CAUTION!! SCAM ALERT!! – GRAND JURY PHONE SCAM has started again.
We have received multiple reports in reference to a phone scam. The person calls and tells the victim that he is with the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and that the victim has missed jury duty and a warrant has been issued for their arrest. To prevent being arrested, they are told that they need to pay a fine by purchasing a pre-paid card at a local store and provide the numbers to the caller to confirm the funds.
Please be advised that these individuals DO NOT represent our agency and Sheriff’s Office DOES NOT conduct business in this manner. Once a warrant is written and signed by a judge, it will be served.
We DO NOT accept money, i.e. cash, Green Dot money pack, Western Union or otherwise for the disposal of a warrant. If you are faced with a situation similar to this it is best to hang up.
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The Columbia County Sheriff's Office wants to warn the public that there is an IRS scam currently in operation. The scammers pose as IRS agents and call victims to warn them that they are delinquent on their taxes. They then have the victims call a phone # and try to gain personal information from them and even threaten that the victim will be arrested if they don't pay the delinquent taxes.
This is a scam. DO NOT give out any personal information over the phone.
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The Lake City Police Department has become aware of a scam that is confirmed to have occurred locally.
The scammer approaches victims identify themselves as a traveling prophet and healer. They are primarily targeting elderly citizens that attend church. The scammers ask victims to open a bank account to support them and their church as they travel.
The suspects then deposit counterfeit "Mobile Deposit" checks. After the deposits are made the scammers asks the victim to make a withdrawal. The victim is held accountable when the checks are discovered later to be fake.
Please be aware of this scam and do not open bank accounts for others. Legitimate faith-based organizations have other means to collect income. If you encounter this scam, please call us immediately.
Telephone Query
Telephone Number displayed on the Caller ID: ____________________
Name as it appears on the caller ID: ____________________________
Name of Caller: _________________________________________________
Telephone Number: _______________________________________________
Name of Supervisor: _____________________________________________
Telephone Number: _______________________________________________
Name of Company: ________________________________________________
Type of Company: ________________________________________________
Address of Company: _____________________________________________
_________________________________
Company Telephone Number: _______________________________________
Company Federal Tax ID Number: __________________________________
Company State Tax ID Number: ____________________________________
Company Website: ________________________________________________
Do You Subscribe to the Federal Do Not Call Registry __ Yes __ No
Do You Subscribe to the State Do Not Call Registry? __ Yes __ No
If the call was a Robo/Computer generated call (pre-recorded
sales pitch) – Do you (the Caller) have written permission from
me that authorizes you to call me? _____ Yes _____No
What is the purpose of your call: ________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Do you understand I will provide, nor confirm any personal information:
_____ Yes _____No
Are you a registered/licensed Telemarketer? _____ Yes _____No
What process do I follow to activate the “Opt-Out” option so that
you never contact me again. _____________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Do Not Call
Those who violate the National Do Not Call Registry or place an illegal robo call can be fined up to $16,000 per call.
The National Do Not Call Registry is only for personal phone numbers. Business-to-business calls and faxes are not covered.
Consumers may place their cell phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry to notify marketers that they don't want to get unsolicited telemarketing calls.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations prohibit telemarketers from using automated dialers to call cell phone numbers without prior consent. Automated dialers are standard in the industry, so most telemarketers are barred from calling consumers' cell phones without their consent.
Placing your number on the National Do Not Call Registry will stop most telemarketing calls, but not all. Calls from or on behalf of political organizations, charities and telephone surveyors are permitted.
Exemptions to the DNC:
1. If you have an established relationship with a business, it can call you for up to 18 months after your last purchase, payment or delivery — even if your number is on the National Do Not Call Registry.
2. If you make an inquiry or submit an application to a company, it can call you for three months afterward.
3. Any questionnaire, lottery, contest, sweepstakes, request for free products or coupons – anything you originate or initiate, anything you sign, affix your signature to or provide an email address will be exempt.
Florida also has a Do Not Call List, however, there are also exceptions.
1. A prior or existing business relationship exists.
2. In response to an express request of the person called.
3. From a newspaper publisher.
4. In connection with an existing debt or contract.
5. A real estate agent responds to a yard sign or other advertisement.
Charitable organizations, political candidates, research or survey companies seeking an opinion and collection agencies attempting to collect on a debt are also allowed to call subscribers because their calls are not considered a “commercial telephone solicitation”.
Most commercial telemarketers are prohibited from calling any number on the list to sell a consumer goods or services. Florida law also prohibits a telephone sales call made with a prerecorded message and without a “live” person to introduce that message. Additional, it is a violation for companies to make telephone sales calls before 8AM or after 9PM, local time or refuse to provide the solicitor’s name or telephone number to the party called.
The FTD reported that in one case defendants allegedly made more than 1.3 million illegal calls to consumers nationwide, 80 percent of which were to numbers listed on the DNC Registry. Over a two month period in 2016 defendants placed at least 800,000 calls to numbers listed on the Do Not Call Registry.
The National Do Not Call Registry is only for personal phone numbers. Business-to-business calls and faxes are not covered.
Consumers may place their cell phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry to notify marketers that they don't want to get unsolicited telemarketing calls.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations prohibit telemarketers from using automated dialers to call cell phone numbers without prior consent. Automated dialers are standard in the industry, so most telemarketers are barred from calling consumers' cell phones without their consent.
Placing your number on the National Do Not Call Registry will stop most telemarketing calls, but not all. Calls from or on behalf of political organizations, charities and telephone surveyors are permitted.
Exemptions to the DNC:
1. If you have an established relationship with a business, it can call you for up to 18 months after your last purchase, payment or delivery — even if your number is on the National Do Not Call Registry.
2. If you make an inquiry or submit an application to a company, it can call you for three months afterward.
3. Any questionnaire, lottery, contest, sweepstakes, request for free products or coupons – anything you originate or initiate, anything you sign, affix your signature to or provide an email address will be exempt.
Florida also has a Do Not Call List, however, there are also exceptions.
1. A prior or existing business relationship exists.
2. In response to an express request of the person called.
3. From a newspaper publisher.
4. In connection with an existing debt or contract.
5. A real estate agent responds to a yard sign or other advertisement.
Charitable organizations, political candidates, research or survey companies seeking an opinion and collection agencies attempting to collect on a debt are also allowed to call subscribers because their calls are not considered a “commercial telephone solicitation”.
Most commercial telemarketers are prohibited from calling any number on the list to sell a consumer goods or services. Florida law also prohibits a telephone sales call made with a prerecorded message and without a “live” person to introduce that message. Additional, it is a violation for companies to make telephone sales calls before 8AM or after 9PM, local time or refuse to provide the solicitor’s name or telephone number to the party called.
The FTD reported that in one case defendants allegedly made more than 1.3 million illegal calls to consumers nationwide, 80 percent of which were to numbers listed on the DNC Registry. Over a two month period in 2016 defendants placed at least 800,000 calls to numbers listed on the Do Not Call Registry.
Background check
A multitude of websites will be happy to run a background search for you, for a fee, some charge as little as 99 cents. You might be surprised as to what information is available.
Type your name into a website browser search page to see what you may find.
Credit Card Reporting Agencies
Equifax: Call (800) 525-6285 or visit www.equifax.com
Experian: Call (888) 397-3742 or visit www.experian.com
Trans Union: Call (800) 680-7289 or visit www.transunion.com
Only one website is authorized to fill orders for the free annual credit report you are entitled to under law — annualcreditreport.com. Other websites that claim to offer “free credit reports,” “free credit scores,” or “free credit monitoring” are not part of the legally mandated free annual credit report program.
You're entitled to one free copy of your credit report every 12 months from each of the three nationwide credit reporting companies. You may order your reports from each of the three nationwide credit reporting companies at the same time, or you can order your report from each of the companies one at a time. The law allows you to order one free copy of your report from each of the nationwide credit reporting companies every 12 months.
Order online from annualcreditreport.com, the only authorized website for free credit reports, or call 1-877-322-8228. You will need to provide your name, address, social security number, and date of birth to verify your identity.
The FCRA specifies who can access your credit report. Creditors, insurers, employers, and other businesses that use the information in your report to evaluate your applications for credit, insurance, em¬ployment, or renting a home are among those that have a legal right to access your report.
A credit reporting company may not provide information about you to your employer, or to a prospective employer, without your written consent.
Consumer Alerts & Scams
Today, thieves are coming up with more and more devious ways to try and trick you into giving them your personal information, one of which is through scams. Scams can take the form of emails, text messages, phone calls, through social media accounts and more.
It is of prime importance to know the scams that thieves use to trick you into giving information. They then use the information to steal your identity.
The FTC has identified several types of fraudulent and deceptive schemes that affect and are targeted specifically toward seniors:
Sweepstakes, prize promotions and lotteries
Timeshare sales and resales
Health care products and services
Investments, business opportunities and work-from-home programs
Technical support services
Charitable donations
What information do thieves want?
Social Security Numbers
Bank account or credit card numbers
Driver’s license number
Insurance policy numbers (medical and auto)
Date of birth
State or employee identification number.
Universal Rules
If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
A bank, credit card company, or utility company will never ask for your personal information by email, whether you have an account or not, period.
Never give out personal information, credit card or account numbers on calls/emails/texts that you didn’t initiate.
Before clicking on any links within emails or text messages, be sure to confirm the sender is legitimate.
Always be on the lookout for bad English and grammatical errors.
Types of Scams
The Home Security Scam: This scam involves replacing or installing a new home security system. The majority of the salespeople are not licensed to sell door to door. The contract may actually be a three phases scam: installation, monitoring and sales, with each representative collecting a part of the commission. Canceling the contract becomes a nightmare and typically the consumer will hang up out of frustration.
Lottery, Prize Scams: Lottery scams target consumers under the guise of winning the lottery. The scam begins with a telephone call congratulating the consumer. Once the caller convinces the consumer of their new-found wealth, the only thing left to do is claim the jackpot. To do this, the consumer is told they have to send money to cover fees and taxes associated with their winning.
Financial Scam: Without your knowledge, someone opens a bank or credit card account or took out a loan in your name, using your personal information. How did they get the information? They took it from your street mailbox, from your trash or off the internet, or even by listening to a conversation at a store checkout. Shred any documents that contain personal information. Get a lockbox mailbox. Be extra careful what you post on social networks.
