bbs-insurance

Dogs Are Good for Your Mental Health (of Course!)

Wed, 28 Oct 2026 06:00:22 GMT

A Wagging Tail Can Change Your Day

Dogs do not solve every difficult feeling, but they can change the rhythm of daily life in helpful ways. A dog needs breakfast, a walk, play, and attention, whether your human day feels easy or overwhelming. That steady presence can encourage movement, create routine, and make a home feel less empty.

Research on pets and mental health is encouraging, although it is not as simple as saying every dog automatically makes every person happier. Pet ownership can also bring stress, expense, and responsibility, along with affection. The benefits often depend on the relationship, the specific animal, the owner's circumstances, and whether the dog's needs are a realistic fit for the household.

Companionship Without a Complicated Conversation

A dog can offer company during quiet mornings, long workdays, retirement, recovery, or major life changes. Petting, playing, or simply sitting with a familiar furry friend may feel calming. For someone who lives alone, the sounds and routines of another living creature can make the home feel more connected.

Dogs can also provide a nonjudgmental presence. They do not need an explanation for a bad day, and caring for them can redirect attention toward an immediate, manageable task. That does not replace support from family, friends, or a mental health professional, but it can be one useful layer of everyday well-being.

Movement That Has a Purpose

Regular walks with the dog create a reason to get outside, notice the weather, and step away from a screen. Physical activity can support mood, sleep, and general health, and a dog's enthusiasm (or demand) can make the habit easier to maintain. Even short outings add structure and a sense of accomplishment.

The amount and type of activity should match both the person and the dog. Older adults, people with balance concerns, and anyone managing an injury may need a calmer, well-trained dog, a shorter route, or help from another person. A powerful dog that pulls on the leash can create risk instead of relief, so it's important to make a careful match.

Dogs Can Open the Door to Other People

Dogs are natural conversation starters. Walking along a familiar route can give you the chance to greet neighbors, have conversations at the park, or make new connections with other pet owners. Those small interactions may be especially valuable for someone who works from home, recently moved, or has a limited social circle.

Connection can happen inside the household too. Walking, training, and caring for a dog give family members shared responsibilities and stories. A pet can create moments of play and warmth that break up stressful routines.

Routine Can Be Grounding

Feeding and exercise schedules create predictable anchors throughout the day. That routine may help someone get out of bed, leave the house, or maintain a more consistent bedtime. Training can also build patience and provide small, visible signs of progress. Teaching a dog to wait at the door may seem minor, but repeated successes can be satisfying.

Notice Which Benefits Are Actually Helping

The phrase "mental health" covers more than just your mood. It includes stress, loneliness, motivation, sleep, attention, and the ability to manage daily responsibilities. A dog may support one area while making another more demanding. For example, walks may improve routine, while separation anxiety or veterinary concerns could add stress. Pay attention to the pattern in your own life. If pet care repeatedly causes exhaustion, conflict, financial strain, or safety concerns, you might ask a trainer, veterinarian, friend, or family member for help. Responsible support is good for both ends of the leash.

The Right Choice Is Personal

A dog is a long-term commitment, not a wellness product. Before adopting, consider housing rules, allergies, travel, time, mobility, grooming, food, training, and veterinary costs. Also consider breeds (or mixes) that are known for a calm temperament, ease of training, and manageable energy levels. If ownership is not practical, try dog walking for a friend, volunteering with a shelter, fostering, dog sitting, or spending time with a therapy animal—these may bring some benefits without the same commitment.

Support Should Have More Than One Source

A dog can be a wonderful companion and can alleviate stress, but persistent anxiety, depression, isolation, or changes in daily functioning need attention from a qualified mental health professional. If you are reviewing health coverage, ask how the plan handles behavioral health visits, telehealth sessions, psychiatric prescriptions, and provider networks. If you already share life with a dog, pet insurance may also help you cover eligible veterinary expenses, subject to the policy's terms.

Our office can help you understand available insurance options. We can also help you compare costs, waiting periods, exclusions, and provider access before you choose coverage.

ACA Marketplace Open Enrollment Is Coming: 6 Ways to Get Ready Now

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 06:00:35 GMT

Prepare Before November 1 to Make the Process Easier

ACA Marketplace Open Enrollment begins November 1 (in most states), but you don't have to wait until then to start preparing. Taking a little time now to organize your information and think about what you need from your health coverage can make the enrollment process easier when it's time to compare plans.

