(NewsUSA) - The warning couldn't be blunter: "Any time someone asks you to solve a problem using gift cards, it's a scam."

So say consumer fraud experts as we head into the holiday season -- an especially popular time for scammers who love tricking people into buying gift cards as step one of their own nefarious schemes. And once they've wormed the PIN number on the back of those cards from their victims, well … as the Federal Trade Commission notes, "they can get quick cash while staying anonymous."

How much cash? More than $429 million since 2018, according to the latest FTC figures. And just to show you how trendy these con artists can be, some are now selling the cards for Bitcoin on online exchanges instead of just, say, auctioning them off the old-fashioned way on normal websites.

So how could anyone fall for a scam like this?

It's all about plausible excuses.

"Scammers prey on people's fear and have just enough personal information to create a sense of panic," says Jenny Grounds, chief marketing officer of Cybercrime Support Network, an organization combating cybercrime for individuals and small businesses and educating consumers about scams through resource platforms like scamspotter.org. "It's that panic that makes their targets feel they need to act immediately without a chance to stop and think."

Here are some common scenarios to be on the alert for:

• The Email from Your "Boss" Scam. Either by hacking into their account or using a spoofed email address, the fraudster asks for your urgent help with something job-related. Maybe it's a surprise office party. Or maybe it's a gift for a special client. Whatever, you're told the supposed vendor needs to immediately be paid in gift cards and that you'll naturally be reimbursed for buying them -- except, of course, you won't be.
• The Government Imposter Scam. "This is the IRS calling," the fraudster begins, using the five words sure to strike terror in anyone's heart. But that's the point. Whether it's the IRS, the Social Security Administration or some other agency, according to a report by the Better Business Bureau, "they claim the consumer has done something illegal, and must either pay a 'fine' with a gift card or move their money temporarily to a 'safe' account by purchasing gift cards."
  
  This may be the one time in your life when you're absolutely encouraged to hang up on an "authority figure."
   
• The Romance Scam. Reported scams increased by nearly 70 percent last year, according to the FTC, and the pandemic no doubt played a major role. That's because these silver-tongued devils find their prey on online dating sites and social media, and COVID-19 made for the perfect excuse as to why -- as much as they really, really "love" their new-found marks -- they couldn't meet in person. Often impersonating soldiers, they'll tell you the military doesn't pay great, so could you please send gift cards to have their car, say, fixed.
  
  The one possible surprise? It was those aged 20 to 29 -- not the elderly -- that saw the most striking increase in reported romance scams in 2020.
   
• The Tech Support Scam. Those pop-up messages warning that there's a serious problem on your computer can be alarming. But as Grounds says, "they're asking you to pay for services you don't need to fix a problem that doesn't exist."

ScamSpotter.org's new campaign uses a series of hyperbolic videos to raise awareness about the latest scams just in time for the holidays. Using the platform's "three golden rules," sharing what you've learned with loved ones, and taking their online quiz to test your own street smarts can help keep yourself and your bank account safe.

(NewsUSA) - The Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plan annual enrollment period (October 15 -- December 7) is open. If you're eligible for Medicare, now is the time to think about how your life and health may have changed over the past year and whether switching your Medicare plan, including considering an "all-in-one" Medicare Advantage plan, will provide you with the coverage and support that you will need next year.

According to a new national poll from Humana, four-in-five people aged 64+ say that their lives have changed since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. These changes may shape how you choose a health plan, so be sure to be informed on the options to ensure you select the best one for you.