Unclaimed Property Scam: A company calling themselves The Florida Department of Financial Restitution has been contacting consumers claiming to be on contract with the Department of Financial Services and trying to collect a $600 upfront fee to recover unclaimed property. There is no legal entity named The Florida Department of Financial Restitution, and consumers should not agree to this offer, sign a contract or send any money to the Florida Department of Financial Restitution.
Social Network Scam: Someone goes into your account, steals your ID and pix, basically goes in reports the account has been compromised, changes the password and has access to your personal information and contacts.
Banking Scams: Someone pays you by check or asked you to cash a check for them. You present it to your bank and learn it is a fraudulent check. You receive a check, perhaps for a refund or as a prize for merchandise you did not order or a contest you did not participate. You cash the check. By cashing the check, and not reading the fine print, you agreed to purchase some wonder drug every month for the discounted price of $125 or entered a legal agreement to purchase a new car.
Medicare – Insurance Scams: This can range from enrollment scams for supplemental or drug coverage to doctor visits or prescription meds. The scammers may ask to confirm your personal information, credit card or banking information. This could be presented as wanting to clarify information, or to confirm information prior to sending out to insurance cards. Charged might show up on your monthly or quarterly statements implying you have received treatment and incurred costs when you did not.Your health plan rejects your legitimate medical claim because the records show you’ve reached your benefits limit. A health plan won’t cover you because your medical records show a condition you don’t have.
Government Will Pay Your bills for you Scam: The presentation usually happens to church congregations where the speaker announces that for an upfront administration fee, the government will take over the automatic payment of your bills. The government will NEVER pay your bills for you!
Travel Scams and Safety
Travel scams target consumers under the guise of winning a free trip. The scam begins with a telephone call congratulating the consumer. Once the caller convinces the consumer of their “free” vacation, the only thing left to do is claim the present. To do this, the consumer is told they have to send money to cover fees and taxes associated with their winning.
The universal keys to a successful and safe trip are:
Use common sense
Plan and then plan some more so that all details are “detailed”
Leave a copy of all pertinent documents with someone you trust, at home.
Tips for traveling safely:
1. If you are not a savvy traveler, always travel with a companion.
2. Pack light. You do not need to take everyone you have at home with you. Do not take more than you are prepared to handle yourself.
3. Leave a copy of the front and the back of your credit cards at home, but also take a copy with you – but, keep it in a different place than you keep your credit cards.
4. Leave a copy of your passport at home – but, but also take a copy with you – but, keep it in a different place than you keep your passport.
5. Do not carry all your credit cards. Just take one or two.
6. Notify your credit card companies when you will be traveling – both national and international.
7. Make sure your Will and other legal paperwork are up to date.
8. Carry your proof of medical insurance – confirm that you are covered as you travel.
9. Do not carry big purses and bags. Carry a cross-the shoulder bag or fanny pack.
10. Do not carry all your money in a visible way – keep only a few dollars readily available. Stash the rest.
11. Leave your itinerary with someone at home.
12. Take a “red-eye” flight when you can – the planes are probably cleaner.
13. Don’t plan on arriving in the middle of the night. Schedule daytime arrivals.
14. Know where your embassies and consulates are.
15. Always carry the name, address and telephone number of the places you are staying.
16. Discuss fare before you get into a cab – get information from your hotel as to anticipated costs.
17. Do not take off with strangers offering to act as tour guides or to show you direction.
18. Do you need medical insurance?
19. Do you need travelers insurance?
20. Will you need an international driver’s license.
21. Verify all travel details, in writing and a copy of the cancellation and refund policies, before making a purchase. No information should be ambiguous. You want names, addresses, and telephone numbers for all lodgings, airlines and cruise ship information as well as detailed information on the tour company.
22. Remember when you get that “too good to be true” telephone call or post card telling you that you won a free trip – it probably is not free. At some point you will be asked for money via your bank account or credit card, or other source, such as Pay Pal.
23. Check and double check if VISAs or Inoculations or other special preparations are required.
24. What are the requirements concerning foreign monies?
25. Are credit cards widely accepted – even at hotels? Not always so check.
The universal keys to a successful and safe trip are:
Use common sense
Plan and then plan some more so that all details are “detailed”
Leave a copy of all pertinent documents with someone you trust, at home.
Tips for traveling safely:
1. If you are not a savvy traveler, always travel with a companion.
2. Pack light. You do not need to take everyone you have at home with you. Do not take more than you are prepared to handle yourself.
3. Leave a copy of the front and the back of your credit cards at home, but also take a copy with you – but, keep it in a different place than you keep your credit cards.
4. Leave a copy of your passport at home – but, but also take a copy with you – but, keep it in a different place than you keep your passport.
5. Do not carry all your credit cards. Just take one or two.
6. Notify your credit card companies when you will be traveling – both national and international.
7. Make sure your Will and other legal paperwork are up to date.
8. Carry your proof of medical insurance – confirm that you are covered as you travel.
9. Do not carry big purses and bags. Carry a cross-the shoulder bag or fanny pack.
10. Do not carry all your money in a visible way – keep only a few dollars readily available. Stash the rest.
11. Leave your itinerary with someone at home.
12. Take a “red-eye” flight when you can – the planes are probably cleaner.
13. Don’t plan on arriving in the middle of the night. Schedule daytime arrivals.
14. Know where your embassies and consulates are.
15. Always carry the name, address and telephone number of the places you are staying.
16. Discuss fare before you get into a cab – get information from your hotel as to anticipated costs.
17. Do not take off with strangers offering to act as tour guides or to show you direction.
18. Do you need medical insurance?
19. Do you need travelers insurance?
20. Will you need an international driver’s license.
21. Verify all travel details, in writing and a copy of the cancellation and refund policies, before making a purchase. No information should be ambiguous. You want names, addresses, and telephone numbers for all lodgings, airlines and cruise ship information as well as detailed information on the tour company.
22. Remember when you get that “too good to be true” telephone call or post card telling you that you won a free trip – it probably is not free. At some point you will be asked for money via your bank account or credit card, or other source, such as Pay Pal.
23. Check and double check if VISAs or Inoculations or other special preparations are required.
24. What are the requirements concerning foreign monies?
25. Are credit cards widely accepted – even at hotels? Not always so check.
Smart Devices - Are you smarter than your smart devices?
Laptops, computers, thermostats, tablets, cellular phones, televisions, GPS, Google Home, Amazon Echo, Smart Helmets. These devices come in the form of adult devices, adult toys, home appliances, and children’s toys. These are devices that have “automated content recognition (“ACR”)” features. They listen, they monitor and they communicate.
We have smart devices that are able to talk to other devices all because of the invention of the internet. This is through the sophistication of smart voice or virtual assistants.
By the first quarter of 2017 an estimated 15M smart devices will be used by consumers. This voice interaction has come about since 2014.
National Cyber Security Alliance introduces catch phrases such as:
Stop – Think – Connect
Internet to Things
Internet to Me
On Feb. 28, families around the nation woke up to find out that CloudPets toys had been hacked and more than 800,000 user accounts and 2 million voice recordings – mostly of children and family members – were exposed in a major data breach.
11 Million Vizio Smart TV was purchased by consumers last year.
Now it is time to learn how to navigate through your continuously connected life!
Every day we are connected to the internet in ways we have not even begun to realize. These connections affect our personal and business interests and privacy. Someone always has access and is or will use the information received and data stored. While these smart devices may make our life easier, and more fun, they decrease our safety 100%.
Research the process for keeping your smart devices secure before you purchase them, make sure that you know how your data is being used on newly connected devices and take extra measures (like assigning new passwords) to safeguard your devices.
Understand what information your devices collect and how it’s managed, used, and by whom, and stored.
Fortify your online accounts by enabling the strongest authentication tools available, such as biometrics, security keys or a unique one-time code through an app on your mobile device. Your usernames and passwords are not enough to protect key accounts like email, banking and social media. Do not overlook your internet routers, which control access to your smart devices.
Learn how to secure your smart devices. Use a strong password to protect the device, keep it up to date and name it in a way that won’t let people know it’s in your house.
Check the cybersecurity history of devices before purchasing to see if there have been any previous security or privacy issues and if they have been resolved. Research on the internet, do not take the word of the sales clerk.
Uninstall or removed unwanted and unused software and apps from your smart devices. As long as they are there, they are vulnerable and continue to store and share personal information and data. Android devices require you to give permission to let them have access to other features on your device before installation. Apple devices do not.
As more and more consumers are shopping with mobile apps, fraudsters are following the money. There are fake phone apps popping up that impersonate well-known retailers in order to steal your personal information. Their names are similar to well-known brands, and their descriptions promise enticing deals or features.
But these fraudulent apps can take your credit card or bank information. Some fake apps may even install malware onto your phone and demand money from you to unlock it.
Some known “talking” devices:
iPhone – Siri
Amazon – Echo
Amazon – Echo Dot
Amazon Tap
Alexa
Google Home
Cubic Robotic
Ivee
Ubi
Homey
Earity
Navdy
Petcell – GPS Tracker for animals
Cayla – Children’s Toy
i-Que – Children’s Toy
Preventions:
Turn off the voice recognition feature when you are not using it.
Turn off your WIFI when you are not using it
Turn off your computer, laptop, tablet, etc. when you are not using it.
We have smart devices that are able to talk to other devices all because of the invention of the internet. This is through the sophistication of smart voice or virtual assistants.
By the first quarter of 2017 an estimated 15M smart devices will be used by consumers. This voice interaction has come about since 2014.
National Cyber Security Alliance introduces catch phrases such as:
Stop – Think – Connect
Internet to Things
Internet to Me
On Feb. 28, families around the nation woke up to find out that CloudPets toys had been hacked and more than 800,000 user accounts and 2 million voice recordings – mostly of children and family members – were exposed in a major data breach.
11 Million Vizio Smart TV was purchased by consumers last year.
Now it is time to learn how to navigate through your continuously connected life!
Every day we are connected to the internet in ways we have not even begun to realize. These connections affect our personal and business interests and privacy. Someone always has access and is or will use the information received and data stored. While these smart devices may make our life easier, and more fun, they decrease our safety 100%.
Research the process for keeping your smart devices secure before you purchase them, make sure that you know how your data is being used on newly connected devices and take extra measures (like assigning new passwords) to safeguard your devices.
Understand what information your devices collect and how it’s managed, used, and by whom, and stored.
