Family & Consumer Sciences Newslettertodd.ca.uky.edu/files/may_2020_issue_2_with_spirit... ·...
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Todd County Extension Family & Consumer Sciences Newsletter May 2020, Issue 2 Protect yourself from COVID-19 scams Scammers will take advantage of any news story to come up with a related scam to steal your information or your money. Consumer protection agencies are reporting a variety of new scams related to COVID-19. The following are some ways to protect against scams of any type, no matter the current headlines. Tip 1: Don’t wire money or send a gift card to a stranger. Scammers will often pretend to be someone they are not in imposter scams. They are hoping to gain your trust so they can gather your information for identity theft. Or they use their disguise to threaten you, hoping to scare you into sending money. The scammer typically wants you to wire money or pay by gift card – which can’t be tracked or reversed. Sometimes the scammer will impersonate a family member in need of assistance, such as in the grandparent scam. Other times it will be a false government official. The scammer may pretend to be the U.S. Treasury or IRS, claiming to need your information or a payment in order to send your stimulus check or business grant. The money for these checks will be direct deposited to the account you filed for your 2018 or 2019 taxes. Check irs.gov/coronavirus if you have questions. Beware if charities ask for donations in these nontraditional formats. Only donate to trusted charities. Tip 2: Research and verify businesses and their claims. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Food and Drug Administration have recently sent warning letters to companies selling products with false claims of treating or preventing the coronavirus. The FTC says the companies do not provide evidence of these claims as the law requires. Also, watch out for advance fee scams. In these scams, the seller asks for additional money for shipping or other cash up front. The item paid for may never be delivered or is not the quality promised. In one of these scams, the scammer offers to run errands such as picking up groceries and prescriptions. The scammer takes the list and the money but doesn’t return. Another scam involves fake COVID-19 testing sites. In online purchase scams, people purchase items but never receive them. These scams have been found connected to a variety of products, from in-demand cleaning and household supplies to medical protective equipment. Cooperative Extension Service Todd County PO Box 97 Elkton, KY 42220 (270) 265-5659 Fax: (270) 265-3534 extension.ca.uky.edu
Transcript of Family & Consumer Sciences Newslettertodd.ca.uky.edu/files/may_2020_issue_2_with_spirit... ·...
Todd County Extension Family & Consumer Sciences
Newsletter
May 2020, Issue 2
Protect yourself from COVID-19 scams Scammers will take advantage of any news story to come up with a related scam to steal your information or your money. Consumer protection agencies are reporting a variety of new scams related to COVID-19. The following are some ways to protect against scams of any type, no matter the current headlines. Tip 1: Don’t wire money or send a gift card to a stranger. Scammers will often pretend to be someone they are not in imposter scams. They are hoping to gain your trust so they can gather your information for identity theft. Or they use their disguise to threaten you, hoping to scare you into sending money. The scammer typically wants you to wire money or pay by gift card – which can’t be tracked or reversed. Sometimes the scammer will impersonate a family member in need of assistance, such as in the grandparent scam. Other times it will be a false government official. The scammer may pretend to be the U.S. Treasury or IRS, claiming to need your information or a payment in order to send your stimulus check or business grant. The money for these checks will be direct deposited to the
account you filed for your 2018 or 2019 taxes. Check irs.gov/coronavirus if you have questions. Beware if charities ask for donations in these nontraditional formats. Only donate to trusted charities. Tip 2: Research and verify businesses and their claims. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Food and Drug Administration have recently sent warning letters to companies selling products with false claims of treating or preventing the coronavirus. The FTC says the companies do not provide evidence of these claims as the law requires. Also, watch out for advance fee scams. In these scams, the seller asks for additional money for shipping or other cash up front. The item paid for may never be delivered or is not the quality promised. In one of these scams, the scammer offers to run errands such as picking up groceries and prescriptions. The scammer takes the list and the money but doesn’t return. Another scam involves fake COVID-19 testing sites. In online purchase scams, people purchase items but never receive them. These scams have been found connected to a variety of products, from in-demand cleaning and household supplies to medical protective equipment.
