QAC Ride for Free

This announcement is to let everyone know that QAC County Ride will be continuing its Ride for Free throughout 2025! Please spread the word to let everyone know that they can participate.

Scam Watch

You may have noticed the new (blue) section in the newsletter near the bottom. If not, give it a read! Each month we like to highlight a type of scam and some steps you can take to keep yourself, and those around you, from becoming a victim.

This month is focused on IRS Telephone Scams.

Important January Dates:

• The County and all Senior Centers will be closed on the following days this month:
  Wednesday, January 1, 2025, for New Year's Day and Monday, January 20,2025 for Martin Luther King Day.
• The next meeting for the Caregiver's Support Group is on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. See the flyer under the SAVE THE DATE for more info.

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.

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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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.

IRS Telephone Scam

Despite being one of the oldest tricks in the book, the "IRS scam" is still widely used today with high levels of success. In this scenario, an imposter will call and pose as a member of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). They may introduce themselves as a collection's agent, or some other title that implies authority, and will often give a fake badge number. The scammer tells the consumer that they owe money to the IRS and must immediately pay what is owed or face serious consequences.

Often, these calls target immigrants or elderly individuals who are under larger threat from the IRS should they not pay. Scammers may threaten that utilities will be shut off, a driver's license will be revoked, or, in the case of immigrants, that they will be arrested and deported. In almost all cases, the caller will insult the consumer or be hostile in an attempt to scare and intimidate their target into doing what they want without seeking help.

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

• Scammers often know some information about their victim before they contact them. Just because they have some of your personal information does not mean they are legitimate. The IRS will NEVER initiate contact over the phone, through email, or on social media with a taxpayer to request personal or financial information.
• The IRS will NEVER ask for payment or credit card information over the phone, through email, or through social media. The IRS will ALWAYS send a written notification by U.S mail for any tax due and you should never take any action until you have received this letter.
• If you are suspicious, before providing any payment information over the phone, hang up and call the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040. IRS employees at that line can help you resolve any payment issues, if there really is one. If the original call was real, they will understand your concern to verify that the first call wasn't a scam.
• Always be sure to speak with a family member, friend, or trusted adviser before making large, sudden, financial transactions.

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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