There are many online predators lurking about all areas of the Internet in search of prey.¬ 

They disguise themselves as children, pretty women, professionals or, in most cases, completely anonymous.¬ They are looking for your personal information.¬ 

They want user names, passwords, Social Security numbers, banking information, credit card information, whatever they can score that will be beneficial to their cause.

The reason so many of these scammers are out there is because so many are falling for their scams.¬ They get more creative every day with ways to steal from people.¬ 

Identity theft is more prevalent today than it ever has been because it's become so easy.¬ They don't have to see you, talk to you or even know you to steal from you.¬ They just have to trick you into clicking an innocent link, logging into a site you believe you log into every day, buying something from a professional-looking site, etc.

How can we prevent this from happening to us?

I'm not sure that there is a way to prevent this from happening to us completely because this is the computer age.¬ Everything resides in databases from the time we're born.¬ You no longer get a birth certificate for your children when you leave the hospital.¬ Information goes to a database and you have to send off for a copy.

I'm not trying to cause paranoia.¬ This is just the world we live in.¬ Even if you don't own or use a computer, you will certainly encounter one when using the phone.¬ I recently placed an order for home improvements and never talked to a "real" person.¬ Personally, I was surprised when the order came a few days later.¬ 

Our Social Security numbers are in computers.¬ It's necessary to include this information with employers when we gain employment.¬ Doctor's offices are going paperless.¬ My point is that everything about us is going digital and our information is out there.

We have to rely on these companies and agencies with our information.¬ There is simply nothing we can do about that.¬ 

However, we can do our part to protect ourselves while on the Internet.¬ 

The Senior Center is offering a presentation by Detective Tonya Bradley, from the Garden City Police Department, titled, "Internet Online Predators & Scams" at 2:30 p.m. Thursday.¬ I encourage everyone to attend and learn how to protect yourself and others.

Basic computer classes

Three basic computer classes will be offered from 9 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, July 30 and July 31.

Space is limited. Sign up at the center, 907 N. 10th St., or by calling 272-3620.

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Scheduled activities

Thursday: TOPS will meet at 8:30 a.m. Art class begins at 10 a.m. Ambassador Singers will practice at 1 p.m.¬ "Internet Predators Scams" begins at 2:30 p.m. and is open to the public. "Hats Off to Volunteers" is the theme for the RSVP covered dish beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Friday: The walking group will meet at Long Park at 8:30 a.m.¬ Craft Shop check-in/out is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. A health services nurse will do screenings beginning at 10:30 a.m.¬ Bridge is played at 1 p.m.

Saturday: Prairie Land Foods will be distributed from 7 to 8 a.m. The pool room will be open from 1 to 4 p.m. Fiddlers, Pickers and Singers meet from 4 to 11 p.m.

Sunday: No activities are planned.

Monday: The walking group will meet at Stevens Park at 8:30 a.m.¬ STEPS exercises are at 10 and 11 a.m. A health services nurse will do screenings beginning at 10:30 a.m. Humdinger Band will meet at 12:30 p.m.¬ Bridge is played at 1 p.m. Upbeats will meet at 3 p.m. Duplicate bridge is played at 7 p.m.

Tuesday: Basic computer class is from 9 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. Pitch is played at 12:45 p.m.¬ Duplicate bridge will meet at 1:15 p.m.¬ Bingo for prizes begins at 1:30 p.m. Bridge is played at 7 p.m.

July 30: Line dancing begins at 8:30 a.m.¬ Call 272-3620 for more information about this or any exercise program. Basic computers (second class) is from 9 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. STEPS exercises are at 10 and 11 a.m. Pinochle will be played at 12:45 p.m. The Finney County Senior Citizens Association will host a dance from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m., with "The Blue Notes" playing.¬ Bring finger foods for the break.

Lunch menus

Lunch is served at noon.

Thursday: Barbecue ribette, tater wedges, confetti cottage cheese, gelatin salad, cinnamon roll.

Friday: Sweet and sour chicken, steamed rice, broccoli, rosy applesauce, whole wheat bread.

Monday: Polish sausage, mashed potatoes, sauerkraut, pineapple, whole wheat roll.

Tuesday: Swiss steak with tomato sauce, baked potato, California veggies, cherry crisp, whole wheat roll.

July 30: Chicken and rice casserole, peas, fruit gelatin, lemon bars, whole wheat roll.

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Visit the Senior Center Web site at www.seniorcenterfc.com.