Cooperative Extension Service Todd County PO Box 97 Elkton, KY 42220 (270) 265-5659 Fax: (270) 265-3534 extension.ca.uky.edu
Tip 3: Avoid clicking links in emails and texts, and don’t share your personal information. Avoid clicking links to protect yourself from phishing. Phishing is when scammers attempt to trick you by sending a fake email or text, or using a copycat website or pop-up. Some of these false messages are meant to trick you into clicking and downloading viruses or malware onto your computer, tablet, or phone. Scammers are now impersonating the World Health Organization or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They may claim to have information about the virus in hopes you will click the link. Other phishing attempts will ask you to provide personal information. Government agencies and companies you do business with will not ask for your personal information. Keep your name, password, PIN, Social Security number, and other identifying information confidential. You can report phishing to the FTC at [email protected]. Hang up on robo calls. Recordings and hired staff are now calling about fake tests, small business listings, Social Security checks, insurance, work-at-home, and more. Don’t press any numbers or share any information. Tip 4: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Many scams fall into this category! The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is warning people about false investment opportunities. Publicly traded companies may claim their products and services will offer coronavirus solutions and that their stock price will rise. Investments are not guaranteed, so anything promised as a “sure bet” may be suspicious. Always research investments before buying. Also, watch out for employment scams promising that you can do a little work from home for a lot of money. Many of these are advance fee scams in disguise. They promise to reimburse for costs but never deliver, or make you pay up front for licenses or insurance. You can report scams to the FTC at https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov or
to the Kentucky Attorney General at 888-432-9257. If you’d like to receive scam alerts, you can sign up by texting KYOAG Scam to GOV311 (468311). Report phishing and hacking scams to the FBI at www.ic3.gov. For up-to-date information about COVID-19 in Kentucky, visit kycovid19.ky.gov. Reference: “Coronavirus: What the FTC Is Doing.” Federal Trade Commission. (Retrieved April 7, 2020.) https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/coronavirus-scams-what-ftc-doing Source: Kelly May, Senior Extension Associate for Family Finance and Resource Management ********************************************* Pennyrile Area Homemaker Bingo Please participate in the Homemaker Bingo game that was in the previous newsletter. Mark all spots that you can and fill in the blanks, where applicable. Email [email protected] a picture of your completed card or mail it back to the Todd County Extension Office, PO Bo 97, Elkton, KY 42220. You will get a prize (after all this is over) for your participation. The deadline to submit Bingo for a prize is June 30. ********************************************* KEHA Spirit Week KEHA Spirit Week is May 18-22. Please see the page included with this newsletter and participate. ********************************************* Please contact me if I can be of assistance to you! Sincerely, Jill B. Harris Jill B. Harris County Extension Agent for Family & Consumer Sciences Education
Todd County Extension Office Update The Todd County Extension Office is limiting access to the public at this time. Agents and staff are still working, although most work is being done remotely. If you need anything from us, call the office number at 270-265-5659 and someone will assist you. You may also reach me at my home number, on my cell phone, or by email at [email protected]. Homemaker Club Meetings The KEHA Board strongly suggests that Homemaker clubs do not meet at this time and continue to monitor guidance from the CDC for the next few weeks. June Leader Trainings The June lesson “Plan Now for Holiday Expenses” will be taught on Zoom on June 2, 2:00 p.m. The information to join is below or you can email [email protected] to request the link. Handouts will be mailed with the newsletter. Join from PC, Mac, Linux, or mobile device: https://uky.zoom.us/j/93231748209 Or Telephone: Dial: +1 301 715 8592 (US Toll) +1 312 626 6799 (US Toll) +1 646 876 9923 (US Toll) +1 253 215 8782 (US Toll) +1 346 248 7799 (US Toll) +1 669 900 6833 (US Toll) Meeting ID: 932 3174 8209 Opportunities on Facebook Todd County Extension Family & Consumer Sciences has a Facebook Page. We share educational learning opportunities that are provided by UK Family & Consumer Sciences as well as educational information and events happening at our office. I have started a new Facebook Group for Todd County Homemakers. If you are on Facebook
