Rutherford Weekly

Thursday, October 19-October 25, 2023 www.rutherfordweekly.com 828-248-1408 Rutherford Weekly - Page 11 It happens to all of us, I'm told. Could occur once or twice in the same day, especially when you are in the biggest hurry. Happened to me on Saturday. Twice, within six hours of each other. I lost my car. Yup, in the WalMart parking lot. As I panicky rushed through the rows after rows knowing my car had to be there, others walking through the parking lot stopped to encourage me. "I've done it too," one lady said. Another, "Can't fi nd your car?" How did you know? Running into Walmart Saturday morning for a couple things I didn't even get a grocery cart. Three things and out the door. So far things were working perfectly. Fast scanned the three items, paid and hurried out the door and down the row of cars where I thought my car was. Nope. Oh, I remember, it must be over there. Nope. So for the next several minutes, I walked up and down the parking lot trying to fi gure out where it was. Dawned on me a couple of times, it could have been stolen. Talking to myself, "Okay Jean. What door did you park near?" Easy question, the pharmacy side to get cat treats and toothpaste. So it must be nearby. Clicking my keys to try to hear the horn blow, but I didn't hear. So I kept walking and looking. Good grief. Near tears, I saw a display of bright yellow mums and I was sure I had passed by them when I went into the store. Nope not on that row either. I kept walking. And then right before my eyes were three colorful Kayaks leaned on the storefront for an outside display. It dawned on me that I had seen those Kayaks walking in and thought they were beautiful. Yes. My car was right there where less than 20 minutes earlier, I had parked. Why didn't I write that down? Or at least the row number? Later in the afternoon I went back to get one more thing and I thought to myself, "Self, remember where you park" and then my mind went back to a lot of other things and when I came out 10 minutes later, I was puzzled again. Where could my car be? It didn't take as long this time, but I had to look. I was reminded of a time a few years ago when I was sure my car had been stolen and I was about to call the police. First I called my sister who was actually in the store. She told me not to panic and she'd help me. So we got in her vehicle and started riding up and down the aisles where I was sure I had parked. I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt I had parked beside the pumpkin display. And when the car wasn't anywhere in sight, I knew it was stolen. I convinced my sister, too. We drove a little further in her car looking when suddenly before my eyes was another pumpkin display. Do you know how many pumpkins displays there are at a large box store? Three or four? And do you know how many displays of mums there are? A lot. When I fi nally found my car that day, I canceled the call for police help. My sister parks in the same row every time she goes there and I hear other people do also and there's never a problem. Simple solutions. The fi rst time I went to Disney World a long time ago my family and I parked in Pluto. I remember writing that on the inside of my wallet. So had I looked at the row numbers on Saturday and written it down on my hand, I could have saved myself a lot of trouble. The problem was I had already written "stamps" on my hand so I wouldn't forget to get stamps and there was no more room. On my butcher block are three letters without stamps. So in the scurrying to fi nd the car, I never looked down at my hand. I was looking full speed ahead for my car. I still don't have stamps. But I do have my car. For today. Contact Jean: gordonjean211@gmail.com MY CAR IS LOST AND I DON'T HAVE STAMPS By: Jean Gordon Scammers will stop at nothing to take advantage of people, even those who want to help, so please be aware of charity scams and make sure your money is going where you intend it to go. Below are some tips to keep in mind before you donate. • Make sure the organization you want to donate to is legitimate. If you are unsure, you can call our offi ce at 1-877-5-NO- SCAM or check its license with the Secretary of State. You can also research a charity's ratings and history through the Better Business Bureau's (BBB) Wise Giving Alliance, Charity Navigator, Charity Watch, or GuideStar. • Don't respond to unsolicited calls, emails, and text messages asking you to give. Even if these messages look or sound legitimate, they could be phishing scams or even direct you to copycat links of a legitimate charity's website to try and trick you. • Watch out for social media and crowdfunding scams. Crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe can help people support causes and are shared rapidly on social media platforms. However, scammers can sometimes use it to trick you into donating to something that does not exist. Before you give, take time to research the organizer. If you can't fi nd them online or if their details don't match up with the post, don't contribute. Only give to a crowdfunding campaign if you can verify the identity of the organizer. • Pay by credit card or check. For security and tax record purposes, it's best to pay by credit card. If you pay by check, make it out to the charity itself, not the fundraiser. Generally, legitimate charities will never ask you to donate by purchasing or redeeming gift cards for themselves or any individual affi liated with them. • If you're feeling pressured to give immediately, don't. Legitimate charities will never pressure you into giving. If you decide to donate, make sure your money goes to your cause of choice. If you or someone you know has been the victim of a scam, fi le a complaint at www.ncdoj.gov/complaint or by phone at 1-877-5-NO-SCAM. Be Aware of Charity Scams Article Provided By: ncdoj

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