Monday, October 27, 2014

NOW WE HAVE ''RACHEL FROM THE CARD CENTER'' !

  THEY JUST KEEP ON        COMING !
  Fairways Watch attempts to keep residents informed of some of the MANY SCAMS being perpetrated upon the every day citizen, in our immediate area.
  We try to read and report on articles and news stories regarding the never ending ''criminal assault'' on the publics wealth. [ particularly seniors monies ]
 We had read about a ''phishing'' scam, known as ''RACHEL FROM THE CARD CENTER''.----It works like this:---A call comes in--usually to your cell phone --- A pleasant sounding young lady says---Hello --this is Rachel from the card center--I have good news-- your  account is fine, and we can help you obtain a lower interest rate on your card ! What they really want is some of your personal financial info.
  SUCH A NICE LADY!

  TODAY I ACTUALLY GOT A CALL FROM RACHEL---and I was ready!
  On Monday, about 12:30 PM ,my cell rang---the caller ID showed a location in Scotland SD---phone number [605] 583-4562.-----Hmmn---I do not know anyone in South Dakota--but I took the bait and answered anyway.---[ be advised caller ID is almost useless, now due to hi tech equipment, available to scammers]
  ''Gollee--Gee Whiz''---it was Rachel.-- Sure nuff-- my card was ok, and she was going to HELP me.-- I was told to press 1 for an AGENT---After a few moments,a ''very nice agent'', came on the phone to ''help''----The ''agent''needed a little more information in order to ''help'' me.----He needed my CARD NUMBER, EXPIRATION DATE , and other information in order to HELP  me.
 I will not embarrass myself and readers by quoting my, UNPRINTABLE RESPONSE.
  THE FEDERAL'' DO NOT CALL LIST'' IS USELESS AS MANY OTHER GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS, THAT ARE SUPPOSED TO HELP US ''POOR FOLKS''
  JUST REMEMBER---NEVER GIVE YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION TO FOLKS ,THAT YOU DO NOT KNOW---OVER THE PHONE OR INTERNET!
 I have been told, that complete data on one  credit card, can be sold illegally for $100.
  Rachel probably does well!

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

THE INFAMOUS '' IRS SCAM '', COMES TO THE FAIRWAYS!

Sometime back ,we published a reprint from a local TV station, regarding a IRS WEB SCAM. We now have a similar type scam ,reported on our phones, in the Fairways.
  On the morning of October 20 Fairways Watch received a call from a long time resident , detailing the following event. 
  The residents phone rang, with a unidentified name , but a Washington DC area code. An unidentified male with a foreign accent immediately came on the phone and identified himself as an IRS agent. The caller knew the residents first and last names.The ''AGENT'' went on to DEMAND'' payment of some supposedly unpaid taxes.The caller did this in such a very ''unnerving'' way, that it startled the resident. The caller went on to give demands as to how to send a large sum of money, in smaller amounts on ''green pack'' cards.  If the resident failed to comply,---THEY WOULD BE IMMEDIATELY ARRESTED AND TAKEN TO JAIL ! 
  Thankfully the resident realized that something was afoul  and ended the call. The resident called the sheriff,s office, and was told to call the IRS. The resident called the IRS as directed,--THE IRS REFUSED TO TALK TO THE TROUBLED RESIDENT!
 [Could it  be that the IRS was busy looking for some of their lost E mails] 
Fairways Watch has received numerous reports from Fairways residents, complaining about their names, phone numbers, and addresses , being given out to various organizations and sales companies.--THERE IS A SUSPICION THAT THE PHONE BOOK COMPANY IS SELLING COPIES OF FAIRWAYS RESIDENT INFORMATION!----true or false?
  Here are some tips for handling a suspected scam call.-----If you receive an unidentified call,FROM A CALLER WITH A FOREIGN ACCENT,--wanting to discuss monetary matters--REJECT THE CALL AND HANG UP!--Some will say---''oh ,that is politically incorrect''--- yep--- it may be---too bad!-----NEVER ---NEVER GIVE ACCOUNT INFORMATION TO AN UNKNOWN VOICE ON THE PHONE!
  Remember this---banks,and the IRS use the US mail to contact individuals when there is a question or problem regarding an account.---They do not Email or call by phone for information. 
  

Monday, October 13, 2014

YET,---ANOTHER THIEVING SCAM--BEWARE !

THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE IS A REPRINT, FROM WFTV, CHANNEL 9 

 THIS ONCE AGAIN SHOWS ONE OF THE MANY SCAMS OUT


 THERE.


ORLANDO,Fla. — 
A Melbourne woman thought she was buying security protection from Microsoft. Instead someone hijacked her computer and hacked their way into her credit cards and passwords. She lost $500 and was almost conned out of thousands.
    
After Marilyn White bought a computer the Windows Service Center called. She thought it was Microsoft security.

“They were offering a lifetime warranty or guarantee for $300,” White said.

She paid it plus a $250 renewal for protection from online threats.

Later the company said she overpaid, and it needed her bank account number to send a refund. She didn't question it.

“No, because I trusted them and I worked with them for over a year,” she said.

Then White spotted a $4,000 deposit in her checking account. Suspicious, she called her bank Wells Fargo and found out that money was a line of credit drawn on her own credit card.

It turns out the company is really DGPL Technologies out of India and someone had hacked into her computer for card numbers and passwords.

“They took $4,000 off my credit card and put it into my checking account and that blew my mind,” said White.

The scammers attempted to transfer that money with White's bank account information they already had.

Action 9's Todd Ulrich called an 800 number for DGPL Tech.

“You're selling security but customers say you hacked into their computers,” said Ulrich.

“It's a misunderstanding and we have all the recordings from the customer,” replied a manager with DGPL.

Security experts say this kind of information hacking is a bigger threat than virus breakdowns.

“They could have anything she has. They could have access and just sit and watch her use the computer all day long,” said Brian Killian with Northpoint Technology.

Wells Fargo was able to block the $4,000 transfer out of White’s account.

“That's scary, that's scary that they could do that,” said White.

The company never sent Ulrich any recordings to back up its claims. And it blamed what happened on scammers using its company name.

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

HE IS GONE !

The past Thursday Fairways Watch received the following E mail--although it coincided with what I had observed, I could not publish the information, until confirmed by law enforcement.


ABOUT THE WHITE VAN !

WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT THE WHITE FORD VAN-----
  First of all---I want to thank all of the concerned and observant residents that have taken notes. --In the past week their have been reports of a suspicious white van ,driving slowly in the Firestone and Spyglass area,s.
  Early this AM Fairways Watch encountered a white Ford ,work type van driving slowly ,West bound on Spyglass.---The van had the described dark, ''limo tint'' windows. We turned and followed the slow moving van.---The van turned down Pebble Beach,and proceeded, on into the inner park. We believe that the van knew that they were being followed. The van made no stops and continued it,s slow pace, all around to Pine Valley,and back to PB. We followed the van to the gate. After passing the outbound gate ,the van turned toward Bithlo.
  THE DESCRIPTION IS AS FOLLOWS---WHITE FORD WORK VAN--CLEANLY WASHED,--VERY DARK, ILLEGAL TINT WINDOWS,--FLORIDA TAG---L67 1UC .
  THIS VEHICLE, IS PROBABLY INNOCENT OF ANY WRONG DOING,---BUT IT HAS RAISED SOME SUSPICIONS.
  Please do not confuse this vehicle with the white van described  in the preceding article. The other white Dodge van was an FDLE unit.
  Let,s keep watching---- if any unusual events occur,---this plate # will be given to law enforcement immediately.-----AGAIN, THANKS TO ALL!

   UPDATE  7 PM 
This van has been seen numerous times today going in and out of the Fairways. The driver is reported to be a white ''burly'' appearing male.
  Fairways Watch seen the van, north bound near Pebble Beach and Lahinch at 7PM. We could not follow it on a golf cart. At 7:30 PM ,we got another report of it RE-ENTERING  the park!
  The license plate and other info will be given to the proper folks at sector 2.-----KEEP WATCHING--SOMETHING IS NOT RIGHT!!

UPDATE # 2
  A detailed narrative with a complete summary of collected information, was sent to the special projects officer at sector 2 headquarters. After a review of the submitted information, we received the following reply.-----''The license plate and van are properly and legally registered to a Fairways address. ---If residents see the van being operated in a suspicious manner, they are advised to contact the Orange County Sheriffs Office''.
    The valuable lesson here is---residents are watching--and ---they care---thiS episode would not even have occurred if WE HAD A GATE SECURITY SYSTEM!

