Be Aware of New Scams

BY LISA S.T. DOSS

Ding. Ah, checking an incoming notification often leads to anticipation, wondering who among family and friends has left an insightful message. The text says, “For having a great driving record, we’d like to send you a check for $1,597.59. Please click the link; you only have today to claim the money.” Of course, the message plays upon two human desires, greed and fear. While you would like to benefit from the unexpected cash flow, acting fast would provide a feeling of relief. Ask yourself, “Is it too good to be true?” Absolutely! Most messages call for urgency, promise substantial cash within a short timeframe and claim to have confidential or insider information. Take the time to notice the source of the text. Too often, con artists will use a peculiar name, not a business. The only action is to click the box marked “block.” Never fear; it won’t be the last time someone attempts to lure you. The goal is to identify the trap before you make a regrettable decision!

What is Phishing?

The “phishing” line has a recognizable company, whether from a bank, credit card company, website, social media site or online payment. The bait often includes a story to trick you into opening the attachment.

A few tricks may include statements, such as:

• We’ve noticed some suspicious activity or log-in attempts.

• There’s a problem with your account or payment information.

• Please confirm your personal information.

• Please click on a link to make a payment.

• You are eligible for a refund.

The solution is to log in through an official website or call the company to find out the truth; then, protect your computer or phone by using security software to update automatically, creating the ultimate defense against threats.

More Phone Scams

It may be easy to trust a phone call, especially when individuals introduce themselves and the business they represent. Immediately, when a problem arises, our first reaction is to listen closely and help. For example, we may learn of a compromised account quickly resolved by revealing the primary account holder’s Social Security number. Wait! Anyone who asks for your vital information, especially a Social Security number or password, and does not reveal the specific card or account is a scammer. If the person cannot answer your questions, hang up immediately and call the company yourself.

Five Circulating Scams

Through your online marketplace account, scammers will seek to validate whether you are a scammer. By requesting you return a verification code from Google

Voice, the ploy allows them to establish a Google Voice account in your name while hiding their identity from law enforcement. Fortunately, you can reclaim the fraudulent account by contacting the “Google Voice Help Center.”

Other scams circulating today are:

• QR CODES: Invented as a machine-readable optical label that contains data to a website or application, the QR code has gained popularity as a touchless option. Be wary of scammers prompting you to make a purchase, especially on look-alike websites.

• THE ZELLE APP: Con artists pretending to work for your bank or credit union’s fraud department use a peer-to-peer payment app to fix the problem.

Unfortunately, the scam transfers money from your

“Zelle” account to theirs.

• ROMANCE SCAMS: Dating or social media sites continue to connect scammers to trusting victims.

Unfortunately, a believable story of needing money or a promise of a profitable return continues to be an effective trick. Fake accounts often have low numbers of followers or friends. Be mindful of the signs, such as stock photos or excuses of why they cannot meet in person.

• RENTAL ASSISTANCE: As more people relocate to

North Carolina, a housing shortage opens the door for individuals impersonating government or nonprofit employees seeking money to cover application fees.

Unfortunately, today, trust requires research; consider using the site cfpb.gov to locate legitimate programs.

Basic security measures can help protect you from fraud. If you suspect a spam call, don’t respond or press a button; the safest option is to ignore the call or hang up. Another precaution is registering for free credit monitoring. Many banks already have a service for their customers; however, you can determine how other companies, such as credit card companies, handle fraud by calling today. Validating information may take time, but it’s a vital step in protecting your identity and savings.

BY SUSAN B B SCHABACKER

Make the most of fresh produce with seasonal offerings this summer, and boost your health with a variety of nutrient-plentiful salads. Try these creative salad recipes for omnivores and vegans alike to enjoy. Fresh is best and, when possible, opt for organic and support your local farmers while supporting your health.

Whether you head to your local farmers market for your produce, grocery store or decide to grow your own, don’t miss out on what’s in season. Feel vibrant with vitality as you enjoy your salads this summer!

No need to be bored with the same ol’ salads. Whatever your type, bring a taste of the world to your table with these healthy options.

To make the recipes below, combine ingredients depending on your preferences and what’s on hand.

