Sheriff`s Corner

Hi everyone and welcome to the Sheriff's Corner. I'd like to use this week's Corner to touch on several things including a situation that is developing all over our country.

Please keep a close watch for people who stand near you at retail stores, restaurants, grocery stores and anywhere you might need to do a credit card or check transaction. If someone comes up and stands near you and they have a cell phone in their hand, they might be trying to take a picture of your credit card or check information. With the new cell phones, they can take a picture of your credit card or check, which gives them your name, number and expiration date.

Next, please be careful in your dealings on the Internet. I know we've discussed this before but I recently learned more about a growing trend in identification theft. We call it "brand spoofing" or "phishing". Brand spoofing because the perpetrators disguise themselves as a well-known company and then "phish" for your information. They will actually send you e-mails asking you to update billing information. The e-mails instruct you to go to the companies website and resubmit your personal information. They may even threaten to stop or suspend your credit privileges if you don't comply. Obviously, after they have your information, they then open new credit accounts and make purchases in your name.

If you receive one of these requests, don't go to the website to check it out. They look authentic and you might be tempted. Bottom line; don't respond to e-mails asking for personal information or your credit card account. You know also that you can call the company yourself.

In closing, I'd like to remind everyone that we are currently looking for people who want a great opportunity to serve in your V.O.I.C.E. organization. These are special people who volunteer their time, energy and vast knowledge to work with us to serve the people of Levy County better. I'll tell you all about these men and woman next week. Take care.