Then give us a call to set up an enrollment appointment. We’ll help walk you through your options, answer your questions, and ensure we are prepared when enrollment season starts.

1. Think About How You Used Your Coverage This Year

Start by looking back at your healthcare needs over the past year. Did your current plan work well for you? Were your doctors in-network? Did you start seeing a new specialist or begin taking a new medication? Did you have higher out-of-pocket costs than you expected?

Make a quick list of what worked and what didn't. This can help you identify what's most important when you compare your 2027 options.

2. List Your Doctors and Prescriptions

Before Open Enrollment begins, make a list of:

Doctors and specialists you want to continue seeing
Hospitals or healthcare facilities you prefer
Prescription medications and dosages
Your preferred pharmacy

Provider networks and covered drug lists can vary between plans and can change from year to year. Having this information ready will make it easier to check your options.

3. Review Your Income and Household Information

Marketplace financial assistance is based in part on your expected household income and household information for the year you're seeking coverage.

Think about whether anything has changed, including your income, household size, address, or access to other health coverage. You'll want to provide accurate, up-to-date information when you complete your 2027 Marketplace application.

4. Watch for Important Coverage Notices

If you already have Marketplace coverage, watch for information from both your insurance company and the Marketplace. These notices can tell you whether your current plan will be available next year, whether you're being matched with a plan for automatic re-enrollment, and what may be changing with your coverage or costs.

Keep these notices somewhere easy to find. They'll be helpful when it's time to review your options.

5. Be Alert for Open Enrollment Scams

As Open Enrollment approaches, you may see more health insurance ads and receive more calls, texts, or emails about coverage. Be cautious with unsolicited communications, especially if someone pressures you to act immediately or asks for personal, financial, or Marketplace account information. Don't provide sensitive information unless you're confident you know who you're dealing with.

If something doesn't seem right, contact the Marketplace, your insurance company, or a trusted licensed insurance professional like us to ensure you are working with credible advisors through this process.

6. Mark the Important Dates

For states using the federal Health Insurance Marketplace, Open Enrollment begins November 1 and runs through January 15 . State-based Marketplaces may have different deadlines, so check the enrollment dates that apply where you live.

There's another important date to remember: December 15 . Enroll in or change plans by December 15 to start new coverage on January 1, 2027. If you enroll between December 16 and January 15, your coverage will begin on February 1, 2027.

Get Ready Now, Compare in November

You don't need to choose a plan yet. For now, your job is simply to get organized. Gather your information, think about what you need from your health coverage, and keep an eye out for important notices. Then, when Open Enrollment begins, you'll be ready to take a closer look at your options.

Have questions before Open Enrollment begins? We're here to help you get prepared for 2027.

A Medicare Drug Plan Program Is Ending. Could Your Premium Change?

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 06:00:11 GMT

A Temporary Federal Program That Helped Limit Premium Increases for Some Medicare Part D Plans Will End After 2026.

If you have a standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan, you'll want to pay close attention to the information your plan sent you this fall.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced that it is ending a temporary program that helped keep premiums more stable for participating Part D drug plans. The program was called the Medicare Part D Premium Stabilization Demonstration, and it will end after 2026.

What Is Changing?

Medicare made major changes to the Part D prescription drug benefit beginning in 2025. During that transition, CMS created a temporary program to help participating standalone Part D plans manage some of the financial impact and limit large year-to-year premium increases.

For 2026, the program provided participating plans with additional financial assistance and limited how much their total Part D premiums could increase from the previous year.

CMS has now decided that this temporary assistance is no longer needed, so the program will end after 2026, rather than running through 2027 as was originally anticipated. That means Part D plans will set their 2027 premiums without the additional help provided by this temporary program.

Does This Mean My Part D Premium Will Go Up?

Not necessarily.

Ending the program does not mean everyone's Part D premium will increase. The impact will vary from one plan to another.

To find out whether this change affects you, and by how much, it's important to look at the Part D plans available for 2027 and compare them with your 2026 coverage. Start with the monthly premium, but don't stop there. Changes in deductibles, prescription costs, covered medications and pharmacy networks can all affect what you ultimately pay.

In other words, a higher premium doesn't necessarily mean a plan will cost you more overall, and a lower premium doesn't necessarily mean it will be the least expensive choice for you. What matters is how the plan covers the medications you take and the pharmacies you use.

Although this temporary program is ending, it doesn't mean all federal measures intended to help control Part D premium increases are going away. Other protections remain in place that limit how quickly certain costs used to calculate Part D premiums can rise from year to year.