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

UNUSUAL POLICE ACTIVITY IN THE FAIRWAYS!

FDLE  EXECUTES
SEARCH WARRANT
IN THE FAIRWAYS

At approximately 7:45 AM this date, 2 OCSO cruisers, entered the Fairways. The sheriff,s units were here to provide, a''uniform presence'' for approximately ten [10] Florida Department Of Law Enforcement, agents The state officers all came in unmarked cars and SUV,s Most of the FDLE vehicles were parked in the ''wash room'' parking lot. All of the officers went to 14531 Pebble Beach Bld.
  The most unusual vehicle was a new 1 ton white, unmarked van. A source told me that the FDLE van was ''loaded'' with all kinds of electronics and computer equipment. The source said , and I quote '' that van is unbelievable'' [note van in picture]
 I spoke to 2 FDLE agents--they said--''they served and executed a search warrant---and ---an investigation is ongoing,'' They could not comment further.---NO ARRESTS WERE MADE!
 The FDLE officers and OCSO Deputies cleared the scene ,shortly before 10 AM.
 The first suspicions of residents is ''DRUG BUST''---not necessarily so-- the HI TECH van, could indicate a suspicion of some form of a cyber crime investigation.---Stay tuned--we may find out later.
  The house at 14531 Pebble Beach is owned and leased by HTA.
The residents, whose name is unknown ,are reportedly of a senior age.
  Fairways Watch will follow this story as it develops.

 Last evening ,several OCSO cruisers went to Firestone circle for an ''unattended death'' of a resident. Police units ,with EMS is normal procedure for this type of response.--The EMS left with no patient, the police waited on the medical examiner.

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

IT MAY NOT BE ALL BAD!

Most Fairways residents have received their annual notice of lot increase and related cost information.from Hometown America.The lot increase is primarily based on the estimated cost of living increase for the previous year.This approximate 2% estimate comes from our ''all knowing, all caring ''---federal government. [Too bad Publix super market does not adhere to this small increase].
The most noteworthy item,besides the lot increase is the ''application fee increase''. For people making application for Fairways residency, the cost has been to increased to $ 40.00 per person! It is hoped that HTA will use this increased fee, to better screen the prospective buyers, and most importantly--- RENTERS !
 It is a documented fact, that there are both home owners and renters, with multiple felony convictions, residing in the Fairways. We do not need anymore.
  There are numerous, reliable, investigative services available, on the internet, in addition to the public version of the FDLE report. The FDLE report costs about  $25.00.
  IF THE APPLICATION FEE INCREASE IS USED WISELY, IT COULD BE A PLUS FOR THE GOOD CURRENT RESIDENTS!

Saturday, September 20, 2014

PET OWNER ALERT !


THERE HAS BEEN A 
POSSIBLE POISONING OF PETS REPORTED IN THE WARWICK HILLS AREA.
Orange County  animal control is investigating the  suspected poisoning of pets in the 1840 to 1950  block area of Warwick Hills DR. [This is the area of Warwick, that runs between sections of Inverary]. Animal Control was called out Late Monday night to remove and later euthanize a non- feral cat. Laboratory tests will be run on the body of the animal.     happy golden retriever puppy lies in grass picture      


828.08. Penalty for exposing poison  

Whoever leaves or deposits any poison or any substance containing poison, in any common street, alley, lane, or thoroughfare of any kind, or in any yard or enclosure other than the yard or enclosure occupied or owned by such person, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083

 A heinous act such as this, exposes all wildlife, and our dogs walking on extendable leases to a horrible death. In the interest of respect to our readers I will not attempt to describe my feelings about a sub-human P.O.S. that would kill innocent animals in such a inhumane manner!
 If this allegation is true,--and is proven the perpetrator needs to see the inside of a jail cell!--- [could be they may have already seen one!]

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

SIGNS, SIGNS, AND MORE SIGNS !

RECENTLY THERE HAS BEEN A LOT OF COMMENTARY ON SIGNAGE IN THE FAIRWAYS.
A recent change in pool signs and entrance signs, has sparked comments and interest from all segments of our community. Yesterday Fairways Watch was told that ''the pool signs were going back up''. ---What was not explained was that it was''corrective pool signs '' that were going up.
  Below you will find photo,s taken early this AM.
A note of appreciation is due local management, for their efforts to correct the errors in the ''previous new signs'' Please also note we have a new replacement, Neighbor Hood watch sign and a badly needed ''NO SOLICITING'' sign.  [bilingual]
   Thanks HTA and kudos to all of the residents that cared enough, to make their feelings known.------  WAY TO GO FOLKS !



