment after 9:30AM to collect blood if a resident does not want to have it collected in the Recreation Center. Call 480-765-2677 for an in-home visit or for more information. As David quipped—“if you want a nice guy to stick it to you, Louis is the guy.”

Jessica Myer, Director of Success Matters, noted that May is Better Speech and Hearing Month. A handout on tips and tricks for improving your communication with hearing loss is available from the Success Matters office. Jessica said that Mark Pelkey is starting a Hearing Loss and Resource Group. If you are interested in joining this group, contact Mark at x15586. Josephine Levy, Resource Navigator for Success Matters, talked about the Tip of the Month: Living Will vs. Last Will and Testament. She explained that a Living Will is a health care document outlining your wishes for end of life care. A Last Will and Testament is a document that specifies what you want done with your assets (property). Residents should work with an attorney on this document and Josephine can assist you in finding an attorney.

Director of Life Enrichment, Jon Schilling, announced that Adi Muñoz will be the new CAREcorps Volunteer Coordinator and will be transitioning from the Welcome Center to her new position. Didi Cruz, Life Enrichment Specialist, provided residents with a list of the upcoming off campus events. They include a morning outing at the Desert Botanical Garden on Tuesday, May 14th at 9:00AM for a free self-guided tour; tour of the Prisma Printing Company on Friday, May 17th at 9:30AM. Call x12905 to reserve your seat on the bus for these tours and for the lunch outings on Friday, May 24th to IronWorks Restaurant. Didi also announced that the Gaming Connection Debut will take place on Wednesday morning, May 22nd at 10:00AM in the Life Center. For those who play games, this is your opportunity to understand how you will be able to connect with other residents who are playing the games you like to play. Don’t miss out on this awesome new amenity.

Fitness Specialist, Mike Smallwood, discussed a Silver Sneakers article on Sadness vs. Depression. When you are sad, you can usually trace the cause to something going on in your life or maybe a negative memory from the past. With depression, the negative feeling sticks around for a while, most of the day, every day, for weeks at a time. Five ways to start feeling better include, get moving through exercise, meditating, spending time outside in nature, fostering close relationships with friends and family and making daily lists of what you are grateful for. If you experience negative feelings for more than two to four weeks, it is time to talk to your doctor. Mike noted that the “Strictly Strength” class is meeting in the Fitness Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11:00AM. Morning and Midday Motions with Mike take place on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9:30AM, and on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1PM in Plaza View on the 3rd floor. The Tai Chi Class with Carol-Ann is at 11:00AM on Tuesdays and 11:45AM on Thursdays in the Recreation Center. The Basketball Bounce Game meets every Monday from 1:30 to 2:30PM in Agelink 2. The lucky B-Fit winner for May is Farrell Kenimer.

David reminded residents that anyone utilizing Beatitudes Guest WiFi must use the new password which can be obtained from the Welcome Center. The new password is part of the WiFi hard-wired into resident apartments and does not require residents to make changes to their apartment WiFi. David also reminded residents that the Community Channel has been changed to 1-1. It is still the default when you turn on the TV. Residents may listen to upcoming events that are listed in the Roadrunner by dialing 19756 at any time.

Remember the Hootenanny occurs every Wednesday evening at 5:45PM in the Life Center. It’s free and a great place to bring your friends and enjoy the music. Also, Sundaes with Dave will be on May 15th from 2 to 4PM in the Plaza Bistro. Come enjoy a free yogurt Sundae and chat with David if you have thoughts to share. Again, many thanks to Gregory’s Fresh Market for their service to the Beatitudes and hundreds of people throughout the Valley. Best wishes for a happy and patriotic Memorial Day to all our residents.

The next Town Hall will be on June 5th at 2:00PM in the Life Center. Come and find out what is happening on our vibrant Campus!

Redevelopment Update

Sun, May 5, 2019 Published by

The Planned Urban Development (PUD) application with the City of Phoenix was unanimously approved. Thank you  again for your excellent support throughout this process.

We have completed just over 16% of the construction on the patio homes.  We are still performing underground utility work and we expect to begin delivery and pouring of ready-mix/concrete for the footings and foundations within two weeks. The large boxed specimen tree (Chinese Pistache) is leafing out and we hope to move it successfully to its final location between two of the new Myrtle Patio Homes within the next two weeks.  Work start times have shifted one hour earlier to 6AM to accommodate the higher daytime temperatures.