However, those protections don't put a cap on how much your individual plan's premium can change. That's why it's still important to focus on the details of the plans available to you and compare your 2027 costs and coverage with what you had in 2026.

What Should I Do?

By now, you should have received an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) from your current plan, explaining what's changing next year. Review it carefully to see whether your premium, prescription drug coverage, out-of-pocket costs, pharmacy network or other plan features are changing.

As you review it, don't look at the premium alone. A plan with a lower monthly premium could end up costing you more if the medications you take are more expensive under that plan or if the deductible has increased. Likewise, changes to a plan's formulary, deductible or pharmacy network could have a significant impact on your overall costs.

As you review your coverage, consider:

Are all the prescriptions I take still covered?
Have my costs (copayments and coinsurance) for those medications changed?
Is my usual pharmacy still in the plan's network, and is it still considered a preferred pharmacy?
Has the deductible or monthly premium changed?
Are there new coverage requirements or restrictions for any of my medications?
How does my current plan compare with the other Part D options available for 2027?

Medicare Open Enrollment runs from October 15 through December 7 . That's your opportunity to compare your current coverage with other available options for 2027 and make a change if another plan better fits your needs.

You don't have to wait until October 15 to start getting organized, though. When your 2027 plan information arrives, make a list of your current prescriptions, dosages and preferred pharmacies. Having that information ready can make comparing your options much easier.

Conclusion

The end of this temporary Medicare program is good to know about, but there's no reason to assume your prescription drug costs are automatically going to soar. The most important thing you can do is review your coverage rather than automatically renewing it without looking at the changes.

We are here to help you assess your options and prioritize your needs. Working with a licensed Medicare professional from our team means you don’t have to figure this all out on your own.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Turn Awareness Into Action

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 06:00:07 GMT

The Pink Ribbon Is a Reminder, Not the Finish Line

Every October, pink ribbons bring breast cancer into public view. And while awareness certainly matters, a more useful purpose to these cute little ribbons is personal action. To anyone with breasts, this means understanding your risk, paying attention to changes, talking with a healthcare professional about screening, and knowing how your insurance works before you need it.

Breast cancer can affect people with very different backgrounds and risk profiles. Women are affected most often, but men can develop breast cancer too. Some people have a strong family history or an inherited genetic change, while many people diagnosed have no obvious family history. No checklist can tell you with certainty who will or will not develop the disease.

Know What Is Normal for You

Breasts can naturally change with age, hormones, weight, pregnancy, and medications. Because of that variability of risk and of factors throughout life, it's crucial to become familiar with how your own breasts normally look and feel. That can be the key to making an unusual change easier to notice. Warning signs could include a new lump in the breast or underarm, thickening or swelling of tissue, skin dimpling or irritation, changes in size or shape, nipple changes, unusual discharge, or persistent pain.

If you do notice something, don't panic. Many breast changes are not cancer. Still, a new change is worth discussing with a healthcare professional, even if a recent mammogram was normal. Do not wait for a symptom to become severe before speaking up and asking a question.

Make Screening a Conversation

Mammogram can find some signs of breast cancer before symptoms appear. Recommendations about when to begin and how often to get these screenings depend on age, personal history, family history, breast density, genetic risk, and guidance from your healthcare team. Someone at higher risk may need more frequent mammograms or additional tests.

General rules, such as getting a mammogram once a year after the age of 40, are a good starting point, but you should also ask your doctor what is appropriate for you. Useful questions include when you should begin screening, how often you should return, whether you have risk factors that change the plan, and where to schedule the test.

Risk Information May Help You Plan

Some risk factors, including age and inherited genetic changes, cannot be controlled. Others may relate to health history or lifestyle. Gathering information can help guide conversations and provide context. Ask relatives what they know about cancers on both sides of the family, including the type of cancer and age at diagnosis. Share that history with your healthcare professional. If the pattern suggests increased risk, the next step might include a more detailed assessment or a discussion about genetic counseling. Be aware of lifestyle risk factors that you may need to change.

Understand Screening and Diagnostic Care

Insurance often treats a routine screening mammogram differently from a diagnostic mammogram ordered to evaluate a symptom or follow up on a finding. The services may look similar, but network rules and out-of-pocket costs can differ. Additional imaging, such as an ultrasound or MRI, may also have separate requirements regarding timing and referrals.

