March 14, 2026 Issue, Page 8 of 14

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8• SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 2026 The Elk City News Op-ed: Oklahoma Department of Securities CBA When Scammers Call, Seniors Pay the Price Imagine you’re a senior living designed to prey on the vulnera- hard for decades to accumulate. Prevent: Prevention begins in a quiet retirement communi- bilities of seniors, many of whom Many are navigating major life with education. Raise awareness ty. One day you receive a phone live in close proximity in com- transitions: the loss of a spouse about common red flags like ur- call that sounds exactly like your munities and facilities for older who previously handled the fi- gent requests for money or asking bank: the number on the screen adults where they feel insulated nances, smaller social circles, to download software. Financial looks legitimate, and the voice on from crime. That proximity opens or the move from independent safety should be discussed as rou- the other end is professional. The the door for entire communities living into a care setting. Some tinely as physical safety. caller tells you your account has to be exploited by scammers who are uncomfortable with new Recognize: Pay attention to been compromised and in order send convincing emails, make technology, while others may be warning signs, such as large with- to protect your money, you must persistent phone calls and knock suffering from memory loss or drawals, extended time on the act quickly: you’re coached to on doors offering fraudulent ser- cognitive decline. Sadly, it’s the phone with unknown callers or download a screen-sharing app vices. perfect storm for opportunistic new online “friends” who request and log into your account. While The fraudsters of today are scammers. financial assistance. you believe you’re doing the right master manipulators and skilled Financial fraud harms more Record: Document concerns The Lady Crusaders competed in the Frederick Lady Bomber Varsity thing, you’re inadvertently hand- actors. They build trust, some- than just a victim’s bank account. including message screenshots, Golf Tournament. They placed 2nd as a team. Congratulations Coach ing over the reins to strangers to times over weeks or months, Victims often experience shame, call logs and names used by sus- Bates and the Lady Crusaders. drain the savings you’ve built over forming relationships online and anxiety and depression, in ad- picious individuals. a lifetime. over the phone using technical dition to financial and identity Report: Notify banks, law en- This isn’t a hypothetical situ- jargon, and by appealing to se- theft repercussions that can fol- forcement and agencies like the ation. It’s a real scam aimed at niors’ hopes and fears. They pose low them for years. In some cases, Oklahoma Department of Secu- older adults and it’s happening as bank agents, financial advisors, victims are left unable to afford rities to step in. Quick reporting across Oklahoma inside the very and friendly companions, and the same level of care or living can prevent additional losses and places designed to keep them they’re incredibly persuasive, able situation. Families may be forced help in recovering funds. safe: retirement communities, as- to coerce seniors into giving away into making difficult financial Oklahoma’s seniors deserve to sisted living facilities, and nursing personal information, money, and caregiving decisions, and re- spend their golden years in peace, homes. and even real estate to complete lationships can become strained. not defending themselves from As Administrator at the Okla- strangers. The fallout can be dev- Yes, money is stolen, but so is criminals looking to defraud homa Department of Securi- astating. peace of mind. them, and together we can make ties, I hear versions of this story Criminals are savvy; they un- So how can we protect seniors sure they’re protected. A single far too often. Older adults are derstand why older adults are from these devastating scams? phone call can upend a lifetime disproportionately targeted by attractive targets. Seniors often It requires a coordinated effort of hard work, but a single con- financial scams including invest- have significant assets, including among caregivers and families, versation about the dangers of fi- ment, banking and tech-support life savings, retirement accounts but a few practical steps can make nancial fraud can help stop these schemes. Each crime is carefully and home equity they’ve worked a big difference: scammers in their tracks. Corn Bible Academy had some hands-on learning in science. PSO Shares Safety & Preparedness Tips for Severe Weather Awareness Week TULSA, Okla. (March 5, 2026) HERE’S HOW CUSTOMERS Vice President of Distribution ABOUT PSO — Public Service Company of CAN PREPARE Operations. “Now is a great time PSO, a unit of American Electric Oklahoma (PSO) is recogniz- • Review storm preparedness to review your emergency plans, Power (Nasdaq: AEP), is an elec- ing Oklahoma Severe Weather tips, including what to do if the check your supplies, and make tric utility company serving more Awareness Week by encourag- lights go out. sure your loved ones and neigh- than 580,000 customer accounts ing customers to take proactive • Download our mobile app to bors are ready too.” in eastern and southwestern Okla- steps to stay safe and prepared. stay connected, report outages PSO recently held a compre- homa, powering a brighter energy PSO’s work to keep families safe and more. hensive storm drill to prepare future for its customers and 232 happens all season and around • Sign up to receive outage employees for the unique chal- communities. Based in Tulsa, PSO the clock. Knowing what to do, alerts and email updates. lenges of Oklahoma’s weather. has approximately 4,400 mega- and when to do it, is important • Review power line safety to The exercise brought together watts of generating capacity that when severe weather strikes. keep your family safe. teams from across the company primarily includes natural gas PSO is also monitoring the More On How PSO Prepares to practice real-time response complemented by wind energy. It potential for severe weather for Severe Weather activities — including weather maintains and operates more than across the service area this week. PSO crews work year-round forecasting, resource manage- 20,000 miles of distribution lines Severe thunderstorms, large hail, to strengthen the electric grid by ment, and restoration plan- and 3,800 miles of transmission high winds, and isolated torna- trimming trees near power lines, ning — all designed to ensure lines. Public Service Company of does could cause power outages. upgrading equipment, and in- PSO can respond safely and Oklahoma was recognized by the Customers depend on PSO stalling smart technology to help quickly when storms strike. By Edison Electric Institute with an for power and that responsibility reduce outages and improve re- refining processes and apply- Emergency Response Award in is taken very seriously. If power sponse times. ing lessons from past events, January 2025. Find news releases goes out, PSO crews are ready “We’re always monitoring PSO strengthens its ability to and other information at www. to restore it safely and quickly. weather conditions and prepar- deliver reliable service during PSOklahoma.com. Connect with View PSO’s 4 steps to restore ing our system to handle what- the region’s most active storm us on Facebook, X, NextDoor and your power. ever Oklahoma’s spring might months. Instagram @PSOklahoma. bring,” said Dwayne Apple, PSO CANUTE Corn Bible’s Junior Class performed their play, ‘the Last Radio Play’ on March 2 & 3. Congratulations to the JH baseball team on placing Runner-Up in the Navajo Tournament! Mega Breeze & Mini We proudly support the students, Josh Moran Breeze President/Owner Call For Pricing! Parts staff and administration 319 Industrial PKWY Available! Elk City, OK 73644 at Canute Schools 580.225.2575 580-225-6554 ~ Great Plains Bank MORAN SERVING One of the largest metal 918 N. Van Buren suppliers between Elk City, OK 73644 ~ First National Bank EQUIPMENT Oklahoma ~ Texas ~ New Mexico OKC and Amarillo www.janningwelding.com www.moranequipment.com Farmers Union Co-Op Gin 720 S. Main, Elk City 580-225-0191 620 Highway 66, Canute, OK 73626 banksovereign.com | Member FDIC www.elkcitycoop.com