VOLZ CPA, INC. NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2018

Can the Battle of Ohio get the Bengals turned around? We hope so. Here’s an orange Hue Dey for luck!

Staying Safe When Shopping Online This Holiday Season

There’s no better time to shop online than during the holidays – no fighting traffic to drive to the mall and making endless circles around the parking lot. It is easy to compare prices between multiple retailers online, and read product reviews before you buy. Online stores are open 24/7, and you can even wear your pajamas while you shop. But, nothing can ruin your holidays more quickly than becoming a victim of a cybercrime.   Follow these tips to help keep the Grinch from stealing your personal information when shopping online this holiday season.     Buy from a secure site. Reputable websites use technologies that encrypt your data during transmission. Look for a small padlock in the address bar or a URL that starts with “https” instead of “http,” as the “s” stands for secure. Do not enter payment information on a website that is not secure. Make sure everything is up-to-date. Make sure your software is updated, and install new updates as they become available. This includes: your operating system, browser, antivirus software and any apps on your computer, or mobile devices. Hackers are on the lookout for security vulnerabilities in unpatched systems. These vulnerabilities are regularly being repaired in updates. Be careful of your clicks. Your inbox may be full of emails promoting great holiday deals, but beware of clicking on links included in those emails. It could be a phishing scheme where shoppers who click through are led to a site designed to steal your personal information. If the deal is too good to pass up, go to the retailer’s official website to make the purchase. Don’t make purchases on public Wi-Fi. Public Wi-Fi connections are easily compromised, making your shopping and payment activity accessible to hackers. If you are using a public network, it’s best to limit yourself to window-shopping and price comparing, rather than buying, saving your purchases for when you are on a secure network connection. Don’t let a website save your credit card information. As you check out on a retailer’s website, you might see an option to save your credit card information for faster payment on your next visit. Do not let websites save your credit card or banking information. While it is more work to type it in each time, if the website is breached by hackers, your information is less likely to be compromised.   Just as you would exercise caution with your wallet or purse in a crowded store, remember to be cautious online. Keep your cyber information secure while enjoying safe shopping online this holiday season.   Source: Third Federal Bank

Be Aware of Phone Scams Targeting Utility Customers

Phone scammers posing as your utility provider may claim you are delinquent on your bill. They also may threaten to turn off your power, rig caller ID to make it look like the call is from your utility provider or tell you to put the money on a prepaid debit card and ask for the card number. Don't believe it.   To protect yourself: Don’t assume the name and number on your caller ID are legitimate. Caller IDs can be fake. Never share personal information, including birthday, Social Security Number or banking account information. Never wire money to someone you don’t know. Do not click links or call numbers in unexpected emails or texts – especially those asking for your account information.  Most utilities will NOT require their customers to purchase prepaid debit cards or money orders to avoid an immediate disconnection.  If you receive a call that sounds like it may be a scam, or if you believe the call is a scam, hang up, call the police and report the incident to your utility provider.

Thanksgiving Food Safety Tips

Every year, an organization called the Environmental Working Group (EWG) creates a "Dirty Dozen" list – the 12 foods that have the highest amounts of pesticides. Researchers have linked foods containing pesticides with Parkinson's disease and human thyroid dysfunction. These poisons are also known to alter human liver and brain function.   This year's Dirty Dozen are: Strawberries Spinach Nectarines Apples Grapes Peaches Cherries Pears Tomatoes Celery Potatoes Sweet Bell Peppers   One easy way to clean your produce is to use a vinegar mix, whether you are eating it raw or cooked.  You can use a mix of one tablespoon of vinegar and six cups of water to wash all of your fruits and vegetables and to remove those pesky pesticides.   Eat well, eat smart and share your blessings.

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May you and yours have a happy and blessed Thanksgiving. Even though our country and our world are going through some tough times we still have much to be thankful for.  So let’s accentuate the Positive and have a thankful, sharing holiday.    Peace,

James A. Volz, CPA jim@volzcpa.com 794-1551