Rutherford Weekly

Thursday, August 20-August 26, 2020 www.rutherfordweekly.com 828-248-1408 Rutherford Weekly - Page 7 2400 Oakland Rd, Forest City 828-429-3129 Monday-Friday 8am-5pm NON CLIMATE CONTROL AVAILABLE THANKS THANKS FOR FOR YOUR YOUR CONTINUED CONTINUED SUPPORT SUPPORT Businesses and nonprofi t organizations in North Carolina that have experienced interruption due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic could qualify for up to $250,000 from a new state grant program, Governor Roy Cooper announced recently. The Department of Commerce is now accepting applications for the Job Retention Grant Program (JRG) through the agency's website. More information about the Job Retention Grant Program, including access to the program's online application form, can be found at the Department of Commerce website at https://www.nccommerce.com/grants-incentives/disaster- recovery/job-retention-grant-jrg. Grant program offers assistance to businesses affected by COVID-10 Article Provided By: Jean Gordon Identity theft is an ever-evolving crime. As credit bureaus and individuals catch on to the schemes of identity thieves, the con artists simply modify their tactics. Scammers are now combining information from multiple individuals to invent a false identity, a technique called "synthetic" identity theft. It's so hard to detect, you might be a victim and not even know it. How the Scam Works Scammers pull together a stolen Social Security or Social Insurance number (often belonging to a minor or someone with no credit history), the address of an abandoned property, and a fake name and birth date. Using this information, the scammer applies for a credit card. Initially, they will be declined since they don't have a credit profi le, but this creates a record of a "person" that doesn't actually exist. Next, the scammer adds that "person" to one or more legitimate accounts. Over time, the scammer builds up a credit history. They may even make charges and payments over several years, until they can qualify for large lines of credit. Once they are approved for a high line of credit, they do what is called a "bust-out." The con artist charges their credit cards to the limit, pays nothing, discards the identity, and disappears. If your Social Security or Social Insurance number has been used in synthetic identity theft, it will be diffi cult to detect. Negative credit reports will be tied to your Social Security number, but not your name, phone number, and address. This means fraud alerts, credit monitoring, and credit freezes won't stop the scammers or alert you to what is happening. However, unpaid debts left by the scammer can affect your ability to take out loans or credit. Also, jilted creditors will eventually track the debts back to the Social Security number and, ultimately, its real owner. How to Protect Yourself from Synthetic Identity Theft • Minimize your exposure. Don't give out your Social Security o r Social Insurance number if it isn't absolutely necessary. When a business, medical offi ce, or individual asks for this information, don't be afraid to ask them why they need it and how they will protect your personal information. • Protect your child's personal information. A child's identity is appealing to scammers due to their clean, blank slate. See these BBB tips for more advice on protecting your child's identity. • Keep an eye on your communications. Monitor any mail, phone calls, email, or other communications you receive. Be alert if something arrives out of the blue or doesn't make sense. If you receive any mail or phone calls regarding you or your child that seem like a red fl ag, follow up right away. BBB Scam Alert: Synthetic ID theft, a new trick for scammers Article Provided By: Juliana O'Rork Rutherford Weekly Sudoku Answers on page 23 ©Community First Media Community First Media www.mooresautos.com 345 South Broadway, Forest City 828-245-8067 IN HOUSE FINANCING IN HOUSE FINANCING M O O RE ' S AUTO S ALES WE WILL BUY WE WILL BUY YOUR CAR! YOUR CAR! WE WILL BUY WE WILL BUY YOUR CAR! YOUR CAR! $ 5,995 5,995 2009 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER 2009 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER 62,000 miles $ 11,975 11,975 2011 VOLVO C70 2011 VOLVO C70 Leather interior $ 18,975 18,975 2010 CADILLAC ESCALADE 2010 CADILLAC ESCALADE Fully equipped $ 11,975 11,975 2007 TOYOTA SEQUOIA 2007 TOYOTA SEQUOIA 3rd row seating $ 17,500 17,500 2016 BUICK ENCLAVE 2016 BUICK ENCLAVE 3rd row seating $ 15,800 15,800 2010 CHEVROLET Z71 2010 CHEVROLET Z71 Crew Cab, 4x4 $ 10,975 10,975 2004 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE 2004 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE Leather interior $ 10,975 10,975 2011 SUBARU TRIBECA 2011 SUBARU TRIBECA Leather interior $ 15,800 15,800 2007 CHEVROLET SILVERADO HD 2007 CHEVROLET SILVERADO HD 4x4 $ 12,800 12,800 2007 GMC YUKON XL 2007 GMC YUKON XL 3rd row seating $ 7,975 7,975 2008 FORD FOCUS 2008 FORD FOCUS 38,000 miles $ 7,500 7,500 2011 CHEVROLET CRUZE 2011 CHEVROLET CRUZE 84,000 miles

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