NIAGARA, Wis. — Computer scams are getting more sophisticated and scammers are getting trickier, so no matter how long you have been a computer user, you remain at risk.

I wrote a similar column in June of last year after a friend of mine and I were both scammed. Thankfully, I realized what was going on before things had gone too far, but sadly, my friend fell for it and lost money. We are both intelligent women and longtime computer users so it goes to show you just how crafty these criminals have become. I came across a very thorough overview of this topic written by Noma Nazish for the Verywell Mind newsletter so thought another column on this very important topic was warranted.

Watch out for these popular scams —

— Imposter or impersonation scams: By pretending to be a loved one in trouble and in need of your help or acting like a person of authority, the scammer creates a false sense of urgency or danger. He then tricks you into paying money or giving personal information either to help your loved one or to avoid a penalty.

— Pig butchering scam: This technique is named after the practice of fattening up a pig prior to slaughter. This is an elaborate scam that lures people into putting more and more money into a seemingly legitimate and lucrative investment — typically, cryptocurrency or trading on the market. Initially, you enjoy small wins; this is the “fattening” stage. You become encouraged and eventually go all in big. Then the scammer takes off with your money, never to be seen again; you have just been “butchered.”

— Romance scams: This approach takes time to develop in stages. The attacker will use a fake online persona on a dating site or other social media. He meets you, forms an online relationship over time to win your trust and convince you of his sincere feelings for you. Once he has won your heart, he comes for your money via describing a fake emergency that requires your immediate financial help. These types of scammers are very good at tactics designed to make you feel guilty for not helping or making you doubt your own good judgment.

— Payment app scams: These scams are unauthorized methods to steal your money or sensitive information via peer-to-peer payment apps such as Venmo, Cash App or PayPal. The scammer may use tactics such as fake emails, invoices or money transfer requests, or pretend to be a buyer who made an overpayment that they are now requesting you to return.

— Online shopping scams: These scammers use fake websites, emails or ad listings on social media to trick you into buying something that doesn’t exist or isn’t what was advertised. Scammers use a variety of tactics to trick you into paying, including offering steep discounts, faking positive reviews, requesting payments in prepaid gift cards or wire transfers, and using fake QR codes that redirect you to phishing sites.

— Delivery scams: Fake shipping alerts will pretend to be from legitimate couriers like UPS or USPS to rick online shoppers to pay fake shipping charges. Generally, they direct you to bogus sites to reschedule your delivery or update your address which the scammer then uses to gather additional information to get access to your money.

— Lottery scams: You are a winner! Scammers will then inform you that in order to collect your “prize” they need your personal payment information to cover processing fees or taxes. Too late you realize money has disappeared from your account and the only “prize” is regret.

— Charity scams: These scams involve collecting money for charities that do not exist. They are most common around holidays or after disasters.

— Robocall scams: Beware of answering robocalls. If you suspect it to be a robocall, hang up immediately. These are designed to steal your personal information or financial information if you respond in any way.

I found myself thinking, as I read through these scams, that someone very intelligent must have devised them. I could not help but wonder what good, helpful advances such a mind could develop if put to good use instead of evil.

The following is a list of “red flags” to help you identify a scam in a variety of online situations —

For websites:

— Odd URL structures that may mimic legitimate websites with some unusual differences.

— Lack of detailed contact information; legitimate websites offer detailed contact information — a physical address and multiple contact methods.

— Poor quality content. Look for spelling errors, poor grammar, low resolution images and anything that looks like it was copied from another website.

— Unusual payment methods. Be especially wary if payment can only be given in gift cards or cryptocurrency.

— No privacy policy or terms of service are expressed.

For email:

— Unusual email domains (addresses) that are similar to ones with which you are familiar.

— Generic or overly formal greetings, such as “Dear User.”

— Inconsistent branding. Legitimate domains have professionally branded logos and email signatures.

— Unexpected attachments or links that may prompt you to enter personal information.

For online shopping:

— Be skeptical of offers that seem excessively generous or unrealistic.

— Pressure tactics that create a sense of urgency requiring you to act immediately in order to get a deal.

— Requests for personal information up front; legitimate companies do not require personal information until after they’ve explained the offer and you have registered some interest.

Scammers are trained, shrewd, professional thieves. Their scams are getting more and more sophisticated and harder to spot. To stay one step ahead of their games, take a few advance precautions. Create strong passwords. Keep your software up to date. Get verification of identity before sharing any personal information. Use secure payment methods (never a debit card) and regularly monitor your accounts. If you have been scammed, seek help through your bank or credit union or credit card company immediately. Freeze accounts as soon as possible until the problem is resolved, and then change passwords. Invest in quality protection software for your computer, and take it in for a professional “wellness check” annually. Computer professionals are available locally.

