Recent Security Notices from eWatch

The following postings are from the Manatee County Sheriff's eWatch e-mail notifications. If you aren't currently receiving e-mails, please sign up at the Manatee County Sheriff's website:

1.
Please read the following. It applies to FedEx as well. Thanks.
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The newest virus circulating is the UPS Delivery Failure. You will receive an email from UPS Packet Service along with a packet number. NOTE: The word packet is mis-spelled on this line as Paket. It will say that they were un-able to deliver a package sent to you on such and such a date. It then asks you to print out the invoice copy attached. DON'T TRY TO PRINT THIS. IT LAUNCHES THE VIRUS! Pass this warning on to all your PC operators at work and home. This virus has caused Millions of dollars in damage in the past few days.

Snopes confirms that it is real and is up to date (11/11/08):
http://www.snopes.com/computer/virus/ups.asp


2.
We just received a call from a lady who received a telephone solicitation. The person stated that they were calling from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office and were asking for donations to buy toys for needy children. When she stated that she only had $20 dollars, the caller said that would be fine and asked for her home address so he could bring her the information.

The Manatee County Sheriff's Office NEVER solicits donations over the phone. If you should receive a call like this, check your caller ID and get the number that is calling. If you get a number please call 747-3011 ext. 2589 with the information.


3.
It's that time of the year!! Shopping season is upon us and with that comes the crimes. This weekend a victim was walking to her car from the Macy's store at DeSoto Square. A faded green Honda style car pulled along side of her and grabbed her purse then sped off. The victim held on to her purse and was pulled to the ground.

A good tip while out shopping this season is to take only what you will need to shop into the store with you. In other words if you don't need your purse lock it in your trunk and take only a credit card in your pocket into the store. And more importantly, if someone grabs your purse, Let GO of it. Your life is more important that what is in your purse.

Never leave your purchases visible in your car. This is only a temptation for thieves to break into your car. Put all purchases in your trunk out of sight.

If at all possible shop only in the day time or shop with friends. If you are suspicious about someone in the parking lot, ask a mall security person to escort you to your car.