(Gaithersburg, MD) Delray, FL May 02, 2020: Mindy Felinton, founder of Felinton Elder Law & Estate Planning Centers, has posted a new article on her law firm’s website entitled “How Many Of The 41,155 People Who Died In The U.S. Of COVID19 Were Prepared.” Ms. Felinton’s best guess is that not many of those who died had their affairs in order. 

Mindy Felinton

Felinton writes, “While many of the 41,155 people who have died to date in the U.S. from COVID19 since early March were elderly, many of them were not.” She goes on to add, “How many of those dearly departed souls were prepared to take leave of this life, I cannot say. But, I’m willing to guess that many of them did not have wills, estate plans or any legal plans in place.” “As a result,” Felinton says, “once this pandemic dies down and the surviving loved ones are able to start sorting things out, they are more than likely going to be faced with a legal mess to untangle.”

“While life as we know it is disrupted, we don’t know exactly when we will be able to move about without being aware of social distancing again,” Felinton writes. She continues, “Until that time, caution is key. Even though you may be getting “cabin fever” or going “stir crazy” it’s better than the alternative. And while everyone is proposing all kinds of activities from learning how to play musical instruments or to speak a new language, I’d be more inclined to suggest taking steps to get legal plans filed.”

According to Felinton, “Having legal plans in place if you have minor children is integral. If you should get the virus and not recover do you know who will tend to your minor children’s needs? If you are a single parent, who will take care of your minor children? These are important decisions that must be made and it’s best to make them while you are healthy and of sound mind.”

Felinton writes, “This is also a time to focus on your elderly parents and loved ones. It’s a good time to suggest a review of their legal plans and to find out if they have designated a Financial Power of Attorney or a Health Care Power of Attorney. Many people who believe they don’t have much stuff or money, think they don’t need any legal planss. But most people have more things of value than they know.”

The entire article can be read at https://www.felintonlaw.com/how-many-of-the-41155-people-whove-died-in-the-u-s-of-covid19-were-prepared/

About Mindy Felinton

From a young age, Mindy wanted to be the voice that would make an impact in people’s lives.   She became an attorney and has practiced law for over 30 years, so that she could fulfill her desire to help others.  As a special prosecutor, Mindy defended the underdog (literally) in cases of animal abuse.  As a state attorney in Florida she fought for justice. During the last 25 years, Mindy met many wonderful people who did not know their rights, did not understand the law, and did not know what options were available. She made a decision to focus her practice on Elder Law, Medicaid, Veterans’ benefits, and Estate Planning.  Thus she is able to guide her clients through those difficult and sometimes overwhelming processes.

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The devastating loss of life around the world due to COVID19 is unfathomable. In the U.S., to date there have been close to 1 million confirmed cases of COVID19. While the majority of those people have recovered, more than 54,000 people have died so far.

I can’t imagine the sadness and grief the loved ones are experiencing now. They cannot have a funeral or any kind of service to honor the lives of the dearly departed. The age of those who have lost their lives to this devastating virus range from a 6-week old infant to those in their 90s.

Strokes Are Claiming The Lives Of Younger Adults

While it was initially thought that only older adults were susceptible, that has been totally dismissed as younger, healthier people are being felled by this virus. In a WashingtonPost.com article about the number of strokes associated with COVID19, as seen at Mt. Sinai hospital  it was stated, “In a letter to be published in the New England Journal of Medicine next week, the Mount Sinai team details five case studies of young patients who had strokes at home from March 23 to April 7…The victims’ ages are 33, 37, 39 44 and 49, and they were all home when they began to experience sudden symptoms, including slurred speech, confusion, drooping on one side of the face and a dead feeling in one arm. One died, two are still hospitalized, one was released to rehabilitation, and one was released home to the care of his brother. Only one of the five, a 33-year-old woman, is able to speak.” https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2020/04/24/strokes-coronavirus-young-patients/?outputType=amp&fbclid=IwAR2qW2S6JEC0uwzQMfh5QhyU9pt5oAglZ0yVIQj38snf8tJ6RIwYlM5A8lw

