Hometown Holidays 2023 by Colorado Community Media

2023

Holidays

A SPECIAL PULLOUT ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT FROM COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

PULLOUT ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT: HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS 2023

Holidays

is a special advertising supplement from Colorado Community Media, publisher of 23 community publications reaching over 350,000 readers every week.

Publisher

Editor-In-Chief

LINDA SHAPLEY

MICHAEL de YOANNA

Advertising Director

Advertising Design

ERIN ADDENBROOKE

TOM FILDEY

Advertising Sales

ERIN FRANKS

TERESA ALEXIS

TINA MELTZER Story Design BENJAMIN WIEBESIEK

RUTH DANIELS DONNA REARDON

To advertise call: 303-566-4100

Table of Contents SMALL BUSINESS: RETAIN CUSTOMER LOYALTY ELEVATE YOUR HOLIDAY COCKTAILS DECORATING WITH STRIP LIGHTS HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE HANUKKAH: A FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS CREAMY HOLIDAY DESSERTS INVOLVING KIDS IN HOLIDAY TRADITIONS SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT AVOID HOLIDAY SEASON FRAUD FESTIVE HOLIDAY MENU

3 4 6-7 8 9 10-11 12 12 13 14-15

They gazed at the snow falling g e n t l y o u t s i d e t h e i r l u x u r y s u i te , n e s t l e d i n C l e a r Cr e e k c a n y o n . He w h i s p e r e d “ ha p p y h o l i d a ys. ” T h e e n d o f a p e r f e c t d a y, t h e s t a r t of an unforgettable holiday escape. “Ar e w e l u c k y o r w ha t ? ” S h e a s ke d . “ Ti m e w i t h yo u i s t h e l u c k i e s t present I’ve ever received.”

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PULLOUT ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT: HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS 2023

How Small Businesses Can Retain Customer Loyalty This Holiday Season (StatePoint) Small business loyalty is on the rocks, according to a new study that finds that consumers are feeling more love for big retail brands this holiday season. The study, from cloud-based accounting platform Xero, found that while 27% of consumers feel loyal to big retail brands, only 14% feel loyal to small businesses. “For a small business owner who launched their business because of a passion, identifying ways to gain customer loyalty can be overwhelming. Fortunately, our data provides insights into tactics that small businesses can take to nurture ongoing relationships with customers,” says Ben Richmond, chartered accountant and U.S. country manager at Xero. As the holiday season approaches, Xero is sharing these tips and survey insights to holiday-proof operations and keep customers satisfied: • Keep delivery affordable: According to the Xero survey, 25% of survey respondents believe that

delivery should always be free, regardless of original purchase price. “Free delivery is an effective way to build customer loyalty, so offer it if you can. Just be sure to utilize cash flow forecasting or work with your accountant to gauge how much it will cost you long-term,” says Richmond. If free shipping isn’t viable for your business, keep this fee low -- 30% said spending $21-$50 for delivery was agreeable. To bring down shipping costs, consider using shipping brokerages or building shipping into your pricing. • Make delivery fast: At a point in the year when timing truly matters, it’s a good idea to offer express shipping. Thirty percent of consumers want their items faster, plus this allows you to charge for expedited shipping. On this front, customers appreciate communication. Encourage them to start seasonal shopping early and set their expectations with cut-off dates for when the last orders can be delivered in time for the holi-

days. You may also want to consider diversifying your supply and distribution channels by looking to both local manufacturers and service providers, and also large delivery partners, so you have options to fall back on if links in the chain are disrupted. • Make shopping convenient: Match big retailer convenience by accepting multiple payment options, including e-wallets and by offering your products online. According to the survey, 50% of consumers are buying more online now post-pandemic, so it’s a good idea to meet them where they are. • Build your reputation: Show your passion and small biz credentials in your branding and packaging. Don’t be shy about asking for reviews and referrals, as they’re key to building trust. And when you’re criticized online, always respond respectfully. • Return-proof your products: Include detailed descriptions and pictures of your products to minimize returns. At the same time,

consider offering more lenient policies for holiday-related returns. This both increases customer loyalty as well as extends the amount of time a return may impact your bottom line, as an extended period can allow for a slower trickle of negative growth. • Use tech: Have a pulse-check on your cash flow by leaning into technology, like Xero’s cloudbased accounting platform, to automate tasks, manage inventory and track transactions in real-time. Technology investments can help ensure you’re constantly aware of how much return loss is acceptable per month as you plan inventory needs. Check out the full study in Xero’s report into online shopping trends by visiting xero.com. “With a game plan that combines strategic actions, responsive communication and adaptability, small businesses can compete with the big box stores, and win customer hearts and minds over the holidays,” says Richmond.