Again, our team, Orcutt/Winslow, their consultants, The Weitz Company and SRP appreciate your enthusiasm, participation and support in the project approvals. Additional questions and information?  Contact Scott Mardian,

smardian@beatitudescampus.org

Golden Rule Awards Banquet

Sun, May 5, 2019 Published by

The Arizona Interfaith Movement (AZIFM) holds the Golden Rule Banquet each year where people and organizations are honored for upholding the principles of the Golden Rule. I had the pleasure of attending the 14th annual banquet on Thursday evening, April 11, at the Mesa Convention Center and found it an awesome and inspiring evening. Those of us attending from Beatitudes Campus, besides myself, were Sybil Eppinger (whose husband Dr. Paul Eppinger founded the AZIFM), Karen Shannon, Cammy Clevenger, Bob Van Riper and Nancy Splain.

When we arrived at the Mesa Convention Center, we were greeted in the courtyard by hosts at several booths providing information about different religions.  At the Sikh booth, I met Rani Sodhi, the brother of the man who was murdered in Mesa right after 9/11. Mr. Sodhi has spent all of the intervening years since then, travelling all over the United States and beyond, working to build bridges of understanding among people of different faiths and backgrounds.

At 6:30PM, we joined the over 800 other attendees inside for the evening program and banquet.

The evening started with the sounding of the Jewish Shofar followed by a welcome from Anita Rangaswami, Vice President of the AZIFM Board and a representative of the Hindu faith.

Pat McMahon, radio personality and Hall of Fame Broadcaster, was Master of Ceremonies for the evening.

Opening prayers were given by a Christian, someone from the BahaIi faith tradition, someone from Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, and a Buddhist. Each prayer ended with the statement of the Golden Rule as expressed in their respective faith traditions.

Mesa’s Mayor, John Giles, and AZIFM’s Executive Director, Rev. Larry Fultz, each then welcomed us, and dinner was served. During dinner, we were treated to an impressive musical performance by Taiko drum artist, Ken Koshio, and his son.

After dinner, the awards were given as the next part of the program. This year’s Golden Rule Awards recipients were as follows:

The Serving the Children Award went to Sunshine Acres, a home for children with no place to go.

The Humanitarian Award went to members of the Japanese American Citizens League made up of Japanese Internment survivors. This group talks to schools and encourages the breakdown of fear and hatred and the empowerment of kindness.

The Community Building Award went to the East Valley Community Builders. This group encourages interracial and social activities between citizens and police to encourage mutual understanding.

The Media Award went to AZTV and its director, Lynn Londen, for programming focusing on the positive qualities of our community, including airing a teenage group which does a media show on kindness and helpfulness.

The Darl Anderson Award went to Nick Lowery, the Hall of Fame Kicker of the Kansas City Chiefs. He started the Nick Lowery Youth Foundation that assists homeless youth.

At the end of the award ceremony, to bring the evening to a close, AZIFM Executive Director, Rev. Larry Fultz, called his family members in attendance to the stage. Assembling on the stage were a husband and wife from Nigeria (the husband had been a young student sent by his father to study in America who had lived with the Fultz’s during that time), a Jewish rabbi, Rev. Fultz’s brother and his Russian wife, a son with his Japanese wife, and a grandson with his Pakistani wife. Each gave a prayer or blessing to us all in his or her native language, followed by his or her spouse’s rendering the prayer in English. What a powerful visual.

The family closing was a magnificent end to a very inspiring evening.

To Your Credit

Sun, April 28, 2019 Published by

Understanding your credit report is no easy task. The three credit reporting agencies, TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax, are private businesses that hold our financial histories in their hands. Every credit card, missed/late payment, home mortgage, and car loan are catalogued on our credit reports, along with our social security numbers, driver’s license numbers, and personal data histories. You cannot opt out. This information is sold to lenders who are wanting to know how reliable you are in repaying debt.

Some terms to know:

Credit bureaus: One key point to understanding credit bureaus is to realize that you are not the consumer when it comes to these agencies: you, or more accurately your data, are the product. Historically, the bureaus have had control of how we can access, review, and control our own information.

The public became more aware of the power of these private businesses after the 2017 Equifax breach, in which the data of over 140 million Americans was hacked. Since then, consumers have (a little) more say in how their credit reports are shared.

Credit score: Your record of reliability is represented by your credit score, which is a result of a number of factors found in your reports. The higher your score, the better credit terms available to you.

Credit report: You have the right to a free credit report (not credit score) from each of the three agencies each year. Credit reports do not contain your credit score.

Credit freeze: Freezing your credit is the best way to prevent others from taking out credit in your name (identity fraud). When you freeze your credit, you cannot take out a loan without “unfreezing” it first, which only you can do with the password you create.

Fraud alert: A fraud alert allows creditors to get a copy of your credit report as long as they verify your identity. For example, the business must call you to verify whether you are the person making the credit request. There are various levels of fraud alerts, depending on your circumstances.

