Sneakiest Consumer Scams, Beware! - Part 1

The following scams are considered to be the most common acts of fraud by some unscrupulous people who do any kind of tricks just to rip off consumers!
Actually, some of these are being done online, and I even receive some in the form of emails! Thank goodness, I ignored!

Scam#1": "This car's a cream puff."

The trick: You want a reliable car for a good price, but unscrupulous dealers bait you with advertised low-priced models that are not on the lot, sell rebuilt wrecks and flood-damaged cars without proper damage disclosure, roll back odometers, push overpriced extended-service contracts and unnecessary undercoating, they lowball the value of trade-ins, and add big mark ups that raise the cost of dealer financing.

What to do: Learn the fair deal by checking out car prices in advance. Let your mechanic inspect a prospective used-car purchase, and buy a vehicle history report. Arrange your own financing at a credit union or bank before you shop. Just say no to undercoating and other unneeded add-ons when doing price negotiation.

Scam #2: "You've just won..."

The trick: You get an unsolicited phone call saying you won some valuable prize or foreign lottery. To collect your money, they request you to wire fees to cover insurance, taxes, shipping or handling. Then, you never see your money again or collect any "winnings".

There is a new twist on this long time rip-off using the internet. Scammers use an internet technology known as "spoofing", so they desguise their phone numbers on your caller ID with legitimate federal agency numbers in Washington DC, and claim to be from Federal Trade Commission or an official "national consumer protection" agency.
The real FTC considers this scam as one of the highest on their scam list (rank #3) on its annual top fraud complaints list.

What to do: Real sweepstakes don't require upfront payments. Consider it red flag if a caller requests money. You can help prevent such calls by putting your phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry at www.donotcall.gov or calling 888-382-1222.

A Family Friendly Vacation

Family Friendly Vacation hotels or resorts I think must be one good place to give a good "quality time" as well as good "quantity time" for your family and loved ones.
Why not check Azul Sensatori Hotel by Karisma Hotels & Resorts and see the things they offer. As the title of this post suggests, it's obviously focused on family oriented activities.
If you have kids, small or teens, they have fabulous kids program that will make them enjoy and have good memories with them when they go back home. Feel free to check on their family highlights as well to familiarize yourself about their services...so many opportunities are being created for both parents/adults and kids.
No wonder, Azul Sensatori has been considered to be a luxurious get-away vacation for many families.
You deserve to have that vacation where everybody is having fun, including you, right? Azure Hotels are always known to be family-friendly which offers various family experiences, kids clubs and parent support services.

Be Nutrition Label Conscious!

Every time you pick up a ca of vegetables or a box of cereal in the store, you'll find a nutrition facts label on the package. You may not think you need to read all those tiny numbers. But taking time to understand them can do your heart a lot of good.

Let your diet be as heart-healthy as possible by being a nutrition label conscious!

Serving Size. Check to see how many servings the package contains. The nutrition numbers on the rest of the label are for a single serving. So if you eat 2 servings, multiply the numbers by 2.

Calories. How many are in 1 serving? If you're trying to lose weight, asking yourself this question can help you manage calories.

Total Fat. A low-fat food contains 3 grams of fat or less per serving.

Saturated fat. This number is key for heart health. Foods with 1 gram or less per serving are considered low in saturated fat.

Trans fat. For healthy arteries, avoid trans fat. Look for foods with 0 grams of trans fat.

Cholesterol. The American Heart Association (AHA) suggests keeping your daily total intake to less than 300 mg.

Sodium. Foods with 140 mg. of sodium or less per serving are considered low-sodium foods. According to the AHA, people should eat less than 2,300 mg of sodium every day.

There's more information included on the nutrition labels such as amounts of carbohydrates, fiber, sugar, protein, vitamins and minerals. However, the items given above will have the most impact on your heart.

Get The Ball Rolling On Your Next Workout

Bored with exercise? Stability balls can add a twist to your next stretching or strength-training session. Also known as Swiss balls, inflatable stability balls challenge your muscles by providing an uneven base. They also use your core during strength training. So, they're ideal for exercisers who have low back pain.

Swiss balls come in various sizes. To choose the right one for you, sit on the ball with your feet on the floor and your knees bent. Your knees and hips should form 90-degree angles.

Start with these exercises:

• Ball stretch. Lie down over the ball to stretch muscles on the opposite side. For example, lying on your stomach extends your back, while lying on your back stretches abs.