PULLOUT ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT: HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS 2023

MAX oouutt yyoouurr chill:

4 T Y P E S O F I C E T O E L E VAT E Y O U R H O L I D A Y C O C K TA I L S

(BPT) - The winter holidays are fast approaching. If you enjoy hosting friends and family for dinners or the occasional happy hour especially during the holiday season, one way to impress your guests is to plan and prepare various drinks for each occasion. While you likely prioritize getting the best spirits, mixers and glasses, it’s essential not to overlook the significance of ice. Different ice shapes serve distinct purposes, and incorporating the right ones into your beverages will wow your guests and let you flex your skills as a home barkeep. Check out the four main types of ice and how to use them when crafting holiday drinks.

All the ice you need at home You can effortlessly enjoy all these four ice options at your convenience with the LG Smart Mirror InstaView® Counter-Depth MAX French Door Refrigerator. This large-capacity fridge makes these four types of ice to suit any holiday get-together or occasion, including LG’s exclusive slow-melting, round Craft Ice™. To learn more, visit LG.com/US.

1. CUBED Classic and versatile, cubed ice is your all-purpose companion. Whether you’re crafting a classic Long Island iced tea or a refreshing gin and tonic, cubed ice will swiftly chill your spirits. It’s also perfect for serving iced teas, rum and cola or mojitos in a highball glass.

3. MINI CUBED A generous supply of mini-cubed ice is the perfect answer for filling water bottles or delivering a quick chill. Like crushed ice, mini-cubed ice is fantastic at quickly cooling drinks, making iced coffee or chilling soda and water.

2.CRUSHED Recognizable by its pebble-like texture, crushed ice brings a unique element to your drinks. The pebble-like ice melts faster than your typical cubed ice. While not all cocktails benefit from dilution, certain creations like the Mint Julep thrive on it, according to Vine Pair. Crushed ice’s ability to thin out syrup and juices is its secret weapon, especially for dessert options like a homemade take on shaved ice.

4. ROUND glass. It’s also helpful to keep any cocktail or Round ice (also known as sphere or ball ice) non-alcoholic drink chilled during long parties. isn’t just aesthetically pleasing. It melts slowly, You can get round ice trays to make them at gradually chilling your drink without diluting it. home, but if you have an LG refrigerator, some For those who enjoy sipping on whiskey, bourbon make slow-melt LG Craft Ice™, so you can or craft cocktails, opt for round ice in a lowball have round ice on demand.

PULLOUT ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT: HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS 2023

To the holidays and beyond: 5 uses for strip and rope lights

(BPT) - As the seasons change and the nights grow longer, it’s natural to start looking for new and exciting ways to light up the night, both indoors and out. Whether you’re planning to create a festive holiday atmosphere, enhance your gaming experience or improve the ambiance of your living room, the latest options in strip and rope lighting offer creative solutions. Not only do they make lighting easy, but they also introduce energy efficiencies throughout your home. “Today’s lighting options have evolved beyond their functional purpose and are now an integral element in accenting, decorating or setting the perfect mood,” said Bethany Wood, senior merchant of light bulbs at The

Home Depot. “The Home Depot’s exclusive strip and rope light brand, EcoSmart, offers a variety of color choices, captivating effects, user-friendly remote controls and an array of seasonal options for year-round use - perfect for DIYers looking to transform their spaces.” Here’s a look at some of the most innovative and dynamic lighting solutions for both inside and outside your home that are sure to brighten any occasion.

1. Embrace the holidays by showcasing architectural features It’s easy to light up your home in a joyful and

celebratory way by using strip or rope lights. Consider highlighting elements of your house such as columns or pillars, porch railings, stairs or windows. Rope lights are generally a better choice for rounded surfaces like columns and pillars, while strip lighting works best on flat, even surfaces. To make decorating easier, measure the areas you want to decorate before purchasing your lights. The good news is that today’s lighting, such as EcoSmart rope and string lights, are both cuttable and linkable, with sleek right-angle connectors, making it easier to achieve the right length for any space you SEE LIGHTS, P7

PULLOUT ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT: HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS 2023

