Beware of scams
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Rosie’s Ramblings
Rosie Morgan
I have just about become used to the fact that we are in 2022, even though some days I need to think about it. I am so ready for spring to arrive; I don’t like the cold and such heavy rains at all. Give me that old timey Southern heat, not the coldness I grew up in.
Belated birthday wishes go out to Amanda Green of Alex City, now a grown woman. I met this sweet young girl at McDonalds while with my granddaughter when they had a playground. Hope it was a great birthday celebration on the sixth, Amanda. All happy wishes go out to Nathan Lee Friday, who lives on Highway 9, just below the Coosa line with his brother and parents, as he celebrates becoming nine on January 16.
I do have a story to share with you on the best attempt of a scam that I have known yet; it was so good that I almost believed the deal. Usually the scams are from folks who barely speak English, but this fella sounded like he was from New York. He said he was calling from Publisher’s Clearinghouse because I’d won a million dollar prize, plus $5,000 per week for life and a 2022 Ford Explorer. (Publisher’s Clearinghouse is just now advertising for the February 2022 giveaway.)
He did say I was sent several certified letters, “You didn’t get them?” When I told him no, he said, “Yes, I know they were returned.” The man asked me to get paper to take down some information, his name Peter Simon, ID badge #264914PS. They “landed in Whitehall, Alabama” and were currently in Millbrook, 42 minutes away, having been stopped for the appropriated papers and money awards by State Troopers. Also 99% of the taxes would be paid for me.
Here is the straw that broke the camel’s back. He instructed me to go to a local store and purchase a “OneVanilla card” (which I’d not heard of) for $500 then call him at 516-261-5951. Mr. Simon had kept me on the phone for a good 45 minutes. I was to call him back and provide the numbers on that card, then they would be on the way with all prizes and the vehicle, roses and checks.
I must say, I was so disappointed that this was a scam; what a let down that was indeed. I called the Coosa Sheriff’s Office and spoke to George Long, deputy sheriff, explaining the details. He confirmed that this was a scam; he had dealt with folks buying this OneVanilla card in the past for the crooks.
I wanted all of the readers to be aware and not get tempted to get the card, thinking you may have truly won all of the gifts. Peter Simon plays his game in an excellent manner, explaining the same facts over and over; so in your mind you are thinking, “get to the point already.” When we said goodbye, I could sense in his tone that he was happy to be done with me, maybe as I questioned him a lot.
It is such a shame that we can no longer take folks at their word, on the phone, by letter, or in person. I can remember when a man’s word was good enough; as a child and young adult, I never had cause to doubt anyone. If someone promised or told you they would do something, you could count on them to do so, and then some. Those people these days are few and far between. So, hooray for the good honest folks that show kindness and caring, and actually mean it.
Our president does not set a good example. He said (prior to election) that he would wipe out and destroy the COVID-19 virus, shut the virus down instead of shutting down our country. Well he promised far above his ability, and instead he failed and we got a new strain. The lines for COVID-19 testing locally are super long. I think of all the precious gas they waste while in line for a drive-through test.
Hunters are still throwing fast food trash on County Road 4; my gosh, that must be how they live, with trash thrown all around the house. You don’t find that sort of trash on the roads in the U.K. or throughout Europe; the people are proud to keep the roads clean. Most here seem not to feel that way and are just too lazy to take trash home, like decent, caring southerners.
Keep safe, wear your mask in public places, and until next week, keep smiling.
Remember, if you have news to share or a celebration, just call me at 256-234-0957 or send me a short email to Smanorlady@gmail.com. I will be happy to share with the readers.