Friday, July 20, 2012

Beware of electronic skimmers at fuel pumps in Quartzsite

July 20, 2012 PRESS RELEASE

Quartzsite, Arizona - The Quartzsite Police Department has taken several reports recently from customers at local gas stations that have been the victim of credit card theft. It appears that customers have been victims of thieves who have probably installed a hard-to-detect electronic device, know as a “skimmer” that is attached to a gas pump.

Skimmers are devices that steal credit and debit card information which are placed over what look like
otherwise standard card readers. Criminals can capture PIN and account data and then use the information to counterfeit credit or debit cards in order to drain a victim’s account. Skimmers also are commonly planted in ATMs. The funds are often not taken until several months later making the crime of the actual scam difficult to pinpoint.

The skimming devices can be installed outside or inside the pump, and can be molded and painted to match the machine and are small, making them hard to detect. The devices are typically left on the pump for a short period of time and then later removed by the criminals. There have been increased reports of this type of crime all across the country, and may be the result of more organized criminal gangs.
The best way to avoid falling victim to debit card fraud at the pump is to select “Credit.” That way, you can avoid typing your PIN into the machine and making it available to criminals. Also, it is a good practice to routinely check your bank statements and use credit cards with fraud-protection guarantees to avoid identity theft. Any discrepancies in bank statements should be reported immediately to the bank, police and credit bureaus.

If you believe you have been a victim of this type of crime locally,
please report it to the Quartzsite Police Department at 928-927-4644.

Jeff Gilbert
Chief of Police
Quartzsite Police Department

Town of Quartzsite responds to allegations made by Council Member Pat Workman

Quartzsite, Arizona - The Town of Quartzsite released a statement statement in response to Council Woman Pat Workman's complaint filed with Arizona Attorney General's Office. Workman's complaint alleges that Town Manager, Alex Taft, misused public funds and "exceeded her authority in disbursement of funds" regarding the investigation of voter fraud in recent elections.

The town hired private investigating firm, Ron Hergert Consulting of Phoenix, to investigate alleged voting irregularities. In her complaint, Workman claimed $30,000 has been spent on the investigation. During the July 16th Town Council meeting, Workman questioned an $11,000 check to the investigators from the agenda and council tabled it until the next meeting. Workman said the town code (Sections 3-4-1 D & E) require contracts over $5,000 be approved by the council.

Since being sworn in on June 6th, Workman has questioned two checks to the investigators, one for $6,738.44 and $11,018.61. She also attended a protest at the state capitol, in support of mayor-elect Ed Foster, holding the sign, "They stole my vote!" while making a public plea for assistance in resolving the town's election crisis.

Taft responded to the allegations with the following press release:

"Allegations have been made that procurement of professional services by the Town
Manager were made in violation of Town Code Procurement Policies and/or without lawful
authority. Contrary to these allegations, an investigation is being conducted by the Town
Attorney as authorized by Arizona Revised Statutes Section 16-1021 which has
necessitated the engagement of professional investigative services. This assistance was
procured pursuant to Quartzsite Revised Town Code Section 3-409 which permits contracts
with professional service providers apart from the standard bidding requirements of
Quartzsite Revised Town Code Article 3-4. The procurement of these professional services
is substantially related to the authority granted to the Town Attorney by the Arizona
Legislature and the services were lawfully procured.

"The Town Attorneys' investigation is ongoing and the information obtained at this point
will remain confidential to prevent the destruction of evidence and to protect those whose
activities, while apparently suspicious, may yet prove to be lawful. The Town is working
diligently toward acquiring prima facie evidence of voter fraud and hopes to gain the
assistance of the Arizona Attorney General, the Arizona Secretary of State and/or the
United States Department of Justice in bringing those individuals who voted illegally to
justice."

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Candidate Blain Harold makes complaint to La Paz County Supervisors

Blain.Harold.BOS.7-16-12

Blain Harold, a candidate for La Paz County District 3 Supervisor, spoke today before the Board of Supervisors during the call to the public. His two issues were the proposed County Park in Wenden is located in an area that is frequently flooded; most recently this past weekend.