Strokes Must Be Treated Quickly

Many of the younger adults suffering stroke symptoms are not going to the hospitals which are already overburdened. However, now that it’s clear that stroke symptoms are related to COVID19, it’s important to get to a hospital right away. According to the Mt. Sinai team  as reported in the Washington Post article, “The most important thing for people to understand is that large strokes are very treatable. Doctors are often able to reopen blocked blood vessels through techniques such as pulling out clots or inserting stents. But it has to be done quickly, ideally within six hours, but no longer than 24 hours.” The message the doctors are trying to get out is that if you have symptoms of stroke, you need to call the ambulance urgently.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2020/04/24/strokes-coronavirus-young-patients/?outputType=amp&fbclid=IwAR2qW2S6JEC0uwzQMfh5QhyU9pt5oAglZ0yVIQj38snf8tJ6RIwYlM5A8lw

Anyone Over 18 Needs A Will And Advanced Directive

There are going to be more deaths. And if quarantine restrictions are lifted too early, there may be way more deaths than there are to date. Anyone over the age of 18 who is still alive and well and has not created a will, a health directive or an estate plan, now is the time to take action. It’s bad enough if your loved ones have to deal with losing you. It’s even worse if they have to go through painful legal procedures to manage the assets you may leave behind.

The post The COVID19 Death Toll Rises Among The Young appeared first on Felinton Elder Law and Estate Planning Centers.

Delray Beach, FL. February 27, 2020: Mindy Felinton, founder of Felinton Elder Law & Estate Planning Centers, has posted a new article on her law firm’s website entitled “Protect Yourself And Loved Ones Against The Growing Social Security Scam,” in which Ms. Felinton encourages readers to share the information about the scam.

Felinton writes, “I’ve heard recently from some of my clients that they received an official email notice from the Social Security Administration (SSA) warning about imposter scams that are bilking seniors out of millions of dollars.” She continues adding, “That means the scam is growing and is very serious. If you don’t have an email account, the SSA may send you an official letter. It’s important to be on the alert for these scam calls.”

Felinton shares some startling statistics, writing, “The number of scams are increasing. For instance, in 2017, the SSA reported hearing from 3,200 people about SSA imposter scams. Those people reported losing nearly $210,000. In 2018 that number rose to more than 35,000 people reportedly being scammed at a loss of $10 million. As of Sept. 30, 2019, the Social Security Administration (SSA) reported receiving more than 450,000 complaints about scammers. Clearly the loss is much greater than $10 million!”

As Felinton reminds her readers, “Targeting seniors has always been a strategy of cons and scammers throughout the ages.” According to Felinton, “Seniors tend to be more vulnerable than younger age groups. Many have cognitive issues and are easily frightened which scammers are counting on.” Felinton adds, “With caller ID and many mobile phone companies now identifying potential scam and marketing calls, the best idea is simply not to answer any phone call unless it is from someone in your contact list. If you do answer a call and the person says that your Social Security Number has been suspended, hang up immediately.”

The entire article can be read at https://www.felintonlaw.com/protect-yourself-and-loved-ones-against-the-growing-social-security-scam/

About Mindy Felinton

From a young age, Mindy wanted to be the voice that would make an impact in people’s lives. She became an attorney and has practiced law for over 30 years, so that she could fulfill her desire to help others. As a special prosecutor, Mindy defended the underdog (literally) in cases of animal abuse. As a state attorney in Florida she fought for justice. During the last 25 years, Mindy met many wonderful people who did not know their rights, did not understand the law, and did not know what options were available.

Mindy assists families with Medicaid planning to help with the cost of nursing home care and with obtaining veteran’s benefits to make the cost of care more manageable.   She also prepares wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and medical directives.  Mindy is passionate about educating both other professionals and the public concerning VA Aid & Attendance benefits, Medicaid benefits,  and the use of trusts for the protection of assets.  She shares her experience and professional knowledge through free workshops, and as a frequent lecturer at State Bar Conferences.

The post Felinton Elder Law & Estate Planning Centers Founder, Mindy Felinton Shares Important Information About Growing Social Security Phone Scams appeared first on Felinton Elder Law and Estate Planning Centers.

Elder Law Tips: Beware the latest Social Security scam!

