Columnist guards herself against being scammed over the phone

I was totally shocked when I saw in the paper that Curtis Fuller had passed away. I knew him before he and Mary married and I knew his parents. Fact is we all went to church together at Union Chapel Methodist Church for a number of years. We saw their children when they were young, but as they grew up we have been totally out of touch.
I send my sympathy to all of the family. They live in Putnam County. I don’t know if they will see this. I just hope that one person will see this and convey my sympathy to everyone else.
Jo Ann Bryant has had a birthday. Happy birthday to you! Scott and Jennifer Doran, Steve Bryant and Kim and Colton Jones carried Jo Ann out to eat.
Rassey and Edna Smith went to see Earl and Almedia Smith Sunday afternoon.
The OTWF Wrestling will be at the Buckhead Fire Station Saturday night, Dec. 8. Doors open at 5 p.m. and wrestling begins at 6 p.m. Ticket prices are $7 from 12-years-old and up. Kids 6-12 it is $4. If you bring canned goods for the needy you will get $1 off each ticket. For information you may call 678-492-2117 or 706-342-1026. Come one, come all to see this event.
In the Bible we are instructed to put on the whole armor of God. In this day and time and at the nearing of the Christmas season we all certainly need to be with armor of protection on not only physically but also by wireless.
One day recently my phone rang. There was a fast talking man telling me that he was with the Medicare people and that he was sending me a new Medicare card. I told him that I had not asked for one. He told me that I was supposed to get one with the new healthcare. He had the bank number on my check. He said that he could not send the Medicare card unless he had my checking account number. I told him that I couldn’t do that. He said, "Can’t you read?" I said when my daughter gets here I’ll let her handle it. He quickly said that he needed it then. He said that I must not could read. He had my correct mailing address and all except my bank checking account number. I hung up. I called the sheriff’s office and reported it. I was told that someone else had some similar incident.
I thought I was through with the caller. But, no. About two hours later he called again. He had a heavy foreign accent. I told him that he was not getting my checking account number and that I knew what his game was. I told him that I had called the sheriff. I told him not to ever call here again. He caught himself as he was saying, “I’m sorry.”
I turned around and called the sheriff’s office again. I hope that none of you will be bothered by this man or by anyone. That was the first time for me. It was so shocking that at first I just stood and listened until I could realize what he was talking about. Be on the alert. Don’t give any numbers out. Call the law. If you have caller ID give the numbers to the sheriff’s office. People like this need to be caught. You will have a mess to untangle if you give your numbers. So don’t do it!
Hold on for dear life with all that you have. Those crooks are reaching out by wireless, or anyway that they can. Be sure that your armor is secure.
Edward Walker died. I had known his wife Lucy for probably 60 years or more. We went to Union Chapel Methodist Church together. Lucy had two sisters, Lois and Gladys. I used to go to their house all the time and saw their mother and grandparents. Their daddy wasn’t alive.
I did not know Edward so well. But I am so sorry about his sickness and death. Lucy, I send my most sincere sympathy to you and the family. May God comfort your heart!

Printed in the December 6, 2012 edition