You can help those suffering from the California wildfires

I’ve spent this last week haunted by desperate thoughts for those who are suffering in wake of the catastrophic and heartbreaking wildfires in the Los Angeles area. My family and I called Altadena home before we moved to Carbondale, and I’ve been mired in a fog of concern for the friends I know and the thousands I don’t whose lives have been destroyed or upended. 

I also understand how far away this can feel. Even as the home where my daughter was born is reduced to ashes, even as I field texts from friends who are waiting to see what may remain of their former lives, I find myself turning to watch the light change on Sopris, to feel safe here, to be here because here is where I am.

But I can’t get loose of it for long. The history is too close, the people too dear and the reality of the following thought I’ve seen floating around too present: “The climate crisis will manifest as a series of disasters viewed through phones, with footage that gets closer and closer to where you live, until you’re the one filming it.”

I urge everyone to please do what they can to contribute to the aid of too-many-thousands of people who have suffered incredible loss in the wake of these fires. Please consider donating to the California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Recovery Fund, the American Red Cross, or the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation. If you’re like me and you’d rather donate directly to specific individuals or families, consider GoFundMe, which has set up a dedicated page where you can donate to fire victims, first responders and others through their separate fundraising accounts. Your contributions are real and essential in helping people begin to rebuild their lives from the ground up. With a sincere and aching heart I hope that your generous effort is one you never need returned.

Clay Allen, Carbondale

Signs to watch out for regarding elder fraud

Talk to your elderly parents about this, both my Mom and Dad have had this happen to them.

Key characteristics of an extreme grandparent scam:

• High frequency of calls: The scammer calls multiple times a day, sometimes with different fabricated scenarios to maintain the pressure.
• Personal details used: The scammer may have access to personal details about the grandparents and grandchildren, making the calls seem more credible.
• Urgency and threats: The caller might claim the grandchild is in serious legal trouble, needs immediate medical attention, or is in danger, demanding immediate action and threatening consequences if money isn’t sent.
• Multiple payment methods: The scammer may request money through wire transfers, gift cards, or even delivery services, making it difficult to track the funds.
• Isolation tactics: The caller may ask the grandparent to keep the situation secret from other family members, further isolating them. 

What to do if you suspect an extreme grandparent scam:

• Do not send money: Never send money to someone you haven’t verified as a legitimate contact, especially if they are demanding immediate payment under pressure.
• Verify the story: Immediately try to contact the grandchild directly through a known phone number or reach out to another family member to confirm the situation.
• Report the scam: Contact local law enforcement and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to report the fraudulent activity.
• Educate your loved ones: Talk to your grandparents about this common scam and encourage them to be cautious about any unexpected calls asking for money. Preventive measures,
• Share contact information: Make sure your grandparents have readily available phone numbers for all family members to easily verify if someone is calling on behalf of a grandchild. 
• Discuss potential scams: Regularly have open conversations about common scams and how to identify them. 
• Set up a code word: Create a unique phrase that only your family knows to use in case of a real emergency, so your grandparents can verify the caller’s identity.

Ann Szucs-Spencer, Glenwood Springs