Shorts: Seniors

Bilingual volunteers needed to visit émigrés

Read in Russian to a blind elderly émigré, or use your basic computer savvy to help a senior émigré navigate the computer, or just provide companionship and an opportunity for English conversational practice.

Volunteers are needed in San Francisco to visit one-on-one with elderly refugees from the former Soviet Union. For information contact Masha Gutkin at Jewish Family and Children's Services in San Francisco. Call (415) 449-2919 or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).




Beware of preying loan sharks

AARP, the not-for-profit membership organization of people ages 50 and older, has provided seniors with advice on how to spot a dishonest lender.

"Be suspicious of anyone who offers you 'bargain loans,' whether they mail or email you an offer, call you by phone or come to your door," a recent article advised.

"Avoid salespeople who promise 'No credit? No problem.' A bad loan is a mistake. Beware of offers that are only 'good for a short time.' Be suspicious of anyone who contacts you first — most good mortgage lenders or credit companies don't solicit business over the phone or just show up on your doorstep."

The Internet article warned seniors to avoid lenders who call and promise guaranteed, low-interest loans, who take applications over the phone or who offer next-day approval if you pay them some money today.

Another concern is so-called lenders who ask for up-front fees to "cover the first payment and other expenses." This is obviously someone who wants to take your up-front money and run, the article stated.