With increased awareness, some necessary precautions taken, and a “head them off at the pass” attitude toward an annual “technology wellness check” by a professional, there is no reason why you cannot enjoy using a computer to make your life easier… no matter how “mature” you are.

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NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

They welcome anyone who would like to entertain the residents. Volunteers are also needed to help with crafts and other activities.

On the third Tuesday of every month at 2 p.m., they host a Memory Cafe — a fun hour to spend with others. For more information, contact Jaime Hathaway at jlhathaway@protonmail.com. The program is run by donations.

Sunday: Church on TV, 10 a.m.; resident and staff ice cream social, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Rosary, 10 a.m.; room visits, 10 a.m.; card club, 1:30 p.m.; reminisce, 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Nail day, 10 a.m.; shut the box, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: “Who Wants to be a Millionaire?” game show, dining room, 10 a.m.; crafts,1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Coffee in dining room, 10 a.m.; bunny visit, 11 a.m.; white board games 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Bible study, 10:30 a.m.; fun with music, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Word search puzzle, 10 a.m.; family time, 2 p.m.; “Weakest Link” on PBS, 7 p.m.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; “You be the Judge,” 9:30 a.m.; chair exercise, 10:45 a.m.; afternoon matinee with popcorn, 1 p.m.

Monday: Cooking, 9:30 a.m.; DT lunch, 11:30 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Sunshine Club, 2:30 p.m.; “Name That Tune,” 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Book club, 10 a.m.; mystery ride, 1 p.m.; getting pretty, 1:30 p.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; men’s club, 2 p.m.; Halloween movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee social /“Animal Kingdom,” 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; Wii fun, 2 p.m.; night bingo, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Puzzler, 9:30 a.m.; bowling, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1 p.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; happy hour with Jim, 2 p.m.

Friday: Costume prep, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; ghost stories, 2 p.m.; trunk-or-treat in the parking lot, 4-5:30p.m. p.m.

Saturday: ICMCF word search/hangman, 9:30 a.m.; geri gym, 10:45 a.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.; Halloween movie, 6 p.m.

Optalis Healthcare

Kingsford

906-774-4805

Sunday: Devotional, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Scattegories, 1 p.m.

Monday: Coffee clutch, 9:30 a.m.; chair yoga, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Coffee clutch, 9:30 a.m.; current events, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; tabletop bowling, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Coffee clutch, 9:30 a.m.; name five, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; ice cream social, 2 p.m.

Friday: Coffee clutch, 9:30 a.m.; name five, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Manicures, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; movie time, 1 p.m.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Families are allowed to attend activities and are encouraged to join in.

Sunday: Scattegories, 10 a.m.; Packers vs. Texans, noon; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; Packer tailgate, 1:30 p.m.; church service, 2:30 p.m.;

Monday: Rosary /communion service, 9 a.m.; pamper and polish, 10 a.m.; derby day, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary /communion service, 9 a.m.; witch’s brew and better your brain quiz, 10 a.m.; hangman, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; spooktacular cooking demo, 10 a.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary, 9 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 9:30 a.m.; treat bags, 10 a.m.; silly crafters 2 p.m.

Friday: Ghost stories, 10 a.m.; lunch outing, 11 a.m.; C & R happy hour with Jim on the piano, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Scrabble, 10 a.m.; prize bingo, 2 p.m.

Northshore Healthcare

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

Sunday: Independent activities.

Monday: Let’s bake some cookies, 10 a.m.; bowling, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Pumpkin painting contest, 10 a.m.; manicure, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Exercise/parachute, 10 a.m.; tell a joke, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Pastor Jason /Bible study, 10 a.m.; dominoes, 10:30 a.m.; card club, 2 p.m.

Friday: Catholic communion, 10 a.m.; word search, 10:30 a.m.; movie, 2 p.m.; happy birthday happy hour, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Independent activities.

Victorian Pines

Iron Mountain

906-774-5158

Sunday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; trivia and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Saturday: Juice time, 10 a.m.

Pinecrest Medical Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

Sunday: Morning visits and reality orientation; bunco, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:15 a.m.; church services, 1:30 p.m.; Sunday funday, 2:30 p.m.; daily chronicles, coloring pages.