Finally, know that there are many other private businesses that seek to profit from our collective anxiety over identity theft and credit reports in general. While these are not necessarily scams, they are often products that duplicate what could be acquired for free. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns regarding your credit report.

A Clinic is Coming, A Clinic is Coming

Sun, April 21, 2019 Published by

A CLINIC IS COMING…We are happy to share that Mobile Valley Physicians (MVP) will be joining us on campus in the next couple of months, offering primary care services, podiatry, home health and rehab referrals and coordination, chronic disease management, end of life care planning and hospice coordination. Beginning around July 1, 2019 they will be staffing couple days a week until caseload increases to be able to add more days. They hope, in time, to be open Monday through Friday. Look for more info coming soon…

Redevelopment Update

Sun, March 31, 2019 Published by

Thank you again for you excellent support to the Alhambra Village Planning Committee meetings.  Your assistance helped us to receive a unanimous favorable vote.  We now go to the April 4th hearing before the City Planning Commission presentation and vote.

We have completed just over 12% of the construction on the patio homes.  We are still performing underground utility work.  Once we are out of the ground around the end of April, there will be a burst of visible activity. Demolition work has been completed on the garden apartments.

Dust control is in effect at all times on all sites. Again, our team, Orcutt/Winslow, their consultants, The Weitz Company and SRP appreciate your enthusiasm, participation and support in the project approvals. Additional questions and information?  Contact Scott Mardian, [email protected].

Money Matters

Sun, March 17, 2019 Published by

Ever wonder how all the pieces of your financial puzzle fit together? Join us Friday, March 22nd at 1:00PM in the Agelink Great Room (AGR) for an informational panel to address the financial questions that are most relevant to residents.

Our panel features professionals on issues large and small that impact our daily lives and our long-term well-being. Panel members include Allen Bloch, Chief Financial Officer of Beatitudes Campus; Ellen Dean, Financial Planner; Laurel Hickok, CPA and Daily Money Manager; and Megan Selvey, Bivens and Associates Elder Law Attorney.

While money is important to us at any age, it can become even more so as we grow older. Demographic changes mean we are living longer after retirement, and funding those decades of longer life can be a challenge. Social Security is the primary source of income for many older adults, and about one-third of retired people rely on Social Security for over 90 percent of their income.

Additionally, questions about long-term care costs, money management, and frauds and scams have become part of our daily conversations. Concerns about escalating health care costs can also cause us to worry, which, incidentally, can negatively impact our health.

The format of our panel will include a brief self-introduction by panelists, to be followed with moderated questions that address central themes, and will conclude with questions from the audience.

Topics of interest will include:

Money and family: “How do I know if it is still ok to give money to my adult children? Should I add them to my bank account? Should I co-sign a loan?” 

Personal finance: “I expect to live twenty more years, but my money only expects to live about five more years. What is available to help people like me?” “Should I keep my life insurance policy?”

Long Term Care: “Why does my long-term care insurance premium keep going up? Are there ways to lower the premium without losing benefits? How do people afford higher levels of care on Campus?”

Legal issues: “Do I need a will even if I am not wealthy?” “I’m confused about what a durable power of attorney means. Should I have one?” “Should I file for bankruptcy?”

Our panel is brought to you by the Health and Wellness Committee and Success Matters. We hope you can join us on Friday, March 22nd, at 1:00PM in the Agelink Great Room.

 

Clear Site—a Redevelopment Update

Sun, March 3, 2019 Published by

Thank you for the excellent turnout to the groundbreaking ceremony.  Your enthusiasm for the project only serves to fuel the contractor’s momentum.  We have completed just over 10% of the construction on the patio homes.  We are still performing underground utility work.  Once we are out of the ground, there will be a burst of visible activity.

Work has resumed on the Garden apartment demolition without the rain, and will wrap up this week or next.  Dust control is in effect at all times.

Again our team, Orcutt/Winslow and The Weitz Company, appreciate your enthusiasm and participation in the groundbreaking and beyond. Questions and information?  Contact Scott Mardian, [email protected]

More comics at http://www.louielouie.net

 

Excavation, a Redevelopment Update

Sun, February 17, 2019 Published by

The underground utility work on 17th Drive has halted to avoid a 4” Century Link fiber optic cable.  The 17th Drive northbound traffic has been re-opened during this delay. The underground utility work will shift over to the Myrtle site while the fiber cable is worked around.  The demolition of the Garden Apts. is progressing quickly and will wrap up this week or next.  Dust control is in effect at all times. Some very good news—SRP believes they can provide a transfer switch that will mitigate our risk during a severe power outage. We are hoping that this switch would be provided at little or no cost to the campus. SRP, Orcutt Winslow and Weitz are continually proving to be outstanding partners.