Quintessential Newsman Trained in a News Field of Dreams Longtime Prescott resident and dedicated community member Ray Newton, a career journalist and educator, is being honored by QCBN with the Best of Business Ray Newton Excellence in Education Award. Ray has taught and mentored thousands of journalism students and mass communications professionals and has served as a tireless advocate for education in Arizona. See story on page 3.
Computer Experts Warn Users About Increase in Scams I
By Stan Bindell, QCBN
nformation Technology expert Robert Moses says many of his customers are concerned about computer scans, and according to the Better Business Bureau, they have good reason to be on high alert. Scamming is a $10 billion industry and the BBB reports online scams rose 87% from 2015 to 2022.
Moses, the owner of Idea Karma LLC in Chino Valley, wants to make computer users aware of scams so they recognize suspicious activity when they see it. He says a lot of online pop-up advertisements are designed to make computer users think their computer has a virus, when they do not. Another scam involves postcards that arrive in the mail claiming guarantees for software have expired.
There are also scams with callers posing as representatives from Microsoft, Amazon or similar companies. “They want you to give them access to your computer. You should not do that. They will not call you. It will be on you to call them if you have a problem,” he said. One scam tells the victim that their house is going to be foreclosed on if they don’t pay them. “They prey on
homeowners. They say they are going to save you from foreclosure. They get your title and then they kick you out.” Another popular scam involves online dating. Criminals create fake profiles. Once the person gains the other’s trust, they ask for large sums of money. Scammers have devised “hundreds” of ways to get into people’s
Continued on page 38
Superhosts Share Tips for Short-Term Rental Success Airbnb designation attracts visitors, increases revenue
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Airbnb Superhost Wendy Chavis of Prescott enjoys anticipating guests’ needs, providing special touches and making their stay a memorable visit. Photo by Kay Lyons
April 2023 | Issue 4 Volume 11
By Stacey Wittig, QCBN
endy Chavis designed and built her Prescott home to raise her teenaged daughters. But empty nest syndrome began to emerge when they left home after high school. “Airbnb took the empty nest right out of the house,” declared the Airbnb Superhost. From her four-bedroom home, guests can see the mountains and are close to the Prescott National Forest. “The online description of my Airbnb talks about plenty of peace and quiet, so it brings in the kind of guest that fits right in,” said Chavis, a residential sales realtor with Weichert, Realtors - CLA. “I get many female solo travelers who are attracted to the description.” And through their glowing reviews, they attract more visitors to her home. “It seems like a blessing for all who come, so it’s an honor to provide a welcoming space. I anticipate my
guests’ needs, like bringing a cup of hot tea to a weary traveler arriving late.”
A BADGE OF HONOR
Every quarter, Airbnb evaluates the hosting performance of the past 12 months for all listings on the host’s account. Hosting performance is measured on various criteria, including response rate, cancelation rate and overall rating. Hosts must maintain a 4.8 rating to earn the Superhost badge. “The Superhost program was created in 2014 to celebrate and reward the top-rated and most experienced Airbnb hosts,” report Airbnb officials in a news release. “Regardless of what kind of space they list on the platform – from a simple spare room to a sprawling estate – any host can become a Superhost by consistently offering exceptional hospitality. And it pays off.” Continued on page 36
4th Annual Prescott ATHENA Leadership Awards The ATHENA Leadership Award® is presented to an exemplary leader who has achieved excellence in their business or profession, served the community in a meaningful way and, most importantly, actively assisted women to achieve their Hosted by:
full leadership potential. SAVE THE DATE: SEPTEMBER 24