• Swiss-ball superhero. Lie on your stomach over the ball. Slowly raise one arm, then the other, over your head. Then slowly raise each leg 2 - 4 inches off the floor. As you get stronger, try raising the opposite leg and arm at the same time.

• Back stabilization. Lie on your stomach over the ball. "Walk" your hands forward until the ball is under your legs and then "walk" your hands backward to your original position. Next, "walk" your hands forward until the ball is under your legs again and then slowly raise each arm over your head, alternating between your right and left arm. When you're stronger, try to perform push-ups. "Roll" back to the starting position.
  

Remembering 9/11

Where were you during that day? Were you on the scene? Or one of your loved ones were there and didn't make it?

My heart suddenly cried when I was watching on TV that day they played the video while the Twin Towers slowly collapsed burying hundreds of people, while many struggled, running, some helped, and the part where survivors shared their experiences.

I visited the site few months ago, and I could never imagined I was actually standing on the place where many had died. Unto this day, my hearfelt prayers for the victims, and still praying that God's protection be with America.

God bless America!

Generic Drugs

Generic drugs are safe and useful options you can choose over brand-name drugs. In fact, they work the same as brand name drugs and have the same active ingredients.

Generics do differ in one big way which is the cost. Much less expensive than brand-name drugs, and the savings can be large.

Why? When a drug is first made, it's covered by a patent, which protects the company that developed it. When the patent expires, however, other companies can start making and selling that drug, without the cost of research and development. Then, they pass those savings on the consumer.

Quit Smoking Strategies

Are you still smoking? Here are some few tips that might help:

• Cut back slowly. Try gradually eliminating places where you are allowed to puff. That way, you never tell yourself you have to smoke less, you just make it inconvenient.
• Try medication. Antidepressants such as bupropion (Zyban) are almost twice as successfull at quitting as smokers who don't. Just take note of any side effects such as nausea and trouble sleeping.
• Don't let weight worries stop you. Women often fear that they'll pack 10-20 lbs. if they put down the cigarettes, but the fact is, 20% of women who quit don't gain any weight-and those who put on an average of just 5 lbs, accdg. to National Women's Health Information Center.
• Use nicotine replacements like the patch, inhaler or gum. A study at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota found that pairing nicotine replacements with a support program (like telephone quit lines) increased even heavy smokers' odds of quitting successfully.
• Stop at the right time. For women, their menstrual cycle might help. Due to hormonal fluctuations, cravings for food, nicotine or alcohol tend to increase during the 1 to 2 weeks before their period, the reason why women are best able to extinguish a cigarette habit during the 2 weeks after their periods, when feel-good estrogen is on the rise.
  

Know Your Health

Did you know...

Hormonal changes during pregnancy are a leading cause of varicose veins.

Obesity, genetics and prolnged standing also affect the chances of developing varicose veins.

Being a woman makes you more likely to develop varicose veins, but men get them too.

Regular exercise can elp to reduce the likelihood of varicose veins.

Are You Losing Sleep?

Take note women! I've read a fact about a medical finding from sleep specialist Charlene Gamaldo of Johns Hopkins about a sleep apnea research.

Sleep apnea has been mostly focused on men. It may not hold true for women who have commonly cited symptoms such as excessive snoring at night and daytime sleeping and who are more likely to complain about trouble falling and staying asleep.
That means that these women are frequently misdiagnosed and their sleep complaints often blamed on anxiety or insomnia.

According to Dr. Gamaldo, if you experience insomnia-like symptoms, feel irritable during the day and have trouble concentrating, it's worth seeing your doctor to ask about a sleep study.

Kmart is Back with BlueLight Specials!

Hey, Kmart shoppers! You've got to hurry and be sure to check Kmart Bluelight specials! This will be a great chance for you to get big savings while doing your shopping needs at Kmart. The big sale will be good for one day only on August 15, 2009. It's an all-day Saturday affair with lots of special offers on all items from furnitures to grills and jewelries at Bluelight special prices.
The other piece of good news is that both online shoppers and actual store shoppers can avail of these more than 40 Bluelight specials throughout the day.
You can get really affordable school items as well such as kids backpacks for more than half the price! Also, you can purchase two 70 counts notebooks and get one free. Patio furnitures are 70% off and another extra 20% off during bluelight sale, and an American Fare Vita-Water for a dollar!
For jewelry lovers, you'll gonna love Kmart more :)!. Just check on their diamond jewelry items which are 70% off this week plus an extra 10% discount during bluelight specials.
As I've said, this is a big sale for only a day. Hhmmmm...I think I have to check it tonight. I'm driving up to Kmart to see what's in there so I would be ready for the BIG day tomorrow, lol! I am actually 5 minutes away, isn't that great? - Wow!
By the way, don't forget to follow or subscribe to Kmart on Twitter.