LIGHTS FROM PAGE 6

wish to decorate. You can also rest easy with LED lighting that’s eco-friendly, energy efficient and Energy Star rated - making it better for the environment and your energy bills. For outdoor applications, like your porch or patio, consider the EcoSmart 32.8 foot Plug-In Bright White LED 360° Outdoor Dimmable Linkable Rope Light with Remote Control. This option allows you to effortlessly customize brightness, light modes and timing. The ability to change colors and brightness levels adds a new dimension to your decorations, making it easy to match your lighting to the holiday spirit. You can also opt for colorful options, whether that’s RGB (red, green and blue) or RGBW (red, green, blue and white) lighting - or even rainbow or color-changing lights to create the exact look you want to achieve. Pro tip: Use string to simulate how you want to decorate winding or spiral areas, like columns or pillars, then measure the string to determine the length of lighting you’ll need.

2. Use creative lighting techniques to transform any space into an unforgettable party setting For any occasion, lighting up your celebration with strip lights is an easy way to get the party started! The easy-to-use EcoSmart 16.4 foot RGBWIC Dynamic Color Changing Dimmable Linkable Plug-In LED Strip Light with Remote Control makes it easy to decorate along the edges of windows, bookshelves, ceilings, doorways and more - and customize the lighting any way you want it.

3. Enhance your movie-viewing experience Want to amp up movie night? Look no further! You can create

a captivating cinematic effect using the EcoSmart 55” to 65” TV RGB Color Sensing Dimmable Plug-In LED Black TV Backlight with Remote Control. The installation process is a breeze, thanks to its self-adhesive tape. It also offers dimmable features, allowing you to adjust the brightness to your liking. And if you’re aiming for a truly immersive experience, the lighting can sync with music too. This innovative backlight doesn’t stop there. It’s equipped with a TV detect mode that synchronizes color changes with the hues on your screen. This lighting option is ideal for 55-65” TVs and includes a remote control for added convenience.

Make your Holiday Celebrations Special with our Breads & Pies

4. Level up your gaming space Gamers, take note! Nothing will make your gaming room more fun and exciting than adding creative, colorful lighting for a unique experience. By installing the EcoSmart 6.5 ft. Smart RGWBIC Dynamic Color Changing Dimmable Plug-In LED Strip Light Powered by Hubspace behind your gaming setup, you can create a dynamic backdrop that syncs with in-game actions or music. You’ll even be able to connect the lighting to the Hubspace app via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, allowing you to easily customize colors and brightness, set schedules and choose from dozens of preset modes. This not only adds to the visual appeal but also immerses you deeper into the gaming world.

5. Great lighting for any space or occasion Have you ever thought about using lighting to enhance every room in your home? Now, you can! Strip and rope lighting options are not just functional but also creative tools to add more color and light to any room. With their ease of use and energy efficient design, there’s no limit to how you can elevate your space and enhance your mood. Consider the possibilities for decorating your home inside and out with EcoSmart, available in a wide assortment of colors, lengths and styles, exclusively at The Home Depot.

Website, Phone or In Store Orders Nov. 14 - Dec. 17 Pick-Up Sat, Dec. 23 or Sun, Dec. 24

PULLOUT ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT: HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS 2023

Reduce Stress and Promote Happiness

A bike or trike is a great gift that also supports physical and mental wellness.

With This

Holiday Gift Guide (StatePoint) Mental health is a critical part of overall wellness. And this holiday season, you can support the well-being of your loved ones with thoughtful gift-giving. From stocking stuffers to big reveal items, use this gift guide below to put a smile on the face of loved ones: From gifts that exercise the body during the day to those that relax the mind at night, you can add holiday cheer to the season with thoughtfully selected presents that support mental health and overall wellbeing. A WEIGHTED BLANKET

A NEW RIDE

More than just a toy or gadget, a bicycle represents the freedom to explore the outdoors, spend time with friends and family, make memories and establish routines that promote physical and mental wellbeing. And of course, it can also provide that stress-relieving, mood-boosting release of endorphins. From traditional mountain bikes and cruisers to battery ride-ons and e-bikes, Huffy offers bikes for both kids and adults alike have CULINARY INSPIRATION more functions and features than ever beFor those who love to bake, the fore, and promise to bring the wow factor “Mind over Batter” cookbook by during gift-giving. For kids and teens age licensed psychotherapist and 8-15, consider something extra special, baker, Jack Hazan, will combine like the newly redesigned Green Machine their passion with a little selffrom Huffy, which is engineered to allow care. Great for bakers of all for adrenaline-pumping 180-degree drifts abilities and anyone looking and turns, and offers dual-lever pivot for new ways to approach steering. Riding, drifting and spinning mental health, the this trike activates LED light effects and cookbook features patterns, and adjustable seating supports BATH BOMBS practical self-care a wide range of rider heights so that it can advice alongside Bath bombs can be used to create a spa-like grow with a younger gift recipient, and 75 approachable environment at home and are a great choice help dial in the fit for a comfortable ride. recipes for savory for anyone who needs a gentle reminder to unand sweet baked wind. Be sure to select bath bombs made from From gifts that exercise the body during goods. such calming ingredients as lavender, bergathe day to those that relax the mind at mot and ylang-ylang for an added aromathernight, you can add holiday cheer to the apy boost. season with thoughtfully selected presents that support mental health and overall wellbeing.