I provide elder law tips to help protect seniors – your health, welfare, assets, and estate. Recently, I’ve heard from some of my clients that they received an official email notice from the Social Security Administration (SSA) warning about imposter scams that are bilking seniors out of millions of dollars. That means the scam is growing and is very serious. If you don’t have an email account, the SSA may send you an official letter. It’s important to be on the alert for these scam calls.

Scams Increasing Along With Financial Losses

The number of scams are increasing. For instance, in 2017, the SSA reported hearing from 3,200 people about SSA imposter scams. Those people reported losing nearly $210,000. In 2018 that number rose to more than 35,000 people reportedly being scammed at a loss of $10 million. As of Sept. 30, 2019, the Social Security Administration (SSA) reported receiving more than 450,000 complaints about scammers. Clearly the loss is much greater than $10 million!

Seniors Have Always Been Targeted By Criminals

Targeting seniors has always been a strategy of cons and scammers throughout the ages. Seniors tend to be more vulnerable than younger age groups. Many have cognitive issues and are easily frightened which scammers are counting on. With caller ID and many mobile phone companies now identifying potential scam and marketing calls, the best idea is simply not to answer any phone call unless it is from someone in your contact list. If you do answer a call and the person says that your Social Security Number has been suspended, hang up immediately.

What Scam Calls Sound Like

If you do happen to answer a call be aware of how these scams work. The caller may say your Social Security number (SSN) has been suspended because of suspicious activity, or because it’s been involved in a crime. Sometimes, the scammer wants you to confirm your SSN to reactivate it. Sometimes, they may say your bank account is about to be seized – of course they will tell you what to do to keep it safe. (Often, that involves putting your money on gift cards and giving him the codes – which, of course, means that your money is gone.)
Often your caller ID shows the real SSA phone number (1-800-772-1213) when these scammers call – but they’re faking that number. It’s not the real SSA calling.

When The Real Social Security Administration Calls

The fact is that Social Security may call you in some situations but will never:

• Threaten you
• Suspend your Social Security Number
• Ask you to pay anything
• Require payment by cash, gift card, pre-paid debit card, or wire transfer
• Ask for gift card numbers over the phone or to wire or mail cash

If you are receiving Social Security Benefits, you have paid into the system and are receiving your earned benefits. You don’t pay anything, but scammers count on creating confusion to rattle you.

Be cautious and never give your Social Security number to anyone. This is a serious scam so please share this information with your friends.

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Elder Care Attorney, Mindy Felinton tells readers who may not be tech or computer savvy that they can be scam savvy or more scam literate and avoid becoming victims of tech support scammers.

Delray Beach, FL. December 19, 2019: Mindy Felinton, founder of Felinton Elder Law & Estate Planning Centers, has posted a new article on her law firm’s website entitled “You May Not Be Very Tech Literate But You Can Be Very Scam Literate.” Ms. Felinton helps older adults recognize and avoid tech support scams.

Felinton writes, “Most older adults were not weaned on the computer the way younger generations are. Many though, have ventured into the tech world and have computers and email addresses.” She continues adding, “Maybe you have a Face Book, Pinterest, or Instagram account to stay in touch with the grand kids. If you’re really with it (LOL) you may even have a twitter account.” “Even so,” Felinton says, “your computer literacy skills are just not as likely to be as second nature as a native language. For those born in the Information Age computer languages are first languages.”

“Nonetheless,” says Felinton, “no matter how old you are and no matter the level of your tech skills, you can certainly be scam literate. You’ll feel pretty good when you’re able to spot a computer scam and avoid becoming a victim.” She further adds, “You might even be able to teach your friends how to avoid become tech scam victims.”

According to Felinton, “Scammers prey on older adults.” She elaborates, “Tech support scams are very popular and catch people off-guard. Scammers tend to target those people who are not part of the Information Generation. In other words, they target people over 60.”

As Felinton points out, “Tech support scammers use many different tactics to trick people.” She adds, “Spotting these tactics will help you avoid falling for the scam. For instance, tech support scammers may call and pretend to be a computer technician from a well-known company.”

