Question: The other day my mom hinted that she was the victim of a scam. I think she was embarrassed, and I don’t want to make her feel incompetent by offering to help. But I can’t just sit back and do nothing. How do I protect her and my dad without offending them?

Answer: You’re smart to think about your response before moving forward, and you’re already aware of one of the potential pitfalls of this situation: making your parents feel bad for being a victim. Unfortunately, there are many creative scammers out there who have no problem victimizing people like your parents. They can include professionals (such as contractors) with ill intentions, “friends” with ulterior motives, or companies that charge sky-high rates. Fortunately, you have a number of ways to proceed:

• Talk about the scam that already happened. It could be your parents just need some education about the way scammers operate, especially if the scam happened online. For example, were they told they won a contest? Help them see the logic of not being able to win a contest they never entered.
  
  
• Review common indicators of possible scams. These include letters or phone calls claiming the victim must “act now” to avoid some kind of catastrophe, calls from people trying to help them with problems that don’t exist, or contacts from government agencies claiming to need personal information for some reason.
  
  
• The elderly may feel lonely, and are therefore more willing to trust people who pay attention to them. Remind them that, even for adults, it’s not smart to talk to strangers.
  
  
• Ask your parents if they would be open to granting you online access to their financial accounts so you can help them monitor any shady activity. Help them check their credit reports through AnnualCreditReport.com.
  
  
• Put your parents’ contact information on opt-out lists with the Direct Marketing Association.
  
  
• Call or visit your parents regularly, let them know you’re open to listening to their challenges without judgment, and look for any signs people are taking advantage of them.

Celebrate Amelia Earhart history.com – July 24 is Amelia Earhart Day, and you can celebrate by learning more about this record-setting aviator. She was the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Her life ended mysteriously as she attempted to become the first pilot to fly all the way around the world.

Creative Ice Cream Recipes cookingchanneltv.com – July is Ice Cream Month, and a great time to explore interesting variations on everyone’s favorite creamy dessert. This photo gallery features inventive flavors like Trail Mix, Curry and Mint, Pumpkin Stracciatella (“little rags” in Italian), Brown Butter Bacon, Honey-Rhubarb, and Asiago. Is your mouth watering? Don’t worry, recipes are included.

Summer Photography Tips digital-photography-school.com – The Digital Photography School offers five great tips for taking better shots this summer. For example, take photos of the same place at different times to capture variations in lighting. Or, photograph in bad weather to capture unique shots. Sign up for the newsletter to get more tips in your inbox.

Stay Hydrated & Healthy heart.org – The importance of drinking enough water can’t be overstated, and it’s especially critical when you’re playing sports or out in the sun. Read this American Heart Association article about why and how to stay hydrated, then explore other important health information on the site such as keeping cool during warm weather workouts.

DIY Bug Repellent Made With Mason Jars		Delicious Snacks To Curb Your Cravings		Pretty, Pink, Sparkling Rhubarb Lemonade
You haven’t started pinning on Pinterest yet and you want to get started? If so, click here.

Trying to get tickets to that sold-out Rolling Stones concert? Great, there are lots of legitimate outlets available online. But, be careful! There are just as many scammers out there who will be only too glad to take your hard-earned money in exchange for fake tickets … or no tickets. Events of all kinds — including musical concerts, sporting events, and theatrical performances — can be the focus of these types of scams, which are typically perpetrated through fake websites. Here are some tips for staying safe, based on suggestions from the Better Business Bureau:

• If possible, purchase your tickets directly from the venue where the event will be taking place. (Many of these outlets now offer secondary sales options.)
  
  
• Your next best bet is a professional ticket broker that is a legitimate and accredited reseller.
  
  
• For any source other than the venue, look them up on the Better Business Bureau website to learn what other customers have to say. You can also check to see if they’re a member of the National Association of Ticket Brokers.
  
  
• If all of the above checks out, look for the lock symbol in the web address to indicate a secure purchasing system.
  
  
• Make sure you get the following information in advance: Refund policy and other transaction terms, seating location, and how and when the tickets will be available to ship or pick up.
  
  
• Always use a credit card to pay. Debit cards, wire transfers, and cash transactions are risky because they don’t provide a way to get your money back if the tickets are fraudulent.
  
  
• Be especially wary of any seller who claims to have tickets at prices too good to be true.
  
  
• If you’ve already purchased a ticket and are unsure whether it’s legitimate, present it to the venue and ask them to verify it.

Keepy This brilliant app is like a permanent refrigerator to hang your kids’ art projects on. Just snap, crop, enhance, and share. Learn more…		Rakuten Slice Easily find out where your online order is with this app. It automatically picks up tracking numbers in your email when you buy. Learn more…		Rise Using scientifically backed techniques, Rise gives you a personalized bedtime routine to help you get your best night’s sleep. Learn more…