Fortify your online accounts by enabling the strongest authentication tools available, such as biometrics, security keys or a unique one-time code through an app on your mobile device. Your usernames and passwords are not enough to protect key accounts like email, banking and social media. Do not overlook your internet routers, which control access to your smart devices.
Learn how to secure your smart devices. Use a strong password to protect the device, keep it up to date and name it in a way that won’t let people know it’s in your house.
Check the cybersecurity history of devices before purchasing to see if there have been any previous security or privacy issues and if they have been resolved. Research on the internet, do not take the word of the sales clerk.
Uninstall or removed unwanted and unused software and apps from your smart devices. As long as they are there, they are vulnerable and continue to store and share personal information and data. Android devices require you to give permission to let them have access to other features on your device before installation. Apple devices do not.
As more and more consumers are shopping with mobile apps, fraudsters are following the money. There are fake phone apps popping up that impersonate well-known retailers in order to steal your personal information. Their names are similar to well-known brands, and their descriptions promise enticing deals or features.
But these fraudulent apps can take your credit card or bank information. Some fake apps may even install malware onto your phone and demand money from you to unlock it.
Some known “talking” devices:
iPhone – Siri
Amazon – Echo
Amazon – Echo Dot
Amazon Tap
Alexa
Google Home
Cubic Robotic
Ivee
Ubi
Homey
Earity
Navdy
Petcell – GPS Tracker for animals
Cayla – Children’s Toy
i-Que – Children’s Toy
Preventions:
Turn off the voice recognition feature when you are not using it.
Turn off your WIFI when you are not using it
Turn off your computer, laptop, tablet, etc. when you are not using it.
Robocalls
“The law is clear about robocalls -- if a telemarketer doesn’t have consumers’ written permission, it’s illegal to make these calls,” said Jessica Rich, director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “The FTC will continue working hard to put a stop to telemarketers who ignore the law.”
Robocall complaints, 265,676 in August of this past year.
Most telemarketing robocalls have been illegal since September 2009. As part of the FTC’s ongoing efforts to stop illegal robocalls, the agency announced several new enforcement actions, including a case brought with the assistance of the U.S. Department of Justice targeting a lead generator who used robocalls to pitch solar energy packages, as well as an action permanently barring vacation package pitchmen from using robocalls to defraud consumers.
The Commission has filed 45 cases against 163 companies and 121 individuals responsible for billions of illegal robocalls.
FTC and 10 states have closed a case involving “free cruise” scam using robocalling and illegal telemarketing. Caribbean Cruise Line, Inc. over an 8 month period averaged between 12-15 million illegal sales calls per day. After listening to a recorded message they took a 30-second survey and were told they would receive a “free” two-day cruise to the Bahamas.
The illegal robocalls generated millions of dollars for CCL.
Robocall complaints, 265,676 in August of this past year.
Most telemarketing robocalls have been illegal since September 2009. As part of the FTC’s ongoing efforts to stop illegal robocalls, the agency announced several new enforcement actions, including a case brought with the assistance of the U.S. Department of Justice targeting a lead generator who used robocalls to pitch solar energy packages, as well as an action permanently barring vacation package pitchmen from using robocalls to defraud consumers.
The Commission has filed 45 cases against 163 companies and 121 individuals responsible for billions of illegal robocalls.
FTC and 10 states have closed a case involving “free cruise” scam using robocalling and illegal telemarketing. Caribbean Cruise Line, Inc. over an 8 month period averaged between 12-15 million illegal sales calls per day. After listening to a recorded message they took a 30-second survey and were told they would receive a “free” two-day cruise to the Bahamas.
The illegal robocalls generated millions of dollars for CCL.
Charity Resources and Scams
The FTC has found four cancer charities to be fraudulent and responsible for spending the better part of $187M on personal enjoyment, such as trips to Disney, college tuition, and gym memberships. The four charities are:
Cancer Fund of America
Children’s Cancer Fund of America
Cancer Support Services
Breast Cancer Society
Less than 10% of the funds earned actually went to recipients.
Charity Scams: Someone represents themselves as a charity looking for donations and they tell you to commit right then and there. Someone will even come to your home or business that day and collect the money. Tell them to send the information via mail and you will review the matter.
Some organizations will even offer you a “gift” if you will agree to make a donation that day.
Look for information on a charity:
http://give.org/charity-reviews/national/
http://charity.lovetoknow.com/Rating_Charitable_Organizations
http://www.today.com/money/you-give-check-out-charitys-ratings-1D80330057
https://www.charitynavigator.org/
https://www.charitywatch.org/home
http://www.consumerreports.org/charities/best-charities-for-your-donations/
https://www.guidestar.org/profile/13-4148824
http://www.military-money-matters.com/charities-ratings.html
Cancer Fund of America
Children’s Cancer Fund of America
Cancer Support Services
Breast Cancer Society
Less than 10% of the funds earned actually went to recipients.
Charity Scams: Someone represents themselves as a charity looking for donations and they tell you to commit right then and there. Someone will even come to your home or business that day and collect the money. Tell them to send the information via mail and you will review the matter.
Some organizations will even offer you a “gift” if you will agree to make a donation that day.
Look for information on a charity:
http://give.org/charity-reviews/national/
http://charity.lovetoknow.com/Rating_Charitable_Organizations
http://www.today.com/money/you-give-check-out-charitys-ratings-1D80330057
https://www.charitynavigator.org/
https://www.charitywatch.org/home
http://www.consumerreports.org/charities/best-charities-for-your-donations/
https://www.guidestar.org/profile/13-4148824
http://www.military-money-matters.com/charities-ratings.html
CODE OF ORDINANCES COLUMBIA COUNTY, FLORIDA
Ever wonder what the Municipal Codes are in your county? Well, here they are. They are pretty straight forward so even if you are trying to learn about dogs barking in your neighborhood you can find the information quickly.
https://www.municode.com/library/fl/columbia_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COORCOCOFL
https://www.municode.com/library/fl/columbia_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COORCOCOFL
Florida Medical Licensing Verification
Have you checked the licensing status of your physician or a physician you have been referred to?
Why not!
https://appsmqa.doh.state.fl.us/MQASearchServices/Home
Restaurant Inspections
Do you ever wonder how your favorite restaurants "rates" when it is time for their inspection?
http://restaurantinspections.local10.com/home/sfl/records/22/TEFLRSBDSVRZ
Free! - Not Likely - More Likely A Scam
When you see a suspicious email address - do not open the email and do not click on the link within the email. You could jeopardize your identity and credit.
When you get an email from a retail establishment, business or company you have done business with, always check the email address to see that the business name appears in the email address.
Sample (This is not a valid email from Walmart): Walmart_Rewards: xxykfx@1s4gdouabw.cu.cc
When you get an email from a retail establishment, business or company you have done business with, always check the email address to see that the business name appears in the email address.
Sample (This is not a valid email from Walmart): Walmart_Rewards: xxykfx@1s4gdouabw.cu.cc
Book: Gardening in the Deep South and Other Hot Pursuits
I have had some wonderful mentors and supporters as I slaved over this project, this dream. Learning about plants, gardening and landscaping is a work in progress for everyone who loves and enjoys gardening.
My training and learning began at a very young age with my grandmother and continues to this day. There have been successes and failures, all of which I have learned from.
Now, I find myself as a teacher, wanting to share with you, through this book, some of my learnings. It would be impossible to put everything in writing and to include pictures of every plant and condition, but, I do hope you find this book the valuable tool that I have found it to be.
My life and training have been spent in North Central Florida. Gardening has been a joy and major part of my life. Our environment, including our water resources, is extremely important – or should be.
Thank you for sharing your gardening enthusiasm with me, by purchasing my book, and working to conserve our resources.
Martha Ann Ronsonet is a native Floridian, born and raised in Lake City. After completing her first 12 years of schooling and graduating from Columbia High School, she graduated from the University of Alabama with a B.S. in Home Economics.
ISBN: 978-1-936634-76-7; $50.00
My training and learning began at a very young age with my grandmother and continues to this day. There have been successes and failures, all of which I have learned from.
Now, I find myself as a teacher, wanting to share with you, through this book, some of my learnings. It would be impossible to put everything in writing and to include pictures of every plant and condition, but, I do hope you find this book the valuable tool that I have found it to be.
My life and training have been spent in North Central Florida. Gardening has been a joy and major part of my life. Our environment, including our water resources, is extremely important – or should be.
Thank you for sharing your gardening enthusiasm with me, by purchasing my book, and working to conserve our resources.
Martha Ann Ronsonet is a native Floridian, born and raised in Lake City. After completing her first 12 years of schooling and graduating from Columbia High School, she graduated from the University of Alabama with a B.S. in Home Economics.
ISBN: 978-1-936634-76-7; $50.00
Book: Cooking with Chapter 1399 Women of the Moose
The proceeds benefit the Moosehaven Retirement City and the Mooseheart Children's City.
ISBN: 978-936634-74-3; $13.99
Prevention
1. If you do not recognize the number on your caller ID, do not take the call. If it appears to be local and you answer only to find out it is a sales or robot/computer generated call, hang up.
2. When asked for personal information as confirmation before a store will accept your check or credit card, note the information in writing – do not voice your phone number, social security number or any other information.
3. Do not set aside your purse for even five minutes.
4. Turn off your voice recognition programs/features when you are not using them.
5. Turn off your computer devices when you are not using them – or at least the WIFI/internet connections.
6. Do not carry your social security cards with you.
7. Never give out personal information.
8. Watch for “shoulder surfers” – people to watch over your shoulder to observe as you enter passwords and pin information.
9. Collect mail promptly – install a lockbox, if possible. If you are disabled, file the appropriate paperwork from your doctor, to the PO so that your mailbox can be affixed to your house rather than the curb.
10. Double check your monthly bank, credit card and insurance statements.
11. Shred papers with personal information – or burn them in burn approved devices, where permitted.
12. Review your credit reports.
13. Do a background check.
14. If you are approached by email to confirm personal information. Hang up and call the company on a number you know is a good number and confirm the request, or report the issue.
15. Do your research, verify a charity is legitimate before making a donation.
16. When in restaurants, take your bill to the cash register and pay – do not give your credit card to the wait staff. They may be trustworthy, but to steal your ID all they have to do is take a picture of the front and the back of your credit card.
17. Computer or telephone service – when you take your computer or phone in for service, all your personal information is on that device. Computer techs are not usually bonded or insured. You have no recourse if your information is stolen.