Monday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; pondering prompt, 11 a.m.; bowling, 1:45 p.m.; book club, 4 p.m.; movie, 6 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Tuesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; food talk and resident council, 10:30 a.m.; juice hour, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; wiener dog race, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Wednesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; who-what-where, 11 a.m.; crafty Wednesday, 1:45 p.m.; “Wheel of Fortune,” 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Thursday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; allure mystery of bats, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; Yahtzee, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Friday: Morning visits and reality orientation; Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; world without bats, 11 a.m.; happy hour with Jon, 1:45 p.m.; book club, 4 p.m.; kings and corners, 6 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Saturday: Morning visits and reality orientation; exercise group, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:15 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 3 p.m.; daily chronicles; activity packets.

SENIOR CENTERS

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, green beans.

Wednesday: Pork roast with red potatoes, buttered corn, whole wheat dinner roll.

Thursday: Chili, cornbread, side salad.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

Dine-in eating Monday through Thursday, serving at noon. Soup and salad bar are available. Carryout meals are also available. Friday and night meals are on hold indefinitely. Menu for the week —

Monday: Oven-fried chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, Brussel sprouts, dinner roll.

Tuesday: Loaded potato with chicken, broccoli and cheese, carrot coins, fruit crisp.

Wednesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, corn pudding bake.

Thursday: Cheesy tuna bake, peas, coleslaw, dinner roll.

Note: All meals served with a choice of skim milk or juice and fruit.

Crystal Falls Center

Head Cook: Elizabeth Peryam

Assistant Cooks: Debbie Bigalke and Shannon Stapleton

906-875-6709

The center is serving meals for dine-in or takeout — call the center by 1 p.m. to make reservations or place an order. All food is purchased from local vendors. All dinners include warm vegetables, salad bar, soup, homemade desserts, coffee, tea or milk. Salad bar begins at 4:30 p.m. and dinner is served at 5 p.m. Pickup for takeout meals is 4 p.m. — call ahead and leave a message with a phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only. Menu for the week —

Monday: Ground beef goulash, dinner roll.

Tuesday: Pasties — regular or rutabaga. Maximum available is 72, so reservations need to be made by Monday.

Wednesday: Pork chops, mashed potatoes and gravy.

Home-delivered meals (prepared by DICSA — independent from above menu) —

Monday: Spaghetti with meatballs, green beans, garlic toast.

Tuesday: Scalloped potatoes with ham, buttered corn, dinner roll, brownie.

Wednesday: Garlic salmon linguine, steamed peas, whole wheat dinner roll.

Thursday: Chicken Florentine casserole, buttered pasta, baby carrots, dessert.

Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency

DICSA

Iron Mountain

906-774-2256, ext. 230 or 235

This is a Meals on Wheels program only. Home-delivered meals only — call to make arrangements. Menu for the week —

Monday: Spaghetti with meatballs, green beans, garlic toast.

Tuesday: Scalloped potatoes with ham, buttered corn, dinner roll, brownie.

Wednesday: Garlic salmon linguine, steamed peas, whole wheat dinner roll.

Thursday: Chicken Florentine casserole, buttered pasta, baby carrots, dessert.

Friday: Sack lunch — Chicken salad on a bun, chips, string cheese, granola parfait.

Note: All meals include a choice of skim milk, juice, or no beverage.

For more information, call Christine McMahon at 906-774-2256.

Crystal Lake Center

Iron Mountain

906-828-1776

Schedule for the week —

Monday: Les Artistes art club, noon to 4 p.m.; woodcarvers, starting at 9 a.m.

Tuesday: Cards — Pinochle and cribbage, noon to 4 p.m.; Happy Quilters, noon to 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Bingo, 1 to 3 p.m.; cards cost 25 cents with 10 games played.

Thursday: Spinning Spools quilting, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Friday: Cards — smear, noon to 4 p.m.

Felch Center

906-246-3559

Open for dine-in eating — call for serving times. Carryout meals also available.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Barbecue chicken wings, baked beans, side salad, whole wheat dinner roll, apple crisp.

Tuesday: Blackened fish, au gratin potatoes, cauliflower.

Wednesday: Cheese tortellini with meat sauce, wax beans, garlic bread.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: Spaghetti with meatballs, green beans, garlic toast.

Tuesday: Scalloped potatoes with ham, buttered corn, dinner roll, brownie.

Wednesday: Garlic salmon linguine, steamed peas, whole wheat dinner roll.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Menu for the week —

Monday: Sub sandwich, potato salad, fruit salad.

Tuesday: Mushroom Swiss burger, western baked beans, broccoli salad, fruit.

Wednesday: Waikiki meatballs over rice, Oriental vegetables, fruit, cinnamon roll cake.

Thursday: All centers closed for training.