Before an appointment, consider asking your insurance company whether the facility is in network, whether an order or prior authorization is needed, and what costs may apply if the visit becomes diagnostic. You can also reach out to us for help understanding the terms of your policy. Coverage varies by plan, age, risk level, and the reason for the service, so confirm the details rather than assuming every test will be handled the same way.

Review the Rest of Your Financial Safety Net

A cancer diagnosis can affect more than medical bills. Time away from work, travel for treatment, household help, and other everyday expenses can put pressure on a family. Health insurance is central to treatment, but it may not address every financial consequence.

This month can be a useful time to review your health plan's deductible, out-of-pocket limit, prescription coverage, provider network, and care-management resources. Depending on your situation, you may also want to understand disability, critical illness, cancer coverage, hospital indemnity, or life insurance already in place. These products have limitations and exclusions, and they should not be treated as substitutes for major medical coverage.

Support Can Be Practical as Well as Emotional

If someone you care about is dealing with breast cancer, specific offers are often easier to accept than a general request to call if anything is needed. A ride, a meal, a fun activity, help with errands, childcare, or simply listening can reduce the weight of a difficult week. Respect the person's privacy and follow their lead about what they want to share.

Choose One Step This October

Awareness is truly meaningful when it leads to action. This month, take at least one action to help stop breast cancer. Schedule an overdue appointment, write down your family history, ask your doctor about a screening, or review your coverage. If you have questions about how your insurance may handle mammograms, diagnostic testing, prescriptions, or specialist care, contact our office. We can help you understand the plan language and prepare more informed questions for your healthcare team.

Safe Travel Starts at Home: 7 Tips for a Healthy Vacation

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 19:33:32 GMT

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a long-awaited international adventure, setting off on a trip is always exciting—but can also be unpredictable. That’s why preparing for the unexpected, especially when it comes to your health, is essential. Knowing what your medical coverage includes (and doesn’t) while traveling can help you stay healthy, avoid costly surprises, and soak up the unforgettable moments on your journey.

Let’s walk through some proactive steps you can take before packing your bags—from vaccinations and insurance to emergency planning and fraud protection.

1. Know What Your Health Plan Covers—And Where

Medical surprises aren’t on anyone’s itinerary—but it’s best to be prepared. Start by knowing how your insurance policy covers (or doesn’t) the region you’re traveling to.

Individual health policyholders, review your insurer’s network coverage. Some plans only cover in-network or state-specific services, while others offer broader emergency coverage or travel-specific riders. Consult your insurance agent to get help reviewing your policy.

Medicare beneficiaries, Original Medicare (Parts A & B) typically doesn’t cover medical care outside the U.S., except in limited circumstances. If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, it may include emergency and urgent coverage abroad, but this varies by provider. Check your plan’s Evidence of Coverage or speak to your plan representative before traveling.

2. Consider Supplemental Insurance

If you're a frequent traveler or heading abroad, look into some options to help cover you. Some options include:

Travel Medical Insurance : Plans offer emergency coverage during trips outside the U.S. and tend to be affordable.
Evacuation Insurance : This covers transport to a qualified medical facility if the nearest care is inadequate. An evacuation clause is often, but not always, included in a travel insurance plan.
Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) : Some Medigap policies cover emergency care abroad, typically up to plan limits and with a deductible.
Critical Illness Insurance : A lump-sum payout can provide financial flexibility in case you’re diagnosed with a covered condition like a heart attack or stroke during travel.

Be sure to read the fine print—some policies require you to be under a certain age, and preexisting conditions may not be covered. Your licensed insurance agent can help talk you through your options.

3. Keep Your Medical Info Handy

Consider using a secure health app or digital wallet to access all your health records quickly. But just in case your phone is inaccessible, bring physical copies of these important documents as well:

Your insurance or Medicare cards
Emergency contact numbers (include the country code +1 if you’re traveling abroad)
A medication list with dosages
Allergy and medical condition alerts

Pack all essential paperwork together in a waterproof sleeve in your luggage, and leave a second copy with someone back home.

4. Schedule Preventive Care Before Departure

Most insurance plans cover preventive care services like wellness visits, vaccinations, and screenings. Before your trip, check these tasks off your list:

Get vaccinated : Make sure you’re up to date on your flu, COVID-19, and tetanus shots. If traveling internationally, check the CDC recommendations for the region you’re visiting, which may include Hepatitis A/B, typhoid, or yellow fever vaccinations.
Stock up on medications : Make sure you have enough for your entire trip, including extras in case of delays. Some health insurance plans offer mail-order pharmacy options.
Visit your provider : Discuss any destination-specific risks and request a travel health consultation if needed.