18. Research products and talk to your doctor before you purchase anything that appears as a “wonder” drug or product.
19. Do not respond to any email you get from financial institutions (banks, investment houses, credit card company) or business you deal with regularly unless you verify the recipient’s email address is valid. Call the business in your response – do not click on any links within the email.
20. Pay with a credit card first. You may have some recourse. Credit cards are considered safer than cash. The Truth in Leading Act limits consumer liability to $50 for unauthorized use of plastic. Debit cards the liability jumps to $500 if fraud isn’t reported within two-days. Liability is unlimited if you wait 60 days.
21. Don’t trust your caller ID. Scammers can make caller ID look like anyone is calling: the IRS, a business or government office. If they tell you to pay money for any reason, or ask for your financial account numbers, hang up. If you think the caller might be legitimate, call back to a number you know is genuine – not the number the caller gave you.
22. Any phone call that starts by asking a question that will prompt a “Yes” for response – hang up and do not hold a conversation with the caller. The call will be recorded and then your voice will be spliced into a conversation “agreeing” to purchase some product or service.
23. There are “paid” services that claim they will monitor your financial accounts and promise you will not suffer from identity theft; and help you when the worst happens. Are they doing anything over and above what you can do or will be expected to do, under their direction, yourself. Is the offer legitimate? Some protection is automatically provided through your bank, credit card companies, insurance companies, etc. Verify what protection you already have. Nobody can guarantee you won’t experience identity theft. Those services offer identity monitoring and repair — things you can do yourself, for free.
Concern about identity theft has spawned many companies that watch information sources — most notably, your credit report — for signs that an identity thief may be using your personal information to get loans, open credit card accounts, or otherwise cause financial havoc. You can pay them to alert you to possible trouble, or simply keep watch yourself.
What if you find an identity thief has struck? You can get free recovery help at IdentityTheft.gov.
You can report identity theft to the FTC and get a personal recovery plan that:
• walks you through each recovery step
• tracks your progress and adapts to your changing situation
• pre-fills letters and forms for you to send to credit bureaus, businesses, debt collectors, and the IRS
24. Contact your credit card company via their website or telephone and request that security alert be setup on your account to notify you via text message, telephone call or email immediately when your number has been used to charge above a certain amount, or without presentation of the card.
25. Never give credit card or checking account numbers over the telephone unless you “initiated” the call and are certain of the company’s credentials.
26. Your computer manufacturer, Microsoft, nor any software company in which you have software installed will contact you via email.
27. Be aware of phishing expeditions where scammers send you an email that appears legitimately from your bank or credit card company or some other business you are connected with – but it is not. Once you give them the information, it is out of your control.
28. Do not post on social networks your personal information or travel schedule.
29. Do not carry your social security card in your wallet.
30. Do not print your SSN or driver’s license number on your checks.
31. Shred sensitive/personal information
32. Keep copies of credit cards (front and back) in a safe place in case a card is lost or stolen.
33. Keep a copy of your Passport in a safe place in case a card is lost or stolen.
34. Keep a copy of your driver’s license in a safe place in case a card is lost or stolen.
35. Watch for missing bills and financial statements.
36. Do not discuss or enter into an investment with someone you have no personal history, has not been recommended to you, or that you have not done a background check on. You might be able to find information about them at: finra.org/BrokerCheck and sec.gov.
37. Protect your personal ID numbers, Pins and Passwords. Do not share them unless you really trust the individual. Do not leave them lying around and accessible. It is a nightmare, but it is not recommended that you use the same password or pin number for all accounts.
38. If you get peculiar looking emails, forward them to: spam@uce.gov.
39. Avoid conducting personal or financial business over public telephones, especially in public. You do not know who could be listening.
40. Keep your computer’s operating system up to date as well as any malicious software or antivirus programs you are running.
41. When shopping online, be sure you are on a secure “https” website.
42. Do not post personal, financial or travel information on any social network.
43. Adjust your social network settings to limit, somewhat, the distribution of your postings and those that have access to your postings.
44. Register at dmachoice.org – you tell them what mail you want to receive and they supposedly stop the rest.
45. Contact credit reporting agencies to place a credit freeze on your credit reports to block anyone from accessing your credit reports without your permission. Because potential creditors can’t check your files, a freeze generally stops identity thieves from opening new accounts in your name.
2. When asked for personal information as confirmation before a store will accept your check or credit card, note the information in writing – do not voice your phone number, social security number or any other information.
3. Do not set aside your purse for even five minutes.
4. Turn off your voice recognition programs/features when you are not using them.
5. Turn off your computer devices when you are not using them – or at least the WIFI/internet connections.
6. Do not carry your social security cards with you.
7. Never give out personal information.
8. Watch for “shoulder surfers” – people to watch over your shoulder to observe as you enter passwords and pin information.
9. Collect mail promptly – install a lockbox, if possible. If you are disabled, file the appropriate paperwork from your doctor, to the PO so that your mailbox can be affixed to your house rather than the curb.
10. Double check your monthly bank, credit card and insurance statements.
11. Shred papers with personal information – or burn them in burn approved devices, where permitted.
12. Review your credit reports.
13. Do a background check.
14. If you are approached by email to confirm personal information. Hang up and call the company on a number you know is a good number and confirm the request, or report the issue.
15. Do your research, verify a charity is legitimate before making a donation.
16. When in restaurants, take your bill to the cash register and pay – do not give your credit card to the wait staff. They may be trustworthy, but to steal your ID all they have to do is take a picture of the front and the back of your credit card.
17. Computer or telephone service – when you take your computer or phone in for service, all your personal information is on that device. Computer techs are not usually bonded or insured. You have no recourse if your information is stolen.
18. Research products and talk to your doctor before you purchase anything that appears as a “wonder” drug or product.
19. Do not respond to any email you get from financial institutions (banks, investment houses, credit card company) or business you deal with regularly unless you verify the recipient’s email address is valid. Call the business in your response – do not click on any links within the email.
20. Pay with a credit card first. You may have some recourse. Credit cards are considered safer than cash. The Truth in Leading Act limits consumer liability to $50 for unauthorized use of plastic. Debit cards the liability jumps to $500 if fraud isn’t reported within two-days. Liability is unlimited if you wait 60 days.
21. Don’t trust your caller ID. Scammers can make caller ID look like anyone is calling: the IRS, a business or government office. If they tell you to pay money for any reason, or ask for your financial account numbers, hang up. If you think the caller might be legitimate, call back to a number you know is genuine – not the number the caller gave you.
22. Any phone call that starts by asking a question that will prompt a “Yes” for response – hang up and do not hold a conversation with the caller. The call will be recorded and then your voice will be spliced into a conversation “agreeing” to purchase some product or service.
23. There are “paid” services that claim they will monitor your financial accounts and promise you will not suffer from identity theft; and help you when the worst happens. Are they doing anything over and above what you can do or will be expected to do, under their direction, yourself. Is the offer legitimate? Some protection is automatically provided through your bank, credit card companies, insurance companies, etc. Verify what protection you already have. Nobody can guarantee you won’t experience identity theft. Those services offer identity monitoring and repair — things you can do yourself, for free.
Concern about identity theft has spawned many companies that watch information sources — most notably, your credit report — for signs that an identity thief may be using your personal information to get loans, open credit card accounts, or otherwise cause financial havoc. You can pay them to alert you to possible trouble, or simply keep watch yourself.
What if you find an identity thief has struck? You can get free recovery help at IdentityTheft.gov.
You can report identity theft to the FTC and get a personal recovery plan that:
• walks you through each recovery step
• tracks your progress and adapts to your changing situation
• pre-fills letters and forms for you to send to credit bureaus, businesses, debt collectors, and the IRS
24. Contact your credit card company via their website or telephone and request that security alert be setup on your account to notify you via text message, telephone call or email immediately when your number has been used to charge above a certain amount, or without presentation of the card.
25. Never give credit card or checking account numbers over the telephone unless you “initiated” the call and are certain of the company’s credentials.
26. Your computer manufacturer, Microsoft, nor any software company in which you have software installed will contact you via email.
27. Be aware of phishing expeditions where scammers send you an email that appears legitimately from your bank or credit card company or some other business you are connected with – but it is not. Once you give them the information, it is out of your control.
28. Do not post on social networks your personal information or travel schedule.
29. Do not carry your social security card in your wallet.
30. Do not print your SSN or driver’s license number on your checks.
31. Shred sensitive/personal information
32. Keep copies of credit cards (front and back) in a safe place in case a card is lost or stolen.
33. Keep a copy of your Passport in a safe place in case a card is lost or stolen.
34. Keep a copy of your driver’s license in a safe place in case a card is lost or stolen.
35. Watch for missing bills and financial statements.
36. Do not discuss or enter into an investment with someone you have no personal history, has not been recommended to you, or that you have not done a background check on. You might be able to find information about them at: finra.org/BrokerCheck and sec.gov.
37. Protect your personal ID numbers, Pins and Passwords. Do not share them unless you really trust the individual. Do not leave them lying around and accessible. It is a nightmare, but it is not recommended that you use the same password or pin number for all accounts.
38. If you get peculiar looking emails, forward them to: spam@uce.gov.
39. Avoid conducting personal or financial business over public telephones, especially in public. You do not know who could be listening.
40. Keep your computer’s operating system up to date as well as any malicious software or antivirus programs you are running.
41. When shopping online, be sure you are on a secure “https” website.
42. Do not post personal, financial or travel information on any social network.
43. Adjust your social network settings to limit, somewhat, the distribution of your postings and those that have access to your postings.
44. Register at dmachoice.org – you tell them what mail you want to receive and they supposedly stop the rest.
45. Contact credit reporting agencies to place a credit freeze on your credit reports to block anyone from accessing your credit reports without your permission. Because potential creditors can’t check your files, a freeze generally stops identity thieves from opening new accounts in your name.
Telemarketers
The Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR) prohibits deceptive and abusive telemarketing acts and practices. It establishes standards of conduct for telemarketing calls:
1. Telemarketers can't call you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
2. Telemarketers must promptly tell you the identity of the seller or charitable organization and that the call is a sales call or a charitable solicitation.
3. Telemarketers must disclose all material information about the goods or services they are offering and the terms of the sale. They are prohibited from lying about any terms of their offer.