Friday: Chicken strips, macaroni and cheese, baby carrots with dip, coleslaw, fruit.

Note: All meals served with whole grain bread, butter and milk.

Fence Center/Town Hall

715-336-2980

RSVP for meal at 855-528-2372

Same as ADRC menu, served at noon on Wednesday only.

Florence Community Center/Town Hall

RSVP for meal at 715-528-4261

Open Monday through Thursday, serving at 11:30 a.m.

Reservations for a meal on site need to be made 48 hours in advance by calling the above number.

Tipler Town Hall

RSVP for meals at 715-674-2320

Same as ADRC menu, served at noon on second Thursday only.

Hillcrest Senior Dining Center, Aurora

RSVP for meals at 715-589-4491

Same as ADRC menu. Now open, served at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday.

Hermansville Center

Coordinator: Barb Peters

906-498-7735

Center is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Meals are served through the Menominee-Delta-Schoolcraft Community Action Agency in Escanaba. Meals-On-Wheels program is available for those who are homebound.

Monday: Mushroom and Swiss burger, whole wheat hamburger bun, oven potatoes, wax beans, fruit cocktail.

Tuesday: Sweet and sour chicken over rice, Oriental vegetables, Brussel sprouts, fruited pudding.

Wednesday: Boneless barbecue ribs, boiled potatoes, Key Largo vegetables, dinner roll, peach cake.

Thursday: Chicken breast, Parmesan roasted potatoes, winter vegetables, whole wheat bread, pineapple.

Friday: Tuna noodle casserole, green beans, vegetable, fruit cup.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Salad bar begins at 11 a.m.; meal is served at 11:30 a.m. No night meals. Carryout meals are available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Turkey burger with bacon, roasted potatoes, cauliflower with cheese.

Tuesday: Hamburger gravy over mashed potatoes, candied carrots, dinner roll.

Wednesday: Cheese tortellini with meat sauce, wax beans, garlic bread.

Thursday: Scalloped potatoes with ham, buttered corn, dinner roll, brownie.

All meals are served with choice of skim milk or juice and fruit.

Niagara Senior Center/Café

715-251-1603

Dinner is served at noon Monday through Thursday. Reservations are required one day in advance. Suggested donation for the meal is $5 for those older than 60 and $11 for age 60 and younger. Transportation is available.

Tuesday: Sliced ham, scalloped potatoes, broccoli, pineapple, wheat dinner roll.

Wednesday: Teriyaki chicken breast, brown rice, stir fry vegetables, blueberry cobbler.

Thursday: Sloppy Joe with bun, tater tots, glazed carrots, raspberry sauce.

The center will have bingo on Tuesdays and Wednesdays this month.

Norway Center

Director: Joyce Olesky

906-563-8716

Dine-in eating begins at 11:15 a.m. Salad bar is available from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Takeout meals are available for pick-up from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Please let staff know in advance if planning to dine in or pick up. Menu for the week —

Monday: Chicken bacon alfredo, corn, garlic bread.

Tuesday: Beef chop suey, rice, Oriental vegetables.

Wednesday: Barbecue pulled pork on a bun, baked beans, cole slaw.

Thursday: Spaghetti with sausage, vegetable, garlic bread.

All meals include milk, juice, fruit, bread and dessert.

Board meeting on Thursday.

Center activity schedule:

Mondays and Thursdays — Exercise at 10 a.m. and card bingo after the meal.

Monday through Thursday — Card game 101 from noon to 3 p.m. Call Joe at 906-563-5587 for more information.

Tuesdays — Quilting and sewing.

Wednesdays — Ceramics and crocheting.

Last Monday of each month — Book club at 9 a.m.

Second Thursday of each month — Birthdays and bingo.

Sagola Center

906-542-3273

Dine-in meals served. Salad bar opens at 11 a.m. and meal is served at 11:30 a.m. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Farmer’s bake, turkey bacon, mini croissant, berry and granola yogurt parfait.

Wednesday: Broccoli and cheese soup, grilled cheese sandwich, Jell-O with fruit.

Thursday: Chicken stir fry with vegetables, boiled rice, egg roll, fortune cookie, dessert.

All meals served with an option of milk, juice or no beverage.

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: Spaghetti with meatballs, green beans, garlic toast.

Tuesday: Scalloped potatoes with ham, buttered corn, dinner roll, brownie.

Wednesday: Garlic salmon linguine, steamed peas, whole wheat dinner roll.

Tuesday: Scalloped potatoes with ham, buttered corn, dinner roll, brownie.

Wednesday: Garlic salmon linguine, steamed peas, whole wheat dinner roll.