Desert Messenger

26 www.DesertMessenger.com December 7, 2016 Second-hand smoke kills 53,000 people a year. It's no longer a business issue; it's a public emergency. Report Smoke-Free Arizona violations anonymously at www.smokefreearizona.org or call 928-669-5912 RECYCLE THIS NEWSPAPER thank you! RECYCLE THIS NEWSPAPER thank you! Desert Messenger offers FREE Classifi ed Ads! Here's the small print: Items for sale under $1000. Private Party Only. 1 per month. Yard/Garage/Craft Sales, Wanted, Give-a-ways, Free, Lost & Found, etc. (non-commercial) For more information, contact Rain at 928-916-4235 or Email: Editor@DesertMessenger.com By Robbin Cooper Here at Arizona Western College we like to encourage you to educate yourself before jumping on the in- ternet. It is important to realize that when you log on to the internet it is a public environment and should be used with awareness and caution. A majority of the crimes today are associated with the internet in one way or another. The Department of Homeland Security makes the fol- lowing suggestions: Don't judge a book by its cover. Cyber criminals hide behind the anonymity of the Internet. What you say and do online is visible to others, and it's not erasable. Don't communicate or reveal any personal information to strangers online. Personal information includes your name, address, age, phone number, birthday, email address, social security number, and insur- ance policy numbers – even your doctor's name. • Look before you leap. Don't enter contests, join clubs, or share your personal information for any rea- son, unless you know you are on a reputable website. Do not open attachments, click links, or respond to email messages from unknown senders or companies that ask for your personal information. Most organizations – banks, charities, universities, companies, etc. - don't ask for your personal information over email. Beware of requests to update or confi rm your personal information. • All that glitters is not gold. Be wary of emails offering "free" gifts, prizes, or vacations. These are tricks designed to get you to give up personal information. Personal information can be pieced together to steal identities, money, or credit. • A chain is as strong as its weak- est link. Once we understand the dangers we face online, we need to tell other people who might not be as cyber smart and savvy. Every Internet user, no matter how young or old, is our Nation's fi rst line of defense against people who might want to do harm. If we all become more aware of who we talk to, what we say, and what we share online we can all make a big difference. A patron visited our center this week and asked if we offered a class on internet safety. We cer- tainly look forward to meeting your educational needs as a com- munity therefore if you would also be interested in an internet safety workshop please contact us at 928-927-8299. This article was submitted by Robin Cooper Center Assistant, Arizona Western College. Stop, Think, Connect • Birth • Obituary • Anniversary Place it FREE in the: Desert Messenger! 928-916-4235 Got something to share? Be Aware of Scams over the phone: The following number (800-405-2109) is calling claim- ing a relative is hurt or in jail and needs money. If you have questions about these calls please contact the Quartzsite Police Department 928-927-4644 X 2 Monday- Friday 09 am- 5 pm Nights and Weekends 888-818- 4911 for La Paz Central Dispatch Phone scams rise

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