Have a Cancer-Free Skin!

Don't you think we should be protective about our skin care? Perhaps, the following recommendations might be of great help courtesy of dermatologists from John Hopskins :).

• Slather sunscreen. - apply liberally and frequently with an SPF of 30 or higher.

• Decrease exposure. - avoid long periods under the sun, particularly between 10am and 3pm.

• Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps. - despite manufacturer's claims, there is no such thing as safe UV radiation!

• Screen your skin. - a strange looking mole or a family history of skin cancer warrants a visit to a dermatologist.

Enjoy the summer!

Powerful Tools for Investors

Are you a stock trader or perhaps an avid options trader and still searching for various ways for a better way of finding stocks that look promising as well as finding the best options?
Then, why not check options screener by PowerOptions? It offers an effective array of tools that help many investors make money. With PowerOptions, it provides you essential data you need to invest with stock options through their options screener tools that help you find the best returns. With the help of their SmartSearchXL options screener technlogy, you can best find, compare, analyze and make money on stock option trading.
You can try and check the system for a free 14-day trial and see it for yourself. Check the site and you can even read about investment articles for free.

Philippines' Ex-President Cory Aquino is Gone!

Yes, to many Filipino people, Cory Aquino maybe gone physically, but her memories will live forever. She finally joined her creator on August 1, '09 (Philippine time) and it was overwhelming to see her supporters, friends, colleagues and families are all there. She was just a sweet mother to many, and I am a witness to that. I was there when the peaceful revolution took place, she became the president.

The past few days, I was touched watching her eulogies and the funeral. I spent some tears infront of the TV, lol!

Her life had been very colorful and full of history, and for sure, she will be a hero to many!

Hubby's Birthday!

Today is hubby's birthday. I have some gifts that I bought for him couple days ago, and he didn't know it! So, I will surprise him tonight! I can't drive yet, so it would be obvious to buy something for him if I would let him drive for me going to the store and buy something for him for a surprise, lol! He's always inquisitive, so I don't wanna run out of words :). So, all I did was to order online!

Well, thank goodness, he loves those shirts! Perfect for summer wear. I also thought of taking him to a nearby community night out just to see small things and a short walk.

So, I will have a date with my birthday boy tonight! ;)

Back To School Give Away!

Charter is getting better and better! Following the successful promotion of their HDTV Sweepstakes, Charter has a new promotion called Laptop-a-Day Sweepstakes and they are giving away laptops daily to lucky winners! Please take note, this new promotion has been extended for two more months! Isn't that cool !? :)
Let's face it, this promo is just perfect for both students as well as business people, who are always on the go. Almost everybody is using computers nowadays and laptops are so helpful since they are mobile and can be carried everywhere!.
Lucky daily winners will get an HP 550 Notebook 15-inch with Window Vista that comes in a Neo Tec Compu Backpack. The contest runs from July 15 - September 15.
Furthermore, you can also win a free gift card ranging in value from $25-$100 with Charter's special online deals! There are dozens of gift cards to choose from, just check the details on the homepage for more options. Many gift cards are from major retailers such as restaurants, clothing, home furnishings and accessories, plus a lot more. By visiting the link, you can check all the complete details..
Don't forget to follow Charter on Facebook , or you can add Charter on Twitter for more updates.
Join and register for free to get the hot deals and cool prizes just in time for school.

Driving Lessons...

This summer, I guess I should be putting myself on the driver's seat in preparation for my DL. It's been long overdue, but I felt this is the only chance and time that I am convenient doing it. Besides, if not the endless trips that I have almost every month, I should have been driving by myself already. Well, if many would think it is just easy to get DL, not in Maryland! They require new drivers to complete 60 hours of actual driving with supervision before you can take the road test to DMV.

Gosh, I hate parallel parking!

Precious Metal Investment

There is nothing much better than this site online where you can find the finest rare coin values in the world but Monaco Rare Coin. You can check the site at zoomcoin.com and find more of what Monaco rare coin offers. Monaco Rare Coin has proven itself as a highly trusted coin dealer for almost forty years. As part of the Monex family of companies, it has helped thousands of investors to invest more than $25 billion in hard asset investments which includes rare coins.

