Over the course of the various newsletters where I've shared commentary, I've done my best to create awareness when there is something important or vital that yall need to know

But, this latest scam is one of the scariest I've ever shared

It's called "Virtual Kidnapping." I think it would probably be best for me to just reprint the article I found so you can know what I know...

"Scams are as old as mankind and they continue to thrive and evolve. The Internet age has enabled scammers to operate without coming face to face with potential victims. What follows is information on a virtual kidnapping ransom scam that has targeted multiple NIH employees in recent weeks and tips to prevent it from happening to you.

Virtual Kidnapping Ransom Scam

 The scam typically begins with a phone call saying your family member is being held captive. The caller may allege your daughter has been kidnapped and you hear a female screaming in the background. Another variant of the fraud has a family member being held because he/she caused an auto accident, is injured and won't be allowed to go to the hospital until damages are paid. Callers will typically provide the victim with specific instructions to ensure a safe return of the family member. You may be ordered to stay on the line until money is wired. The caller may claim not to have received the money and may demand more payment. The following is taken directly from a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Press Release and explains how to avoid becoming a victim:

To avoid becoming a victim of this extortion scheme, look for the following possible indicators:

 Incoming calls come from an outside area code, sometimes from Puerto Rico with area codes (787), (939) and (856).

 Calls do not come from the alleged kidnapped victim's phone.

 Callers go to great lengths to keep you on the phone.

 Callers prevent you from calling or locating the "kidnapped" victim.

 Ransom money is only accepted via wire transfer service

If you receive a phone call from someone who demands payment of a ransom for a kidnapped victim, the following should be considered:

 Try to slow the situation down. Request to speak to the victim directly. Ask, "How do I know my loved one is okay?"

 If the callers don't let you speak to the victim, ask them to describe the victim or describe the vehicle the victim drives, if applicable.

 Listen carefully to the voice of the kidnapped victim if he/she speaks.

 Attempt to call, text, or contact the alleged victim via social media. Request that the victim call back from his or her cell phone.

 While staying on the line with the alleged kidnappers, try to call the alleged kidnap victim from another phone.

 To buy time, repeat the caller's request and tell them you are writing. down the demand, or tell the caller you need additional time to meet their demands.

 Don't directly challenge or argue with the caller. Keep your voice low and steady.

 Request the alleged kidnapper allow the victim to call you back from his/her cell phone.

 At the earliest opportunity, notify your local police department.

To help prevent this scam, check privacy settings on social media accounts and revisit the information you publicize on those accounts. The more information available to the public, the more information scammers can use to convince you into believing a scam is real.

So, there it is. Please take this situation very seriously. Jot down as much information as you can if you find yourself involved in this and make sure you are as specific as possible when you're reporting it to the police. Let's not only keep ourselves safe, but do our part to shut down these scoundrels

On behalf of the Universal City/North Hollywood Chamber of Commerce...

Dorothy Stringer

Dorothy Stringer

CEO

Now it's Nashville Tennessee...

Would you know what to do if you found yourself in the middle of a mass shooting?

We're DONE feeling like nothing can be done!! Education is a key factor in surviving a mass shooting!!

Join us on April 13th, between 6-8PM...we'll bring the beverages and snacks...you bring your attention.

What you learn on the 13th may save your life and the life of others around you.

It's not a matter of if...but when...

Our mixer is back! After a brief haitus because of the weather in March, April's mixer is set and ready to go! We have rescheduled our guest speaker and sponsor, Staples Office Supply, and once again, we'll also have our all day fundraiser happening the same day!!

Join us on April 26th between 6-8PM at Pit Fire Pizza! Stay tuned for our fabulous flier to sport wen you get lunch or dinner and help our Chamber with a 15% donation back to us! And don't forget the raffle prizes too!!

See you on the 26th!

"National Take A Walk In The Park Day" on March 30th each year encourages us to stretch our legs on our favorite trail or at our neighborhood park. After a long busy day, a calming and therapeutic way to relax would be a nice, leisurely walk in the park.

Taking a walk at a local park is an excellent way to clear one’s mind from the stresses of the day, re-energize, and at the same time, improve health!

So...take a hour or two to take a relaxing stroll in your favorite park! Enjoy the spring and the clean air thanks to the recent rain! You'll be glad you did!

When we say "ORTHO"...you say "DONTICS"..."ORTHO"..."DONTICS!"

Welcome, welcome to "Smile Exchange Orthodontics," one of our newest members! We're excited to be working with Dr. Raffi Partaminan and his staff and look forward to engaging them with our other members and the community!

You can reach Dr.Partamian at

(818) 855-2097

and are located at 10933 Victory Blvd

North Hollywood, CA 91606