Over 40 million people in the United States have long-term, chronic sleep disorders. Sleep deprivation is not only often caused by poor mental health, it can also exacerbate issues like anxiety and depression. Help your gift recipient get higher quality sleep with a weighted blanket. Cozy and comfortable on cool nights, they use pressure therapy to mimic the feeling of being hugged or held, and can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety, sleep disorders, ADHD and autism in children and adults.

A MASSAGE Stress affects not only the mind but the body as well. Help alleviate the muscle tension associated with stress with a gift certificate for a massage. Be sure you send your gift recipient to a licensed massage therapist. There are many forms of massage therapy, so if you happen to know your loved one’s personal preference, try to find that out in advance, or send them to a facility that practices many forms of massage so they can make a choice that best suits their needs.

PULLOUT ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT: HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS 2023

Mountain Home furnishings | art | design | lifestyle

Hanukkah, a Festival of Lights – and Latkes – In the Metro Area COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

Hanukkah means “dedication” in Hebrew and the eight-day celebration, known as the Festival of Lights, is a message of Jewish resilience. The festival, which this year begins on the evening of Dec. 7, running through Dec. 15, dates to 164 BCE and the defilement of the Temple of Jerusalem by Greeks and its rededication. On each night of the festival, the menorah is lit. While the familiar four-sided top, called a dreidel, represents a “great miracle,” something else is also part of the tradition in the Denver area: latkes. In that spirit, the nonprofit Jewish Community Center in Denver is hosting, for a second year, its Latkes and Lights event. It’s

BALLET ARIEL

meant to prepare for the “eight crazy nights” of games, goodies and gifts associated with Haunakkah. The celebration on Dec. 3 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. includes a latke contest. Admission per person is $10-$18 on a sliding scale. But wait! There’s more. If you happen to make the most amazing latkes, enter them in the JCC’s competition with categories for restaurants and regular residents. The judges: Kristina Vasquez, known as @denver. foodie on Instagram, Ryan Warner, host of Colorado Public Radio’s “Colorado Matters,” and Steven Woodrow, state representative of House District 2. Learn more at www.jccdenver.org.

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PULLOUT ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT: HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS 2023

Sweeten the Holiday Season with Deliciously Creamy Desserts

C R E AT E N EW T R A D I T I O N S O R CO N T I N U E C H E R I S H E D O L D O N E S T H I S S E A S O N BY A D D I N G PA R K E R A RTS TO YO U R H O L I DAY PL A N S !

(Family Features) Once the table is cleared and gifts are put away, it’s often time for one of the favorite moments of holiday gatherings. The taste (and smell) of those divine desserts you may only make once a year is enough to keep guests hungry even after the main course. Put a new staple on holiday menus for years to come with this Cran-Raspberry Quinoa Pudding Trifle that combines fresh raspberries, vibrant cranberry sauce, orange juice and orange zest for a unique dessert. Ready in 30 minutes, it can be an easy way to impress everyone at the table with a creamy pudding base inspired by favorite winter flavors. As a tasty treat that’s ideal for just about any occasion, this take on rice pudding is made using Success Boil-in-Bag Tri-Color Quinoa, which offers a heat-safe, BPA-free and FDA-approved bag and is easily prepared in just 10 minutes.

Its light, nutty flavor and versatility creates a pudding that’s perfect for a wide range of pairings, from satisfying chocoholics or pumpkin-spice fanatics to whipping up a sweet, simple dessert. For a comforting dish full of familiar cold-weather flavors, serve Pumpkin Pecan Rice Pudding Bars. Pumpkin-spice fanatics can enjoy their favorite ingredient mixed into a rice pudding base sweetened with coconut milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, whipping cream and maple syrup. This holiday-inspired dessert relies on the fluffiness of Success Boil-in-Bag White Rice as a high-quality, precooked solution. The boil-in-bag rice is quick and easy with no measuring and no mess, and it’s ready in 10 minutes to make seasonal recipes a cinch. Find more sweet holiday recipe inspiration at SuccessRice.com.

