Beware of Scammers!
Scammers are busier than ever! Be alert!
Nashville, Ark. – Scammers are busier than ever and are targeting everyone, especially those over the age of 65. They take advantage of people. Offers to purchase Covid-19 test kits or air filtration systems are just a couple of scams. Others include vaccines, a cure or treatment for the virus. If you receive a phone call, text message, email or letter in the mail with claims to sell you any of these items – it’s a scam. Currently, there is no vaccine or cure for Covid-19. Your best defense remains to social distance, wear a mask when you can’t social distance, wash your hands and hard surfaces often and stay home if you are sick.
The latest scam is tied to contact tracing. According to the Arkansas Attorney General’s office, scammers are calling to inform you that you have been exposed to someone who has tested positive. The Arkansas Department of Health is using contact tracing to identify people who have been in contact with positive cases of COVID-19. Anyone who tests positive for coronavirus is asked to list people they have been with for public health staff to reach out to. Scammers are sending text messages containing a link that will provide the scammers direct access to the phone holder’s personal information. The attorney general said public health staff will not ask for social security information or demand payment when contact tracing.
You should always keep an eye on your bank account and credit card accounts. Since many people have turned to ordering online for items, rather than shopping in person, scammers are busier than ever accessing these accounts. If something does not look right, contact the agency as soon as possible to resolve the problem.
The best advice when trying to determine if something is a scam or not is to be wary!
- Be on guard and say NO if anyone contacts you and asks for personal information. Don’t respond to calls or texts from unknown numbers.
- Be cautious of numbers you do recognize. Scammers can use familiar phone numbers to trick you into answering or responding. Hang up if you don’t recognize who you are talking to.
- Never share your personal or financial information via email, text messages, or over the phone.
- Be cautious if you’re being pressured to share any information or make a payment immediately.
- Remember, government agencies will never call you to ask for personal information or money.
- Always check on a charity before donating.
For more information about consumer fraud, contact the Howard County Extension Service at 870-845-7517 or visit our office located on the second floor of the courthouse. You may also check out Extension’s COVID resources at uaex.uada.edu/covid19 for more information about current scams and how to protect yourself.
Recipe of the Week
Sarah Lamb, a member of the Howard County 4-H Teen Leaders Club submitted this recipe for the State Dairy Foods Contest. She placed fourth in the main dish category with this delicious, family recipe. Congratulations Sarah!
Chicken Mac and Cheese
2 Tbsp. butter
2 c. heavy cream
¾ lb. shredded sharp cheddar cheese
16 oz. elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
2 oz. jar pimentos, drained
1 small can diced green chilies
¼ c. flour
2 c. chicken broth
3 c. cooked shredded chicken
1 tsp. salt
½ tsp. pepper
Garlic powder, to taste
Onion powder, to taste
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour until combined. Add cream and broth while stirring. Stir until smooth. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly; cook for 2 more minutes. Remove from heat. Add the cheese and stir until melted. Stir in macaroni, chicken, chilies, pimentos, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Pour into a 3-quart baking dish. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 40 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Yield 6 to 8 servings.
By Jean Ince
County Extension Agent - Staff Chair
The Cooperative Extension Service
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Media Contact: Jean Ince
County Extension Agent - Staff Chair
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
421 N. Main St, Nashville AR 71852
(870) 845-7517
jince@uada.edu
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