and have not been added to the new group, search for Todd County Homemakers Group and look for this logo. Ask to join the group. Tag us on Facebook with your homemaker/FCS related photos. Use the hashtag #ToddFCS June Virtual Homemaker Meeting Todd County Homemakers are planning to meet on-line June 9, 6:30 p.m. by Zoom. Donna Settle is going to preside over the meeting and a volunteer is going to present the lesson. The information on how to join is listed below. If you are joining from your computer, send an email to [email protected] and I will email you the invitation to join. That way you can click on the link in the email. Join from PC, Mac, Linux, or mobile device: https://uky.zoom.us/j/99691851879 Or Telephone: Dial: +1 301 715 8592 (US Toll) +1 312 626 6799 (US Toll) +1 646 876 9923 (US Toll) +1 253 215 8782 (US Toll) +1 346 248 7799 (US Toll) +1 669 900 6833 (US Toll) Meeting ID: 996 9185 1879 Face Masks for UK Children’s Hospital Our friends at the Kentucky Children’s Hospital need your help! Contact Jill Harris at the Todd County Extension Service for patterns and construction information for the specific face masks they require and for collection information. We will get your donated masks to the facility. For additional information call 270-265-5659 or email [email protected] .
Join Family and Consumer Sciences Extension in celebrating a special Spirit Week to honor you – our County Extension Homemaker
Members! Each day from May 18th to May 22nd, we invite you to share a response for the daily theme.
DAILY THEMESMake It Monday – Share a photo of a creative project you have started or finished while #HealthyAtHome. This could include sewing, quilting, knitting, crocheting, painting, scrapbooking, etc. Think about the KEHA Cultural Arts categories!
Turn the Page Tuesday – Post a photo of a book you are currently reading or finished reading while #HealthyAtHome.
Wellness Wednesday – What are you doing to maintain your wellness while staying #HealthyAtHome? Share a comment or photo of how you are staying physically active, reducing stress, practicing mindfulness or any other wellness activity.
Tasty Thursday – Share a photo of one new food or recipe you have tried while being #HealthyAtHome.
Feel Good Friday – What makes you smile or feel happy? Share a comment or photo of something that has made you feel good while being #HealthyAtHome.
Team KEHA Spirit Week
SHARE YOUR RESPONSE
Educational programs of Kentucky Cooperative Extension serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.
How to Safely Wear and Take Off a Cloth Face Covering
cdc.gov/coronavirusCS 316439A 04/30/2020
PHARMACY
CLOTH B
ARR
IER
For instructions on making a cloth face covering, see:
Cloth face coverings are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators, both of which should be saved for health care workers and other medical first responders.
WEAR YOUR FACE COVERING CORRECTLY
USE THE FACE COVERING TO PROTECT OTHERS
FOLLOW EVERYDAY HEALTH HABITS
TAKE OFF YOUR CLOTH FACE COVERING CAREFULLY, WHEN YOU’RE HOME
• Wash your hands before putting on your face covering• Put it over your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin• Try to fit it snugly against the sides of your face • Make sure you can breathe easily• Do not place a mask on a child younger than 2
• Wear a face covering to protect others in case you’re infected but don’t have symptoms• Keep the covering on your face the entire time you’re in public• Don’t put the covering around your neck or up on your forehead• Don’t touch the face covering, and, if you do, clean your hands
• Stay at least 6 feet away from others• Avoid contact with people who are sick• Wash your hands often, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds each time• Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available
• Untie the strings behind your head or stretch the ear loops• Handle only by the ear loops or ties• Fold outside corners together• Place covering in the washing machine• Wash your hands with soap and water
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