• Physical Activity is Down. The poll reveals that 41% of seniors are getting less physical activity since the beginning of the pandemic. For many seniors, it's important to keep up with regular physical activity, whether that includes taking regular walks, joining a fitness class or going to the gym. Many Medicare Advantage plans even offer gym memberships, so check to see if that is an option in any of the plans you're considering. Seniors should talk with their doctor before starting a new exercise routine.
• Seniors' Loneliness is Up. More than 60% of seniors say that the amount of time they spend with friends and family has decreased, and one-in-five admit to feeling sad more often than they did prior to the pandemic. Be sure to look into mental health benefits as part of your research.
• Technology May be Key to Good Health. Despite preconceived notions that seniors tend to shy away from technology, such as telehealth and video meeting tools, the Humana poll reveals the opposite: more than four-in-five (84%) seniors used technology to manage their health and wellness during the pandemic. Telehealth may be a great option for seniors, especially those who travel, and some plans offer $0 co-pays for many telehealth services.
• Time to Review is Important. Nearly half of seniors plan to pay closer attention to what is -- and is not -- covered by 2022 health plans than in previous years. So be sure to research which doctors and hospitals are in-network, as well as whether vision, hearing and dental benefits are included.

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, be sure to educate yourself about plan options safely by using digital resources, including virtual educational or sales events and one-on-one virtual meetings with licensed sales agents. Beneficiaries can also visit www.Medicare.gov; call 1-800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; or go to www.Humana.com/Medicare to learn more about Humana plans. Licensed Humana sales agents are available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time, seven days a week at 1-800-213-5286 (TTY: 711). With these resources, you'll be able to more confidently select a 2022 Medicare Advantage plan that suits your specific health care needs.

Limitations on telehealth services, also referred to as virtual visits or telemedicine, vary by state. These services are not a substitute for emergency care and are not intended to replace your primary care provider or other providers in your network. Any descriptions of when to use telehealth services are for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Please refer to your evidence of coverage for additional details on what your plan may cover or other rules that may apply. 

Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO SNP, PPO, PPO SNP and PFFS organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal.

(NewsUSA) - The auto industry continues to market electric cars as the "next best thing," and the newest generation of electric vehicles (EVs) are more than up to speed.

Although widespread adoption of EVs took some time to find its footing in the United States and was slow to get off the ground, more car shoppers are seeing the benefits of EVs and hybrids. Several improvements in the latest models have helped overcome some hurdles that might have made buyers hesitant to embrace EVs.

Some of the key features consumers want include:

• More power. Consumers want increased range and fast charging. The battery life of newer electric cars allows for several hundred miles on a single charge.
• More style. Car buyers don't want to sacrifice comfort and style, and manufacturers are rising to this challenge with roomy designs equal to those of conventional cars.

"Consumers are ready to switch to electric vehicles," according to Brian Moody, Executive Editor for Autotrader.

"Things they consider when thinking about buying an electric vehicle include reduced environmental guilt, less time refueling, and never having to change your oil again," he says.

One example of the latest in EV technology is the EV6, auto maker Kia's first entry into the battery-powered vehicle market.

The EV6 features an ultra-fast 350-kilowatt charger that enables the car to go from a 10 percent to 80 percent charge in less than 18 minutes, ready for up to 210 miles of range.

It's also designed with a distinctive Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) feature that enables use of the battery as a mobile power source for multiple applications, according to the company website. Other advances include both rear wheel drive and dual-motor all-wheel drive, as well as two battery sizes, 58.0 kWh and 77.4 kWh.

The latest battery technology meets consumers' need for speed with the 576 HP power to go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in less than 3.5 seconds. The style factor is there, too. The EV6 channels the design of current crossover vehicles with a four-door sedan body and seating for five passengers. The EV6 is scheduled to debut in early 2022.

Visit kia.com for more information about the latest in electric vehicle technology.

(NewsUSA) - Now more than ever, it's time for holiday cheer, and Lifetime is set to deliver with the network's annual It's a Wonderful Lifetime slate of original heartwarming holiday programming.

Lifetime's huge, 35 movie holiday slate kicks off on November 12. After Thanksgiving, the network debuts 30 new holiday movies in 30 days,between November 26 and December 25, starring, Reba McEntire, Kelly Rowland, Melissa Joan Hart, Jana Kramer, Kirk Franklin, Tia Mowry, Smokey Robinson, Ricki Lake, John Schneider and many more.

