Sep 28 2022
Top Internet Scams

Shortly after the internet was created, the internet scam was born. It’s amazing the number of different ways the internet has been used to scam different people. It seems like every single year, a new scam hits the virtual world and people start falling for it. While new internet scams are interesting and you should stay on top of the newest scam trends so you can identify the early warning signs, some have withstood the test of time.

Here are the top internet scams of all time.

Email Phishing

Email phishing is a type of internet scam that’s nearly as old as email itself.

Email phishing is a type of scam that involves a con artist sending out emails that look like they come from a legit organization or person. The main purpose of these types of emails is to collect personal information, particularly credit card numbers, which the scammer then uses for their benefit.

One of the most famous email phishing scams is the pseudo-Nigerian prince who used to send out emails asking for donations.

Tech Support Scams

Tech support scams are becoming increasingly common. This type of internet scam works because we’ve grown so accustomed to using virtual tech support options. The difference is that the virtual support you’ve sought out is usually legit. The tech support scams never are.

The way tech support scams work is that someone either calls or emails you. They claim to be from a major computer system company, security company, or common tech store. They then launch into a spiel about how they believe you’re computer is infected. Not only does the malware infection negatively impact your computer’s performance, but the tech support con artist will also explain how it could compromise your identity and steal credit card information.

The problem is that your computer isn’t currently infected. The con artist plans to place some malware on it that will allow them to collect your sensitive data. They do this in a manner that’s both easy to fall for and hard to trace.

Social Media Fraud

Social media fraud is an internet scam that doesn’t get quite as much attention as it should. The idea behind social media scams s that someone will connect with you via a social media channel. They often do this by posing as your friend. They can do this because they create a mirror account that not only uses your friend’s name but also their profile picture. They will usually send a private message that starts as a friendly conversation but quickly turns into a desperate plea for money.

The two best ways to make sure you don’t fall victim to a social media scam are contacting your friend directly and asking the scammer specific questions. If they don’t provide you with the type of answer you’d expect from your friend, report the fake account.

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Sep 28 2022
Tennessee’s Car Seat Laws

Every parent who has an infant knows that they’re supposed to have a car seat installed in their vehicle. They even know that it’s state law. What some parents don’t know is how important the car seat is and the consequences of having a car seat that doesn’t meet current safety standards, that isn’t properly installed, or that isn’t properly fitted to their child.

According to Car Buyers Guide, “in a recent study, the RSA inspected 5000 child seat installations from the public and found that over 4000 of them needed adjustments of some kind to ensure optimum safety.”
Tennessee’s lawmakers used Tennessee Code 55-9-602. to address the issue of car seats. The law clearly states that:

  • Children under the age of 2 must be properly restrained in a rear-facing car seat
  • Children under the age of 8 must ride in the back seat and be safely restrained in an age/size appropriate safety seat.
  • The child must be secured into the safety car seat in a manner that complies with both height and weight limits that are to be specified by the car seat manufacturer.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common mistakes parents make when it comes to the car seats they’re using include:

  • Purchasing a used car seat without making sure it isn’t more than 6 years old, hasn’t been involved in an accident, hasn’t been subject to a recall, and has no indications of damage or structural problems that could endanger a child.
  • Failing to properly install the car seat
  • Failing to properly restrain the child before driving
  • Reclining the car seat so that the child isn’t at the correct and most safe angle
  • Switching their child to a forward-facing car seat before the child is ready

The first time a driver is ticketed for not following Tennessee’s car seat laws, they’ll be issued a ticket. The driver of the car is responsible for making sure that children under age sixteen (16) are properly restrained and may be charged and fined $50.00 for violation of the law.

In some cases, the ticket for not having a child properly restrained to a child seat is the least of the driver’s worries. In many situations, the driver will also face charges of negligence and child endangerment.

It doesn’t matter how big a rush you are in, always take the time to make sure your child is safe before you hit the road.

