Scam Alert for busy shopping season

Scammers are taking advantage of the holiday shopping season with fake email shipping notifications that pose as FedEx, UPS or the United States Postal Service. This holiday season, don't let these scams fool you into opening a virus on your computer. 

How the Scam Works:

You receive an email message that appears to be a shipping notification for a package. You've been doing your holiday shopping online, so you figure it must be something you've ordered. Curious, you open the email and attachment.

When you click on the file, you find that it isn't a tracking notification after all. It's really a virus that will download to your computer. Typically, these viruses phish for personal and banking information on your machine. But the FBI recently warned about the resurgence of a type of virus called "ransomware." Once downloaded, this virus will lock your computer and urge you to pay a ransom to the scammer responsible. 

Like all scams, this one has many variations. Scammers have posed as FedEx, UPS, USPS and even big online retailers, like Amazon. They also change up the email content. A common version of this scam is a fake delivery failure notification. Scammers claim the attached virus is the receipt you need to collect your package from the local office. 

Tips to Avoid Email Scams:

Spot common email scams by following these tips: 

1.      Don't believe what you see. Scammers make emails appear to come from a reputable source. Just because it looks like an "@ups.com" address does not mean it's safe. 

2.      Be wary of unexpected emails that contain links or attachments. As always, do not click on links or open the files in unfamiliar emails. 

3.      Beware of pop-ups. Some pop-ups are designed to look like they've originated from your computer. If you see a pop-up that looks like an anti-virus software but warns of a problem that needs to be fixed with an extreme level of urgency, it may be a scam. 

4.      Watch for poor grammar and spelling. Scam emails often are riddled with typos. 

5.      Immediate action is necessary. Scam emails try to get you to act before you think by creating a sense of urgency. Don't fall for it. 

For More Information

For more information about scams, see BBB's Scam Stopper.  Check out FedEx and UPS websites for more information about fake shipping emails and examples of typical scams. 

Santa's Workshop Arts & Craft Show this weekend

   
After all the turkey and fixings have settled, and the holiday is over, be sure to rest up for another great event in Quartzsite!
The Quartzsite Business Chamber of Commerce invites you to come and check out our first annual Santa’s Workshop Arts and Crafts Festival that will be held at Tyson Wells Showgrounds on
Sat. & Sun. Nov. 24th & 25th.

The event will take place in the second metal building from the corner, where the artists had their Rock Motel, 100 W. Kuehn. The inside of the building is filled, and there will be lots of outside tables and booths as well.  Crafters from all over the place will be set up and ready to greet you and entice you with their wonderful handmade items!

   The theme is “Christmas with Santa’s Workshop”, but not all items will be Christmas related. Some of the crafters will be bringing jewelry, crocheted items, painted rocks, wood carving, handmade clothing and gift items, plastic canvas items, dolls, cards, magnets, pot holders and lights.

  There will also be rope cowboy art, vases, clocks, beaded scarves, items in wood, leather, and metal, marble tiles, painted sand dollars, bird feeders, handmade crosses, walking sticks, wood-burning items, engraving on glass and plastic, quilts, Christmas wreaths, candles, ornaments and much, much more!!
     Crafters will be able to set up Friday afternoon, and the booths and doors will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Be sure to come over and check out all the goodies you will find for yourself or as a gift for a special friend or loved one.

  There will be a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, lots of little elves running around, and a raffle will be held both days with items donated by the crafters in the festival. Lots of fun for everyone!!
    For more information, please call the Business Chamber at 928-927-9321 or drop in to the office at 110 W. Main St.  Hope to see you all there!!!

Annual Christmas Boutique in Rainbow Acres Dec. 1st and Thank you letter to QFD

Quartzsite CHRISTMAS BOUTIQUE at Maggie and Gene Ross's home!

Mark your calendars for December 1st

Christmas is right around the corner and we invite you to join us at

49513 Pearl Ave. in Rainbow Acres, for our Christmas Boutique. 

There will be free cookies and spiced cider to enjoy as you browse the lovely crafter's items. Time is from 9am - 4pm. Everything from homemade jewelry, crocheted and beaded scarves, embroidered towels, yarn, cookies and candies, art work and much, much more!

If you would like to help the Quartzsite Food Bank with their holiday food drive, please bring your donations and we will have a collection area. Thank you.

GRATITUDE FOR QUARTZSITE FIRE DEPARTMENT

On two separate occasions this past week, the Quartzsite Fire Department medics and personnel that work for the local ambulance service have sitied Rainbow Acres. Both a friend that lives here as well as a friend that was visiting required trips to the hospital. The medics arrived and handled both emergencies effieniently and with much care. We want to thank the young men and lady who came and let them know how very much we appreciate their services to the community. In both incidences both friends are recovering and also wish to express their gratitude.

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! We, as a community are very fortunate to have such wonderful people available in emergency situations.

Maggie and Gene Ross