BBB Warns of Scams That Target Older Consumers the program participants. These colorful and thoughtful cards wished the participants well. “It was a privilege to be part of this educational effort and be in the company of so much wisdom found through the participants,” he said while at the head of the class. This year’s class roster included Phyllis Blau, Roma Blunt, Frank Buchwald, Dennis Cahn, Katie Cahn, Jack Davidson, Mittie Davis Jones, Bela Glaser, Myrna Groger, Norm Gross, Phyllis Kalk, Alan Klein, Jeffrey Levey, Ann Mari Pearson, Gene Rose, Sondra Rubenstein, Doris Simpson, Paul Simpson, Annette Solomon, Patricia White and Jim Xu. The Senior Police Academy is a free program offered to residents 50+ years old. Be sure to watch for registration information this spring for the 2017 program. A class photograph can be seen on page 31. BBB is warning area seniors and those who care for them to be on the guard against scams that target older consumers. • IRS Scams – This scam typically begins with a phone call from someone claiming to represent the IRS. You are told you owe back taxes that must be paid immediately, or you will be arrested. The scammer asks you to buy hundreds of dollars in iTunes gift cards to use as payment. BBB says The IRS will never demand immediate payment with gift cards, wired funds, your credit card, or cash. • Sweepstakes Scams – Telemarketers call to announce that you have won millions of dollars and maybe even a new car! The catch – you must send money in order to pay taxes, custom fees, or other phony cost. Scammers will attempt to get you to wire funds, put cash in a book or magazine and mail it to someone, or buy iTunes or other gift cards as payment. BBB says never agree to wire money or get pre-loaded debit cards or gift cards in order to get any sort of prize or sweepstakes winnings. • Grandparent Scams – This trick begins with a phone call from someone posing as your grandchild. The scammers may research victims using social media to learn your grandchild's name – and likely their travel plans – before calling. The phony grandchild will claim to be out of town and either in a car accident, in jail or in the hospital and urge you to send money ASAP – and please don’t tell mom or dad. BBB says if you receive this sort of call, tell the caller you will need to call back. Then call your grandchild or his/her parents to see if your grandchild is actually out of town; or ask questions that only your grandchild would be able to answer. • Sweetheart Swindles – Criminals often troll online dating sites for victims who will send them money. Sometimes saying they are stationed overseas in the military they’ll claim to have sudden medical bills, need cash because they’re stranded or are behind on their bills. The ‘emergency’ occurs after weeks or months of online chit-chat, often filled with flattery that makes the victim feel as if he or she has found true love. BBB says never send money to someone you have never met who quickly tries to steal your heart. Contact your Better Business Bureau and the Beachwood Police Department to report fraud or to check into suspicious offers. Whatever the Reason, Whatever the Season... Beachwood Can Count On Smylie One! It Takes Consider Me the Pit Crew of Comfort. The Smylie One Comfort Team Gary Rosen • Steven Smylie • Rick Coates “The Smylie One Family Has Been Providing Expert Service To Northeast Ohio Since 1955” A Tune-Up to Keep You Warm This Winter Bryant products are built to run reliably and efficiently. Regular service helps keep your system operating at optimal performance. As things start to cool down outside, be sure to call us at Smylie Onefor a PRO-MAX Tune up & Safety Inspection.We’re ready to do Whatever It Takes to keep your system running reliably and keep your family comfortable, season afer season. Tune-Up & Safety Check Pro-Max Heating Pro-Max Plumbing $20 OFF Now Only $79.95 Over 30 Points of Inspection On Your Next Service Call “Don’t Delay... Call Today” $25 OFF Professional Service Saving Your Wallet from unexpected repair bills *financing available OH LIC # 18265 440-449-HEAT(4328) www.smylieone.com 8323 Mayfield Rd. Chesterland, OH 44026 26201 Richmond Rd. Bedford Heights, OH 44146 Valid thru 12/31/16. Limit one per household. During business hours. Not valid on prior sales. Can not be used in conjunction with any other discounts. Gas Forced Air Systems only. October 2016 n Beachwood Buzz 21