CRAN-RASPBERRY QUINOA PUDDING TRUFFLE LOCATED IN PARKER, THE PACE CENTER IS JUST MINUTES SOUTH OF DOWNTOWN DENVER

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Prep time: 25 minutes Cook time: 5 minutes Servings: 6 Quinoa Pudding: 2 bags Success Tri-Color Quinoa 4 cups almond milk 3 tablespoons honey 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon Creamy Yogurt Layer: 2 cups plain Greek yogurt

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3 tablespoons honey 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 cup heavy cream Cran-Raspberry Layer:

1/2 cup cranberry sauce 1/4 cup orange juice 1 teaspoon orange zest 2 cups fresh raspberries 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted 2 cups gluten-free vanilla cookies, chopped SEE DESSERTS, P11

PULLOUT ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT: HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS 2023

DESSERTS FROM PAGE 10

1/2 cup fresh raspberries To make quinoa pudding: Prepare quinoa according to package directions, substituting almond milk for water. Drain, reserving almond milk. Remove quinoa from bags and stir into almond milk in saucepan over medium heat. Stir in honey, vanilla and cinnamon. Bring to simmer. Cook, stirring constantly, 5-8 minutes, or until thickened slightly. Refrigerate 45-60 minutes, or until well chilled. To make creamy yogurt

layer: In large bowl, stir yogurt, honey and vanilla. In separate bowl, beat cream until stiff peaks form. Stir whipped cream into yogurt mixture until blended. Refrigerate until ready to use. To make cran-raspberry layer: In medium bowl, stir cranberry sauce, orange juice and orange zest. Gently fold in raspberries. To assemble: In 10cup trifle dish, layer 1/3 quinoa mixture, 2 tablespoons almonds, 1/3 cran-raspberry mixture, 1/3 vanilla cookies and 1/3 yogurt mixture. Repeat layers twice. Garnish with remaining raspberries and almonds.

PUMPKIN PECAN RICE PUDDING BARS Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 40 minutes Servings: 4-6 1 bag Success White Rice 1 cup pecans 4 cups coconut milk 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree 3/4 cup brown sugar 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice 1/2 teaspoon salt 3 eggs 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup heavy whipping cream 2 tablespoons maple syrup

Prepare rice according to package directions. Preheat oven to 350 F. Spread pecans on baking sheet and toast 8-10 minutes. Cool then chop. In large saucepan over medium-high heat, combine milk, pumpkin, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice and salt. Bring to boil, stirring constantly. Slowly add about 1/2 cup hot liquid to eggs and beat well. Stir egg mixture back into saucepan and cook over medium-high heat 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cooked rice, vanilla and pecans. Pour mixture into greased 13-by-9-inch baking dish. Bake, uncov-

ered, 30 minutes, or until knife inserted near center comes out clean. Whip heavy cream to soft peaks then add maple syrup and continue beating until peaks form. Serve with warm pudding. Tip: For sweeter pudding, increase brown sugar to 1 1/2 cups.

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PULLOUT ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT: HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS 2023

(StatePoint) The holiday season is a magical time of year ﬁlled with cherished traditions that bring families together. And while gift-giving is one of the most beloved customs (especially for children), it can sometimes overshadow the true spirit of the season. Here are a few festive winter activities that focus on quality time together and spreading joy.

Spread Joy with Kid-Created Cards. According to a recent survey from AmericanGreetings.com, nearly 90% of Americans say that season’s greetings bring them joy; and 92% say they speciﬁcally enjoy kids’ homemade cards. This year, eliminate the stress of planning holiday cards—and teach kids about spreading cheer— with the Creatacard app for iPad. The easy-to-use app from American Greetings allows kids to create, color and customize cards using virtual tools, including markers, photo frames, stamps and and stickers. Once complete, the greeting can be sent via email, text, or on social media. It’s a simple, cost-eﬀective and personalized way to teach them about bringing joy to others.

Quality Time in the Kitchen. Kids love sweet treats, so start involving them with baking and decorating traditional holiday goodies. In addition to being an excellent way to spend time together as a family, the tradition teaches them cooking basics, like reading recipes and measuring ingredients. Be sure to make it fun with plenty of frosting and sprinkles, or even add some competition with a decorating contest. You can also pair this activity with a cozy movie night or deliver treats to neighbors and family members to teach the importance of kindness and giving.

