6 Online Scams That Could Steal Your Joy

The Beacon

Volume 4, Issue 12

December 2013

Better Watch Out!

6 Online Scams That Could Steal Your Joy

From

Keep the jingle in your pocket and ward off fraudsters this holiday season.

Cybercriminals are always hard at work this time of year. They're corrupting e-cards with viruses, creating fake online auctions, imitating charity sites -- all to take advantage of your holiday habits, says Katherine Hutt, spokeswoman for the Council of Better Business Bureaus.

Each year, scammers use the season of giving to devise new schemes -- and relying on their tried-and-true tactics -- to steal your money and personal information, warns Dave Marcus, director of security research and communications for McAfee Inc., a leading security technology company. Here are six major holiday scams to look out for this season and tips on protecting yourself.

1. Quizzes, Polls and Contests The promise of something for nothing is a classic ploy of online crooks. One typical scam promises the first 20,000 responders will receive $1,000 gift cards to a popular electronics store if they "Like" the store on Facebook. Clicking the link takes you to a bogus page that asks for numerous personal details, which can be used for identity theft. And, of course, there are no gift cards. To protect yourself: Ignore these kinds of offers or go directly to a company's Facebook page or website to verify the offers are legitimate. 2. Auctions and Deals Too Good to be True Shopping on online auction and classified ad sites can be a great way to save money, but may not be such a deal after all -- especially if the seller wants you to wire money in advance. To protect yourself: Remember the old saying: "If the deal's too good to be true, it probably is." Before considering any deal, Hutt says, check the seller's ratings and reviews on the selling site. Be extra cautious: Some fraudulent sites may even imitate a Better Business

Bureau seal to throw you off. You can verify BBB-approval at . And whatever you do, never pay by wire transfer, a surefire indication of a fraudulent sale.

3. Phony Charities Scammers take advantage of your good nature and generosity by asking for donations via a website or text message, particularly after a natural disaster (such as the earthquake in Haiti) or during the holidays. To protect yourself: Check to see if a charity is legitimate at the BBB Wise Giving Alliance or American Institute of Philanthropy websites. Another alternative would be to donate directly through a charity's website, if that option is available. 4. Malware-ridden Holiday Cards and Programs Animated greetings, seasonal screensavers and winter-themed games become popular this time of year. Sadly, many of these programs are accompanied by spyware and other malicious technology. To protect yourself: A good anti-malware product -- try McAfee, Norton, Kaspersky or Avira -- will stop virtually all of this stuff in its tracks. But your best bet is simply to not open any email -- even from a loved one -- that contains a forwarded greeting card or holiday game. Get extra protection by ensuring your computer software updates are downloaded and applied automatically. 5. Vacation Homes Not Really for Rent This up-and-coming scam is surprisingly simple: Fraudsters set up a vacation rental site for a real home (complete with photos), and they rent it out for weekend and holiday getaways. The problem: The scammer doesn't own the house, and it's not actually for rent, much to the surprise of both owner and renter come arrival day.

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(Continued from Cover) To protect yourself: Use trusted travel sites and rental agencies

when booking. Low-resolution photos of the home and super-low rental prices are also a giveaway that something is fishy, says Marcus.

6. Fake Emails and Phishing A common holiday scam is a fraudulent email that gives you confirmation about an order, payment or shipment you know nothing about. The email, which may appear to be from a reputable company, advises you to click a link or attachment in the email to view the status of your order or shipment. When you click the link or attachment, you are routed to a fake website that will ask you to enter your personal information, which is the target of the scam. To protect yourself: Avoid opening emails from people and companies you don't recognize or trust. Permanently delete those emails. If the email seems to be genuine, don't click on the links or attachments contained within it. Type the address into the address bar. If you are not expecting a shipment, delete the email. You can go directly to the shipping company site to discover if you have a surprise shipment. If you receive an order or payment confirmation for something you aren't certain about, contact the company directly or check your debit card or credit card to verify you made the purchase and it's valid.

The Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Rivermist took third place in the NNO competition for neighborhoods in District 8!!! Way to go Rivermist!!! The awards ceremony will be held on December 14th at the UTSA Downtown Campus at 10am. If you would like to attend, call Spectrum Association Management for more information. A members of the Board of Directors will be accepting the award on behalf of the community.

"Attraction of the Trees"

A festive tradition for the family can be a danger zone for our four-legged friends. Here are some examples of what to watch out for:

Christmas tree water often contains dangerous fertilizers and turpentine-like compounds that are hazardous to your pets. If ingested, this contaminated water can cause stomach upset or even be lethal. Stagnant tree water can also act as a breeding ground for bacteria which could cause vomiting, nausea and diarrhea in your pet. We recommend placing a physical barrier such as a screen or tree skirt to try to keep your pets out. Sharp pine needles should be kept swept up because they can cause intestinal problems if they are eaten.