This year's movies offer something for everyone, and reflect Lifetime's ongoing commitment to diverse storytelling. In "Baking Spirits Bright," (11/21) Mira Varma (Rekha Sharma) proudly operates her family's fruitcake business, despite the declining popularity of the once-ubiquitous holiday dessert. Mira's parents hire Brady Phillips (Dion Johnstone) and his high-powered marketing company to turn business around and boost sales for the holidays. Naturally, romance ensues as Mira works to hold onto the heart of the company she loves, while her heart has other ideas as well.

In "Reba McEntire's Christmas in Tune," (11/26) showstopper Reba McEntire is Georgia Winter, half of a singing duo with her ex-husband, Joe (John Schneider). Years after their personal and professional breakup, the pair agree to reunite for a Christmas charity concert at the request of their daughter, Belle. Georgia and Joe find themselves getting back in tune, both on stage and off.

For those Lifetime fans who can't get enough Liddle, Kelly Rowland returns in the third film, "Merry Liddle Christmas Baby." (11/27)

This Christmas, Jacquie Liddle (Rowland) and her husband Tyler (Thomas Cadrot) are preparing for the arrival of their first baby. More merriment and mayhem abound as Jacquie's sister Treena (Latonya Williams) and her husband Julian (Jaime M. Callica) consider adopting a baby themselves, and their fashionista sister Kiara (Bresha Webb) heats up her relationship with boyfriend Chris (Nathan Witte).

As in 2020, Lifetime's 2021 programming includes a LGBTQ+ romance.

This year, in "Under the Christmas Tree,"(12/19) Ricki Lake stars as the p?tissiere extraordinaire in a small town who also acts as matchmaker for Alma Beltran (Elise Bauman) and Christmas tree whisperer Charlie Freemont (Tattiawna Jones). Charlie finds the perfect tree for the Maine Governor's Holiday Celebration in Alma's back yard. What starts as a sparring match turns to a romance between the two women as Lake encourages them take a leap of faith with love and Christmas magic.

Fan favorite Mario Lopez returns this year in "Holiday in Santa Fe," (12/10) in which he attempts to hang on to his family-owned business of Mexican-inspired holiday ornaments and décor, while sparks fly with the big-chain greeting-card executive who wants to acquire the company.

Visit mylifetime.com for more information about the complete 2021 It's a Wonderful Lifetime lineup.

(NewsUSA) - Manufacturing companies continue to struggle to find skilled employees, but they may be overlooking the perfect talent pool -- veterans.

Veterans generally possess the skill sets, both hard and soft, and the personality to make them desirable hires in any field.

In fact, veterans share many traits that make them an especially good fit for jobs in manufacturing, according to Julie Davis, director of workforce development at the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), an organization dedicated to supporting North America's manufacturers of construction and agricultural equipment.

"Military veterans have been trained to live the values of their service whether in or out of uniform," says Davis.

"So, when you're talking to a veteran during a job interview, ask them what their values are. When you hear their answer, you'll likely conclude that they are a much better culture fit than you'd originally thought."

Traits that make veterans great employees include:

- Entrepreneurial spirit. Veterans tend to take ownership of their responsibilities and do their best work at whatever job they are assigned.

- Versatile. Many veterans were trained in one area and shifted to another during their military service. They are adept at transferring existing skills and knowledge to adapt to new roles.

- Flexible. Military veterans could be sitting at a desk one day, and deployed the next day; they are accustomed to adapting to changing business needs.

- Skillful. The military is on the cutting edge of technology, and many veterans are highly trained experts with advanced knowledge of their field, and tuned in to how innovation can advance goals.

- Loyal. Veterans have a strong sense of organizational commitment. They embrace many of the values important in the manufacturing industry, including duty, respect, selflessness, integrity, honor, courage, and commitment.

Hiring veterans has financial benefits as well, both for the veterans themselves and for companies.

