skip to main content
skip to newscasts

Sunday, February 16, 2025

Public News Service Logo
facebook instagram linkedin reddit youtube twitter
view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Trump administration begins sweeping layoffs with probationary workers, warns of larger cuts to come; NYC music school teachers strike after union negotiations break down; Ohio advocates push for inclusive policies during Black History Month; Health experts recommend sunshine, socializing to cure 'winter blues.'

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Federal workers tasked with securing elections from foreign interference are placed on leave, parents' organizations reject dismantling Dept. of Education, and the Congressional Black Caucus presses discussions on slavery reparations.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Rural America struggles with opioids and homelessness in unexpected ways, Colorado's Lariat Ditch could help spur local recreation, and book deliveries revive rural communities hit by Hurricane Helene.

WI ‘grandparents scam’ case prompts safeguard reminders

play audio
Play

Friday, November 3, 2023   

A Connecticut man has been indicted by a Wisconsin grand jury on wire fraud charges over accusations he scammed older residents. It's the latest case that calls attention to fraud-prevention tips.

Matthew-Ramos Soto, 26, of Hartford is accused of stealing $200,000 from Wisconsin seniors last year. The scam was to call the victims, falsely claim to be representing one of their younger relatives who had been arrested and say that bail money was needed.

Better Business Bureau communications associate Kristen Johnson said disengaging right away can help people avoid this kind of scam.

"Put down the phone, hang it up and call your grandchild," she said. "Do not call the number on your caller ID because scammers can spoof caller IDs, they can spoof names and numbers. Look in your phone book and actually call the number to that grandchild and say, 'Did you really just call me? Are you OK?'"

Other ways people can remain vigilant are to ask questions of the scammer that only a family member could answer, and to not wire money if there's any doubt about the call.

ohnson urged anyone who has been a victim to report it on the Better Business Bureau's Scam Tracker.

Ramos-Soto faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison if he's convicted.

Although older adults are some of the most likely targets for scams like this, experts note the vulnerability among younger people aged 18 to 24. Still, Johnson said there are big concerns about the impact on older people.

"So, while older adults were less likely to fall for scams when targeted," she said, "when they did fall for them, they lost a lot more money than someone ages 18 to 24, because people ages 18 to 24 just don't have as much money to lose."

She noted that people should talk with older adults in their family to ensure they're not as impulsive to act on certain scams. Around 74% of adults age 55 and older are susceptible to scams. In 2022, this population was scammed out of around $350 per scam.


get more stories like this via email

more stories
In 2023, the Biden administration ordered a Bakersfield oil company to remove old oil rigs from Carrizo Plain National Monument in Central California. (Bob Wick/BLM)

Environment

play sound

Groups that fight to protect public lands are criticizing the Trump administration's new review of all oil, gas and mining on public lands. National …


Environment

play sound

This weekend, Virginians will participate with other birders around the world in the Great Backyard Bird Count. Thousands of birding enthusiasts …

Environment

play sound

This weekend, birders across the world, including in Maryland, will participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count. Thousands of birding enthusiasts …


A new study looking at drought impacts on grasslands found that such lands in China saw a 43% reduction in annual productivity, compared with just a 25% reduction in North America under the same conditions. (Adobe Stock)

Environment

play sound

Grasslands are considered a vital component of South Dakota's landscape. But on the heels of new research, an expert suggests they might not fare as …

Social Issues

play sound

Minnesota is little less than a year away from launching its paid-leave law, but state lawmakers are debating whether to delay the start until 2027…

In its next contract, the Manhattan School of Music Precollege Program faculty union is looking for "reasonable" class sizes and for teachers to easily access remote learning tools when needed. (Adobe Stock)

Social Issues

play sound

A New York City music school's faculty is back in the classroom after a weeklong strike. The Manhattan School of Music's Precollege Program faculty …

Social Issues

play sound

A New York bill would require schools to teach about the Jan. 6 insurrection. The bill calls for all K-12 students to be taught about the event…

Health and Wellness

play sound

An Atlanta-based group is making sure more people have access to an unconventional but effective treatment for their moderate mental health challenges…

 

Phone: 303.448.9105 Toll Free: 888.891.9416 Fax: 208.247.1830 Your trusted member- and audience-supported news source since 1996 Copyright © 2021