Desert Messenger

September 15, 2021 ww.DesertMessenger.com 7 T��� ����� ������� �� D����� M�������� Better Business Bureau Serving the Pacifi c Southwest has received several reports of scammers imper- sonating legitimate companies and government agencies, including using the Better Business Bureau name, as part of their email phish- ing scheme. Some scam attempts are using the BBB Accredited Busi- ness logo and a fake email address, which is just one of many ways im- postor schemes use the BBB brand. "Phishing" is when someone re- ceives a suspicious email, computer pop up message, social media mes- sage or call from a trusted compa- ny with the need to verify personal information. As technology scams get more sophisticated and be- come harder to detect, consumers are being victimized by fraudsters disguising as someone claiming to be from an agency. Links that are clicked in messages can download a virus on a computer, phone or digital device to hunt for personal and sensitive data. Protect yourself from a phishing attempt Phishing attempts are diffi cult to identify as they often update their tactics and tell a story. Keep an eye out for generic greetings, grammat- ical errors, fake websites, unoffi cial sender names, over promotion of well-known companies, and direc- tions to immediately verify person- al information by clicking a link or opening an attachment. To protect yourself: • Use security software. Set com- puter software to update automati- cally so it can deal with any new security threats. • Set up your mobile phone to up- date software automatically. These updates could give you critical pro- tection against security threats. • Use multi-factor authentication. Some accounts offer extra security by requiring two or more credentials to log in to your account. This is called multi- factor authentication. • Contact any organization men- tioned in the attempt directly. Do your own research, look up com- pany websites and contact informa- tion to confi rm they have sent what you received. • Don't be intimidated. Scammers use intimidation tactics to pres- sure consumers to act quickly by wiring money, sending cash and gift cards or giving them personal information. For more information, visit the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) website for details on spotting scammy emails. Report scams to BBB Scam Tracker. BBB encourages businesses to op- erate with integrity, and helps con- sumers make wise marketplace de- cisions. Our innovative approach to business growth provides the tools that companies and entrepreneurs need to build better businesses. By working side by side with industry experts, we unite with a common goal. Become BBB Accredited and join our mission to create a com- munity of trust. Published with permission from Better Business Bureau. Mosquito Pools in Ehrenberg Test Positive for West Nile Virus The La Paz County Health Depart- ment has actively been setting mosquito traps throughout the county and testing for West Nile virus. Two pools of mosquitos have recently tested positive for the virus, right off the river in Eh- renberg. With the West Nile virus being the most common mosquito borne disease in Arizona, it is extremely important to take the necessary precautions to protect yourselves. Transmission of West Nile virus usually circulates between mos- quitoes and birds, including crows, ravens, and jays. A mosquito feeds on an infected bird and acquires the virus. After a few days, the mosquito can then pass the virus onto to other birds during feeding. Mosquitoes can also transmit West Nile to humans and other mam- mals, such as horses. Humans and horses are considered 'dead end' hosts, as they cannot pass the virus on to other mosquitoes. The majority of people infected with West Nile virus have no symptoms or only mild illness. Most individuals who have symp- toms will experience "fl u-like" illness, including fever, headache, body aches, swollen glands, and muscle weakness. Symptoms usu- ally last for a few days or weeks. Got events? List for free! Got events? List for free! Got event Are you planning a new or recurring event in Quartzsite next season? Please consider sharing the dates now, as folks are planning their winter trips. QuartzsiteCalendar.com is a FREE service to list your special events, workshops, classes, music jams, bingos, entertainment, pot lucks, picnics, gatherings, fundraisers, ice cream socials, meetings, etc. SUBMIT your events for FREE today! Click "Submit Event" at www.Quartz- siteCalendar.com. BBB scam update West Nile found in Ehrenberg If you believe you may be infected with West Nile virus, please contact your healthcare provider. There is no human vaccine for West Nile virus, and there are no specifi c treatments. The best way to pre- vent West Nile virus is to avoid mosquito bites. Take these steps to prevent mosqui- to bites all day long: Use an EPA- registered insect repellent, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, use air conditioning, or have intact window and door screens, to keep mosquitoes out. Mosquitoes lay their eggs near water. Some species only need small amounts of water, such as the amount that can accu- mulate in fl owerpots, buckets, bird baths, and children's toys. Take the following steps to prevent mosquito breeding around your home: At least once a week, empty and scrub, toss or cover any items that can hold water and keep your yard clean and clear from debris, to re- duce potential breeding sites. For more information on preven- tion and protection of West Nile virus, please visit the ADHS web- site at www.azdhs.gov.

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