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In these tougher times watch out for scams

If that flashy, one chance, out of this world deal offered to you on the phone, over the internet, or in a colourful flyer looks to good to be true, it probably is! Even in the best if economic times there will always exist a greedy and totally dishonest breed of sociopath who are making a very good living perpetrating ‘crimes of persuasion’ on thousands of innocent and some-times very vulnerable citizens.

I am sure that each and every one of us have been blitzed with these fabulous offers and pop-ups that include just about everything from free trips, new vehicles, instant cash, and overnight wealth and health; to guaranteed weight loss, life-changing make overs, no more mortgage payments, and on and on! Governments, law enforcement agencies, and financial institutions are constantly warning that most of these quickie sign-up-now-and save deals are horrible frauds and scams that have resulted in huge financial losses and heartbreak for thousands of good people and families of all ages. A perfect example of these ongoing nightmare stories appeared in the Edmonton Sun last week, and explained how a kindly 88 year old Christian grandmother helped her supposedly down and out neighbour with odd jobs and lodging, and within a few weeks was defrauded of her entire life savings of $26,000.

The easiest way to avoid the growing list of fraud trash is to immediately hang up the phone, push the delete button on all those computer pop-ups, or drop them into the nearest recycle bin. If you feel harassed, pressured, or are in doubt about any of these so-called ‘deals of a lifetime’ please reach out for help from the following before making your decision.

*Your local R.C.M.P. detachment or By-Law Enforcement Officer.

*The Better Business Bureau (1-800-232-7298) toll free.

*Your lawyer, business consultant, or banker.

*A relative or a close friend for a second opinion.

*The Town of Ponoka. All sales people peddling goods or services door to door or around town must have a business license.

*Most reputable financial, law enforcement, and protection agencies and media outlets have weekly ‘fraud alert reports’ available at no cost.

*If you wish to get those unwanted and suspicious sales calls discontinued you can contact Phone Busters at 1-888-495-8501 toll free. You may also like to inquire at your local Post Office if you would like to have some of that unwanted ‘junk mail’ left out of your box.

*There are some other most important tips to avoid being trapped by a growing list of credit crooks whose only goal is to make a fast buck at our expense, and with very little return.

-Sign up for direct deposit at your bank, check your balance as often as possible, and report immediately if your bank card is lost or stolen.

-ALWAYS AVOID disclosing any personal or financial information to anyone you don’t know or wouldn’t trust with your life.

-Shop locally for goods and services as much as possible. It makes it much easier for returns, for repairs, and for warranty issues.

-If your credit card is lost or stolen phone 1-800-404-1319 immediately. This is a toll free 24-7 customer protection service.

-Try to be absolutely sure of who you know you can trust. All of us have worked very hard to achieve those quality lifestyles and possessions for our families, and ourselves, and it would be an awful shame to lose it by getting sucked in by some sort of a crooked scam! Try to make sure that the path is safe and solid before venturing after the glitzy pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

The Bottle of Wine

For all of us who are married, were married, wish you were married, or wish that you weren’t married; this little story is something to smile about the next time you see or sample your favourite bottle of wine.

Sally was driving home from one of her business trips into Northern Arizona when she saw an elderly woman walking on the side of the road. As the trip was always a long, boring, and rather quiet one she stopped her car and asked the lady if she would like a ride. With a silent nod of thanks, the woman slowly got into the car.

Resuming the journey, Sally tried in vain to make a bit of small talk with her passenger, but the old woman just sat silently, looking intently at everything she saw, studying every little detail, until she noticed a brown bag on the seat next to Sally. ‘What is in the bag?’ asked the grandmother. Sally looked down at the bag and replied, ‘It’s a bottle of wine, and I got it for my husband.’

The old lady was silent for another moment or two, then speaking with the quiet wisdom of an elder, she said: ‘You made a good trade!’

Have a great week, all of you.