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| SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | JANUARY 2026 | 5 Community Awareness Program By Michele Walter We were dark in December due to the holidays. Our program for January is "Volunteering" — how you can get involved in our community. If you can't make the meeting on Jan. 6, please watch it on Channel 97. I have been contacted by several residents regarding new scams. I try to alert everyone in these articles regarding how to protect yourself from fraud and scams. Scams are rampant these days with criminals stealing a reported $12.5 billion from Americans in 2024, according to the Federal Trade Commission. That's likely a fraction of actual losses, because fraud is notoriously underreported. There are ways to protect yourself, including staying up on the latest schemes. The following information is from USAA. DON'T LET IMPOSTERS FOOL YOU! Some scammers pretend to be from USAA or other companies and banks you trust. They can make calls or texts look like they are coming from a trusted number, even when they're not. Their goal is to pressure you into sending money or sharing personal information. Once money is sent, it can be hard to get back. WATCH FOR: • Urgent pressure to move or send money to "protect your account" or "stop fraud" • Someone offering to send a courier to pick up your credit or debit card • Requests to download an app or install software during a call or through email • Unexpected calls asking for your confidential account information or remote access to your computer WHAT TO DO: STOP. CHECK. PROTECT. • Pause before you act, especially if you feel rushed or pressured • Never trust call ID. If someone pressures you to act quickly, hang up and call the organization back using a trust number • Never share PINS, passwords, or one-time passcodes with anyone who contact you unexpectedly REMEMBER: USAA or your banks will never ask you to move money to protect your account or to stop fraud. Your security is a top priority. Banks will never ask for sensitive personal information, such as a Social Security number, a PIN, account numbers or a password in an email. Protect yourself and be aware. Questions or concerns? Call Michele Walter at (951) 202-8009 or email crystalwater@dc.rr.com. Here's to a phenomenal year filled with positivity and good vibes. Happy 2026! AND REMEMBER … IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING. Please report any suspicious individuals, activities, and thefts directly to Banning Police Department by calling 911.