Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/1539625
r e d f c u.o r g | 9 During Medicare's Annual Open Enrollment period (October 15 – December 7), Redstone is pleased to welcome representatives from our trusted partner, Secure Benefits, to select branch locations. ese licensed agents will be available near the entrances to assist members with enrolling in Medicare for the first time or making changes to their current plans. Each representative will wear a badge identifying them as a Redstone Insurance partner, so they'll be easy to spot. For those who prefer a scheduled appointment, members can contact Laura Easterling at 256-215-6447 or leasterling@ redstoneinsurance.org for personalized assistance. Get Help Enrolling in Medicare r e d f c u.o r g | 9 Plans are insured through third-party insurance companies or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract and a contract with the State Medicaid Program. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan's contract renewal with Medicare. The insurance products may be offered by a dual employee who also sells insurance products on behalf of a third-party insurance company. RFCU and its affiliates are committed to fair, equitable and nondiscriminatory practices. For accommodations of persons with special needs at meetings call 256-722-8301 TTY 711 Beware! AI AND FINANCIAL FRAUD "Grandma, it's me! My car broke down, and I need money." e voice on the phone sounds like the grandchild and tugs at the listener's emotions. Is this a legitimate phone call? It could be an AI (artificial intelligence) imitation created from a voice recording on social media. is example is a vishing scam, or voice phishing, for which scammers are now using AI-generated imitations of a person's voice to trick friends and family into believing that a loved one needs money urgently. Similarly, the scam can be used to impersonate executives in the workplace, managers at a financial institution, and support staff from an IT help desk. Phishing and other scams have increased by 94% since 2020, and the negative financial impact is significant, with losses estimated to reach $40 billion in the U.S. by 2027. HERE ARE TWO WAYS TO PROTECT YOURSELF: 1. If you get a call from an unknown number, be careful what you say over the phone. Even something as simple as "Hi, this is [name]" could be recorded and used for scam tactics later. Instead, do not answer calls from unknown numbers; let them go to voicemail. If you do answer and hear silence, hang up. Do NOT say your name or the word "yes." 2. If you answer a call from an unknown number and the caller is claiming to be someone you know in a desperate situation, be suspicious, especially if they're asking for money. Ask a question only the person you know would be able to answer, or hang up and call the person using the phone number you have saved for them. With scams becoming more believable all the time, it's easy to fall victim to one. Redstone cares about your financial wellness, so we're working to keep you in the know. Be vigilant and help us spread the word!