Ask Cappie the Computer Cat

ASK CAPPIE THE COMPUTER CAT FAKE WEBSITES—BEWARE!

Dear Cappie, I have heard awful things can occur if you go to a website that is fake. How can I be sure the website I visit is legitimate? Tony

Dear Tony, It is not easy to tell real from fake in anything these days, and with more than 18,000 fraudulent websites created each day (according to Help Net Security), your question is an excellent one. First, when you yourself open a web browser or use a search engine to find a website, be sure to spell the website name correctly. Many scammers create websites with names that look similar to popular named websites, but they are either slightly misspelled or have a different domain name; e.g., the address uses .com or .org instead of .net. Once you are on a website, to be sure it is legit, double check the spelling of domain name and then then look for a padlock to the left of the URL in the address bar. That padlock indicates it is a secure site and encrypts (secures) data that is sent between the website and your device. If there is an “!” (exclamation mark), it is not certified, so any data you send is at risk of being intercepted. Hover over the padlock with your mouse, click it and then click on “Connection is Secure” from the menu that comes up. More details about the valid certificate will appear as who the certificate was issued to, who it was issued by, and the expiration date, and more. While this is not onehundred-percent risk free, it is a very good indicator that you are visiting a legitimate site. Another way to be more mindful of fake websites is to never click on an embedded weblink in an email even if it comes from a trusted source. Instead, go to your browser and type in the link there. Once on the site, click on the padlock and go through the above stated steps. The browser will have detailed information on the website’s authenticity so click on the padlock, carefully read the site information especially if it asks you to enter your own information on the site (like credit or debit card information, passwords, email addresses, etc.). In addition, you can use a site scanner application before going to a website. These apps “crawl the web” (visit websites and test the sites for malicious content such as malware, spam, etc.) that could bring dangerous content to your computer or other devices. The site scanner notifies you before entering the site of potential threats. Most will then ask if you still want to proceed to visit the site. There are free and for-pay sitescanner applications on the market rated by internet sites that deal with technology and security applications (CNET. com, Digitaltrends.com, Gizmodo.com, PCWorld.com, TechCrunch.com, Techradar. com, Thenextweb.com, Tomsguide.com, Wired.com, ZDNet.com, etc.). Also be aware that cybercriminals are now exploiting QR codes (short for “quick response”). One example, recently found in several states, were stickers with QR codes overlayed on parking meters, and unsuspecting motorists were led to believe they could pay the parking fees online. Using their smartphones, they scanned the link to the malicious site, which in turn, collected their credit card information. Be wary of codes posted in public areas and examine the code to see if it fits with the background. Restaurant menus given by the server, advertisements in store windows, etc. make sense, but QR codes in an email may not. If you are already on the web with your PC or laptop, why use a second device to get to a website? Therefore, be extremely careful before scanning a QR code in emails, text messages, and paper junk mail. If you do scan a QR code, know that smartphones will preview the code’s URL while scanning. If it looks questionable, stop the scan. If you continue and enter the site, before entering any personal data, check if the site looks legitimate. You can also use a reputable secure scanner app, which is designed to spot malicious links before your phone opens them. For a list of various scanner apps, check your favorite tech site for recommendations.

Finally, use a password manager. If a link or QR code takes you to a fake website (that might look convincingly like the real thing), a password manager knows the difference between a real website and a fake website and will not autofill your personal data and passwords. The bottom line is to use common sense: do not click on links that are unfamiliar.

View the digital version of “Ask Cappie” monthly column by going to www. grandinfo.com. Click on the More News>Grand Lifestyles Magazine> to choose the month you want to view. Special thanks to Diana and Darrell Bowman for the lovely photo of their eight-year-old pup, Casey, who tilts his head when you talk to him because he understands everything you say. Photo taken by Cheri Swinehart.

Aly Cline

Council Member

2022 Vice Mayor

I am humbled and honored that at the regular meeting on January 18, my fellow Surprise City Council members selected me to serve as Vice Mayor. Per city code, City Council must select a Vice Mayor to serve on an annual basis no later than January 30. The Vice Mayor acts on behalf of the Mayor in the event of absence. I will continue to serve you as your District 2 representative, as well, as I was elected to City Council in August 2020 to serve a four-year term beginning January 2021. My term expires on December 31, 2024.

2022 State of the City Event

Join us for the State of the City, followed by an outdoor event with a variety of performances and a showcase of City programs and services.

March 31, 2022, 6 p.m.

Surprise City Hall Outdoor Courtyard 16000 N. Civic Center Plaza Surprise, AZ More details to come!

