montrose-verdugo chamber of commerce:How to stay protected from phony e-mail scams

Over the past few months there has been an increase in the number of ‘fake’ e-mails, but there is a way to avoid becoming a victim. First, remain calm. Most people receiving a notice that their bank accounts have been frozen or that their credit card has been stolen would naturally panic. Most of the time these statements are untrue, so be sure to assess the situation rationally instead of following the e-mail’s fraudulent instructions.

Next, do not respond to requests for sensitive material or personal information. Legitimate companies never ask for that kind of information. Anyone who questions the legitimacy of an e-mail can go to the company’s official website directly by typing the address in the browser’s address bar. Never click on the link in the e-mail.

Don’t forget to mark your calendars for the 7th Annual Foothills Community Business Expo on Wednesday, Sept. 12 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Verdugo Hills Hospital 4th Floor Council Room. The event is free to the public and affords everyone the opportunity to find out about the businesses and services that are right in their own backyard.

Also in September, on Saturday, Sept. 15, is the third Art Walk and Sale of 2007. Fine artists will be exhibiting, demonstrating and selling their work along Honolulu Avenue from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For the latest information on events and city links, visit www.montrosechamber.org or call 249-7171. Office hours are from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday and on Friday from 9 a.m. to noon.

LIZ CHURCH is executive director of the Montrose- Verdugo Chamber of commerce.