Monaco has an established two-way buy-and-sell market for rare coins and precious metals that you can rely on. You will never have doubts in choosing and putting your investment with this company because of its proven expertise and experience of their highly knowledgeable staff of professionals willing to help you with your needs by which they provide you wide range of investment programs to choose from to fit your budget.

Monaco rare coin continues to give its customers better products, better prices, and the best service...all guaranteed! Don't forget to check their internet specials as well.

Did You Know?

It's always a good thing to at least update ourselves with health facts, don't you think? To think that many people are going careless about their health, I guess it's not a waste of time to at least read and know the basic stats of health.

Did You Know that:

• more than 95 million American experiences some kind of digestive problem?
• more than 10 million are hospitalized each year to treat digestive problems?
• digestive diseases rank 2nd among all causes of disability due to illness in the US?
• annual sales of prescription and over-the-counter drugs for GI problems is about $2.5 billion?

Well, isn't it time to slow down eating unhealthy foods? Watch out for your tummy!

Tips to Avoid Fat When Dining Out

It's a challenge when you are eating in a restaurant compared to when you are at home. Here are some tips that may help:

1. Don't be afraid to ask how dishes are prepared and if they can be made differently. Many restaurants take requests to serve foods the way you like such as asking to have fish grilled without butter or oil.
2. Ask for dressing, sauces and gravy on the side so you can use less. Also, you might wanna ask your server if low-fat-salad dressings are available.
3. Avoid deep fried foods. Go for foods that are broiled, grilled, roasted, steamed, paoched or stir fried instead.
4. If you order poultry or meat, trim off all the visible fat.
5. Eat the same amount of food you would if you were at home. If the restaurant meal includes larger portions, set some of it aside and take it home.
6. Choose pasta with tomato based, rather than cream based, sauces.
7. Order dishes with vegetables as key ingredients.

Have a veggie-delish eating!

What Do You Bring To Life With Charter?

Today's technology has changed a lot of people's living lifestyles. Many people and even business companies, public or private have become so much dependent on the use of today's digital tools. Communication has been a lot more easy and convenient because of digital technology.
Thanks to the communication providers of today such as Charter, the fourth largest cable operator in the United States and considered to be a Fortune 500 company. As many know, Charter Communications offers advanced entertainment and communication services that "bring your home to life."

Here's the good news! If you are a Charter Communications user, - phone, internet or cable, you can now start sharing your own story about how you live your digital life, something like what have these digital tools done to you compared to before when you had nothing. By telling your story, you might be one lucky customer to win some great prizes each week. A 15" laptop or a 52" HDTV will be given to one lucky customer each week who share their story. All you have to do is visit them online at charter.com/yourlife and submit your story with your photos and videos showing how you are using your digital tools. At the end of the promo, Charter will be giving away a package prize of one 52" HFTV, one 15" laptop and a free year of charter bundle subscription which includes digital cable with HD and a DVR, a charter high speed internet and telephone.
Don't forget to catch Charter on Facebook too.
Add your story today!

Migraine, Migraine Go Away!

Migraine can really ruin your day! If you think you have it (like I do), always seek your doctor's help.
If there is a banging, clanging gong between your ears, it could be a migraine. Often, this triggers such certain foods that are to be blamed. These include:

• alcohol
• chocolate
• dairy products
• monosodium glutamate (MSG), a food additive
• nuts
• pickles
• processed meats

Skipping meals or bright or flickering lights can also spark migraines. Other factors include weather changes and loud noises. Stress is often the leading cause, but so can the letdown after a period of stress, such as the weekend following a hard week of work. Tiredness or changing sleep patterns are other triggers too.

Summer Denims

Most bottom wardrobes that I have are mostly denims. It's probably because denims are ideal for all-season outfit. Another thing is that, I find denims more sturdy and tough against dirts, stains, etc...the reason why I would always wear them for travel.

I'm glad I saw Armani Exchange. I saw their most recent offer "New Premium Denim starting at $98". Well, not bad for a price too! :). Come to think of it. Denims are considered to be highly durable by many, much more if it's an Armani brand! ;). I don't mind the price as long as it's reasonable and worth it.

I like Armani's two of its special edition styles. I would love to wear this cropped sequin skinny fit denim. I usually prefer skinny fit denims for me because it looks better on me when I can wear it either with open sandals or closed boots in the cooler weather.