It’s illegal for a telemarketer to:
1. Ask you to pay with a cash-to-cash money transfer — like those from MoneyGram and Western Union
2. Ask you to pay by giving the PIN from a cash reload card like MoneyPak and Vanilla Reload
3. Ask for your bank account information to create a type of check that you never see or sign. Those checks are called “remotely created payment orders.”
4. Telemarketers are required to connect their call to a sales representative within two seconds of the consumer’s greeting. This will reduce the number of “dead air” or hang-up calls you get from telemarketers. These calls happen when telemarketers use automatic dialing equipment that reaches many numbers and staff aren’t available to answer all the calls. When that happens, a recorded message must play to let you know who’s calling and the number they’re calling from. The law prohibits a recorded sales pitch in a cold call. To give you time to answer the phone, the telemarketer may not hang up on an unanswered call before 15 seconds or four rings.
5. Telemarketers must transmit their telephone number and, if possible, their name, to your caller ID service. This protects your privacy, increases accountability on the telemarketer’s part and helps in law enforcement efforts.
6. Most businesses need your written permission before they can call you with prerecorded telemarketing messages, or “robocalls.” A business has to make it clear it’s asking to call you with robocalls. It can’t require you to agree to the robocalls in order to get any goods or services. If you agree, you have the right to change your mind.
7. Businesses using robocalls have to tell you at the beginning of the message how you can prevent future calls. They must provide an automated opt-out you can activate by voice or keypress throughout the call. If the message could be left on your voicemail or answering machine, businesses must provide a toll-free number at the beginning of the message that will connect to an automated opt-out system you can use any time.
8. Political calls, calls from certain healthcare providers and messages from a business contacting you to collect a debt also are permitted. So are prerecorded messages from banks, telephone carriers and charities.
9. Some prerecorded messages are permitted under these rules. For example, purely informational messages — to say your flight was cancelled, remind you of an appointment or tell you that school is opening late — are allowed as long as the business doesn’t use the call to promote the sale of any goods or services.
Consumer complaints about unwanted telemarketing calls received increased from just under 3.6 million during FY 2015 to just over 5.3 million during FY 2016. Florida is one of the states that has filed the lowest number of complaints.
1. Telemarketers can't call you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
2. Telemarketers must promptly tell you the identity of the seller or charitable organization and that the call is a sales call or a charitable solicitation.
3. Telemarketers must disclose all material information about the goods or services they are offering and the terms of the sale. They are prohibited from lying about any terms of their offer.
It’s illegal for a telemarketer to:
1. Ask you to pay with a cash-to-cash money transfer — like those from MoneyGram and Western Union
2. Ask you to pay by giving the PIN from a cash reload card like MoneyPak and Vanilla Reload
3. Ask for your bank account information to create a type of check that you never see or sign. Those checks are called “remotely created payment orders.”
4. Telemarketers are required to connect their call to a sales representative within two seconds of the consumer’s greeting. This will reduce the number of “dead air” or hang-up calls you get from telemarketers. These calls happen when telemarketers use automatic dialing equipment that reaches many numbers and staff aren’t available to answer all the calls. When that happens, a recorded message must play to let you know who’s calling and the number they’re calling from. The law prohibits a recorded sales pitch in a cold call. To give you time to answer the phone, the telemarketer may not hang up on an unanswered call before 15 seconds or four rings.
5. Telemarketers must transmit their telephone number and, if possible, their name, to your caller ID service. This protects your privacy, increases accountability on the telemarketer’s part and helps in law enforcement efforts.
6. Most businesses need your written permission before they can call you with prerecorded telemarketing messages, or “robocalls.” A business has to make it clear it’s asking to call you with robocalls. It can’t require you to agree to the robocalls in order to get any goods or services. If you agree, you have the right to change your mind.
7. Businesses using robocalls have to tell you at the beginning of the message how you can prevent future calls. They must provide an automated opt-out you can activate by voice or keypress throughout the call. If the message could be left on your voicemail or answering machine, businesses must provide a toll-free number at the beginning of the message that will connect to an automated opt-out system you can use any time.
8. Political calls, calls from certain healthcare providers and messages from a business contacting you to collect a debt also are permitted. So are prerecorded messages from banks, telephone carriers and charities.
9. Some prerecorded messages are permitted under these rules. For example, purely informational messages — to say your flight was cancelled, remind you of an appointment or tell you that school is opening late — are allowed as long as the business doesn’t use the call to promote the sale of any goods or services.
Consumer complaints about unwanted telemarketing calls received increased from just under 3.6 million during FY 2015 to just over 5.3 million during FY 2016. Florida is one of the states that has filed the lowest number of complaints.
Opting Out
There are different types of information sharing:
1. A business you are associated with
2. A business you are associated with sharing your information with an affiliate or non-affiliate
3. Information on your credit report
4. Financial institutions can share information without your knowledge, permission or the right to opt-out
Exceptions:
1. If you do not exercise your right to opt-out within 30 days of receipt of the “first” email or letter, the opt-out is valid and will not be executed. You can talk to the company and you may be able to opt-out from certain information be shared.
2. If a company’s privacy notice states it will not share your information except as governed by the law, you do not need to opt-out.
3. If a company’s privacy notice indicates it plans to share your information with non-affiliates they must provide instructions on how to opt-out.
4. If a company’s privacy notice indicates they will share your information with an affiliate, you can opt-out from certain information, but, all information as it pertains to the company itself is excluded and will be shared.
5. Credit reporting companies also may sell information about you to lenders and insurers who use the information to decide whether to send you unsolicited offers of credit or insurance. This is known as prescreening. You can opt out of receiving prescreened offers by calling 1-888-567-8688. https://www.optoutprescreen.com/?rf=t
If you decide that you don't want to receive prescreened offers of credit and insurance, you have two choices: You can opt out of receiving them for five years or opt out of receiving them permanently.
To opt out for five years: Call toll-free 1-888-5-OPT-OUT (1-888-567-8688) or visit www.optoutprescreen.com. The phone number and website are operated by the major consumer reporting companies.
To opt out permanently: You may begin the permanent Opt-Out process online at www.optoutprescreen.com. To complete your request, you must return the signed Permanent Opt-Out Election form, which will be provided after you initiate your online request. When you call or visit the website, you'll be asked to provide certain personal information, including your home telephone number, name, Social Security number, and date of birth. The information you provide is confidential and will be used only to process your request to opt out.
If you don't have access to the Internet, you may send a written request to permanently opt out to each of the major consumer reporting companies. Make sure your request includes your home telephone number, name, Social Security number, and date of birth.
Experian
Opt Out
P.O. Box 919
Allen, TX 75013
TransUnion
Name Removal Option
P.O. Box 505
Woodlyn, PA 19094
Equifax, Inc.
Options
P.O. Box 740123
Atlanta, GA 30374-0123
Innovis Consumer Assistance
P.O. Box 495
Pittsburgh, PA 15230-0495
1. A business you are associated with
2. A business you are associated with sharing your information with an affiliate or non-affiliate
3. Information on your credit report
4. Financial institutions can share information without your knowledge, permission or the right to opt-out
Exceptions:
1. If you do not exercise your right to opt-out within 30 days of receipt of the “first” email or letter, the opt-out is valid and will not be executed. You can talk to the company and you may be able to opt-out from certain information be shared.
2. If a company’s privacy notice states it will not share your information except as governed by the law, you do not need to opt-out.
3. If a company’s privacy notice indicates it plans to share your information with non-affiliates they must provide instructions on how to opt-out.
4. If a company’s privacy notice indicates they will share your information with an affiliate, you can opt-out from certain information, but, all information as it pertains to the company itself is excluded and will be shared.
5. Credit reporting companies also may sell information about you to lenders and insurers who use the information to decide whether to send you unsolicited offers of credit or insurance. This is known as prescreening. You can opt out of receiving prescreened offers by calling 1-888-567-8688. https://www.optoutprescreen.com/?rf=t
If you decide that you don't want to receive prescreened offers of credit and insurance, you have two choices: You can opt out of receiving them for five years or opt out of receiving them permanently.
To opt out for five years: Call toll-free 1-888-5-OPT-OUT (1-888-567-8688) or visit www.optoutprescreen.com. The phone number and website are operated by the major consumer reporting companies.
To opt out permanently: You may begin the permanent Opt-Out process online at www.optoutprescreen.com. To complete your request, you must return the signed Permanent Opt-Out Election form, which will be provided after you initiate your online request. When you call or visit the website, you'll be asked to provide certain personal information, including your home telephone number, name, Social Security number, and date of birth. The information you provide is confidential and will be used only to process your request to opt out.
If you don't have access to the Internet, you may send a written request to permanently opt out to each of the major consumer reporting companies. Make sure your request includes your home telephone number, name, Social Security number, and date of birth.
Experian
Opt Out
P.O. Box 919
Allen, TX 75013
TransUnion
Name Removal Option
P.O. Box 505
Woodlyn, PA 19094
Equifax, Inc.
Options
P.O. Box 740123
Atlanta, GA 30374-0123
Innovis Consumer Assistance
P.O. Box 495
Pittsburgh, PA 15230-0495
How to Protect Your Computer
Turn off the “Remote Access” feature
Keep Your Firewall Turned On: A firewall helps protect your computer from hackers who might try to gain access to crash it, delete information, or even steal passwords or other sensitive information.
Install or Update Your Antivirus Software: Antivirus software is designed to prevent malicious software programs from embedding on your computer. If it detects malicious code, like a virus or a worm, it works to disarm or remove it. Viruses can infect computers without users’ knowledge. Most types of antivirus software can be set up to update automatically.
Install or Update Your Antispyware Technology: Spyware is just what it sounds like—software that is surreptitiously installed on your computer to let others peer into your activities on the computer. Some spyware collects information about you without your consent or produces unwanted pop-up ads on your web browser. Some operating systems offer free spyware protection, and inexpensive software is readily available for download on the Internet or at your local computer store. Be wary of ads on the Internet offering downloadable antispyware—in some cases these products may be fake and may actually contain spyware or other malicious code. It’s like buying groceries—shop where you trust.
Keep Your Operating System Up to Date: Computer operating systems are periodically updated to stay in tune with technology requirements and to fix security holes. Be sure to install the updates to ensure your computer has the latest protection.
Be Careful What You Download: Carelessly downloading e-mail attachments can circumvent even the most vigilant anti-virus software. Never open an e-mail attachment from someone you don’t know, and be wary of forwarded attachments from people you do know. They may have unwittingly advanced malicious code.