SOUTHWESTERN COBB SALAD

INGREDIENTS: Chopped or shredded romaine lettuce or other salad greens, chopped grilled or baked chicken, corn, black beans, pico de gallo, chopped or minced bell/sweet peppers, diced or minced jalapenos/habaneros or other spicy peppers for kick, avocado slices, hard boiled eggs sliced, shredded pepper jack cheese, bacon bits and add a few sprigs of cilantro to garnish.

CREAMY CHIPOTLE LIME DRESSING: Combine any of the following: avocado or EVOO (extra virgin olive oil), mayonnaise/ half and half/nut milk, red wine/apple cider vinegar, lime juice, honey/blue agave, finely chopped cilantro (optional) and spices such as chili, cumin, paprika/cayenne and white pepper.

ASIAN SLAW SALAD

INGREDIENTS: Shredded or chopped red cabbage, green cabbage and savoy cabbage or mixed spring greens, matchstick carrots, chopped green onions, chopped sweet peppers, diced granny smith apples, mandarin oranges, crushed peanuts and chopped cilantro and/or basil. Serve with slice(s) of lime and sprigs of cilantro to garnish. SWEET AND/OR SPICY GINGER LIME MISO VINAIGRETTE: Toasted sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, chicken or vegetable broth, miso paste, grated or powdered ginger, lime zest and juice, honey or maple syrup for sweetness and/or wasabi and cayenne pepper for spiciness.

JAMAICAN JERK CHICKEN SALAD

INGREDIENTS: Jamaican jerk chicken (rolled in chili, allspice, ginger, cloves, cinnamon and thyme), minced bell peppers, chunks or wedges of pineapples, red or green onions, jicama and/or chayote matchsticks.

CREAMY MANGO LIME SALAD DRESSING: Mango (puree or blended), lime juice and zest, liquid fractionated coconut oil, coconut milk, blue agave or maple syrup, paprika, cumin, white pepper and cayenne pepper.

SEAFOOD NIÇOISE SALAD

INGREDIENTS: Boston lettuce, green beans, black olives, tomatoes, potatoes, hard boiled eggs, seafood medley of choice (scallops, shrimp, oysters, mussels, ahi tuna or salmon), sliced shallots or red onions, lemon wedges, capers, and sprigs of thyme to garnish.

VIN BLANC CESAR VINAIGRETTE: EVOO (extra virgin olive oil) or avocado oil, white wine, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, pureed anchovies, dry cheese (parmesan, Romano or Parmigiano-Reggiano) and minced or powdered garlic.

SCANDINAVIAN MIDSUMMER SALAD

INGREDIENTS: Arugula, asparagus, beets, granny smith apple slices, crumbled blue cheese, pickled herring, smoked salmon or other fish, red onion, fresh dill and lemon wedges to squeeze on and garnish.

LEMON GINGER VINAIGRETTE: Grapeseed oil, lemon zest and juice, grated ginger and honey or stevia to sweeten.

GREEK GOODNESS SUMMER SALAD

INGREDIENTS: Baby spinach, grape or cherry tomatoes, diced cucumbers, slivered red onions, crumbled feta cheese, Kalamata olives, pepperoncini and quinoa or couscous.

GREEK GODDESS VINAIGRETTE: EVOO (extra virgin olive oil) or avocado oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, oregano, minced or powdered garlic, black or white pepper, and lemon zest and juice.

NEW ORLEANS SOUTHERN SUMMER SALAD

INGREDIENTS: Dirty rice, red beans, chopped kale or romaine lettuce, chopped green onions, chopped celery, diced bell peppers. Add cooked and sliced andouille sausage, shrimp or shredded chicken.

FRUITALICIOUS FIX FRUIT SALAD

INGREDIENTS: Melon slices, berries (strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and/or raspberries), grapes, pineapple slices, banana slices and coconut flakes.

PESTO PASTA SALAD

INGREDIENTS: Pasta of choice, pesto, grape or cherry tomatoes, sautéed eggplant, mozzarella balls or slices, displayed on a bed of baby spinach, drizzled with EVOO (extra virgin olive oil) and balsamic vinegar. Add fresh basil to garnish.

BROCCOLI AND WILD RICE SALAD

INGREDIENTS: Chopped broccoli, wild rice, dried cranberries, pecans or walnuts, red onions and/or green onions, and bacon bits (optional). Drizzle with your favorite vinaigrette or simply add oil and vinegar.

FIND YOUR HOMEWORK HELP. FIND YOUR FUN. FIND YOUR Y.