I also love the Harem Jean because of its trendy style. (capri style too). You see, I love wearing capris too, and I still buy capri jeans with unique designs as well. I think I look good with capri!

And speaking of the low rise design, I still want to choose the A|X Wing Skinny Fit style. It's good and perfect to pair with both sandals and high rise boots.

And here's some more good news for you! You can get te chance to win a pair of denim daily for the month of July by joining their text A|X contest promo. Just text the keyword "DENIM2" to ARMANI (276264). And if you purchase a full price pair of denim from Armani Exchange either online or in any of its store outlets from July 7-19, 2009, you will receive a gift card of $20 off on your next purchase of $100 or more. The card is valid July 30-August 15, 2009.

So, hurry up! Who doesn't want to own an Armani inspired street-chic culture designs? Isn't it nice to have one free being the lucky one? Try your luck.

Suggested Link:
A|X Blog

Tips For Improving Your Memory

Being forgetful lately? Perhaps the following tips can help:

• Choose a spot. If you're forever losing your keys, eyeglasses, etc..., designate a spot to keep them when you're not using them.
• Make a list. It's OK. Even the simple act will help reinforce your memory.
• Talk to Yourself. Saying "I've shut the garage" to yourself after you've done it gives you an extra verbal reminder-in case you forget.
• Visualize. Create a visual image in your mind to make incoming information more memorable.
• Use mnemonics. Mnemonics are memory aids - rhymes and acronyms, for example-that can help you remember lists, name, addresses and so on.
• Get your ZZZs. Studies show that people remember recently learned information if they've had a good night's sleep.
• Get Moving. Keeping up the blood flow to your brain enhances its cognitive functioning.
• Eat for your brain. Hear-healthy foods also protect the brain. Fruits and vegetables, cold-water fish, and nuts such as almonds, pecans an walnuts may help keep your memory strong.
  

Market Communications

There are lots of telecommunication providers today, but Market Communications is worth checking out ;). It is due to the fact that tis company is no ordinary telecommunication provider because it specializes in turn-key solutions such as IP solutions/PBX, high speed data, voice recoding solutions, wireless solutions, and many more.
Market Communications, based its headquarters in New York offers 24x7 full service and provides responsive, timely and cost effective technical support and maintenance alternatives to IPC trading systems.
Most common today being used by many business establishments, public or private is the highly in demand use of wireless solutions. They have wireless Mesh Network solution which avoids the hassles of dealing too much wires. It guarantees the ease of use featuring automatic configurations as well as the firetide mesh network can operate as a virtual switch. Well, it's basically avoiding all the hassles and messes! :).
Come check more of their products and services and see for yourself what fits your needs.

Tips in Returning Items Purchases Online

Purchasing an item online may be simple, easy and convenient, but some shoppers encounter problems when returning the items purchased on the web. The BBB Code of Online Business Practices advises merchants to clearly disclose their return or refund policies on their website including how customers can make returns or exchanges; obtain refunds/credits; or cancel a transaction; and any associated time limitations or fees. If such information is not posted, here are the tips:

• Find out which location to return the items. Does it go back to a mailing address or can you return it to a retail store? If the company's return policy is not listed on the site, call or send an email to request specifics.
• Don't delay. Many sites have time limits for returns. Notify the company by email to let them know that a return is on the way. Put the time and date in the body of your email message and type "return" or "exchange" in the subject line of your email. Print or save the email message and any response you may receive.
• Expect to pay some fees. Companies that have web-only businesses typically charge customers a restocking fee or shipping and handling fee on returned merchandise. If you're a long time customer or purchased the item using the merchant's credit card, mention that fact and ask for a waiver of the fees.
• Keep the original packaging. If you know you don't want the gift, don't open the box or break the manufacturer's seal. If you have already opened the box, make sure you return all parts and packaging materials in the original box.
• Be patient, but persistent. If the merchant ignores your requests or communications, file a complaint online with the BBB.
  

It's a Blu World!

I bet by now, too many are starting to get crazy about BluFrog. Why? You better check out the most recent surprises you can win on the given link. BluFrog is currently conducting a contest called "It's a Blu World" and is giving away five (5) Blu prizes!

The best thing in the contest is that you don't need to purchase anything to join the contest or claim your prize, and neither buying can help you get better chances.

