By FLORIDA ATTORNEY GENERAL

As we begin this new chapter, I am pleased to share some important updates and initiatives that will shape our journey toward being a world-class school system

The safety and well-being of our students and staff continues to be our top priority In line with this commitment, and in addition to our already robust safety and security programs, we have implemented significant upgrades across our campuses A new weapons detection system, OPENGATE, will be installed in all of our buildings in phases throughout the school year It will also identify other contraband items that are not allowed on school property All students and visitors to a district building will be subject to search Additionally, we will launch the Guardian Program These employees have successfully completed the required training with the Lee County Sheriff's Office They will be uniformed and armed, and will assist our School Resource Officers during emergencies. We thank you for your support at all our buildings as we implement these security measures

Last spring, the school board approved a new student enrollment plan for elementary schools known as proximity Preliminary data on the impact of this plan is encouraging as we work towards our goal of getting students to school and from school on time This is not a fix-all, but is a step in the right direction This year, we will have conversations with our community as we develop the proximity plan for middle schools.

As we embark on this new academic year, I encourage all students to embrace curiosity and every opportunity to learn and grow I urge parents and guardians to be actively involved in their child's education, as your support plays a crucial role in their success I thank our teachers and staff for their dedication and resilience for the benefit of our students I ask our community to continue supporting and encouraging our students to achieve their highest potential Together, we will create a thriving educational community where knowledge is celebrated and everyone feels safe and supported

Dr Christopher S Bernier is superintendent of schools for the School District of Lee County

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Attorney General Ashley Moody is continuing the “Summer Scams Series: Tech Traps” with a warning about screen-sharing scams An umbrella term, screen-sharing scams include banking, tech support and any scam where fraudsters trick targets into giving full remote access to their computer, allowing personal and financial information to be stolen These scams often target seniors sometimes costing the victim's entire life savings The Federal Bureau of Investigation tracks the origin of many of these scams to India, including this one scamming U.S. citizens out of more than $20 million, yet it is known to occur worldwide

“As we continue our Summer Scams Series, it's important that Floridians know to never share their screens or access to their devices with anyone they don't know or trust,” Attorney General Ashley Moody said “If scammers do get access, then they will be able to steal personal and financial informat i o n t o e n a c t a l l s o r t s o f d e v a s t a t i n g schemes ”

Screen-sharing scams work like this: A target answers an illicit robocall or online message and connects with a scammer who claims to be a representative from a trusted

Guest Commentary business, such as a bank or technology company The scammer then tells the victim that the account is compromised, and that the scammer will need to download screen-sharing software to help Once the screen-sharing s o f t w a r e i s d o w n l o a d e d , t h e f r a u d s t e r receives full access to the victim's computer and can hack accounts, steal personal information and set traps to further the scam The F B I ' s B o s t o n d i v i s i o n r e p o r t s a 1 3 7 % increase nationwide in losses from tech-support scams from 2020 to 2021

Screen-sharing scams can be financially devastating Once a victim agrees to share a screen, the fraudster will try to gain a victim's confidence and lay a trap to further the scam One common scheme occurs when a scammer pretends to be giving a victim a refund and “accidentally” sends more money than originally intended. The fraudster then brings up a second website displaying what looks to be the victim's bank account, but it's really a fake screen that has been tampered with to show a fake bank balance, “proving” that they sent too much money Taking advantage of the victim's generosity, the scammer y e a r, $ 6 2 C i rc u l a t i o n ( 2 3 9 ) 5 7 4 - 1 9 3 6 C l a s s i fi e d / D i s p l a y A d ve r t i s i n g ( 2 3 9 ) 5 7 4 - 1 1 1 0 Customer service hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a m to 5 p m , except major holidays Letters to the editor must be typed or hand printed Your name and phone number must be affixed to the copy In the event of an advertising error, we are responsible only for the first incorrect insertion of the ad itself We are not responsible for any credit or reimbursement after 30 days from publication Postal Information: Third class postage paid at Fort Myers Beach, FL Permit 521 Postmaster: Send address changes to the Beach Observer 19260 San Carlos Blvd Fort Myers Beach FL 33931 The Observer and Bulletin is published every Wednesday 19260 San Carlos Blvd Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931 Phone: (239) 765-0400 Fax: (239) 765-0846 Web: fortmyersbeachtalk com We want your opinion pleads to have the money returned If the victim goes through with the return, it will soon become clear that no money ever transferred, and the victim's money is now stolen The scammer may also use that fake website to steal the login credentials of the victim, allowing total control of the account

There are reports of fraudsters verbally berating seniors over the phone and schemes resulting in major losses from victims, like a Tamarac couple who lost $99,000 in life savings after falling victim to a screen-sharing scam

To avoid screen-sharing scams:

∫ Never share your screen or allow remote access with a stranger a bank will never need to access a screen to view account information

∫ Avoid clicking on any suspicious links

∫ Ignore unsolicited contact from supposed tech-support companies

∫ Be aware that phone numbers and emails can be tampered with, making it look like a call is originating from a trusted source

See SCREEN-SHARING SCAMS, page 5

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