Turn Off Your Computer: With the growth of high-speed Internet connections, many opt to leave their computers on and ready for action. The downside is that being “always on” renders computers more susceptible. Beyond firewall protection, which is designed to fend off unwanted attacks, turning the computer off effectively severs an attacker’s connection—be it spyware or a botnet that employs your computer’s resources to reach out to other unwitting users.
NOTE: Anti-Spyware and Malicious Software – There are many “free” types of software to download and install on your computer. They are generally as good a software you purchase. The primary difference is the accessibility to technical support. Remember that even with the “paid” software the tech support is not free. If you get malicious software, viruses, worms or Trojans on your system they will not make the necessary repairs without charging you.
Keep Your Firewall Turned On: A firewall helps protect your computer from hackers who might try to gain access to crash it, delete information, or even steal passwords or other sensitive information.
Install or Update Your Antivirus Software: Antivirus software is designed to prevent malicious software programs from embedding on your computer. If it detects malicious code, like a virus or a worm, it works to disarm or remove it. Viruses can infect computers without users’ knowledge. Most types of antivirus software can be set up to update automatically.
Install or Update Your Antispyware Technology: Spyware is just what it sounds like—software that is surreptitiously installed on your computer to let others peer into your activities on the computer. Some spyware collects information about you without your consent or produces unwanted pop-up ads on your web browser. Some operating systems offer free spyware protection, and inexpensive software is readily available for download on the Internet or at your local computer store. Be wary of ads on the Internet offering downloadable antispyware—in some cases these products may be fake and may actually contain spyware or other malicious code. It’s like buying groceries—shop where you trust.
Keep Your Operating System Up to Date: Computer operating systems are periodically updated to stay in tune with technology requirements and to fix security holes. Be sure to install the updates to ensure your computer has the latest protection.
Be Careful What You Download: Carelessly downloading e-mail attachments can circumvent even the most vigilant anti-virus software. Never open an e-mail attachment from someone you don’t know, and be wary of forwarded attachments from people you do know. They may have unwittingly advanced malicious code.
Turn Off Your Computer: With the growth of high-speed Internet connections, many opt to leave their computers on and ready for action. The downside is that being “always on” renders computers more susceptible. Beyond firewall protection, which is designed to fend off unwanted attacks, turning the computer off effectively severs an attacker’s connection—be it spyware or a botnet that employs your computer’s resources to reach out to other unwitting users.
NOTE: Anti-Spyware and Malicious Software – There are many “free” types of software to download and install on your computer. They are generally as good a software you purchase. The primary difference is the accessibility to technical support. Remember that even with the “paid” software the tech support is not free. If you get malicious software, viruses, worms or Trojans on your system they will not make the necessary repairs without charging you.
Where to Complain or Write a Review
(Or search for a person / company review)
Seniors vs Crime
Region IV, Seniors vs. Crime
C/O The Sumter County Sheriff's Office
8035E. CR 466
The Villages, FL 32162
(352) 350-5016
http://www.seniorsvscrime.com/
Columbia County Sheriff’s Department
Sheriff’s Office
4917 US Highway 90 East
Lake City, FL 32055
http://www.columbiasheriff.org/
Dispatch Non-Emergency:
(386) 719-2005
Three Rivers Legal Services, Inc.
Lake City
Donna MacRae, Managing Attorney
334 NW Lake City Avenue
Lake City, FL 32055-4821
Phone: 386-752-5960
Fax: 386-752-5999
http://www.trls.org/
Serving: Columbia, Dixie, Hamilton, Lafayette, Madison, Suwannee, and Taylor Counties
Your credit card company – if you paid by credit card
Your bank – to Pass it On
http://419.bittenus.com/
https://action.aarp.org/site/SPageNavigator/FWN_Registration_Page.html?cmp=RDRCT-FRUDWTCH_FEB04_014
http://callforaction.org/
http://forum.419eater.com/forum/index.php
http://myfloridalegal.com/pages.nsf/main/3db2c79bd0ed84b585256cc9005a0a8c!OpenDocument
http://www.canyoutrustthem.com/
http://www.canyoutrustthem.com/complaints_league.html
http://www.complaintsnow.com/
http://www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint/
http://www.freshfromflorida.com/Contact-Us/File-a-Complaint
http://www.measuredup.com/
http://www.nationalconsumerhelpline.in/ComplaintFile.aspx
https://econsumer.gov/#crnt
https://hellopeter.com/auth/login
https://tips.fbi.gov/
https://www.bbb.org/consumer-complaints/file-a-complaint/get-started
https://www.complaintsboard.com/
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/feature-0038-onguardonline
https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/cyber
https://www.fbi.gov/scams-and-safety
https://www.ftc.gov/faq/consumer-protection/submit-consumer-complaint-ftc
https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/#&panel1-1
https://www.ic3.gov/crimeschemes.aspx
https://www.ic3.gov/default.aspx
https://www.identitytheft.gov/
https://www.pissedconsumer.com/
https://www.scambook.com/
https://www.stopfraud.gov/report.html
https://www.usa.gov/consumer-complaints
Scam Information
http://419.bittenus.com/
http://scamhunter.org/
http://www.freshfromflorida.com/Consumer-Resources/Consumer-Protection/Scams-and-Fraud
http://www.myfloridacfo.com/
http://www.scamadviser.com/
http://www.scamdex.com/ScamBlog/
https://csapp.800helpfla.com/cspublicapp/businesssearch/businesssearch.aspx
https://csapp.800helpfla.com/CSPublicApp/CheckACharity/CheckACharity.aspx
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/feature-0038-onguardonline
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/feature-0038-onguardonline
https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/cyber
https://www.ic3.gov/crimeschemes.aspx
The Secret Service asks if you have been victimized by the Nigerian scam to forward appropriate written documentation to the United States Secret Service.
To contact the U.S. Secret Service:
US Secret Service
Financial Crimes Division
950 H Street N.W.
Suite 5300
Washington, DC 20223
Phone: (202) 406-5850
Fax: (202) 406-5031
Seniors vs Crime
Region IV, Seniors vs. Crime
C/O The Sumter County Sheriff's Office
8035E. CR 466
The Villages, FL 32162
(352) 350-5016
http://www.seniorsvscrime.com/
Columbia County Sheriff’s Department
Sheriff’s Office
4917 US Highway 90 East
Lake City, FL 32055
http://www.columbiasheriff.org/
Dispatch Non-Emergency:
(386) 719-2005
Three Rivers Legal Services, Inc.
Lake City
Donna MacRae, Managing Attorney
334 NW Lake City Avenue
Lake City, FL 32055-4821
Phone: 386-752-5960
Fax: 386-752-5999
http://www.trls.org/
Serving: Columbia, Dixie, Hamilton, Lafayette, Madison, Suwannee, and Taylor Counties
Your credit card company – if you paid by credit card
Your bank – to Pass it On
http://419.bittenus.com/
https://action.aarp.org/site/SPageNavigator/FWN_Registration_Page.html?cmp=RDRCT-FRUDWTCH_FEB04_014
http://callforaction.org/
http://forum.419eater.com/forum/index.php
http://myfloridalegal.com/pages.nsf/main/3db2c79bd0ed84b585256cc9005a0a8c!OpenDocument
http://www.canyoutrustthem.com/
http://www.canyoutrustthem.com/complaints_league.html
http://www.complaintsnow.com/
http://www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint/
http://www.freshfromflorida.com/Contact-Us/File-a-Complaint
http://www.measuredup.com/
http://www.nationalconsumerhelpline.in/ComplaintFile.aspx
https://econsumer.gov/#crnt
https://hellopeter.com/auth/login
https://tips.fbi.gov/
https://www.bbb.org/consumer-complaints/file-a-complaint/get-started
https://www.complaintsboard.com/
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/feature-0038-onguardonline
https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/cyber
https://www.fbi.gov/scams-and-safety
https://www.ftc.gov/faq/consumer-protection/submit-consumer-complaint-ftc
https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/#&panel1-1
https://www.ic3.gov/crimeschemes.aspx
https://www.ic3.gov/default.aspx
https://www.identitytheft.gov/
https://www.pissedconsumer.com/
https://www.scambook.com/
https://www.stopfraud.gov/report.html
https://www.usa.gov/consumer-complaints
Scam Information
http://419.bittenus.com/
http://scamhunter.org/
http://www.freshfromflorida.com/Consumer-Resources/Consumer-Protection/Scams-and-Fraud
http://www.myfloridacfo.com/
http://www.scamadviser.com/
http://www.scamdex.com/ScamBlog/
https://csapp.800helpfla.com/cspublicapp/businesssearch/businesssearch.aspx
https://csapp.800helpfla.com/CSPublicApp/CheckACharity/CheckACharity.aspx
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/feature-0038-onguardonline
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/feature-0038-onguardonline
https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/cyber
https://www.ic3.gov/crimeschemes.aspx
The Secret Service asks if you have been victimized by the Nigerian scam to forward appropriate written documentation to the United States Secret Service.
To contact the U.S. Secret Service:
US Secret Service
Financial Crimes Division
950 H Street N.W.
Suite 5300
Washington, DC 20223
Phone: (202) 406-5850
Fax: (202) 406-5031
Book: Unlocking PC Mysteries
20 years of teaching computers and personalizing information for each customer lead to this workbook.
Using a PC should not be mysterious or intimidating. Regardless, you’re your expertise, the information is now written in layman’s terms so anyone can use it, understand it, and feel more at home in front of their computer.
ISBN: 978-0-9844536-1-0; $32.95
Using a PC should not be mysterious or intimidating. Regardless, you’re your expertise, the information is now written in layman’s terms so anyone can use it, understand it, and feel more at home in front of their computer.
ISBN: 978-0-9844536-1-0; $32.95
Book: Marketing and Publishing a Manuscript
Whether it is the words you say or words you write, we all have something to say. 
But, what do you do with it? This little book is loaded with information and step by step tips based on my first-hand experiences.
ISBN: 978-0-9844536-0-3; $21.95
But, what do you do with it? This little book is loaded with information and step by step tips based on my first-hand experiences.
ISBN: 978-0-9844536-0-3; $21.95
Book: Because, It’s Just Good Manners!
T’is a subtle reminder of the simple things we have all but forgotten!Everyone should be taught good manners and sometimes we need a little nudge to put things back into perspective.
ISBN: 978-1-936634-99-6; $17.95
Book: Poppycock
This is an accumulation of bits and pieces of nonsensical information I have stockpiled over more years than I care to think about.Poppycock will appeal to all readers and even some that do not proclaim to be readers. Everyone finds a subject or topic of interest.
