Page 18 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JULY 7, 2023 BBB Scam Alert: Fake events & phony tickets take festival goers by surprise M any people are looking forward to fun festivals this summer. As usual, scammers are taking advantage of the building excitement. This time, they are cashing in with phony tickets – and even fake events. How the scam works: You see a fantastic deal on tickets to a summer festival in your area, usually through a link on social media. The event promises live music, all-you-can-eat meals, craft beer or wine or other fun activities. When you click the social media link, it takes you to a professional website with fantastic pictures. You enter your credit card information to buy tickets and think you are all set. But before you buy, do a little research. Whether the event is nonexistent, merely disappointing, or you just bought phony tickets, the result is the same: someone pockets your hard-earned money! The Better Business Bureau (BBB) Scam Tracker has received numerous reports from people who purchased fake tickets to actual events or events that have yet to materialize. A customer in Memphis reported buying tickets for $82.50 to a “Bubble Run” in June 2022 that never happened: “Facebook event page advertised the Bubble run as a free event. I purchased 4 ‘entries’ with glasses and tutus and they charged my debit card. They then cancelled the event [and] refuse to respond to emails. They are still advertising on Facebook like the event is happening.” One consumer who purchased tickets to a fake beer crawl reported: “Reviews across multiple platforms make it clear that these events are at best extremely misleading or at worst canceled. No refunds are given, even when their inconsistent and mostly-unreachable customer service email address responds to confi rm a refund will be provided.” How to spot a fake festival • Research before you buy. Search online for the festival’s name and ensure the name advertised matches the website. Scammers often use names that sound similar to those of real festivals. • Check for (working) contact information. Be sure the festival website has a real phone number and email address. • Watch out for prices that sound too good to be true. There is no way a festival can off er tickets at extremely low prices without losing money. If the prices are much lower than elsewhere, it’s likely a scam. What can you do? • Pay with a credit card. You can dispute the charges if the business doesn’t come through. Be wary of online sellers that don’t accept credit cards. • Look for secure sites. The website should begin with HTTPS (the extra “s” is for secuExpert: Malaria spread to Massachusetts unlikely now, but future risks loom I n a recent health advisory, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) disclosed that five people have been infected with malaria in the United States within the last two months. These cases, four from Florida and one from Texas, mark the fi rst instances of locally acquired malaria in the nation since 2003. Amidst rising concerns, Zachary Smith, a licensed pest control expert from PestDude.com, provides reassurances to residents in states, such as Massachusetts. According to Smith, the likelihood of malaria spreading in the short term is low, and the recent outbreaks are expected to remain localized. However, he also sounded an alarm regarding the long-term implications of climate change, which might make the United States more susceptible to malaria in the future. Malaria, a mosquito-borne infectious disease, was nearly eradicated in the United States by the early 1950s. However, recent developments have reignited fears among citizens, particularly in states neighboring Florida and Texas. Zachary Smith spoke about the recent outbreaks: “It’s essential to keep in perspective that these cases are relatively isolated. The risk of malaria spreading to states like Massachusetts is minimal at this juncture. The current surveillance and control measures are capable of containing it.” He further explained that multiple factors contribute to the containment: “We have better health infrastructure, surveillance, and public awareness compared to the past. These play a signifi cant role in ensuring that any outbreak does not turn into an epidemic.” However, Smith also warned against complacency. While the immediate danger appears to be contained, he emphasized the growing threat posed by climate change. As temperatures rise, the environment becomes more hospitable for the mosquitoes that carry the malaria parasite. “The reality is that climate change is making the United States warmer, and this has implications for mosquito-borne diseases like malaria,” Smith commented. “As conditions become more favorable for mosquito breeding, we might see malaria re-establishing itself in areas where it was once eradicated.” The changing climate conditions also mean that the disease could fi nd new territories. This means that states that haven’t traditionally been aff ected by malaria might face risks in the future. “The cases in Florida and Texas should serve as a wakeup call. They are a reminder that things can change and that we need to be prepared for the long term,” Smith added. He urged for investment in research, enhanced surveillance, and public education to mitigate the risks in the future. The CDC has also acknowledged the potential risks associated with climate change. In the health advisory, it urged healthcare providers to consider malaria diagnoses in fever patients and to report cases to health departments. People, on their part, can also play an essential role in combating the spread of malaria. Smith emphasized the importance of community involvement. “Community engagement is vital. People need to be informed and take measures such as eliminating standing water, using mosquito nets and repellents, and staying vigilant,” he noted. As the situation evolves, it’s important to stay informed through reliable sources, such as the CDC, and to heed the advice of experts in the fi eld of disease control and prevention. For more information and to read research, visit PestDude. com. rity) and have a lock symbol on the address bar. • Avoid tickets sold on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace and other free online listings. Scammers are skilled at providing realistic tickets and fake receipts. Check out third-party ticket sites at BBB.org before making purchases. For more information Read BBB’s tips for buying tickets to an event at https://www. bbb.org/article/tips/13986-bbbtip-buying-tickets. For general information on how to avoid scams, visit BBB.org/AvoidScams. For more advice, read BBB’s tips on online shopping at https://www.bbb.org/article/ news-releases/14040-bbb-tipsmart-shopping-online. If you’ve spotted an event scam, report it to BBB ScamTracker. 1. On July 7, ca. 1906, renowned baseball pitcher Leroy Robert Paige was born; what was his nickname? 2. In 1964 what band had a hit with “Under the Boardwalk”? 3. On July 8, 1776, the Liberty Bell rang at what State House to invite residents to the fi rst public reading of the Declaration of Independence? 4. What singer with a oneword name has had tours called “Living Proof: The Farewell Tour” and “Here We Go Again”? 5. What U.S. president born in Vermont had a bulldog named Boston Beans? 6. On July 9, 1955, what single by Bill Haley & His Comets became the fi rst rock-and-roll recording to be number one on Billboard’s pop charts? 7. What basketball star who had a lucrative shoe endorsement career retired from the sport in 1993, 1999 and 2003? 8. Why does the bullfrog have “bull” in its name? 9. On July 10, 2019, Volkswagen ended production of what? 10. What state has an area known as the “bootheel”? 11. In 1992 the Olympics debuted what sport performed Answers on sand? 12. What familiar Asian word means “planted in a container”? 13. July 11 is Cow Appreciation Day; the day was launched as part of what restaurant chain’s “Eat Mor Chikin” marketing? 14. Where is the Rhaetian Railway, which, according to Guinness World Records, has had the longest narrow gauge passenger train in the world: Australia, Germany or Switzerland? 15. What American author/ humorist who was born in Florida, Missouri, said, “Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter”? 16. On July 12, 1976, what family-centric game show debuted on ABC? 17. Who is the only Pope Emeritus? 18. Why did Richard Nixon relinquish his lifelong Secret Service protection? 19. “The Birdman of Alcatraz,” who could not actually have birds there, was serving what kind of sentence? 20. July 13 is National French Fry Day; what country believes it invented the dish and had it listed by UNESCO as a cultural treasure? 1. Satchel 2. The Drifters 3. Pennsylvania State House (later called Independence Hall) 4. Cher 5. Calvin Coolidge 6. “Rock Around the Clock” 7. Michael Jordan 8. Because some think it sounds like a cow mooing. 9. The Beetle 10. Missouri 11. Beach volleyball 12. Bonsai 13. Chick-fi l-A 14. Switzerland (100 coaches in 2022) 15. Mark Twain 16. “Family Feud” 17. Benedict XVI 18. To save the country money 19. Life imprisonment in solitary confi nement (He studied birds and had them while at Leavenworth Penitentiary.) 20. Belgium
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