5. Prepare for Fraud Protection Abroad

Travelers are common targets for scams. If you’re a Medicare beneficiary, protect your Medicare number like a credit card. Fraudsters may try to use it to get free services or access your personal health data.

Tips:

Never share your Medicare number via phone or email.
Use only official websites or verified agents to review your policy while traveling.
Regularly check your policy’s Explanation of Benefits (EOB) for suspicious claims.

6. Create a Medical Emergency Plan

Ask yourself some questions to be ready for an emergency:

Where is the nearest hospital or clinic?
Do they accept your insurance?
What’s the procedure if you need medical evacuation?

If you have any medical conditions, it’s wise to carry an alert card in your wallet, including translated versions if you’re traveling in areas where English is not commonly spoken.

7. Stay Active and Healthy on the Go

To adapt an old phrase: Health never takes a vacation . It’s all too easy to leave good habits behind when you head out on a trip, but taking care of your body is just as important whether you’re at home or away.

Move regularly : Stretch and walk every few hours, especially on long flights or bus rides.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Drink plenty of water to counter the effects of extra activities, extra sun—and maybe that extra mai tai on the beach.
Eat balanced meals: Meals on the go tend to lack a healthy dose of fiber, which can lead to digestive distress. Be sure to seek out veggies and whole grains or consider bringing a fiber supplement with you.
Rest : Fatigue lowers immunity. Don’t skip on sleep!
Keep germs at bay: Use hand sanitizer, wash your hands frequently, and consider wearing a mask on crowded airplanes or mass transit.

Don’t forget these essentials to keep yourself feeling your best—so you can focus on making great memories.

Conclusion

Travel is one of life’s great joys—but staying healthy and protected while you’re away starts long before you leave home. By understanding your health insurance benefits, considering supplemental coverage, and taking simple precautions, you can set off with confidence. Whether you’re hiking the Rockies or relaxing on a beach in Mexico, being prepared means you can focus on the adventure ahead.

Safe travels!

How Telehealth Is Changing Healthcare for Patients of All Ages

Wed, 20 May 2026 19:33:30 GMT

As healthcare continues to evolve with technology, telehealth has emerged as a powerful tool for delivering care—breaking down traditional barriers and expanding access for millions of Americans.

Whether you're enrolled in Medicare or are under 65 and navigating your own insurance options, telehealth services offer an array of features and benefits that improve convenience, affordability, and health outcomes.

What is Telehealth?

Telehealth refers to the delivery of healthcare services through digital platforms—such as video calls, phone consultations, or secure messaging—allowing patients to connect with medical professionals remotely. It encompasses a wide range of services, from general wellness visits and chronic disease management to mental health counseling and urgent care.

Telehealth for Medicare Beneficiaries

Medicare has embraced telehealth, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, making it more accessible than ever. Key benefits include:

1. Expanded Access to Care

Medicare covers telehealth visits with primary care providers, specialists, and mental health professionals—even from the comfort of your home. This is especially valuable for individuals with mobility issues or those living in rural areas with limited local medical resources.

2. Chronic Condition Management

Many Medicare recipients manage ongoing health concerns like diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease. Telehealth enables regular check-ins with care teams, medication management, and personalized treatment adjustments—without the need for in-person visits.

3. Mental Health Services

Under Medicare Part B, beneficiaries can access remote behavioral health services, including therapy and psychiatric evaluations. These services are now covered even if the patient is at home, improving accessibility and comfort.

4. Cost Savings

Telehealth visits are often billed at the same rate as in-person visits under Medicare. With reduced transportation costs and less time spent in waiting rooms, it’s a more cost-effective option for many.

Telehealth for Individuals Under 65

For younger adults and families not yet on Medicare, telehealth is increasingly built into private insurance plans, Medicaid, and employer-sponsored coverage. Here’s what to expect:

1. Convenience and Flexibility

Busy schedules, child care responsibilities, and long commutes often make it difficult to attend in-person doctor appointments. Telehealth removes these obstacles by offering flexible appointment times—including evenings and weekends.

2. Affordable Urgent Care

Many virtual health platforms now offer low-cost urgent care services—ideal for common conditions like colds, UTIs, rashes, or minor injuries. Some plans even provide 24/7 access to physicians for a flat monthly fee or copay.