Beautiful decorations on your tree can attract attention from your pets that may lead to trouble. Puppies have been known to chew on glass ornaments, which can shatter into jagged shards and cut their mouths. These shards can also cut the tissues of the gastrointestinal tract if swallowed. Consider hanging your treasured ornaments higher on the Christmas tree. And consider using wooden, metal, resin-cast or the like on the lower branches in case curious little paws want to play with bright and colorful ornaments.

Ribbons and tinsel are appealing targets for pets to play with, especially for kittens. Both of these can cause choking or they may even become twisted up in the intestines and cause an intestinal obstruction ? a life-threatening condition. Similarly, gift ribbons and bows should be kept out of sight to prevent chewing and swallowing.

The lovely bubbling holiday lights are moderate to lethal in toxicity, depending on the amount of fluid (methylene chloride) inhaled or ingested.

Christmas tree light cords and/or electrical cords can be tempting "chew toys" for puppies and kittens. These can cause mouth burns or fatal shock. Even brief electric shocks can trigger an irregular heartbeat in your pet, which can cause fluid to gather in the lungs, leading to serious complications or even death.

Town and Country Veterinary Hospital (210) 684-1448 10350 Bandera Rd., San Antonio, TX 78250

Now Open 24/7/Veterinary Care/Boarding Facilities/Grooming

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Holiday Happenings

Check out the calendar below for some fun and many FREE upcoming events during the upcoming holiday season in and around the

San Antonio area!

What?

2013 Ford Holiday River Parade & Lighting Ceremony This spectacular one-hour parade along San Antonio's River Walk will feature illuminated floats with celebrities, bands and lavishlycostumed participants. Feria De Santa Cecilia "Dia Del Musico" This two day event is filled with entertainment, arts & crafts, food and more!

Ballet San Antonio & San Antonio Symphony present The Nutcracker

A Baroque Holiday Take a Baroque Holiday with the San Antonio Symphony! Enjoy a delightful and beautiful musical program in a majestic setting.

Mariachi Vargas San Antonio's 19th Annual Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza features many free and ticketed musical events.

Trinity Christmas Concert The Trinity U. Dept. of Music presents its gift back to the San Antonio community with an evening of seasonal music by the Trinity choirs, symphony orchestra, symphonic wind ensemble, handbell ensemble and jazz band.

Ford Fiesta de las Luminarias Experience the holiday serenity of the River Walk as you stroll along the banks of the SA River guided by more than 6,000 luminarias. Tamales! at Pearl ? a Holiday Family Festival Sample dozens of tamales plus storytellers, dancing, live music and fireworks.

STARZ presents "Once on This Island, Jr." Bring the whole family for this magical love story. Performed by JCC youth in grades 5-12, your entire family will have a blast!

When? November 29 7 pm

November 29 ? Dec. 1 Noon ? 9 pm November 29 ? Dec. 8 Various times December 1 7 pm

December 1 ? 7 8 pm

December 6 7:30 ? 9:30 pm

December 6 ? 8, 13 -15, 20 ? 22 Starts at dusk.

December 7 Noon - 6 pm

December 7 7 pm December 8 2 pm & 4:30 pm

Where? San Antonio River Walk

Market Square 514 W Commerce St. 78207 The Majestic Theatre 224 E. Houston St. 78205 San Fernando Cathedral 115 Main Plaza 78205 Lila Cockrell Theatre 200 E. Market St. 78205

Laurie Auditorium 1 Trinity Place 78212

San Antonio River Walk

The Pearl Brewery 303 Pearl Pkwy #300 78215 Sheldon Vexler Theatre 12500 NW Military Hwy. 78231

How Much? Various ticket prices

Free Various ticket prices Various ticket prices

Free for many events; various ticket prices for some events. Free; seating available on a first come, first served basis.

Free

Free $7/person

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Come see what your neighbors are talking about.

Join Nextdoor Rivermisthoa, the private website for your neighborhood.

To join, visit: rivermisthoa.join

Your neighbor, Charles Hasberry, invited you to join.

Charles (Rivera Cv) writes: "We are coming together online as a community. Join us on Nextdoor. This will help us share crime/safety info as well as help us get to know each other. "

Nextdoor Rivermisthoa

To accept your invitation, visit: rivermisthoa.join Your flyer code: XEIGAR

Nextdoor Rivermisthoa

Get to know your neighbors ? Share local recommendations ? Lend, borrow and give away ? Keep the neighborhood safe ? Stay informed

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NSC Tree Safety

For many people, decorating the Christmas tree is a favorite part of the holiday. The National Safety Council offers some safety tips to make sure a mishap doesn't spoil your holiday season.