Deck the Halls. A perfect holiday tradition for the whole family to get involved in is the Christmas tree. Whether it’s a trip to pick out a real tree, or setting up an artiﬁcial one, you can make it an adventure from set-up to decoration. Plus, crafting homemade ornaments each year is the perfect kid contribution. Not only will they take pride in their creations, but each year will spark a bit of holiday nostalgia.

Interactive Christmas Countdown. According to a recent survey, what do 94% of Americans say increases the excite-

ment of the holiday season? Advent calendars. But this year, skip the paper versions and get the whole family engaged with the interactive Jacquie Lawson Advent Calendar. The unique virtual calendar oﬀers breathtaking illustrations of a ﬁctional English country estate with exciting features unlocked daily in December. From a scavenger hunt to music, daily gifts, animated stories, books, games, creative activities, puzzles, and so much more, there, there’ something for everyone to enjoy and look forward to each day of the season.

Teach the Spirit of Giving. While it can sometimes be easier to do the holiday shopping yourself, involving kids in gift-giving can teach them the thoughtfulness behind selecting meaningful gifts. If you have a large family, consider a Secret Santa where everyone shops for one speciﬁc family member. This is also a good opportunity to help kids make homemade gifts with more sentimental value. For an added lesson, explain how to follow a budget and count money when at the store. By incorporating these tips into your holiday traditions, you will create lasting memories, instill valuable lessons and celebrate the joy of giving with your family.

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PULLOUT ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT: HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS 2023

HOW TO

T R A M S OUT NALS I M I R C

AND PROTECT YOURSELF FROM FRAUD THIS WINTER HOLIDAY SHOPPING SEASON

(BPT) - By Martha Weaver, Retail Gift Card Association Fraud Committee Chair It’s unfortunate, but criminals are smart and getting more sophisticated every day. With so much technology and artificial intelligence (AI) readily available, they constantly find cunning ways to prey on honest, hard-working people. Criminals use different scams to steal money in clever ways, and many use methods that involve debit and credit cards, bank accounts and gift cards. People love gift cards, which have been the top requested gift in the U.S. for nearly two decades according to the National Retail Federation. And this holiday shopping season, gift cards will be a go-to for millions of people with positive intentions. But just like everyday people love giving, receiving and using gift cards,

unfortunately so do criminals. I am a fraud expert with the Retail Gift Card Association (RGCA), a nonprofit trade organization that represents the gift card industry. We have more than 100 of the world’s top brands on our roster, and our mission is to promote positive gift card experiences among shoppers - which includes working with law enforcement to go after criminals and providing shoppers like you with tools that help you spot and avoid fraud, protect yourself and report the crimes. Here are our top gift card safety tips: • Gift cards can only be used at the company on the card. If you get asked to send money or pay for another service with a gift card, STOP and contact law enforcement, even if the fraudster tells you not to talk to anyone or a loved one is in trouble.

No real government agency or business will ever reach out and ask you to pay them with gift cards - and you can’t pay taxes or bail money with gift cards. • Check gift card packaging at the store and make sure the gift card hasn’t been tampered with. Look for things like ripped or torn packaging or missing scratch-off material over the top of the PIN number. If something doesn’t look right, pick another card and show the questionable card to a store associate. • When you buy a gift card, keep your activation receipt as proof of your purchase. This will help make sure that, even if a criminal does get ahold of your card or card information, you can get your money back. • Only buy gift cards from trusted sources. If you’re offered a deal that’s too good to be true, like a big

discount on a gift card, it’s likely a scam or you’re getting a fraudulent card. • Store your gift cards securely and don’t share gift card numbers or PINs with people you don’t know. If you think you have been scammed or see fraud happening, contact your local law enforcement or the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint or via this toll-free number: 1-877-FTCHELP. You can also report IRS impersonation scams to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, visit their website or call 800-366-4484. More information about how to have amazing gift card experiences is available at GiftCardSafety.org. You can learn more about the gift card industry at www.thergca.org.

HOLIDAY Saturday, December 2

2:00 p.m - 6:00 p.m. | Highlands Ranch Town Center South

Get into the holiday spirit! • Carolers • Live Reindeer • Carriage Rides • Photos with Santa! • Tree Lighting at 4:45 p.m. • The Winter Market will also have holiday food & gifts available for purchase • Family friendly event