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Page 26 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, July 3, 2026 Sa Sa a Say y Senior enior Sen by Jim Miller How to Use AI Safely and Protect Yourself from Scams Dear Savvy Senior, I keep hearing about AI in the news and how it’s being used in scams. I’m not very tech savvy and fi nd it confusing. What should I know to protect myself? --Cautious Senior Dear Cautious, You’re not alone. Many older adults are asking the same question. Artificial intelligence, or AI, is becoming part of everyday life, from smartphones and internet searches to banking and customer service. It’s also making scams more convincing and harder to spot, which is why a basic understanding helps. The good news is you don’t need to be a tech expert to use AI safely and with confi dence. Know the basics AI is technology that can create and analyze information in ways that seem human. It can write emails, answer questions, recommend products, generate images and even mimic voices. While this can be helpful, it also means things you see or hear online may not always be accurate. If something seems unusual or too good to be true, take a closer look. Use it wisely A good way to get comfortable with AI is to start small. Many smartphones include voice assistants like Siri or Google Assistant that can set reminders, check the weather or answer questions. You can also try tools like ChatGPT or Claude to explain a news story, suggest recipes or help draft a message. AI can also be useful for everyday tasks like comparing products, planning trips or organizing a to-do list. Think of it as a helpful assistant, not a decision-maker. Keep in mind that AI isn’t perfect. It can give answers that sound confi dent but may be outdated or incorrect. For important matters like your health, fi nances or legal issues, always double-check with a trusted source such as your doctor, bank or a government website. Watch for scams Scammers are using AI to make their schemes more convincing. You may receive an email that appears to be from your bank or Medicare or a phone call that sounds like a family member. Be especially wary of urgent messages that pressure you to act quickly or warn that your account will be closed. Protect yourself The most important habit for avoiding scams is to slow down. If you receive a suspicious call, text or email, stop and assess the message. Don’t click links, download attachments or respond right away. Instead, contact the company or person directly using a phone number or website you trust – not the one provided in the message. Scammers now use AI to mimic voices and write convincing messages. Even if something sounds like it’s from a family member, friend or company, verify it another way before taking action. Never share sensitive information like your Social Security number, bank details or passwords unless you initiated the contact and trust the source. Banks and government agencies, including Medicare and Social Security, will not ask for this information by phone or email. Urgent requests for payment by gift card, wire transfer or cryptocurrency are also red fl ags. For added protection, use two-factor authentication, and keep your devices updated. You can even consider call-blocking services from your mobile service provider. If something doesn’t look right, take time to check it or ask a trusted friend or family member before responding. Keep learning Technology is always changing, but there are ways to stay informed. Many libraries and senior centers off er free classes on digital skills and online safety. Trusted resources like AARP’s Fraud Watch Network (aarp.org/fraudwatch) and the Federal Trade Commission (consumer.ftc.gov) also provide up-to-date scam alerts and protection tips. In addition, internet and mobile provider Cox Mobile (cox.com/mobilesafety) off ers a library of research, tips and online safety tools to keep you informed and secure online. AI may seem complicated at fi rst, but a little awareness goes a long way. By staying cautious and building a few smart habits, you can protect yourself and make this technology work for you. Send your questions or comments to questions@savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070. nr ior BEACON | FROM PAGE 25 missing the religious problem. Following the decision, Campbell acknowledged that the SJC “ruled against us and said we got that wrong.” She said her offi ce went into the SJC hearing understanding that the court may focus on the relationship between the petition and religion. “But we said to the court at the time that the initiative exempts a number of types of housing, including nonprofi t housing. And the exemption for religious uses was a minor one within the broader petition. The court disagreed and said that even a minor reference to religion is not appropriate for a ballot initiative,” Campbell said. “I think it was only the second time that the court has reviewed this standard, so it’s not like it happens frequently. We were surprised, but of course we will follow the court’s ruling and move forward. And this ballot question will not move forward to the ballot.” Reaction to the ruling was quick. “Today’s decision is a major victory for the people of Massachusetts,” said Paul Craney, Executive Director of the Fiscal Alliance Foundation. “The court