Programs such as the Work Opportunity Tax Credit provides tax credits for companies that hire veterans, and the VA Special Employer Incentive Program is designed to reimburse portions of veterans' salaries. In addition, the Department of Defense Skill Bridge Program pays employers to hire veterans to train and work on a temporary basis for up to six months. Another option is the Manufacturing Institute Heroes MAKE America program created specifically to help train veterans for manufacturing jobs.

Visit aem.org/workforce-solutions for more information on these programs and on workforce development for the manufacturing industry.

(NewsUSA)

"Into the Sky with Diamonds"
by Ronald P. Grelsamer

One small step for a man. One giant leap for rock 'n roll. NASA's race with the Russians to land a man on the moon. The meteoric rise of the Beatles, considered by many to have revolutionized the music industry. In the postwar era, each stood as an unprecedented cultural watershed. Together, they captured the heady zeitgeist of the 1960s and ignited the imagination of just about everyone on the planet.

"Into the Sky with Diamonds: The Beatles" and the "Race to the Moon in the Psychedelic '60s" is an exhilarating account of these two global phenomena as seen through the eyes of Dutch Richtman, a young and enterprising NASA engineer who manages to snag a front-row seat to both. The audiobook has received an Earphones Award from Audiofile magazine. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3fvggXW.

The Road Remembered
by Kaye D. Schmitz

Love and humanity triumph amid the atrocities of World War II. Sam and Gerda face their enemies head-on, but they also battle internal elements on their own sides of the war that violate their shared values of humanity. They meet under the worst of circumstances and find a way to help each other through the trauma of the global struggle. They also prove to each other that people are people regardless of which end of the rifle they face and what their countries dictate they believe.

The book is inspired by nine true stories of World War II that are woven into a rich tapestry of historically accurate fiction. Purchase at http://www.kayedschmitzauthor.com/shop.

Death on the Downbeat
by Durden Kell

Toh, no! Another killer stalks the local jazz community. Jazz jams, gigs and murder combine in the ultimate trio that is sure to be "killing it" all around Atlanta. Adman and CC, his wife, now own The Farm, where a show horse dances and Adman builds it all up. CC rescues a pup called Harold and looks for other dogs to join her pack. And gigs and tours just keep a-comin'!

But who is the killer and what is the motive? Nobody knows until clues are put together by famous saxophonist John Cold "Adman" Dann and the Amateur Sleuth Society, featuring Adman's best friend, Misha Stefanukvand, as well as other great jazz musicians Ty, Carl, Arturo, André, David, Chip, Gerry and Leland. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3C8sQWh.

And Then Ben
by Ed Fuller and Gary Grossman

Post-apocalyptic thriller and climate fiction come together in this story of one woman's struggle for survival in a world decimated by an endless, unrelenting winter.

After the "event," 38-year-old Alice finds herself completely alone, cruelly separated from her children and left with only vivid, haunting dreams of life as it once was.

Fueled by her sharp survival instincts and sheer resilience, Alice moves through each day like the one before - until she discovers she's not as alone as she thought. Alice's need for human contact helps her overcome her apprehension about Ben, the only survivor she's encountered for months. As the two are drawn closer together by their shared desire for companionship, their individual pasts begin to reveal that everyone is not exactly who they seem. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3aSZ637.

NOTE: BookBites is presented by BookTrib.com.

(James Taylor) - If you're thinking of traveling this winter, you may want to consider replacing your tires.

Until recently, tire replacement involved wasting a day at the shop, haggling over the prices of a very limited selection and impatiently waiting for your vehicle to finally be serviced.

Here are three reasons to try online ordering combined with mobile tire installation.

