Scam Watch

Scroll on down to the blue Scam Watch section to stay safe! Each month we highlight a type of scam and list some steps you can take to keep yourself, and those around you, from becoming a victim.

This month is focused on Romance Scams.

Senior Summit

The highly anticipated Senior Summit event is here once again!

Every year, the Area Agency on Aging puts on the Senior Summit, an event filled with fun, events, food, and plenty of information for aging individuals. Join us at the QAC 4-H Park on Friday, May 16, 2025, from 9 AM to 2 PM to join in the fun. Please read the flyer below for information regarding events and other important information. We hope to see you there!

Important May Dates:

• The Department and all Senior Centers will be closed on the following days this month:
  Thursday, May 1, 2025, for a staff training, and Monday, May 26, 2025, for Memorial Day.
• Senior Centers hours will be altered on the following days this month:
  Thursday, May 15, 2025 the centers will close at 12:00 PM and will be closed all day on Friday, May 16, 2025, for the Senior Summit.
• The next meeting for the Caregiver's Support Group is on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. See the flyer under the SAVE THE DATE for more info.

Resource Highlights

Maryland Durable Medical Equipment Re-Use

The Maryland Durable Medical Equipment Re-Use program is operated through the Maryland Department of Aging, which provides FREE durable medical equipment to Marylanders with any illness, injury, or disability, regardless of age, at no cost. All equipment is collected via donation and is sanitized, repaired, and redistributed to Marylanders in need. Click HERE to visit their website and learn more.

Maryland Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (MOLST)

The Maryland MOLST (Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) form is a crucial tool used in healthcare settings to document and honor a patient's preferences regarding life-sustaining treatments, including decisions about cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), mechanical ventilation, and other interventions. It ensures that these preferences are clearly communicated and respected by healthcare providers across different settings, from hospitals to long-term care facilities to home care.

The order form may be signed by a doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant.

For a copy and more information about the MOLST form please go to www.marylandmolst.org or ask your medical provider for a copy of the form.

Upcoming Events

Don't miss out on our exciting upcoming events where you can meet new friends, try new activities, and have a blast!

^{SAVE THE DATE: Caregiver's Support Group}

If you are a caregiver that wants a place to talk about your experiences, pass on some of your knowledge, or help support others in your position that might be having a rough time, then please consider joining the Caregiver's Support Group. Meetings will be held in the Active Aging Center located at 210 Vincit Street, Centreville MD, on every second Tuesday of the month at 1 pm. For more information, please call 410-758-0848 Ext. 2703 or email.

^{SAVE THE DATE: Dementia Sympathy Simulation}

Due to popular demand, two additional Free SYM SIM classes have been opened! Short for “sympathy simulation,” is a FREE immersive sensory experience, sponsored by Arcadia Living, designed to enhance attendees understanding and compassion for elderly patients, residents, and neighbors. Please see the flyer below for more information. Space is limited; to register email jstokes@qac.org or call 410-758-0848, Ext 2703.

^{SAVE THE DATE: Spirit Week}

Show some spirit with us! In the month of May, from the 12th to the 16th, join your friends and Senior Center staff in flipping the script on aging by participating in Spirit Week. Each day is a new theme and is capped off by attending the annual Senior Summit in your dazzling dresses and sharpest suits from the Roaring Twenties (participation optional for attendance). See the flyer below for how to join in the fun and coordinate your attire.

Scam Watch

Stay up to date with the latest news on scams, fraud alerts, and telemarketing hazards. Check back every month to help educate yourself on potential dangers and how to best handle them. To learn more, please visit the FDIC Consumer Resource Center.

Romance Scams

What is a Romance Scam? A romance scam is a form of social engineering in which the perpetrator deceives the victim into believing they are a genuine romantic interest. Typically occurring online, these scams often involve interactions where the scammer and victim never meet in person. However, such scams can also take place in face-to-face settings. Scammers frequently conduct research on their targets, using social media profiles and publicly available information to identify personal interests, hobbies, and other details that can be used to create a convincing, tailored narrative.

These scams can span months or even years, often evolving slowly to maintain the illusion of a legitimate relationship. The request for money is generally delayed until the scammer has cultivated a sense of trust and emotional attachment. When financial requests do arise, they often involve urgent situations such as medical emergencies, unexpected fees or debts, or travel expenses for an in-person meeting—though these plans are frequently postponed or disrupted. Scammers typically ask for money to be sent via untraceable methods, such as wire transfers, e-gift cards, or cash in unmarked packages, making it difficult to trace or recover funds.

The phenomenon, often referred to as "catfishing," involves the creation of fake online personas using stolen images to convince the victim of the scammer's authenticity. Common excuses for not meeting in person include claims of being overseas, serving in the military, or working with international medical or humanitarian organizations.

^{Some ways to combat this type of fraud:}

• The most important rule in avoiding romance scams is simple: never send money to a romantic partner you haven't met in person. A genuine individual will understand your concerns and be patient with your need for verification.
• If you are unsure, there are several ways you can verify their identity:
  • Request a Specific Photo. Ask the individual to take a photo of themselves with a specific item, such as a newspaper featuring a current date, or at a particular time of day with a clock and visible window in the background. This makes it harder for scammers to use pre-existing photos.
  • Schedule a Video Call. Arrange a video call via a trusted platform like Zoom or your phone's video feature. Ensure that you can clearly see their face and that it matches the photos they’ve provided.
  • Use Reverse Image Search. Perform a reverse image search on any photos they have sent. If the images appear on multiple websites or social media profiles that do not seem related to the person in question, it's likely a scam.
• If you believe that you are being scammed, stop communicating with the individual and block them across all platforms (email, text, social media, etc.), and talk to a trusted friend or family member for advice and to help you assess the situation.
• Even if you have met the person in real life, they may still be attempting to manipulate or defraud you. Never feel pressured to send money if you are not comfortable doing so.
• Report local in-person romance scams to local law enforcement and Adult Protective Services (APS) and report all scams to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

County Ride

Need a ride? Look no further! County Ride is here to make transportation a breeze. Whether you're heading to a doctor's appointment, the grocery store, or just out and about, our team is dedicated to providing quality transit services for all. 

To contact County Ride for more information, or to schedule a ride, call 410-758-2357 Monday - Friday, 6 AM - 5 PM, or send an email. 

View County Ride Schedules

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Connect With Us!

Looking for more ways to stay active and independent? Our Area Agency on Aging offers a variety of programs and activities to support seniors like you. To learn more about becoming a member, reach out to your local Senior Center or visit our website for more information.

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