3. Access to Specialists

Need to consult a dermatologist, endocrinologist, or nutritionist? Telehealth makes it easier to see specialists who may not be located nearby. Some networks even facilitate second opinions from top-tier institutions.

4. Mental and Behavioral Health Support

The stigma around mental health is fading, and demand for support is growing. Teletherapy, psychiatric assessments, and even group therapy sessions are available through many online platforms—often with minimal wait times.

Features to Look for in a Telehealth Provider

A quality telehealth platform should offer:

HIPAA-compliant technology to ensure your privacy.
User-friendly interfaces with mobile app support.
Integrated prescription services to send medications directly to your pharmacy.
Multi-lingual options for diverse populations.
Specialist referrals and follow-up coordination.

Find Out What Telehealth Can Do for You

Telehealth is not just a temporary solution—it’s a fundamental shift in how we access and experience healthcare. For Medicare beneficiaries and younger adults alike, telehealth services provide faster, easier, and more comfortable ways to get the care they need.

If you're exploring your health insurance options, don't hesitate to contact a licensed insurance advisor. They can help you understand what services are covered and how to make the most of them. If you want to learn more about how telehealth fits into your current plan, your insurance carrier or medical provider's office can help you.

Scammers Are Targeting Grandparents—Here’s How to Stay One Step Ahead

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 19:33:28 GMT

Imagine getting a call in the middle of the night from someone claiming to be your grandchild, panicked and in trouble. They say they’ve been in an accident or arrested —and they desperately need money. Your heart races. You’d do anything to help. That’s exactly what scammers are counting on.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has recently issued a warning about a rise in what's known as the “grandparent scam” —a sneaky and heartless scheme targeting older adults with urgent, emotional phone calls meant to trick them into sending money.

What Is the Grandparent Scam?

These scams usually start with a phone call from someone pretending to be your grandchild (or another close relative). They’ll say they’re in trouble—maybe stuck in jail or in a hospital—and they need money fast for bail, legal fees, or emergency expenses.

To make things even more convincing, they may hand the phone off to someone pretending to be a lawyer or a police officer. And they’ll likely ask you not to tell anyone—saying it’s a “private” or “sensitive” situation.

That sense of urgency is key to the scam. It’s meant to bypass your instinct to double-check and make you act fast—before you have time to think it through or talk to someone else.

Why It Works—and Why It’s Dangerous

These calls often come late at night or early in the morning, when you’re more likely to be caught off guard. The scammer might not even say who they are—just “Grandma, it’s me”—and hope you fill in the blank for them. From there, they use that information to sound more convincing.

Some victims have been asked to send money via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or even in cash via courier—all methods that are difficult or impossible to trace or reverse. According to the FCC, scammers using this method have stolen tens of millions of dollars from seniors across the U.S.

Watch for These Warning Signs

If you or someone you love receives a call like this, here are some red flags that it could be a scam:

High pressure and urgency – You’re told to act immediately

Vague or strange details – They may not identify themselves clearly, or hope you’ll say the grandchild’s name for them

U nverifiable location or story – They say they’re in jail overseas or in a place where you can’t easily check on them
Unusual payment requests – Gift cards, Bitcoin, wire transfers, or cash deliveries
Calls at odd hours – Scammers try to catch you when you’re less alert

What To Do If You Get a Suspicious Call

If something doesn’t feel right, trust your gut. Here’s what you can do to stay safe:

Hang up and verify – Call your grandchild or their parent using a phone number you know is theirs

Talk to someone you trust – A second opinion from a friend or family member can make all the difference

Don’t rely on caller ID – Scammers often “spoof” numbers to make it look like someone you know is calling

Block the number – Use your phone’s settings to block suspicious calls

Report the scam – Contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-FRAUD-11 and file a complaint with the FCC

What If You’ve Already Sent Money?

First of all, don’t panic—and know that you’re not alone. Scammers are incredibly convincing, and even smart, cautious people have been tricked.

Here’s what to do:

Call your bank or payment service right away – They may be able to stop or reverse the transaction if it's recent
Report it – Contact the FCC, your local police, and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov
Let your family know – They can help protect you and others from future attempts

Help Protect Others, Too

The more people know about this scam, the harder it becomes for criminals to succeed. Please share this information with friends, neighbors, and especially your older loved ones. A quick conversation now could prevent a heartache later.

And remember—if you ever get a call like this and aren’t sure what to do, don’t rush. Take a breath, hang up, and check in with someone you trust. Real family emergencies don’t come with secret demands or payments via gift cards.