Beware of Scams
Connected to the Coronavirus Crisis
By: Amber Monks
In
a time of uncertainty, there is a heightened risk of falling victim to scams
concocted by those with ill intent. For cybercriminals and scammers, the
coronavirus crisis creates an attentive audience who may be willing to accept
false information to protect themselves.
Arm yourself not only
against the virus, but against other threats, by learning how to detect them
first with tips from the Army Criminal Investigation Command (CID).
Knowing how legitimate
organizations do business can give you a leg up on anyone who attempts to pull
the wool over your eyes.
As always, follow good
practices online and don’t open or click on links from unsolicited emails.
These links or emails could contain malware. Never give away personal or
financial information about yourself or others online without first verifying
the source.
Most scams include
messaging that require immediate action. No matter how urgent it sounds, if
something doesn’t sound quite right, it probably isn’t, and you can always
contact an organization you know and trust for confirmation. Legitimate
organizations can verify their information and will not pressure you into
taking an action that you are uncomfortable with.
Seeking information
from trusted sources can also help you steer clear of scams. MOAA has links to
these organizations, as well as links for recent news updates, at MOAA.org/coronavirus. You can also contact
your state, county, or city health department, your local hospital, your
primary care physician, local medical clinics, or other locations where you
receive medical services.
National
Cemetery Administration Suspends Military Funeral Honors
By: Cory Titus
The National Cemetery Administration is
suspending military funeral honors – whether by military personnel or volunteer
organizations – at its 142 national cemeteries.
The
move comes as a precaution to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Cemeteries will
remain open and continue to provide interments for veterans and eligible
individuals. Immediate family members – limited to 10 people – will be able to
witness from a distance.
The
NCA is asking families who wish to postpone a scheduled interment to contact
the national cemetery where the interment is scheduled as soon as possible.
Those who choose to continue with the interment can work with the NCA to
schedule a committal or memorial services at a later date. The National
Cemetery Scheduling Office in St. Louis will continue to provide scheduling
services for the duration of the COVID-19 emergency. To schedule a burial, call
(800) 535-1117, option 1.
Arlington
National Cemetery (ANC) closed to the public as of March 13. Funerals will continue, per
the ANC website, and family members can visit during restricted hours after
obtaining a family pass. Family members can call (877) 907-8585 for information
about visitation, ceremonies, or scheduling. Updates will be posted on ANC’s Facebook page.
Healthy Finances, Healthy You
By: Vera Wilson
A
recent study reveals 90% of Americans say finances are a major source
of frustration and anxiety, with most of us calling it our top stressor. To get
out of your financial rut, the study suggests taking “microsteps,” actions that
are too-small-to-fail and promote healthy financial habits. Here are the
highlights:
·
Troublesome thoughts are more stressful if you try to avoid them.
Writing down the fact that you’re two months late on your car payment —
especially if it’s keeping you up at night — allows you to park it for now but
makes it real and therefore actionable.
·
Most people who are able to improve their financial situation
turned to others for support and feedback. Identify someone you can talk to
about your finances. Find a good listener who will sympathize with your
challenges and offer guidance but won’t be judgmental.
·
Break down a big financial goal into smaller, less intimidating
steps so that you can celebrate achievements and track your progress.
·
Review your finances at least monthly (with your partner, if you
combine your money with theirs). Pinpoint any concerns and make course
corrections if necessary.
·
How many times have you missed a payment due date by just a day?
Set calendar reminders on your phone or computer so a missed $25 payment
doesn’t turn into a $39 late fee alongside a healthy dose of regret.