As long as you are a legal resident of the US and is at least eighteen (18) years of age, you are eligible to join. There are three options you can do to join.
First, you can place your comments on their contest page, (the link is provided on the Contest Official Rules page). You can reflect on your comment which experience you want to win and why.

Second, use the twitter to tweet out why BluFrog is better in 140 characters or less. You must include a link (also provided on the official rules page) from your tweet in order to be registered for the contest.

Third, if you are a blogger and loves to write, this is your chance to write a blog post about the contest telling about which experience or prize you want to choose if you won. Take note that each comment, tweet and post counts as one registration. So, you can register up to three times! Cool, isn't it?...and much more exciting :).

You can further check the grand prize on the contest page. Be ready to become a jet setter if you are one lucky guy, because the prize will be trip tickets to the place of your choice. That would be one true awesome fun to do, right?

Have fun with BluFrog! :)

Happy Philippine Independence Day!

I am at least 9,000 miles away from my beloved country, but being in here in America for a little of more than 3 years, I still have a strong patriotic heart for the Philippines. Of course, I still be finding myself going home and visit Philippines from time to time just to lessen my homesickness...ahhh, it's still my strong thinking to remember the time when my country learned to stand on its own...the first time she got freedom, and the sweet taste of it.

Happy Independence Day Philippines!

Tips For Sleeplessness

If you are having episodes more than 3 nights a week for longer than a month, you should see a doctor. But if occasional sleepless night is your problem, Dr. Smith recommends these tips:

• Back off caffeine. Especially watch for the hidden caffeine in so-called energy drinks.

• Avoid alcohol during bedtime. Eventhough it's a sedative, alcohol may make it difficult to stay asleep.
• Stay away from over-the-counter sleep aids. They're counterproductive and can lead to a habit.
• Stick to an exercise routine. But not within an hour or 2 before bedtime.
  

Losing Sleep?

Take note women:

Sleep apnea research has been mostly focused on men. The commonly cited symptoms such as excessive snoring at night and daytime sleepiness may not hold true for women, who are more likely to complain about trouble falling asleep and staying asleep. That means, that these women are frequently misdiagnosed and their sleep complaints often blamed on anxiety or insomnia.

If you experience insomnia like symptoms, feel irritable during the day and have trouble concentrating, it's worth seeing your doctor to ask about a slep study.

You don't have to count sheep!!! Let the experts uncover what's keeping you awake at night.

Phishing - Don't Be A Victim

"Phishing" is a form of social engineering. Phishing attacks use email, malicious web sites or even your telephone to solicit sensitive information such as usernames, passwords and credit card details. Whether by telephone or online, phishers masquerade as a trustworthy source, such as your employer, your bank or your credit card company. When the target of these scams responds with the requested information, the attacker can use it to gain access to the victim's accounts. When phishing is done online, a victim may be tricked into opening email attachments that contain malicious software or into visiting innocent looking web sites that are designed to put malware on the victim's computer. Malware is a term used to describe a wide variety of software designed to infect your computer and steal your information.

Attackers may employ a highly targeted phishing attack known as "spear phishing". In spear phishing attack, the emails sent to potential victims contain enough personal or organizational information to make them appear legitimate and genuine. These emails target a smaller pool of potential victims and the likelihood of a victim falling for the scam is greater. The attacks are designed to acquire information which will allow the attacker to gain access to other computer systems or even an entire network.

General Precautions:

• DO NOT trust unsolicited emails that ask for personal or sensitive information.
• DO NOT click links in unsolicited email messages.
• Treat ALL email attachments with caution.
• Pay attention to the address of a website. Malicious websites may look identical to a legitimate site, but the address may use a variation in spelling or a different domain.
• NEVER reveal personal or financial information in a response to an email request, no matter who appears to have sent it. Legitimate organizations don't ask for this information via email.
• NEVER reveal personal information, financial information, or information about your computer credentials at work in a response to a telephone call without verifying the legitimacy of the call.
• If you receive an email message that appears to be from a legitimate source but is suspicious, call the person or organization listed in the From line before you respond to the message or open any atached files. Do not use any phone number listed in the email. Call a known legitimate number, such as found in Outlook, the phone book, on your account statements, or on the back of your credit card. Area codes in phishing messages can be misleading. Some scammers send an email that appears to be from a legitimate business and ask you to call a phone number to update your account or access a "refund". Because they use internet-based telephony, the area code you call does not necessarily reflect where the scammers really are.