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Sep 14 2022
Learning How to Be Aware of Your Surroundings

In this day and age, you can’t afford to not be aware of your surroundings. It doesn’t matter if you’re strolling around the block near your home or walking across a busy parking lot after getting groceries, you must be aware of your surroundings.

The world has become a dangerous place. Not only do you have to worry about muggers and careless people, but horror stories about people being snatched from relatively busy places and becoming a part of human trafficking are also becoming increasingly common. Things go wrong so fast that all it takes is one moment of inattention for you to get into trouble.

Yes, many of these crimes are completely random incidents but that doesn’t mean that victims were picked at random. What often happens is that the person who commits the crime notices someone who simply isn’t paying attention to their surroundings. The person’s lack of attention makes them the perfect victim.

What does this mean to you? It means that the better you get at recognizing your surroundings, the less likely you’ll be victimized.

Eliminate Distractions

A distracted person is far more likely to attract trouble than someone who is paying attention. And do you know what the number one distraction is? Your cell phone. Instead of scrolling through social media or answering your emails keep your phone tucked into your pocket until you are safely indoors or locked in your car.

Conversely, if you do sense trouble. It’s not a bad idea to be talking on your phone. In a loud voice, let the person you’re speaking to know what is happening, your exact location, and a description of the person who has triggered your concern. Simply hearing you provide this information is enough to make a potential assailant dismiss you as a victim.

Be Alert

When you’re walking by yourself, be alert. Keep your head up and your eyes moving. Make sure you’re looking all around you. Keep your head on a swivel. This alertness not only makes you unattractive to an assailant but also gives you time to prepare if you do see someone approaching you.

Have an Escape Route in Mind

It doesn’t matter if you’re simply out for a stroll or in a parking lot, don’t let yourself be boxed in anywhere. Always pay attention to your surroundings and know how you would get away if someone suddenly started approaching you in a sinister manner.

Be Prepared to Get Help

There is nothing wrong or shameful about going into a store and asking someone to walk you to your car. This is a far better plan than trying to be brave and potentially getting hurt.

Learning how to pay attention and to always be aware of your surroundings takes time and practice. The good news is that once you force yourself to become more aware of your surroundings and the potential dangers, it will quickly become a habit. A habit that will go a long way towards keeping you safe.

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Sep 14 2022
Staying Safe While Enjoying Dorm Life

One of the best things about finally going to college and moving into a dorm is that not only are you free of your parent’s strict rules but you’re also in the perfect place to meet people who will become lifelong friends.

While there are many perks connected to living in a dorm, there are also some drawbacks. The first is safety. While most colleges and universities try to take as many precautions as they can and to keep all students safe, they can’t stop everything. It’s up to you to make sure you do everything in your power to stay safe while also enjoying dorm life.

Keep Your Doors Locked

Dorms foster a community vibe that makes it feel like the entire building is your home. This is a great thing but can also be dangerous. The problem is that while you might know and like everyone who lives on your floor, you don’t know who might be visiting. No matter how comfortable you are with the people who live in your dorm building, always be good about keeping your dorm room locked both when you are and aren’t in it.

You also need to get into the habit of checking the identity of anyone who knocks before you open your door. Don’t assume that everyone who raps on your door has friendly intentions.

Lock Up Your Valuables

It’s a good idea to keep a safe in your dorm room and use it to lock up your valuables, such as your laptop when you’re not using it. Locking away your valuables makes your dorm room less appealing to thieves.

Pay Attention to Your Drinks

It doesn’t matter if you’re hanging out in your room with a handful of friends, at a party, or have gone to a restaurant, pay careful attention to your drinks. Never leave your drink unattended. If you do have to walk away from your drink, dispose of it and get a new one. The last thing you want is to drink something that has been drugged.

Don’t Travel By Yourself, Especially at Night

It doesn’t matter if you were at a party or simply engaged in a late-night study session at the library. Don’t walk home alone. Find someone you trust to walk with you back to your dorm. Don’t ask a stranger. If no one you know can walk home with you, spend a little money and take a cab or call an Uber.

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