4C | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2020 | COTTAGE GROVE SENTINEL
City of Cottage Grove issues tax scam warning
at a cost. Public Wi-Fi is
By Damien Sherwood
not secure and is suscep-
dsherwood@cgsentinel.com
tible to eavesdropping by
hackers, therefore, never
Tax season is in full
use public Wi-Fi to file
swing, which means
taxes.
criminals will go to great
• Look for clear signs.
lengths to separate tax-
Common scams will tout
payers from their mon-
tax rebates, offer great
ey, identity or anything
deals on tax
of value that
preparation or
is within their
Often times, criminals will lure victims in with an
offer a free tax
reach.
offer of larger write-offs or refunds. Such scams might calculator tool.
Scammers may
offer seemingly
include fake websites and tax forms that look like they If tion the is informa-
unsolic-
legitimate “tax
ited,
it’s
likely a
services” that are
belong to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
scam.
actually designed
• Be on the
to steal an identi-
• Secure your comput- watch for fake IRS scams.
or consequences if no re-
ty and tax refund.
Often times, criminals sponse is received, such er. Ensure your comput- The IRS will not con-
will lure victims in with as additional taxes or er has the latest security tact you via email, text
an offer of larger write- blocking access to your updates installed. Check messaging or your so-
that anti-virus and an- cial network. Nor does
offs or refunds. Such funds.
• Emails from the IRS ti-spyware software are it advertise on websites.
scams might include fake
websites and tax forms or federal agencies. The running properly and Additionally, if an email
that look like they belong IRS will not contact any- receiving automatic up- appears to be from an
dates from the vendor. If employer or bank claim-
to the Internal Revenue one via email.
• Emails containing ex- not already done, install ing there is an issue that
Service (IRS) in order
requires verification of
to trick unsuspecting citing offers, tax refunds, and enable a firewall.
• Carefully select sites personal information,
taxpayers into providing incorrect spelling, gram-
mar or odd phrasing visited. Safely searching this is most likely a scam
personal information.
for tax forms, advice on as well. Don’t respond
Due to the rise in throughout.
deductibles, tax prepar- to these types of emails;
•
Emails
discussing
data breaches, it is rec-
ommended to always “changes to tax laws.” ers and other similar always contact the entity
take steps to minimize These email scams typ- topics requires great cau- directly.
• Always utilize strong
the risk of identity theft ically include a down- tion. Never visit a site by
and other online-related loadable document (usu- clicking on a link sent passwords. Cybercrim-
crimes; this is especially ally in PDF format) that in an email, found on inals have developed
important this time of purports to explain the someone’s blog or in an programs that automate
advertisement. The web- the ability to guess pass-
new tax laws.
the year.
However,
unbe- sites connected to these words.
Below are some warn-
For the best protection,
ing signs to look for and knownst to many, these links might look like le-
basic precautions one downloads are almost gitimate sites, but can make passwords difficult
can take to minimize risk always populated with also be very well-crafted to guess.
Passwords should have
and avoid becoming a malware that, once fakes.
• Be wise with Wi-Fi. a minimum of nine char-
downloaded, will infect a
victim.
Wi-Fi hotspots are in- acters and include up-
computer.
tended to provide con- percase and lowercase
Warning Signs of an
How to Avoid Being the venient access to the letters, numbers and
Online Tax Scam
internet, however, this symbols.
• An email or link re- Victim
• Never send sensi- convenience can come
questing personal and/
or financial information,
such as your name, social
security number, bank or
credit card account num-
bers or any additional
security-related informa-
tion.
• Emails containing
various forms of threats
tive information in an
email. Information sent
through email can be in-
tercepted by criminals.
Make sure to consistently
check financial account
statements and credit re-
ports for any signs of un-
authorized activity.
Call Anytime For A Private Showing
EVERYONE
DESERVES
A GREAT
SMILE!
CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE YOUR INITIAL CONSULTATION • 541.686.1732
EUGENE
CRESWELL
622 E. 22nd Ave Suite C
195 Melton Rd.
541.686.1732
541.686.1732
or visit us at www.thornton-ortho.com
UP TO 25% to 45% OFF
SELECT APPLIANCES
Plus earn 10% OFF
Over $599 with qualifying Sears or Shop Your Way credit card.
OR
18 Months Special Financing
on all appliance purchases $999 or more
with qualifying Sears or Shop Your Way credit card.
OR
FREE DELIVERY
On all appliances $499 or more
with qualifying Sears or Shop Your Way credit card.
Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00am-6:00pm | Sat 9am-6pm
118 Gateway Blvd., Cottage Grove (Next to Bi-Mart) • 541-942-7377
ORDER TODAY!
Many styles, sizes and
Colors to choose from
Family owned and operated for over 49 years.
LANDSCAPE AND
BUILDING MATERIALS
Open 7 days a week!
79149 N. River Road
541-942-4664
746 S. R Street, Cottage Grove
$299,000 RMLS# 19529761
John Reaksecker, GRI
Broker, A1-Reality
541-221-4004
What were your Parents or Grandparents
traditions for Valentine’s Day?
Do you carry on Family Traditions?
Come tell us about it!!!
Valentine's Day Special
16oz T-Bone Steak
Filet Mignon & Lobster Tail
$30
$42
meals will include includes garlic mashed potatoes, vegetables and choice of soup or salad
For more information call Seasons at the Green Restaurant at (541) 942-2491
Cottage Grove
Genealogical Society
700 Gibbs Ave.
P.O. Box 388
Cottage Grove, OR 97424
541-942-9570
HAPPY HOUR TIL 7PM!
$5 HAPPY HOUR
BURGERS
3PM TO 6PM
View our menu online.
To-Go Orders Welcome
541-636-3692
85944 Hwy 99S
Goshen, OR
frenchysgoshen.com
OPEN
11AM-10PM
EVERYDAY
“Partners in History”
Swap & Shop
Happy Hour
5:30-7pm
Buy – Sell – Trade
Only senior
pricing in town
10:05 – 11am
Monday – Friday
3 Items - $500 limit
This is truly the place to find that hard
to find item or turn your unwanted
possessions in to other people’s treasure.
717 Main Street
Cottage Grove, OR 97424
Lobby Phone: 541.942.2468
Studio Line: 541.942.5548
Online requests: request@knnd.com
Outdoor
Lounge Chair
for summer
relaxing!!
Only
$309
615 Main Street • Cottage Grove • 541-942-8711
homesteadcg.com
SUNDAY NFL
&
NASCAR
V ISIT T HE S ENTINEL ONLINE :
www.CGSentinel.com