The entire article can be read at https://www.felintonlaw.com/you-may-not-be-very-tech-literate-but-you-can-be-very-scam-literate/

About Mindy Felinton

From a young age, Mindy wanted to be the voice that would make an impact in people’s lives. She became an attorney and has practiced law for over 30 years, so that she could fulfill her desire to help others. As a special prosecutor, Mindy defended the underdog (literally) in cases of animal abuse. As a state attorney in Florida she fought for justice. During the last 25 years, Mindy met many wonderful people who did not know their rights, did not understand the law, and did not know what options were available.

Mindy assists families with Medicaid planning to help with the cost of nursing home care and with obtaining veteran’s benefits to make the cost of care more manageable.   She also prepares wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and medical directives.  Mindy is passionate about educating both other professionals and the public concerning VA Aid & Attendance benefits, Medicaid benefits,  and the use of trusts for the protection of assets.  She shares her experience and professional knowledge through free workshops, and as a frequent lecturer at State Bar Conferences.

The post Helping Older Adults Avoid Tech Support Scams: Felinton Elder Law & Estate Planning Centers Founder, Mindy Felinton Turns Her Attention To This Important Subject appeared first on Felinton Elder Law and Estate Planning Centers.

One of the most important tips for elder adults is learning how to avoid all different types of scams we see today.

Most older adults were not weaned on the computer the way younger generations are. That why tips for elder adults that help them avoid scams are so important.

Many though, have ventured into the tech world and have computers and email addresses. Maybe you have a Facebook, Pinterest, or Instagram account to stay in touch with the grandkids. If you’re really with it (LOL) you may even have a twitter account. Even so, your computer literacy skills are just not as likely to be as second nature as a native language. For those born in the Information Age computer languages are first languages.

Nonetheless, no matter how old you are and no matter the level of your tech skills, you can certainly be scam literate. You’ll feel pretty good when you’re able to spot a computer scam and avoid becoming a victim. You might even be able to teach your friends how to avoid become tech scam victims.

Elder Adults and Scams: Targeting The Unsuspecting

Scammers prey on older adults. Tech support scams are very popular and catch people off-guard. Scammers tend to target those people who are not part of the Information Generation. In other words, they target people over 60.

Beware Tech Support

Tech support scammers use many different tactics to trick people. Providing tips for elder adults to spot these tactics will help you avoid falling for the scam. For instance, tech support scammers may call and pretend to be a computer technician from a well-known company. They’ll say they’ve “found a problem with your computer.” Then they may ask you to give them remote access to your computer at which point they’ll pretend to run a ‘diagnostic’ test. Then they try to make you pay to fix a problem that doesn’t exist.

Pop Up Messages

Another trick tech support scammers use are pop-up windows that appear on your computer screen. It might look like an error message from your operating system or antivirus software, and it might use logos from trusted companies or websites. The message in the window warns of a security issue on your computer and tells you to call a phone number to get help. Don’t do it!

Two Things To Know To Avoid A Tech Support Scam

Here are the most important things to know to avoid a tech support scam: Legitimate tech companies won’t contact you by phone, email or text message to tell you there’s a problem with your computer. And, security pop-up warnings from real tech companies will never ask you to call a phone number.

Scammers Hit Hard During The Holidays

Holidays are when we are most open and joyful. We tend to let our guard down a little more than usual. Scammers know this and they do their best to take advantage when people are at their most vulnerable. Knowing this and what to be on the lookout for, you can avoid becoming the latest victim of a tech scam.

The more scam literate you become, the more confident you’ll be. You might never catch up to anyone born in the computer age, but you’ll be able to navigate through the information age more skillfully and without getting snagged by scammers.

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Delray Beach, FL October 23, 2019: Mindy Felinton, founder of Felinton Elder Law & Estate Planning Centers, has posted a new article on her law firm’s website entitled “Be Proactive To Avoid Becoming A Victim Of Elder Abuse.” Ms. Felinton clearly wants to help the elderly avoid being taken advantage of by family members as well as strangers.

Felinton writes, “Few things make my heart hurt more than hearing about vulnerable older people being taken advantage of financially or being abused in any way.” She adds, “That’s why I have dedicated my practice to the area of elder care law for the past 30 years.”