His second issue is that his opponent, Holly Irwin, is using the County Supervisors' office phone number as contact info on her website and in advertising products. http://hollyirwindistrict3.com/

Harold told Desert Messenger that he believes Irwin is violating ARS11-410.

ARS 11-410 prohibits to the use of county resources or employees to influence elections:
A. A county shall not use its personnel, equipment, materials, buildings or other resources for the purpose of influencing the outcomes of elections.
Notwithstanding this section, a county may distribute informational reports on a proposed bond election as provided in section 35-454.
Nothing in this section precludes a county from reporting on official actions of the county
board of supervisors.
B. Employees of a county shall not use the authority of their positions to influence the vote or political activities of any subordinate employee.
Nothing contained in this section shall be construed as denying the civil and political liberties of any employee as guaranteed by the United States and Arizona Constitutions.

Desert Messenger reached out to Supervisor Irwin for comment, but there has been no response.

Storm damage road repairs- Hwy. 95 south of Quartzsite

Pavement repair beginning Wednesday on State Route 95

Minor delays expected between Yuma and Quartzsite

Arizona Department of Transportation crews are scheduled to repair sections of State Route 95 from milepost 54 to 70 that were damaged during last week’s storms beginning Wednesday, July 18. Drivers should plan for intermittent traffic stops and minor delays north of the Yuma Proving Grounds and south of Quartzsite.

What to expect:

Work will take place weekdays between 5 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Traffic will be temporarily stopped in the work zone during work hours.
Delays of up to 15 minutes possible.

The work is anticipated to take approximately one month to complete.

ADOT advises drivers to proceed through the work zone with caution, slow down and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.

ADOT works to inform the public about planned highway restrictions, but there is a possibility that unscheduled closures or restrictions may occur. Weather can also affect a project schedule. To stay up-to-date with the latest highway conditions around the state, visit the ADOT Traveler Information Center at www.az511.gov or call 5-1-1.

For more information about this project, please visit www.azdot.gov/statewide or contact Yuma District Senior Community Relations Officer Gabriella Kemp at 928.317.2165, gkemp@azdot.gov or ADOT Community Relations Officer, Paki Rico, at 520.388.4233, prico@azdot.gov.

Friday, July 13, 2012

Slow going on I-10 east of Quartzsite

Pavement striping on Interstate 10 east of Quartzsite scheduled next week

Minor delays expected between Phoenix and Quartzsite

The Arizona Department of Transportation is scheduled to stripe the new pavement on Interstate 10 east of Quartzsite Monday, July 16 through Friday, July 20 between 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Motorists are advised to plan ahead and allow extra travel time between Phoenix and Quartzsite due to lane restrictions.

What to expect during striping:

Slow moving traffic on I-10 in both directions between mileposts 52-63
Reduced speed limits through the work zone
Law enforcement will be on-site to control traffic and monitor speeds

ADOT advises drivers to proceed through the work zone with caution, slow down and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

AZ Attorney General warns small businesses of Telecom invoice

Consumer Alert: Attorney General Horne Warns Small Business Owners to Beware of Bogus Invoice for Telecom Warranty Maintenance Agreement

(Phoenix, Ariz. — July 11, 2012) -- Attorney General Tom Horne is warning Arizona small business owners to be wary of an official-looking Invoice for what is described as a warranty covering “Telecom Maintenance”. This invoice appears to be an attempt to scam small business owners into believing they need to pay for services that they never purchased.

The invoice, which requests a $425 maintenance fee, is a solicitation. The invoice attempts to appear official and contains a “reference number” and “Maintenance Terms and Agreement”. The Attorney General advises careful review of such invoices before paying.

If you believe you have been a victim of consumer fraud, please contact the Attorney General's Office in Phoenix at 602.542.5763, in Tucson at 520.628.6504, or outside the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas at 1.800.352.8431. Consumers can also file complaints online by visiting the Attorney General’s Web site at www.azag.gov.