3 minute read
State Legislators and City of Scottsdale Get Tougher on Short-Term Rentals
By Brian Hartman, #866 Scottsdale Police Department Crime Prevention Officer, Via Linda District
It might start with a phone call from the “Federal Grants Administration” (which doesn’t exist) bringing news that you’re eligible for a lucrative grant the government is providing to help people just like you.
Perhaps you spotted a website or social media post promising “free money from the government,” or received an instant message from someone who claims she was just awarded thousands of dollars in federal funding and provides a number you can call to get your share. If it sounds too good to be true, that’s because it is.
The federal government awards billions of dollars a year to organizations and institutions for all sorts of programs, projects, and research, but it does not give grants to individuals to pay their bills or start a business.
The following are options if you believe you may have been subjected to such scam:
1. Call the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline: 877-908-3360
2. Report it on AARP’s Scam-Tracking Map
3. Sign up for Watchdog Alerts for more tips on avoiding scams.
Scammers dangle the prospect of government largesse to trick people out of their money. If you respond to the pitch, they’ll ask you to send a money order, make a wire transfer, or provide credit card or bank account information to cover processing fees for the grant.
They may also say they need your Social Security number to verify your identification. Once they collect that first payment, the thieves may ask for additional fees — but the promised grant never materializes. Worse yet, they now have the personal and financial information they need for identity theft.
The same goes for a cousin of the grant scam, in which the crooks claim the government is holding valuable unclaimed property of yours that you can obtain if you pay a fee or provide personal info.
ONCE AGAIN, IF IT SOUNDS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE…THAT’S BECAUSE IT IS!
Social media has become the most common way government grant scammers scout for victims, according to the Better Business Bureau’s 2019 Scam Tracker Risk Report.
Electronics Recycling Event
Scottsdale residents can properly recycle electronics like computers, printers, phones, cameras, flat panel televisions/monitors and stereo equipment at our free Electronics Recycling Event. The next event will be on Saturday, December 3rd from 7:30 A.M. – 2:00 P.M. at the city’s Corporation Yard, 9191 E. San Salvador.
For a list of acceptable items please visit: www. scottsdaleaz.gov/solid-waste/electronics-recycling.
Scottsdale Water Rebates
Scottsdale Water targets irrigation inefficiency and leaks with enhanced rebates. Scottsdale Water enhanced its citywide efforts to encourage residents and businesses to achieve long-term water savings by boosting rebates that support customers in optimizing their irrigation systems, combating wasteful leaks, and upgrading their landscape. The goal is to incentivize customers to choose Arizona-friendly landscape and prioritize water efficiency. For more information visit: https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/water/ rebates.
Winter 2023 Program Registration
Don’t miss your chance to participate in Scottsdale Parks and Recreation’s January, February, and March recreation programs! Visit www.scottsdaleaz.gov and search ‘recreation classes’.
Vacation Rentals & Short Term Rentals
At the Oct. 25 meeting, the Scottsdale City Council unanimously adopted regulations for vacation and shortterm rentals as allowed under state law. Ordinance 4655 requires owners/operators to obtain a Scottsdale license for each rental property and comply with a number of safety, health and neighborhood notification requirements. The ordinance takes effect Nov. 24; the license application portal will open Nov. 28; owners must complete registration and obtain licenses by Jan. 8, 2023. For more information, visit https://www.scottsdaleaz. gov/codes/vacation-short-term-rentals.