You never have to worry about losing your place. The reader can pick it up and put it down anytime. But, most readers find that once they pick it up and start reading, they do not want to put it down.
The wide range of topics will catch your eye!
You find yourself cuddling up with the book and laughing, working out the numerology programs, and discussing with others things learned and remembered.
It was fun to write and it is wonderful to now have all the information all in one place.
ISBN: 978-1-936634-65-1; $10.00
Book: My, Myself & I Surviving
My work, my life, chose me – not, the other way around; my life is a work in progress.Somewhere beyond the horizon or at the end of the railroad track is home, and someday I will find it, or maybe I will always wander. Life is a book complying many chapters that tell the story of hardships, bad choices and good. But, we survive and hopefully learn.
This is a pictorial journal through my life and what you will read is from my heart, as I share the worst and good points in my life. I will take you around the world with me and you will see and learn as I go.
But, you will also share the near death and brutality experiences as well.
ISBN: 978-0-9844536-6-5; $69.96
Prize Scams: Don’t Pay to Play
You get a phone call from an excited caller saying you’ve won a trip, a car, or a lot of money. Next, they ask you to send money before you get the prize. That is a sure sign of a scam.
Recently, we’ve heard about a spike in prize scam calls. Although there are some legitimate contests, remember: there are a lot of scams. Here are a few ways to spot a prize scam:
Scammers ask you to pay before you can claim your prize. Legitimate sweepstakes don’t make you pay a fee or buy something to enter or improve your chances of winning. Scammers might try to sound official and say it’s for “taxes,” “shipping and handling charges,” or “processing fees.” Don’t pay to claim a prize, and never give your checking or credit card number for a sweepstakes promotion.
Scammers ask you to wire money to “insure” delivery of your prize. Don’t do it.
Legitimate sweepstakes don’t ask you to wire money. Once you wire money, you can’t get it back. The same goes for sending a check or money order by overnight delivery or putting money on a prepaid debit card.
Scammers send you a check and ask you to send some of the money back. But the check is fake, and you’re responsible for repaying the bank.
Scammers use the names of well-known companies for prize scams. Con artists often pretend to call from well-known companies to make themselves appear legitimate and gain your trust. If you don’t remember entering, you probably didn’t. If you think it may be legit, use a search engine to find the company’s real phone number. Call to confirm that you entered a contest before responding to any claims that you won.
If you’re suspicious of a prize offer, report it to the FTC.
Recently, we’ve heard about a spike in prize scam calls. Although there are some legitimate contests, remember: there are a lot of scams. Here are a few ways to spot a prize scam:
Scammers ask you to pay before you can claim your prize. Legitimate sweepstakes don’t make you pay a fee or buy something to enter or improve your chances of winning. Scammers might try to sound official and say it’s for “taxes,” “shipping and handling charges,” or “processing fees.” Don’t pay to claim a prize, and never give your checking or credit card number for a sweepstakes promotion.
Scammers ask you to wire money to “insure” delivery of your prize. Don’t do it.
Legitimate sweepstakes don’t ask you to wire money. Once you wire money, you can’t get it back. The same goes for sending a check or money order by overnight delivery or putting money on a prepaid debit card.
Scammers send you a check and ask you to send some of the money back. But the check is fake, and you’re responsible for repaying the bank.
Scammers use the names of well-known companies for prize scams. Con artists often pretend to call from well-known companies to make themselves appear legitimate and gain your trust. If you don’t remember entering, you probably didn’t. If you think it may be legit, use a search engine to find the company’s real phone number. Call to confirm that you entered a contest before responding to any claims that you won.
If you’re suspicious of a prize offer, report it to the FTC.
Computer technical support scam – Happening Again
On October 2016, the FTC shut down an operation which sent deceptive pop-up messages to people’s computers. The pop-ups claimed the computers had problems when they really didn’t, and the operators scared thousands of people into paying hundreds of dollars each for tech support services they didn’t need.
Defendants used affiliate marketers to place internet pop-up ads designed to deceive consumers into thinking the ads originated from legitimate technology companies like Apple or Microsoft to warn the consumer that their computer was infected with viruses or malware. The ads often included loud alarms or recorded messages warning of the apparent dire threat to consumers’ computers and “hijacked” consumers’ browsers, leaving consumers unable to navigate around the ads or close them. The ads prompted consumers to contact a toll-free number.
According to the complaint, once consumers called the toll-free number, they were connected to a call center in India and pitched by telemarketers who claimed to be affiliated with or certified by a major technology company. Consumers were told that in order to diagnose the problem, they must provide the telemarketer remote access to their computer. The telemarketers then showed consumers otherwise innocuous screens and directories on their computers, deceiving them into believing they were evidence of problems that require technical support services to repair.
The complaint alleges that the telemarketers pressured consumers to spend anywhere from $200 to $400 for repair services that could take hours to complete and which were at best useless, and in some cases could actually harm consumers’ computers.
The FTC recently learned that some of these same people are getting called again.The caller asks for remote access to their computer, either to reestablish service or to process a refund into the person’s bank account.
Don’t do it. Never give someone who calls you control of your computer. Instead, hang up and report it to the FTC.
Defendants used affiliate marketers to place internet pop-up ads designed to deceive consumers into thinking the ads originated from legitimate technology companies like Apple or Microsoft to warn the consumer that their computer was infected with viruses or malware. The ads often included loud alarms or recorded messages warning of the apparent dire threat to consumers’ computers and “hijacked” consumers’ browsers, leaving consumers unable to navigate around the ads or close them. The ads prompted consumers to contact a toll-free number.
According to the complaint, once consumers called the toll-free number, they were connected to a call center in India and pitched by telemarketers who claimed to be affiliated with or certified by a major technology company. Consumers were told that in order to diagnose the problem, they must provide the telemarketer remote access to their computer. The telemarketers then showed consumers otherwise innocuous screens and directories on their computers, deceiving them into believing they were evidence of problems that require technical support services to repair.
The complaint alleges that the telemarketers pressured consumers to spend anywhere from $200 to $400 for repair services that could take hours to complete and which were at best useless, and in some cases could actually harm consumers’ computers.
The FTC recently learned that some of these same people are getting called again.The caller asks for remote access to their computer, either to reestablish service or to process a refund into the person’s bank account.
Don’t do it. Never give someone who calls you control of your computer. Instead, hang up and report it to the FTC.
Christmas in Fort Lauderdale
My sister, Sherry and I decided to spend Christmas in the Fort Lauderdale area this year. It wasn’t a thought out vacation so our plans were pretty skimpy. I had been to the area several times, but this was her first trip. We pretty much stayed within Broward County, which covered Deerfield to the north and down to Hallandale Beach to the South. To the west, we went as far as Weston when we visited the Everglades Recreation Park.
We even saw a lighthouse at Hillsboro Point. I did not know there was one in the area. It was a windy day and the “breaker” at the entrance of the harbor provided safe passage for the vessels.
The weather was excellent except for a couple of thunder bumpers that did not last long.
On Thursday afternoon, as I arrived, the traffic was pretty bad, but other than that, the airports we came and went from, the restaurants, streets, and the malls, were not bad at all. I was surprised. Traveling on Sunday, Christmas Day, went smoothly as well.
I had to chuckle at the Jacksonville Airport at their attempt to decorate with Santa’s sleigh and at the decorations on the Fort Lauderdale beach.
You will definitely not starve while visiting the Fort Lauderdale area as the restaurants are plentiful, especially of the Italian variety. But if you have a chance, give DaVinci’s Pizzeria, Casablanca Café or the Quarterdeck a visit in Fort Lauderdale. Down in Dania Beach, the food and service at Jimbo’s Sandbar were good and the atmosphere totally relaxing. They advertise “Hillbilly Cuisine” and I can simply call it “different”.
I did encounter one interesting experience which may benefit you in your travels. We rented our car through Ace Rent A Car, which we have no exception to, however, they do have a policy that took me by surprise. If you have a Florida drivers license you are only entitled to 150 miles per day; the standard “unlimited” mileage is not an available option. That initially concerned us because Sherry and I have a tendency to drive, a lot, but we went everywhere we wanted to go and still did not exceed our limits, so all worked out well.
We stayed at a Travelodge that was about halfway between Fort Lauderdale and Lauderdale-By-The-Sea which turned out to be a perfect location for us. The hotel itself was an older establishment, but the room was clean and met our needs.
On Friday evening we went to the Mai-Kai Polynesian Restaurant for a dinner and show and everything about it was fantastic. The food and service were excellent. Their gardens were a surprise and gorgeous – I wish I could have seen them in the daylight, but there was also something to be said about seeing them in the accented lighting. Everywhere you looked there were different plants, statues, and waterfalls. The floor show was spellbinding and, of course, Sherry ended up on stage learning how to dance Polynesian style.
On Christmas Eve we drove over to the Sawgrass Recreation Park to go airboat riding. This was a new experience for both of us and we thoroughly enjoyed the outing. The guide was knowledgeable and though he did not let loose with the boat controls, he gave us a good ride. We learned that in the Park, there are roughly 20,000 alligators, but there is only about an 18% chance of survival of the newborn every year because of the natural eating habits of the older male alligators and other wildlife and preying animals and birds, such as the vultures and hawks.
To locate the alligators the guide locates where the birds are congregating. We located the birds and three alligators, two males and one female. The males are very aggressive and territorial. When their head and tail are raised they are establishing dominance and intent to protect their territory.
The distance between their eyes and nose indicates the expected length of the alligator; converting inches to feet.
There is only one small tree-line within the Park and it is an old Seminole trail used by the Indians as they traveled to Fort Lauderdale. Now the area is used by the birds and ducks, and the alligators will sun along the edges during the day.
The babies generally try to congregate around the camp/village until they are big enough to protect themselves from predators.
There was also a wildlife preserve where the park service has taken under their care reptiles, various cats, tortoises, fox, hawks and a few others. Some came in sick and others were abandoned. Now they have a home in which they are being well cared for.
I asked the guide about the environmental conditions in the Everglades and was surprised by his answer – based on what I had previously read and heard. Captain John said he has been drinking the water out of the Everglades for the 11 years he has worked as a boat captain. He said that once the water is “strained” of the plant matter, it is safe and no different that bottled water you purchase.
