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Protecting You by Equipping with Knowledge
Over 60 people from our district attended last week’s educational forum on scams that we face every day! Attendees learned to recognize these clever scam artists, their tactics and how to avoid the fraud. Thank you to B/S/S/Y Area Agency on Aging and George Dillman, Consumer Outreach Specialist from PA Department of Banking and Securities, who had a clear presentation to educate us about the signs of a clear and present scam.
We are all touched by or know someone who has been affected by scammers, be it online through our computers, pop-up viruses, phone calls with imposters asking for help as if they are one of our loved ones, especially posing as our precious grandchildren. These imposters even act as the IRS, claiming we owe back taxes from years ago, and don't forget about those people who claim to be from the Social Security office. Then there is investment fraud. Don’t fall victim; if it’s too good to be true don’t take the bait! Watch out for the tiny details, the dash in an email address that is not the actual bank address. When in doubt, don’t click it…delete it!
It is recommended that every year we should get our credit report run at Annual Credit Report. Additional information on credit reports can be found at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
There were stories shared of scams that our senior constituents have experienced. Please don’t ever be ashamed of being scammed. The smartest people get taken by the scam. And don’t fear retaliation; report scams immediately. Make your bank aware, and don’t hesitate to report it to the police.
What a pleasure it was to co-host this event for you! Share the information you gained about today's scams with your family, friends and neighbors and help put a stop to this crime. Look at the next article, which is a prime example of a scam happening now!
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Beware of Scams for College Entrance Exams
The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General is warning of scams targeting parents of students who will soon be taking PSAT, SAT and ACT exams.
The scammers claim to be associated with the College Board or other educational organizations while offering preparation materials, duping the target by using their student’s name, address, school and test details, and other personal information.
The scammer starts the call by confirming the student’s address, then asking for parental permission and a deposit for the test prep materials. The scammers claim the deposit will be refunded after the test materials are used and returned. The materials are never sent and the scammer now has your credit card information.
Tips to Remember:
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Always be wary of unsolicited phone calls and emails requesting a payment. |
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Never give personal or financial information over the phone or via email to an unsolicited phone call or email. |
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Tell the caller that you need to check with your child or partner first and hang up. |
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The College Board will never ask for bank or credit card information over the phone or email. |
Consumers who have questions or feel they have been victimized by this scam may submit a complaint with the Office of Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection by visiting the website, emailing scams@attorneygeneral.gov or calling the office at 1-800-441-2555.
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Gehman Iron Inc.
I had an absolutely amazing visit and tour with Gehman Iron Inc. of Knoxville here in Tioga County – a home-grown, hometown, family-owned and operated company since 1976. It has so much impact in our district and beyond, from welding for our farmer’s need to serving our town’s beautiful works of art in railings, benches and signs, and to the welding needs of our pipeline companies. Beyond what one could imagine is their ability to help any size client, from large-scale manufacturing for the most technically engineered massive structural modular needs to the tiniest intricate detailed pieces of fabricated metal which complete mechanical devices.
Gehman Iron Inc. is truly making a difference in lives here in Tioga County and throughout this great nation! I thoroughly enjoyed my time with them learning many aspects of the business. I am grateful for the hands-on training from Charles Plank and Nevin Stiles in some powder coating for my very own wind catcher. These beautiful pieces of art, which can be customized for their clients, reflect the sunrays and spin by the breezes. They are truly captivating, catching anyone’s eye. I will hang my wise owl wind catcher on the deck where I can enjoy it as my wife and I sip on our morning coffee.
I would like to thank Josh Gehman, Brandon Fuhrer, and Brad Whitsell for the in-depth tour of the Gehman Iron Inc. facilities and board room talk. Thank you to Susan Kefover, executive director, The Fund for Northern Tier Development www.fntd.org, for joining us and taking an interest in Gehman Iron Inc.
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Guest Speaker at the Canton Lions Club
It was a privilege to accept an invitation from Rob Barlow, president of the Canton Lions Club, to be the guest speaker at last week’s club meeting. There are compelling reasons to take these opportunities to meet face-to-face with people in their respective organizations. They are to connect, build relationships, and have discussions in a meaningful, respectful two-way communication style, creating clarity and understanding, especially on sensitive topics. I was able to share ways I have been working for the district by presenting some of the new proposed bills, local events and the happenings in Harrisburg. Additionally, the question-and-answer time was undoubtably the most valuable time for me.
