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THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, April 15, 2022 Page 21 BBB Scam Alert: Charged for an iPhone you didn’t buy? Don’t panic T his phishing scam looks like an honest mistake, but it’s not. The Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker is getting reports of phony emails that appear to be receipts for a new iPhone… that you didn’t buy. Scammers are hoping you’ll panic and contact them to correct the “error.” How the scam works You receive an email saying you purchased a new iPhone, and your Amazon account, bank account or credit card will be charged. But you didn’t buy a new phone! Eager to reverse the charge, you call the customer service number included in the email. The email might even specifically say: “Didn’t make this purchase? Contact us at…” or “If you feel you are receiving this message in error, contact us immediately.” When you call the number, you speak to a helpful customer service representative who REPORTS | FROM PAGE 4 cases reported last week ( during the period March 31 to April 6 ) increased to 28 cases this week ( during the period of April 7–13 ). RED CROSS | FROM PAGE 19 The American Red Cross has also deployed international crisis responders to Poland, Moldova, Hungary and Romania to provide humanitarian relief in support of the international Red Cross operation helping families who fled their homes. These highly trained crisis responders—who are lending skills such as information management, cash assistance programming, GIS systems, communications and leadership—are supporting on-the-ground relief efforts alongside local teams, including the Polish Red Cross, Moldovan Red Cross and Romanian Red Cross. Additionally, in line with its work supporting military families, the American Red Cross has sent trained staff to Europe to support emergency communication needs of U.S. military members, so they can stay in touch with family members back home. The Red Cross Hero Care Network is a Congressionally-chartered program that connects service members and their families in times of need. Red Crossers are also distributing comfort says they can fix the problem. However, you must act immediately before the charge posts to your account. One consumer reported the following: “I called the number to get a refund. I told them there wasn’t a purchase on my account for $999 and they told me it wouldn’t show up for 24 hours and that’s why I need to cancel it right away.” The scammer asked the consumer to download an app as part of the refund process. When the consumer refused, the scammer hung up on them. Con artists also told victims that their accounts had been hacked. In these cases, the “customer service rep” asked for credit card or bank information, claiming they need it to cancel the sale. No matter what scammers say, don’t fall for it. Remember, con artists often stoop to scare tactics to trick you into action. At Monday’s ( April 11 ) Board of Health meeting, the town’s Public Health Nurse, Teresa Riley-Singh, said there were 88 total confirmed COVID-19 cases last month. “ We are seekits, containing hygiene items and other necessities to service members and U.S. State Department staff. Blood Services At this time, the American Red Cross is not shipping blood products to Ukraine. The American Red Cross does not ship blood products outside the U.S. without a specific request from the U.S. Department of State, from the United Nations, or unless we have a request from affected Red Cross or Red Crescent societies abroad. Can I Volunteer or Donate Goods? In countries around the world, Red Cross and Red Crescent organizations have their own staff and volunteers who are trained to respond to largescale disaster operations. The American Red Cross sends highly specialized and experienced professionals with technical skills and expertise abroad only after the Red Cross or Red Crescent team requests assistance. Those not already on the Red Cross’s international disaster roster will not have the opportunity to deploy at this time. We encourage you How to avoid phishing scams z Double check the sender’s email address. Phishing emails are usually designed to look like they come from a reputable source, such as your bank or Amazon. But look closely at the sender’s email to see if it’s really from an official source. zCheck your bank for charges first. If you receive an email claiming that you’ve made a purchase, check your bank or credit card account. If the change isn’t there, it’s likely a scam. Don’t contact the scammers. Instead, erase the email and block the sender. z Never click on suspicious links. It’s best not to click on links in unsolicited emails you receive from unknown senders. These links could download malware onto your computer or mobile device, making you vulnerable to identity theft. ing a slight rise in cases, ” Riley-Singh said. “ I just want to encourage people — if you haven’t gotten vaccinated and want COVID to go away, please get vaccinated. to connect with your local Red Cross chapter for future opportunities or to visit redcross.org/volunteer for more information. While we are grateful for the outpouring of support, it’s important to know that neither the American Red Cross, nor our global Red Cross partners, are accepting the donation of in-kind goods such as food, clothing, blankets or toys at this time. These items can be difficult to manage on the ground and divert resources from our mission. Other charitable organizations are better suited to manage such donations. International Humanitarian Law The ICRC has called on authorities to adhere to international humanitarian law and to protect civilians and infrastructure delivering essential services, including power and water facilities, schools and hospitals. Peter Maurer, president of the ICRC, requested protection for humanitarian action so that aid agencies can maintain access to civilians. ICRC has also called for parties to agree to terms THIS WEEK ON SAUGUS TV Sunday, April 17 from 9–11 p.m. on Channel 8 – “Sunday Night Stooges” (The Three Stooges). Monday, April 18 all day on Channel 8 – “Movie Monday” (classic movies). Tuesday, April 19 at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 9 – Finance Committee Meeting from April 13. Wednesday, April 20 at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 9 – School Committee Meeting from April 13. Thursday, April 21 at 7 p.m. on Channel 8 – The Graff Report with Nick Graffio. Friday, April 22 at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 9 – Board of Health Meeting from April 11. Saturday, April 23 at 6 p.m. on Channel 8 – What’s Cookin’? with Mona Ahmad. Saugus TV can be seen on Comcast Channels 8, 9 & 22. For complete schedules, please visit www.saugustv.org. ***programming may be subject to change without notice*** BHRC | FROM PAGE 20 days immediately preceding the end of an annual session. During the week of April 4-8, the House met for a total of 36 minutes and the Senate met for a total of five hours and 46 minutes Mon. April 4 House 11:04 a.m. to 11:27 a.m. Senate 11:20 a.m. to 11:31 a.m. Tues. April 5 No House session No Senate session Wed. April 6 No House so safe passage of civilians is possible. Protecting Red Cross Workers The Red Cross emblem is strictly regulated under humanitarian law. In armed conflict, it may be used by medical staff and facilities, including army medics and vehicles. It may also be used by Red Cross and Red Crescent workers, vehicles, facilities and the humanitarian relief they bring. Resources for People Affected by the Conflict The ICRC has published a list of resources for people needing urgent help in Ukraine, including medical care, evacuation support, mental health support, shelter and safety tips. The IFRC Psychosocial Center also has resources for talking to children about war. For people fleeing the war in Ukraine, the European Union (EU) lists a comprehensive guide including rights when crossing the border into an EU country, eligibility for temporary protection and applying for international protection, as well as the rights session No Senate session Thurs. April 7 House 11:03 a.m. to 11:16 a.m. Senate 11:16 a.m. to 4:51 p.m. Fri. April 8 No House session No Senate session Bob Katzen welcomes feedback at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com Bob founded Beacon Hill Roll Call in 1975 and was inducted into the New England Newspaper and Press Association (NENPA) Hall of Fame in 2019. of travel inside the European Union. How to Find a Missing Loved One If you are trying to locate or get in touch with a U.S. citizen, please contact the U.S. Department of State Overseas Citizens Services Office online or call 1-888-407-4747. However, if you are looking for a family member who is not a U.S. citizen but is located in either Ukraine or Russia, the Red Cross may be able to reconnect you through our Restoring Family Links program. In neighboring countries where Ukrainians have fled, the Red Cross is distributing SIM cards for cell phones, so people can get in touch with their loved ones. Some family members have maintained contact with each other, but the situation is rapidly changing. As of now, most have maintained their own family connections via cell phones, but it is important to note that the telecommunication systems in the region have been affected. The ICRC and Ukraine Red Cross will continue to work together to help reconnect families, despite considerable challenges on the ground.

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