The water is brackish water, which is a mixture of salt water and regular water. The only chemicals or pollution that has been a problem is the potassium products that leak into the Everglades from the sugar cane plantations. Most of that is controlled through natural plant filtering. Government regulations are changing the percentage allowed to drain from the plantations into the water.
The Everglades sole source of water is rain. The depth of the water within Park is controlled by the “gates” which are manipulated by the Corps of Engineers.
The salt water is the result of a fissure rupture many years ago in which ocean water was introduced into and resulting in an enlargement of the Park.
After our adventure at the Sawgrass Recreation Park, we went to lunch and then decided we needed to walk off the huge lunch so we ventured over to the Sawgrass Mill Shopping Center. Sherry and I are not shoppers, but I do believe that has got to be the largest shopping center I have ever been to or seen. Seriously, we walked for about two hours and covered only about one-fourth of all the stores. The only thing I did not see was a hotel for poor soles like us that got too tired to continue walking – or in our case, completely lost.
We did also drive by the Swap Shop which is a huge flea market. They proclaimed to have 13 drive-in movie screens. I wanted to see if that was true – it is.
Saturday evening we went on a river boat cruise on the Jungle Queen. The experience included a cruise past yachts valued in the hundreds of millions – which is hard to fathom or accept; and of course the multi-million dollar homes. Fort Lauderdale is considered the “Venice of America” and I can attest, the number of canals, is endless. It is hard to get anywhere without having to wait for a bridge to raise and lower for boats and yachts to move about.
It is impossible for me to rationalize someone owning a yacht that cost $200 million dollars let alone the fact that it rarely if ever leaves the dock. Many of the canals are so narrow and shallow that the only way, even a 50-foot yacht can be moved is by having it piloted/towed through the canals until it reaches the inter-coastal waterway or the ocean.
Marinas cost anywhere from $12 per foot for docking to $1,000 per day in boatyards. There are yachts in boatyards that stay there year after year.
After the cruise, we stopped at an island owned by the Jungle Queen Riverboat Company and had a barbecue buffet dinner and floor show that consisted of a couple of comedians, a magician, and Polynesian dancers. It was a strange buffet because it wasn’t a buffet. The servers brought the food to the tables. You were not limited but it was hard for the waitstaff to keep up with the demand. The offerings included slaw, baked beans, bread, ribs, peel-and-eat shrimp, and chicken.
Back in the 50’s the government of Fort Lauderdale was so anxious to develop the canal areas they actually had to give away the waterfront properties. No one would purchase them. The only condition attached to the “gift” was that the new owner had to agree to build a house. Frontage homes along the wider canals, in the 50’s and 60’s, sold for as little as $25,000. Now they pay that much, if not more, in taxes each year.
Along the ocean, a 2BR, 2 BA condo is selling for half a million and the annual taxes are about $10,000.
One of the things Sherry and I have always enjoyed doing is having our palms read or sitting for a tarot card reading. Well, it turns out there seems to be no end of the opportunities for readings in the Fort Lauderdale area so Friday we made an appointment for our “Past, Present and Future” readings. I take them with a grain of salt, and certainly, do not base my life on them, but they can be entertaining and informative, sometimes. Over the years I have on occasion been told things I am not about to believe and others, interesting enough I want to believe.
No trip could be completed without a walk on the beach so we could put our feet in the sand and wiggle our toes in the ocean. Lauderdale-By-The-Sea was the perfect place for our outing. The wind was not too brisk and the Park provided colorful alluring chairs to while away the time. The people were friendly and it seemed the ideal way to spend Christmas morning.
Despite the fact we went non-stop the whole time, we found the trip relaxing. Neither of us is inclined to say we would ever want to live there, but it was okay to visit – for three days, and three days was enough.
That’s all folks, until next time.
J
We even saw a lighthouse at Hillsboro Point. I did not know there was one in the area. It was a windy day and the “breaker” at the entrance of the harbor provided safe passage for the vessels.
The weather was excellent except for a couple of thunder bumpers that did not last long.
On Thursday afternoon, as I arrived, the traffic was pretty bad, but other than that, the airports we came and went from, the restaurants, streets, and the malls, were not bad at all. I was surprised. Traveling on Sunday, Christmas Day, went smoothly as well.
You will definitely not starve while visiting the Fort Lauderdale area as the restaurants are plentiful, especially of the Italian variety. But if you have a chance, give DaVinci’s Pizzeria, Casablanca Café or the Quarterdeck a visit in Fort Lauderdale. Down in Dania Beach, the food and service at Jimbo’s Sandbar were good and the atmosphere totally relaxing. They advertise “Hillbilly Cuisine” and I can simply call it “different”.
I did encounter one interesting experience which may benefit you in your travels. We rented our car through Ace Rent A Car, which we have no exception to, however, they do have a policy that took me by surprise. If you have a Florida drivers license you are only entitled to 150 miles per day; the standard “unlimited” mileage is not an available option. That initially concerned us because Sherry and I have a tendency to drive, a lot, but we went everywhere we wanted to go and still did not exceed our limits, so all worked out well.
We stayed at a Travelodge that was about halfway between Fort Lauderdale and Lauderdale-By-The-Sea which turned out to be a perfect location for us. The hotel itself was an older establishment, but the room was clean and met our needs.
On Friday evening we went to the Mai-Kai Polynesian Restaurant for a dinner and show and everything about it was fantastic. The food and service were excellent. Their gardens were a surprise and gorgeous – I wish I could have seen them in the daylight, but there was also something to be said about seeing them in the accented lighting. Everywhere you looked there were different plants, statues, and waterfalls. The floor show was spellbinding and, of course, Sherry ended up on stage learning how to dance Polynesian style.
On Christmas Eve we drove over to the Sawgrass Recreation Park to go airboat riding. This was a new experience for both of us and we thoroughly enjoyed the outing. The guide was knowledgeable and though he did not let loose with the boat controls, he gave us a good ride. We learned that in the Park, there are roughly 20,000 alligators, but there is only about an 18% chance of survival of the newborn every year because of the natural eating habits of the older male alligators and other wildlife and preying animals and birds, such as the vultures and hawks.
To locate the alligators the guide locates where the birds are congregating. We located the birds and three alligators, two males and one female. The males are very aggressive and territorial. When their head and tail are raised they are establishing dominance and intent to protect their territory.
The distance between their eyes and nose indicates the expected length of the alligator; converting inches to feet.
There is only one small tree-line within the Park and it is an old Seminole trail used by the Indians as they traveled to Fort Lauderdale. Now the area is used by the birds and ducks, and the alligators will sun along the edges during the day.
The babies generally try to congregate around the camp/village until they are big enough to protect themselves from predators.
There was also a wildlife preserve where the park service has taken under their care reptiles, various cats, tortoises, fox, hawks and a few others. Some came in sick and others were abandoned. Now they have a home in which they are being well cared for.
I asked the guide about the environmental conditions in the Everglades and was surprised by his answer – based on what I had previously read and heard. Captain John said he has been drinking the water out of the Everglades for the 11 years he has worked as a boat captain. He said that once the water is “strained” of the plant matter, it is safe and no different that bottled water you purchase.
The water is brackish water, which is a mixture of salt water and regular water. The only chemicals or pollution that has been a problem is the potassium products that leak into the Everglades from the sugar cane plantations. Most of that is controlled through natural plant filtering. Government regulations are changing the percentage allowed to drain from the plantations into the water.
The Everglades sole source of water is rain. The depth of the water within Park is controlled by the “gates” which are manipulated by the Corps of Engineers.
The salt water is the result of a fissure rupture many years ago in which ocean water was introduced into and resulting in an enlargement of the Park.
After our adventure at the Sawgrass Recreation Park, we went to lunch and then decided we needed to walk off the huge lunch so we ventured over to the Sawgrass Mill Shopping Center. Sherry and I are not shoppers, but I do believe that has got to be the largest shopping center I have ever been to or seen. Seriously, we walked for about two hours and covered only about one-fourth of all the stores. The only thing I did not see was a hotel for poor soles like us that got too tired to continue walking – or in our case, completely lost.
We did also drive by the Swap Shop which is a huge flea market. They proclaimed to have 13 drive-in movie screens. I wanted to see if that was true – it is.
It is impossible for me to rationalize someone owning a yacht that cost $200 million dollars let alone the fact that it rarely if ever leaves the dock. Many of the canals are so narrow and shallow that the only way, even a 50-foot yacht can be moved is by having it piloted/towed through the canals until it reaches the inter-coastal waterway or the ocean.
Marinas cost anywhere from $12 per foot for docking to $1,000 per day in boatyards. There are yachts in boatyards that stay there year after year.
After the cruise, we stopped at an island owned by the Jungle Queen Riverboat Company and had a barbecue buffet dinner and floor show that consisted of a couple of comedians, a magician, and Polynesian dancers. It was a strange buffet because it wasn’t a buffet. The servers brought the food to the tables. You were not limited but it was hard for the waitstaff to keep up with the demand. The offerings included slaw, baked beans, bread, ribs, peel-and-eat shrimp, and chicken.
Back in the 50’s the government of Fort Lauderdale was so anxious to develop the canal areas they actually had to give away the waterfront properties. No one would purchase them. The only condition attached to the “gift” was that the new owner had to agree to build a house. Frontage homes along the wider canals, in the 50’s and 60’s, sold for as little as $25,000. Now they pay that much, if not more, in taxes each year.
Along the ocean, a 2BR, 2 BA condo is selling for half a million and the annual taxes are about $10,000.
One of the things Sherry and I have always enjoyed doing is having our palms read or sitting for a tarot card reading. Well, it turns out there seems to be no end of the opportunities for readings in the Fort Lauderdale area so Friday we made an appointment for our “Past, Present and Future” readings. I take them with a grain of salt, and certainly, do not base my life on them, but they can be entertaining and informative, sometimes. Over the years I have on occasion been told things I am not about to believe and others, interesting enough I want to believe.
No trip could be completed without a walk on the beach so we could put our feet in the sand and wiggle our toes in the ocean. Lauderdale-By-The-Sea was the perfect place for our outing. The wind was not too brisk and the Park provided colorful alluring chairs to while away the time. The people were friendly and it seemed the ideal way to spend Christmas morning.
Despite the fact we went non-stop the whole time, we found the trip relaxing. Neither of us is inclined to say we would ever want to live there, but it was okay to visit – for three days, and three days was enough.
That’s all folks, until next time.
J
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