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THIS WEEK! We’ll Help You Replace Your Hard-to-Read License Plates
Have you noticed your PA license plate fading, falling apart? Is it difficult to read? Those hard-to-read PA license plates could cost you a ticket of $100! We are offering you a simple way to have your plate replaced at no charge. Please be sure to pre-register here for your fastest drive through option. Or to make an appointment, call 570-724-1390.
For additional information on PennDOT license plate reissuances, click here for frequently asked questions.
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PennDOT at Work
PennDOT is rolling out its plans for continued projects and new projects for the summer of 2024. Creating awareness and increasing communications, receiving feedback and working with our local municipalities is taking place now as PennDOT meets with our Counties Maintenance Municipal Outreach Programs over the next several weeks. Bradford County met last week and learned maintenance plans for the year, as questions were answered from township and borough municipal leaders.
PennDOT wants to hear from you as we welcome the spring thaw, bringing with it more potholes on our roads and bridges.
To help combat potholes and prevent them from becoming a danger to vehicles and drivers on the road, you can report potholes to PennDOT. Simply call 1-800-FIX-ROAD or click here to file a report online.
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PennDOT Invites Pennsylvanians to Share Feedback on Winter Services
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is seeking the public’s feedback on winter services through an online survey.
The survey is available now through April 17 and should take about five minutes to complete. All responses are anonymous.
The 16-question survey asks respondents about their timeline expectations for safe and passable roadways, how they rank snow-removal priorities and how they rate PennDOT’s winter services.
Click here to take the survey.
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PennDOT Job Fair Planned for Tioga County
Attention job seekers! PennDOT is hosting a job fair for its department in Tioga County on Thursday, April 18, from 4-6 p.m. at the Tioga County Maintenance Office, 6 Berwart St., Wellsboro.
Current vacancies include diesel and construction equipment mechanic trainee/diesel and construction equipment mechanic; transportation equipment operator A; summer highway maintenance workers; and DOT summer students.
Staff will be available to discuss current and future openings within the Commonwealth for CDL operators. Applicants interested in the Diesel and Construction Equipment Mechanic Trainee must have a valid CDL permit on their first day of employment. Transportation Equipment Operator A and Diesel Mechanic positions must have a valid Pennsylvania (PA) CDL Class A or B with the air brake and manual transmission restrictions removed. These positions also require a current medical examiner certificate.
For more information, please call 570-724-4142.
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Policy Committee Highlights Consumer Energy Needs
Continuing efforts to ensure affordable energy for consumers, the House Republican Policy Committee held a series of three hearings titled “Balancing Your Budget and Thermostat: Consumer-Focused Energy Policy.”
The hearings outlined Pennsylvania’s role as a global superpower when it comes to energy production, but also highlighted the need for state policies that will both sustain and grow the industry to ensure a reliable and affordable energy supply for consumers, and to continue to support good-paying, family-sustaining jobs.
The committee traveled to Luzerne, Blair and Armstrong counties to gather testimony from Mike Butler, mid-Atlantic executive director for the Consumer Energy Alliance; Gary Keevill, senior vice president for business and energy management, Caithness Energy; Emily Stipe, senior manager for federal and state advocacy at Vistra Energy; local officials; and others.
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Broadband Company Marks Milestone
Revolution, a new broadband service from Claverack Communications, recently marked a significant milestone by connecting its 1000th customer as the company works to deliver fast and reliable fiber internet to unserved and underserved areas in rural Bradford, Susquehanna and Wyoming counties. To date, a total of 1,092 customers have been connected.
Claverack REC and Revolution have completed 250 active miles of fiber so far. The ongoing buildout has been made possible through funding received from the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund, which provided $31.6 million to the project, and the Unserved High-Speed Broadband Funding Program, which awarded more than $955,000.
Revolution Broadband aims to connect more residents in Bradford County throughout 2024 and extend its reach to Wyoming County by the end of the year. Construction is expected to begin in western Susquehanna County before the end of 2024, with connections anticipated in 2025.
Learn more here.
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