“Which Medicare do I even have — A, B, C, or D?” If you’ve ever asked that, you’re in wonderful company. In 30 years of counseling, it was the question I heard most. So let’s untangle the alphabet, on…

Mom forwarded me a text and asked, “Kim, is this really from my bank? It says my account is locked and I need to click here to unlock it right away.” No, Mom — banks don’t send you a login link by tex…

“Kim, I got a text from the post office. It says my package couldn’t be delivered and I need to click a link and pay a small fee to reschedule. I am expecting a package from my sister… should I?” Don’…

Mom called sounding delighted and doubtful at once. “Kim, I got a letter — and then a call — saying I won a $50,000 sweepstakes! But they say I have to pay $500 in taxes and fees first before they can…

Mom was selling Dad’s old fishing boat and called me puzzled. “Kim, a buyer sent me a check for $3,000 more than the price — he says it was a mistake and asked me to just wire the extra back to his sh…

Mom mentioned it in passing. “Kim, I saw an ad — an easy work-from-home job, good pay, just processing payments and reshipping a few packages. They even want to send me a check to get started. A littl…

“Kim, I found a lovely little dresser on Facebook Marketplace, and someone’s selling concert tickets for my choir friends. But how do I know I’m not being cheated? One seller already asked me to pay a…

“Kim, what’s the harm in scanning one of those little square codes? There was one on a parking meter, and another came in a letter about a package. My phone just opens them right up.” That’s exactly t…

Mom called me quietly rattled. “Kim, I got a call and it sounded exactly like your nephew Danny. He was crying, said he’d been in a car accident and needed bail money right away, and not to tell his p…

After the tornadoes came through Oklahoma this spring, Mom called me wanting to help. “Kim, someone called asking for a donation for the storm victims, and I got emails too. I want to give — but how d…