Christmas Trees Natural and artificial Christmas trees start an average of 250 home structure fires each year, according to the National Fire Protection Association. These fires cause approximately 14 deaths, 26 injuries and $13.8 million in property damage yearly. Try to select a fresh tree by looking for one that is green. The needles of pines and spruces should bend and not break and should be hard to pull off the branches. On fir species, a needle pulled from a fresh tree will snap when bent, much like a fresh carrot. Also, look for a trunk sticky with sap. Cut off about two inches of the trunk and put the tree in a sturdy, water-holding stand. Keep the stand filled with water so the tree does not dry out quickly. Stand your tree away from fireplaces, radiators and other heat sources. Make sure the tree does not block foot traffic or doorways. If you use an artificial tree, choose one that is tested and labeled as fire resistant. Artificial trees with built-in electrical systems should have the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) label. Line-voltage holiday or decorative lights start an average of 170 home structure fires each year, according to the National Fire Protection Association. These fires cause approximately 7 deaths, 17 injuries and $7.9 million in property damage yearly. Tree lights Only use indoor lights indoors (and outdoor lights only outdoors). Look for the UL label. Check lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Replace or repair any damaged light sets. Also, use no more than three light sets on any one extension cord. Extension cords should be placed against the wall to avoid tripping hazards, but do not run cords under rugs. Turn off all lights on trees and decorations when you go to bed or leave the house. Tree ornaments Always use the proper step stool or ladder to reach high places. Information and recommendations are compiled from sources believed to be reliable. The National Safety Council makes no guarantee as to and assumes no responsibility for the correctness, sufficiency or completeness of such information or recommendations. Other or additional safety measures may be required under particular circumstances. Read labels before you use materials that come in jars, cans and spray cans. Never place lighted candles on a tree or near any flammable materials. Avoid placing breakable tree ornaments or ones with small, detachable parts on lower branches where small children or pets can reach them. Do not hang popcorn chains and candy canes on the tree when small children are present. They may think that other tree ornaments are also edible. Christmas_Tree_Tips(5).pdf

Pumpkin Stuffed With Everything Good

Makes 2 very generous servings

Ingredients: 1 pumpkin, about 3 pounds Salt and freshly ground pepper 1/4 pound stale bread, thinly sliced and cut into 1/2-inch chunks 1/4 pound cheese, such as Gruyere, Emmenthal, cheddar, or a combination, cut into 1/2-inch chunks 2?4 garlic cloves (to taste), split, germ removed, and coarsely chopped 4 strips bacon, cooked until crisp, drained, and chopped About 1/4 cup snipped fresh chives or sliced scallions 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme About 1/3 cup heavy cream Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg

Center a rack in the oven and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment, or find a Dutch oven with a diameter that's just a tiny bit larger than your pumpkin. If you bake the pumpkin in a casserole, it will keep its shape, but it might stick to the casserole, so you'll have to serve it from the pot -- which is an appealingly homey way to serve it. If you bake it on a baking sheet, you can present it freestanding, but maneuvering a heavy stuffed pumpkin with a softened shell isn't so easy. However, since I love the way the unencumbered pumpkin looks in the center of the table, I've always taken my chances with the baked-on-a-sheet method, and so far, I've been lucky.

Using a very sturdy knife -- and caution -- cut a cap out of the top of the pumpkin (think Halloween jack-o'-lantern). It's easiest to work your knife around the top of the pumpkin at a 45-degree angle. You want to cut off enough of the top to make it easy for you to work inside the pumpkin. Clear away the seeds and strings from the cap and from inside the pumpkin. Season the inside of the pumpkin generously with salt and pepper, and put it on the baking sheet or in the pot. Toss the bread, cheese, garlic, bacon, and herbs together in a bowl. Season with pepper -- you probably have enough salt from the bacon and cheese, but taste to be sure -- and pack the mix into the pumpkin. The pumpkin should be well filled -- you might have a little too much filling, or you might need to add to it. Stir the cream with the nutmeg and some salt and pepper and pour it into the pumpkin. Again, you might have too much or too little -- you don't want the ingredients to swim in cream, but you do want them nicely moistened. (But it's hard to go wrong here.)

Put the cap in place and bake the pumpkin for about 2 hours -- check after 90 minutes -- or until everything inside the pumpkin is bubbling and the flesh of the pumpkin is tender enough to be pierced easily with the tip of a knife. Because the pumpkin will have exuded liquid, I like to remove the cap during the last 20 minutes or so, so that the liquid can bake away and the top of the stuffing can brown a little.

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