• Mobile tire installation offers a wider selection of replacement tires. Tire replacement is frustrating because there is usually a limited selection of tire brands for your vehicle. You warily arrive at the tire store unprepared and are often pressured to buy on the spot with limited information and no third-party research. Conversely, mobile tire installation allows you to find the right tires online and have your selected mobile installer bring and install your tires at a time and place that works for you.
• Mobile tire installation is convenient and efficient. Going to the tire shop takes time. If the tire shop is busy, replacing all four tires can take up several hours of your day. Mobile tire installation, on the other hand, can be scheduled on your time, wherever you are -- whether that's your home or office. You won't need to take time off work, hire a babysitter or lug your kids across town.
• Mobile tire installation is affordable. Many convenience-based services come at a premium, which often leads consumers to stick with traditional methods. Traditional tire installers may charge $20 to $30 per tire. Surprisingly, mobile tire installation can save you money. For instance, Tire Rack's mobile tire installation service charges just $25 per tire with the potential for more savings and a greater selection of quality tires.

So how does it work?

1. Order new tires online at TireRack.com and select mobile tire installation at checkout.
2. Schedule your installation appointment at a time and place that works best for you.
3. Experienced technicians bring your tires right to you and install them on site.
4. Relax and go about your day!

Haggling over the price of a limited tire selection and long wait times are a thing of the past. The next time you take the coin test and discover you need new tires, you may find yourself having your tires replaced at work or at home while enjoying time with your family and friends.

(NewsUSA) - With football season in full swing, men are bracing for everything that comes with it. In a new poll of 2,000 American men conducted by OnePoll and commissioned by Nutrisystem, 37% of men said they usually gain weight from September to January, with 53% claiming they gain 10 pounds or more.

This battle of the belly bulge has many men willing to make changes to get in shape and back in the game. In the same survey, more than one-third (37%) of men said they would give up football games or other sporting events for two months if it meant they could get a six-pack or a flat stomach.

To help men jumpstart their weight loss and kick their healthy habits into high gear, Courtney McCormick, registered dietitian and manager of clinical research & nutrition at Nutrisystem, offers these simple tips.

1. Power Up on Protein: When you're losing weight, your body burns both fat and muscle. Since men have more muscle mass than women, guys need to be sure they get enough protein. Meat and fish, eggs, dairy products, nuts and nut butters are your best choices because they're low in calories and high in protein and healthy fats.

2. Hold That Beer. Yes, you can enjoy a cold one on occasion as you're trying to lose weight. Just keep in mind that even most light beers have 100 calories. These beverages tend to leave you feeling full, but only for a short time. Some people may even feel hungrier after drinking.

3. Set Goals: Setting goals is an effective way to challenge yourself when you're trying to lose weight. "Having a game plan is crucial," says Hall of Fame quarterback and Nutrisystem ambassador Dan Marino.

" For guys especially, simplicity, variety and correct portion sizes are key. Programs such as Nutrisystem that are delivered to your door and easy to follow are the best bet. And when you start seeing the results, it makes you motivated to keep going."

4. Pass on the Salt: Excess sodium can cause your body to retain water, making you feel bloated and adding extra pounds when you step on the scale. What's more, The Journal of Clinical Investigation reports that eating high-sodium snacks can also leave you hungrier, increase your appetite and decrease your water consumption.

5. Get Up and Go: Instead of sitting around with friends and taking in calories you don't need, organize a group activity that gets everybody moving. Burn calories while bowling, golfing or playing ping pong. You might also come home with bragging rights instead of a belly full of regrets.

To add to your efforts, have fun and laugh. According to a study published in the International Journal of Obesity, genuine laughter for 10 to 15 minutes causes a 10-to-20 percent increase in heart rate and energy expenditure. For more great tips, visit Nutrisystem's The Leaf.

(NewsUSA) - Regardless of whether you are active duty or a veteran, a career in the military requires many individuals and their families to make sacrifices for their country. Thankfully, financial stability does not have to be one of them.

There are many resources for members of the military and their families to remain financially secure, as well as practical advice to manage their finances without additional stress.

Personal situations may be different for active duty, deployed and retired service members. But all can benefit from having a comprehensive financial plan in place and working with a qualified financial advisor.

