NEWS

By Matilda Charles Scam Messages on Cellphones

Somehow my cellphone number ended up on somebody’s list. Now I’m receiving daily text messages saying that my Amazon Prime account is about to be canceled for nonpayment -- unless I immediately click the link and give them my credit card number. Some of the messages say the account has already been canceled but I can get it back by -- you guessed it -- giving them my credit card number within an hour.

I don’t think so.

I’m on a phone list for Net ix as well. I called Net ix and no, my account is not about to be suspended. Said the representative: “You’re on automatic pay. If somehow a payment isn’t made, it’s our fault for not processing it.” If you’re getting those “you’re late” messages on your cellphone, beware. Don’t accidentally touch the link in the message. It will take you to a website that looks real but is not, and just connecting to it can download a virus on your phone. Back out carefully and delete the text message. Take your time.

Don’t try to contact the scammers to ask to be taken o their list. It only veri es that yours is a good number and it will be sold to others.

If you want to report these scams, go to reportfraud. c. gov.

New York State Maple Producers Association features the 27th annual Maple Weekends the last two weekends of March. Farms across New York State invite visitors to their sugarhouses to experience firsthand the production of pure maple syrup. What do you visit these farms for?

• To sample delicious maple products

• To enjoy an annual tradition with friends and family

• To learn how sap is made into syrup and other products

• To get out in nature after winter hibernation

• To stock up on maple products from the producers

Poll ends 3-28-23

Poll ended 3-21-23

An average user spends 2 hours and 31 minutes daily on social media. Half of our time on our phones is reserved for social media. If you were forced to choose just one source for social media, what would it be?

20.0% Facebook

12.0% YouTube

4.0% TikTok

64.0% None, I don’t have time for social media

We love hearing from you! Vote and make your voice heard when you visit www.gvpennysaver.com!

Acclimating To A New Neighborhood

For a number of people, this may be the year they relocate to a new home or apartment. The moving rate in the United States has remained steady since 2008, with roughly 12 percent of the population relocating each year according to reports from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Movement to the suburbs continues to be high, and renters tend to move more frequently than others. People who move cite a new job or a job transfer as one of the primary motivators to relocate.

Acclimating to a new home and neighborhood after a move can be challenging. Even after boxes have been unpacked and items put away, some people still feel unsettled. It could be because one of the most important parts of being in a new house is feeling at home. That involves meeting neighbors, having friends over for dinner and knowing all of the local haunts that help solidify a homeowner as a true member of his or her new neighborhood. It can take time to establish feeings of belonging.