found this ballot question could not legally proceed and the commonwealth is better off because of it. Rent control has failed wherever it has been tried and this proposal would have brought one of the most damaging versions of that failed policy to every community in Massachusetts. At a time when our state desperately needs more homes, this ballot question would have made it harder to build, harder to maintain rental housing and more expensive to own a home.” “Today the Supreme Judicial Court confirmed that the nation’s most extreme rent control proposal was unconstitutional,” said Conor Yunits, chair of the Housing for Massachusetts committee that was formed to oppose the ballot question. “While we fi rmly believe that Massachusetts voters were prepared to vote “No’ in November, today’s decision puts the issue to rest and protects our housing pipeline and our communities from the proven damage that rent control infl icts.” Rent control supporters called Tuesday’s ruling from the SJC “a massive disappointment” but also said that “it’s far from the end of our campaign to protect Massachusetts renters from excessive rent hikes.” They noted that they plan to mount a campaign to get the question on the 2028 ballot. “While we disagree with the court’s interpretation, the issue raised by the court is easily fi xable, and doesn’t aff ect the substance of our proposal,” said Noemi “Mimi” Ramos, chair of the Keep Massachusetts Home campaign.” AUTISM AND POLICE STOPS (H 5438) – Gov. Healey signed into law legislation designed to improve interactions between police offi cers and persons with autism spectrum disorder during traffi c stops. This program was adopted by the Massachusetts State Police in 2024 but was not an actual law. This bill would codify the program into Massachusetts law. The measure, dubbed the “Blue Envelope Bill,” would create a program giving people with the disorder the option to be given a special blue envelope that holds the person’s driver’s license and vehicle registration. On the outside of the envelope there would be written information and guidance regarding ways to enhance eff ective communication between a police offi cer and a person with autism spectrum disorder. The envelope must also include instructions for access to the envelope, including attaching it to the sun visor on the driver’s side of the vehicle. The bill is designed to enable the driver to quickly and easily hand the envelope to a police offi cer during a traffi c stop. “Every person deserves to feel safe and understood during an interaction with law enforcement,” said Gov. Healey. “This law will help improve communication, reduce uncertainty and support better outcomes for individuals with autism, their families and the offi cers who serve our communities.” “The Blue Envelope Program refl ects the longstanding commitment of state and local police to build trust and support successful interactions with members of the autism community,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Gina Kwon. “This legislation ensures the program, which began several years ago through the initiative of the Massachusetts State Police and the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, will continue with the full support of state law. In addition to this important tool, public safety offi cials across the commonwealth will continue to deepen their understanding of this community’s needs through enhanced training and outreach to neighbors we serve.” “Today, as Gov. Healey signs the Blue Envelope Bill into law, the commonwealth affi rms its commitment to individuals living with autism spectrum disorder,” said Sen. Jo Comerford (D-Northampton), the Senate lead sponsor of the measure. “By codifying the Blue Envelope program, we are advancing safer, more informed interactions during traffic stops and other public emergencies — making permanent a simple but powerful tool for drivers and fi rst responders alike. This milestone refl ects the tireless advocacy of families, organizations, law enforcement and individuals with lived experience whose voices propelled this eff ort and brought us closer to a commonwealth where everyone can thrive.” “The Massachusetts State Police are grateful that the Blue Envelope legislation will expand access to Blue Envelopes for drivers on the autism spectrum across Massachusetts,” said Col. Geoff rey Noble of the Massachusetts State Police. “Since launching the program in 2024, our troopers have witnessed fi rsthand how these envelopes improve communication during traffic stops, helping drivers and officers navigate interactions more safely and eff ectively. The program empowers drivers to communicate their needs while providing law enforcement offi cers with information that helps them respond appropriately and with greater understanding. By promoting communication, preparedness and mutual respect, the Blue Envelope program strengthens trust between law enforcement and the communities we serve while helping create safer outcomes for everyone involved.” LITERACY EDUCATION STANDARDS (H 5511) – Gov. Healey signed into law a bill dealing with teacher preparation and student literacy. The measure would establish clear statewide standards for evidence-based reading instruction—requiring the teaching of phonics, ensur

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