A New Leaf adds Transition Housing

Though primarily known as a nonprofit that provides shelter and other services for domestic violence victims, A New Leaf offers a range of programs for Valley homeless, families, foster children and those in need of financial advice. The Arizona Department of Housing awarded $1.14 million to A New Leaf to support the West Valley Housing Support Center in Surprise. Construction is set to begin on the $1.5 million project in April 2022 with opening expected by September. The center will offer temporary housing to women and families as well as housing support services to far-West Valley residents in need of permanent housing, employment and other related services. For information on A New Leaf’s other services, visit turnanewleaf.org/services

Sunday in the Park

Join us on April 3 from 3–7 p.m. for various food trucks, an assortment of beers and wines, entertainment, and more! Event admission is free; food and drink will be available for purchase. Don’t forget a blanket or lawn chair! Dogs must be leashed.

Meet and Greet

My next monthly Meet and Greet will be on Tuesday, March 22, in Sun City Grand’s Pima room at 6 p.m. and on Friday, March 25, in Arizona Traditions classroom. I look forward to discussing the latest City news and answering any questions you have. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me anytime at aly.cline@surpriseaz.gov or by calling 623.222.1322.

City Council Meetings

The next regularly scheduled Council meetings are March 1 and 15 at 6 p.m., and City Hall is open to the public for inperson attendance. You can also watch live on surpriseaz.gov/surprisetv, the Surprise City Gov Facebook page at facebook.com/ cityofsurprise, or on Cox channel 11.

Free Tax Preparation Services

The City of Surprise has again partnered with A New Leaf to facilitate the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which provides free tax preparation assistance. The program will be available until April 18 at the Surprise Resource Center and through April 13 at Riverboat Bingo. To make an appointment call the Surprise Resource Center at 623.222.1600.

Riverboat Bingo..................................18300 W. Bell Rd., Surprise, AZ

Wednesdays: 11 a.m.–1 p.m. February 2–April 18 Surprise Resource Center ..................12425 W. Bell Rd., Bldg. A, Suite #124

Mondays: 4–6 p.m. January 31–April 18

Tuesdays: 4–6 p.m. February 1–April 12

Thursdays: 9–11 a.m. February 3–April 14

MARCH FAMILY ACTIVITIES

Please visit the various websites for face mask and safety guidelines.

Each month, we are proud to provide GrandKids Corner, a varied list of activity options for you, our Residents, and your families. ATTACK OF THE BLOODSUCKERS!

Arizona Science Center 600 E Washington St.

n 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM n Recurring daily thru May 8 n Freeman Gallery, Level 1 n azscience.org/attractions/attack-of-the bloodsuckers/

Explore the science of what's biting you in Arizona Science Center's latest skin-crawling exhibition: Attack of the Bloodsuckers! Examine the what, why, when and how of mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, leeches and other parasites. Learn why bloodsuckers are important to the ecosystem and how to keep them out of your system.

With more than a dozen interactive stations to explore, the entire exhibition was designed especially for families. There are many facts and features to spark conversation, such as why stinky feet attract mosquitoes, and other cool facts about the parasites that most of us would rather swat than get to know better.

The incredible biodiversity of bloodsuckers is sure to amaze and impress. While we can't guarantee you'll want to make friends with these critters, you're sure to respect them after experiencing Attack of the Bloodsuckers! ODYSEA AQUARIUM

9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale

n (480) 291-8000 n www.odyseaaquarium.com

Mermaid Magic

n Thursday, Mar. 10 - Tuesday, Mar. 15 n 9:30am-6pm Daily

OdySea Aquarium, located in Scottsdale, was voted Best Indoor Attraction in Arizona. This multi-level, state-of-the-art facility holds more than 2 million gallons of water and is the largest aquarium in Arizona. OdySea Aquarium offers an educational, interactive and entertaining experience for guests of all ages by combining theme-park style amusement with highly engaging presentations of aquatic life. OdySea Aquarium features more than 65 exhibits, 370 species, the world’s only Russian Sturgeon touch exhibit as well as two stingray touch exhibits and a tide touch pool! OdySea is also home to Voyager, a stadium-seating style theatre with 46 ft. viewing windows for the “world’s only revolving aquarium experience.” Additional interactive activities include SeaTREK® underwater walking adventure, a charismatic “Penguin Encounter,” “Shark Behind the Scenes” tours, walk-about “Animal Ambassadors,” and Question & Answer sessions with OdySea Aquarium’s Animal Care Specialists.

PHOENIX SUNS VS. CHICAGO BULLS

Footprint Center, 201 E Jefferson St., Phoenix

n Mar 18, 2022 n $50+ n 7:00 PM n footprintcenter.com/