“As an elder care attorney,” says Felinton, “I am able to help people who need someone on their side to help them create a solid plan to protect their assets through both short-term and long-term planning. I also help them obtain benefits to care for their loved ones.” She continues, “When people are proactive and put a solid asset protection plan in place while they are well and their minds are still sharp, chances of being taken advantage of financially are far less likely to happen.”

According to Felinton, “Unfortunately, for too many people, asset protection planning often begins as the result of a crisis. People may have the best intentions of putting a plan in place, but they typically wait until they are in the throes of a catastrophic illness or disability to suddenly realize they or their loved one may lose everything. So they scurry to put a plan in place.”

The entire article can be read at https://www.felintonlaw.com/be-proactive-to-avoid-becoming-a-victim-of-elder-abuse/

About Mindy Felinton

From a young age, Mindy wanted to be the voice that would make an impact in people’s lives. She became an attorney and has practiced law for over 30 years, so that she could fulfill her desire to help others. As a special prosecutor, Mindy defended the underdog (literally) in cases of animal abuse. As a state attorney in Florida she fought for justice. During the last 25 years, Mindy met many wonderful people who did not know their rights, did not understand the law, and did not know what options were available.

Mindy assists families with Medicaid planning to help with the cost of nursing home care and with obtaining veteran’s benefits to make the cost of care more manageable.   She also prepares wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and medical directives.  Mindy is passionate about educating both other professionals and the public concerning VA Aid & Attendance benefits, Medicaid benefits,  and the use of trusts for the protection of assets.  She shares her experience and professional knowledge through free workshops, and as a frequent lecturer at State Bar Conferences.

The post Felinton Elder Law & Estate Planning Centers Founder, Mindy Felinton Encourages Readers To Be Proactive And Put Asset Protection Plan In Place Sooner Rather Than Later appeared first on Felinton Elder Law and Estate Planning Centers.

Few things make my heart hurt more than hearing about vulnerable older people being taken advantage of financially or being abused in any way.

This is why I have dedicated my practice to the area of elder care law including trying to prevent elder abuse of any kind – physical or financial and more – for the past 30 years.

As an elder care attorney I am able to help people who need someone on their side to help them create a solid plan to protect their assets through both short-term and long-term planning. I also help them obtain benefits to care for their loved ones. When people are proactive and put a solid asset protection plan in place while they are well and their minds are still sharp, chances of being taken advantage of financially are far less likely to happen.

Elder Abuse Education: Awareness Is Born In The Crush Of A Crisis

Unfortunately, for too many people, asset protection planning often begins as the result of a crisis. People may have the best intentions of putting a plan in place, but they typically wait until they are in the throes of a catastrophic illness or disability to suddenly realize they or their loved one may lose everything. So they scurry to put a plan in place.

Many times, people in a desperate situation are also in a position to be taken advantage of by unscrupulous attorneys. (Oh yes, they are out there.) This is why I encourage people to start earlier rather than later. Take the necessary time to meet with and discuss options with several attorneys before you decide to work with one.

Inter-Family Elder Abuse

The fact is that financial exploitation of older people, often by a family member, is a growing problem as Baby Boomers are aging. Families are reluctant to prosecute so they stay quiet. This kind of inter-family abuse happens and stays under the radar, often leaving elderly parents destitute in their final years. But, if you have proper legal documents set up, it makes this kind of family abuse more difficult to pull off.

Most adult children of aging parents have the best intentions to help their parents. If you are fortunate to have adult children you trust, you can make one your power of attorney to act for you in the event you can no longer speak for yourself.

Be Proactive Don’t Put That Asset Protection Plan Off A Moment Longer

It is my passion to help people protect their homes and assets, protect spouses and loved ones and transfer assets while maintaining Medicaid eligibility when possible. I love speaking up for others and protecting what my clients have worked so hard to put aside to see them through their elder years and to leave something for their loved ones.

Experience has taught me to speak up for others; but it has also taught me to listen. In order to best serve my clients, I truly believe that it is just as important to listen as it is to speak. Learning about what is most important to each client and crafting a proper plan that works for them is paramount. It’s imperative that while you are still mentally sharp to create an estate and asset protection plan. Thought you may not want to discuss financial matters and prefer to keep them private, you are doing yourself a disservice and putting yourself in a position to be taken advantage of. Don’t wait. Just do it! Give our office a call today.

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