Military OneSource offers financial counseling to the military community through the U.S. Defense Department, but you can also find a local CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM professional to provide you with competent, ethical and holistic financial planning advice. Some CFP® professionals even specialize in working with military and government clients.

U.S. Navy veteran Mark Wernig, CFP® offers four examples of how military members and their families can benefit from developing a financial plan:

1. Create a budget. Keep track of your income and spending. For deployed service members, this may also involve determining who and which funds will pay the bills. Special pay or entitlements may boost your spending or savings.

2. Invest in savings plans. A CFP® professional can help you make sense of the different savings options, including the Thrift Savings Plan and TSP Savings Deposit Program, and low-cost investment opportunities available to service members. They will also make sure you've established a sufficient emergency fund.

3. Manage your debt. A financial plan includes the amount of debt you owe, the interest rate on each debt and your monthly payment amounts. It also lays out which debts you will pay first, or put the most money toward. "In addition to mapping out this information, a CFP® professional can help you determine if military-focused financial programs, including the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, can help reduce your debt," adds Wernig.

4. Maximize benefits programs. People who have served in the military have access to special financial benefits. This can include healthcare services, mortgages with no or low down payment, GI Bill educational benefits and special legal protections, among others. A CFP® professional can help you determine and take advantage of the varied benefits to which you are entitled.

Focusing on financial preparedness and sustaining healthy financial habits will help you and your family navigate the challenges of military life.

You can use the "Find a CFP® Professional" search tool on LetsMakeaPlan.org to locate CFP® professionals who focus on clients in the military. You can also connect with local veteran- and military-based community organizations for more information on the special programs and benefits available to you and your family.

(NewsUSA) - Current members of our nation's military, as well as veterans, can take advantage of their VA benefits when buying a home, but it is important for potential homebuyers to understand the terms of these loans.

Freedom Mortgage, the premier VA lender in the United States, offers tips and advice for service members and veterans to ensure a successful homebuying experience.

1. Have some cash on hand. Although a VA loan requires no down payment, sellers may not cover closing costs in today's competitive real estate market, so it is best to budget for some funds when you schedule your closing.

Closing costs can range from 3% to 5% of the home price. This includes the VA funding fee, which can be as high as 3.6% of the loan amount, although the VA funding fee is waived for Purple Heart recipients and disabled veterans.

2. Have proof of income. Proof of income is required for a VA loan, so active service members will need to have a job lined up after discharge.

Also, obtain a loan pre-approval letter (rather than a pre-qualification letter), which will show that your credit and income have been professionally reviewed and that you are a qualified buyer.

3. Have options. Shop around and compare a VA loan to other loan options to see which is a better deal for you. Most importantly, don't overextend yourself and buy a more expensive home than you can currently afford.

If the rate is relatively low and you are comfortable making the monthly payments, you have a good deal.

4. Have good credit. Visit annualcreditreport.com, a legitimate website used by the three major consumer credit reporting agencies and get a free credit report.

The median credit score is a little above 700 and if your score is lower, you may pay a higher interest rate or higher costs. Some additional tips include:

• Veterans who are current homeowners should take the opportunity now to refinance to a lower rate; check out VA IRRRL streamline refinances for veterans.
  For more information on buying a home or improving your credit score, click here.
• Disabled veterans have additional benefits from a VA loan, as they are exempt from the VA funding fee.
• Current homeowners considering cash-out loans can consider a conventional loan. VA loans have a funding fee of up to 3.6%, but that may be a better deal than the high interest rates of other loans.
• Last, don't forget to request a Loan Estimate, or "LE," from lenders when shopping around for the best mortgage. The LE will outline all relevant program details and costs that you can expect at closing.

Note: these are general information, each loan is unique and customized to the borrower. Call 833-687-1212 to speak with an experienced Freedom Mortgage loan officer who can answer questions and provide more information based on your needs.