(NAPSI)—When your phone rings­—don’t answer it. At least, not unless you’ve a good idea of who’s calling. After all, your phone is like your house. You deserve to know whom to let in.

Especially now. September, Hispanic Heritage Month, and all through the year, Latinos and others can be subject to calls from criminals looking to take your money and confuse your vote.

The Problem

Studies suggest the Hispanic community is disproportionately targeted with misinformation, particularly through phone scams and fraudulent communications. So it’s more important than ever to empower Latino communities with the tools they need to protect themselves and their voices, ­especially during Hispanic Heritage Month. Celebrated every September, this celebration of Hispanic culture, achievements, and contributions, is also a good time to reflect on the challenges that lie ahead, particularly as America moves into a critical election period.

The Numbers

According to the latest Truecaller/Harris Poll Scam Report for 2024, Hispanics are twice as likely as non-Hispanics to lose money to phone scams, with 30% of Hispanics reporting financial losses compared to 15% of non-Hispanics. Additionally, Hispanics experience mobile phone scams at a rate more than double that of non-Hispanics (23% vs. 11%), indicating a targeted approach by scammers.

Misinformation during election cycles often comes in the form of robocalls and text messages that spread false narratives or provide misleading voting information. The report shows that Hispanics are three times more likely than non-Hispanics to lose money to scams originating from robocalls (16% vs. 5%). This highlights the urgent need for tools that can protect this community from both financial scams and the spread of election-related disinformation. Continue reading →

While there’s no distinct COVID-19 season like there is for the flu, it’s been shown that COVID-19 can peak during the winter months. To help fight respiratory illnesses, it’s recommended you get a flu vaccination, as well as the updated COVID-19 vaccine.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people six months and older, with rare exception, should get the updated annual flu vaccine, ideally by the end of Oct ober. The CDC also recommends that everyone ages six months and older should get the updated 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine, unless otherwise noted, to help restore and enhance protection against the currently circulating virus variants.

It’s especially important to protect certain populations. This includes those at increased risk of complications from severe flu or COVID-19 illness, such as adults 65 and older, people with certain immunocompromising or chronic medical conditions, infants, children younger than two and pregnant women.

“Preventive vaccinations are the best way to protect yourself and your family from seasonal illnesses,” said Dr. Sree Chaguturu, executive vice president and chief medical officer at CVS Health. “Access to preventive vaccinations is critical to keeping communities healthy.”

According to Dr. Chaguturu, it’s helpful to understand the science behind vaccines so people feel informed and safe getting vaccinated.

Myth #1: You should wait until flu season peaks to get vaccinated. Continue reading →