The Holiday Season is a time when we all try to do a little more to help our friends, our family, our neighbors, and even those we don’t know. It is a time of year when most people have a stronger sense of generosity.
Unfortunately, there are plenty of scam and con artists who are more than happy to take advantage of a person’s generosity through nefarious schemes.
The employees of Merchants Bank are doing what they can to make the public aware of the issue and are warning people to be more vigilant than ever when dealing with mysterious emails or contacts.
Stephanie Calderon-Gutierrez and Shalana Smith work in the Merchants Bank Customer Service Department and are well educated in the ways people are being scammed.
Smith warned of ways fundable gift cards purchased at a grocery store or a convenience store kiosk can be manipulated so a thief can pull whatever money is loaded into a card before the desired recipient even opens it. Another technique is through “fishing” emails that will appear as a contact from a legitimate person or company, but actually contain malware or ask the recipient to contact someone who will then coerce a false payment or banking information from the victim.
A common assumption is that the people hurt the most by these tactics are older adults who might not be as adept with technology, but Calderon-Gutierrez and Smith said there are plenty of cons preying on younger people as well by using social media.
There are ways that people can protect themselves from being victimized, and people do have some recourse. Calderon-Gutierrez said banks are a good place to begin looking for help.
“I know that a lot of customers take a step back and they’re embarrassed to come in and discuss this with us. but that is part of our job. That’s what we do every day. So, we say ‘Don’t be embarrassed. If you don’t ask a question somebody else might have the same question.’ We’re here to educate and provide additional tools and resources in order to prevent these fraudulent transactions from going through.”
Smith said the scams are active throughout the year, not just during the Holiday Season. Her advice is to be thoughtful and deliberate if something seems to be out of the ordinary.
“If you don’t expect it, slow down, you know if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Also, if you’re made to feel like you need to work or act in a sense of urgency, just slow down.”
Merchants Bank has published an information sheet going over many of the different schemes, in order to promote awareness of the problem. It is available in both lobbies of the two Merchant’s Bank branches here in Northfield.
Rice County Salvation Army seeking bell ringers for final Red Kettle push
The Rice County Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign has entered the home stretch. County Coordinator Jim Dale said, with eight days left for the fundraiser, the organization is about halfway to its goal of raising $100,000.
The week prior to Christmas is always when the most money is collected, and Dale believes they can reach their goal if they are able to staff the kettles and find people to stand with them and ring the bell. At the moment, he said, there are as many as 96 hours of bell ringing available, and he is hopeful that the community will rally around the Salvation Army to deliver the push they need to reach their goal.
The Rice County Salvation Army works to help people in need through its Social Service programs. Dale said the organization provided assistance to 327 families in Rice County this year. He said they specialize in short term help for moments of crisis.
“Whether it be to pay a gas bill, whether it be money to be able to go home and see a sick relative, whether it be gas money to get to a job, or a car repair, it’s those sorts of things that they wouldn’t normally be able to take care of. People come to the Salvation Army and ask for assistance, and we can give them short term help.”
With several days next week completely open, Dale suggested a company, or an organization could take a full day at either of the kettles in Northfield, which are stationed at the Family Fare and CUB Foods grocery stores, and staff them with employees or members. He mentioned the Rice County Rivalry, which was a competition between the Rice County Sheriff’s Department, the Faribault Police Department and the Northfield Police Department, and said that Northfield had come out on top this year. In that same spirit of friendly competition, KYMN Radio has decided to have an intra office contest of its own. On Thursday of next week, the KYMN News Department will be ringing at Family Fare from 4-6pm, while Jeff Johnson will be at CUB at the same time to see who can raise more money.
Two-hour bell ringing shifts are available today and tomorrow, as well as every day next week, Monday through Saturday. Anyone wishing to sign up and volunteer should call Jim Dale at 715-733-0575 or visit registertoring.com.
Jeff Johnson’s full conversation with Jim Dale of the Rice County Salvation Army can be heard here
Attention required for all of Northfield’s online bill payers
The City of Northfield has announced some major upgrades to its utility billing system. Because of the update, utility customers will need their account number to view their bills or make a payment online.
A recent review of the city’s online system revealed a need for better security and simplicity in the online utility payment process. Therefore, the new system has been put in place, but it will require city utility customers to update their accounts.
Customers can save time by registering to make automatic monthly payments. They can also go paperless and receive bills, reminders and receipts via email. There have been no changes made to access to these services, however customers are still required to set up additional security provisions, which includes creating passwords.
A new, user-friendly online portal for utility bill paying has been available since October 27th. A statement issued by the City of Northfield said the upgrade is part of the city’s long-term strategic goal to improve service delivery, which includes meeting customer expectations for easy and secure online payment services. Utility bills include services for water, wastewater, sewer, garbage and recycling. All current customers have been converted to the new system and can manage their account in real-time at their convenience.
Customers also now have more payment options than simply a credit card or a check. The new system allows for the use of Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal and Venmo. Payment information is kept confidential. According to the statement issued by the city, it is secure and backed by the highest security standards.
Those who have questions about their account, may contact the city’s Utility Billing Department at 507-645-3015 or utilitybilling@northfieldmn.gov or visit the city’s website at northfieldmn.gov.
Rich Larson is the KYMN News Director. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