Tuesday, September 16, 2014

POLICE ACTIVITY IN THE FAIRWAYS

US Marshals Seal


Around 8 AM this morning, a contingent of law enforcement officers, from the FBI--US MARSHALS  SERVICE and OCSO Went to 1704 Kingsmill DR. The officers took into custody a 33 year old Joseph Parrott. for questioning in regard to an incident dating back to July.
  Parrott had been previously arrested for shining a laser at a OCSO helicopter at 3oclock in the morning, from a car on East Colonial DR,--[a brilliant act on Parrott,s part] The original story, complete with video made the rounds on all the TV stations.
  QUESTION----Why in the hell is this guy living in here?-- This is not his first run in with the law!
  Reportedly ,---there were 7 vehicles,some marked and some unmarked. There was an estimate of 8 officers involved.
  To those folks that say---''It was an overkill''---I say HOGWASH!
It seems that this operation was done by protocol and advance planning. How many good police officers have been killed in the line of duty lately? Once again residents, this demonstrates the forces that are available to protect our community.

  We will try to follow on this story to it,s conclusion.

Monday, September 15, 2014

A CHANGING OF THE GUARD

  Several weeks ago, your Fairways Watch coordinator received a personal phone call from Captain Brett Meade, commander of our Sector 2 Sheriff,s office.The captain was calling to tell me that he was retiring from O.C.S.O. The captain went on to say that he had been offered a ranking position with  UCF security and law enforcement. He will be the Deputy Chief at the university
. .For a past number of years, one of the main objectives of Fairways Watch has been to develop a close working relationship, with the command staff of our local law enforcement.As we all know, the officers and deputies of the Sector 2 Sheriff,s office are our first line of defense,against those that would steal from us and do harm to  the community. 
  The 911 system is a wonderful tool that saves many lives, every day.However sometimes there are situations, when calls to an unseen, unknown dispatcher can not answer a question or solve an unusual problem.---BUT---advice and answers from a well trained law enforcement officer, can better handle a specific situation. 
 The relationship with Captain Meade and his staff has been that of a rewarding one. Brett Meade truly cared about the Fairways. He went beyond the call of duty for us. Toward the end of our phone call ,the Captain assured me that he would introduce me to his successor, so that we could continue the good relationship between OCSO and our community. 
 I recently met with Captain Meade and the new commander, a Captain Stephen Garrison.---- Captain Garrison , comes to us from Sector 4.[The notorious, lower Orange Blossom Trail area] Captain Garrison is a 22 year veteran of OCSO. The new Captain is eager to work with us. The one thing that I was glad to hear was that our Special Projects Officer, Jason Murrill, will retain his important position.Jason has done so many good, ''behind the scene'' things for the Fairways residents.
  On Friday September 12, I was honored to have been invited to Captain Meade,s retirement party [Picture below]
  Brett Meade is the only ''cop'' I know of that greeted his acquaintances , with a firm handshake and a ''shoulder hug''
  Brett my friend, you will be missed !


Wednesday, September 10, 2014

NEW RULE SIGNS AT OUR POOLS!



THE NEXT TIME RESIDENTS VISIT ,ANY OF OUR POOLS, THEY WILL SEE SOME CHANGES!
  Gone--- are the large painted rule signs that have been at the pools for some time. The large signs have been replaced by the smaller 18'' x 24'' porcelain type signs.The only real problem with the  older signs was the fact--that the rules on them were not enforced.--- THERE ARE NO POOL MONITORS !

 THE RULE CONTENTS HAVE ALSO BEEN CHANGED!
  Please note that there are no longer any time restrictions for children. Apparently the kids are welcome at all the pools, at any hour of the day.
 It would seem that some of the new ''printed sign'' rules are uncalled for!
MY GOD FOLKS,---WHATEVER HAPPENED TO COMMON SENSE? It appears that we are all being judged as TOTAL IDIOTS, in a condescending manor
  To the ''LEGAL RESIDENT''  pool users ,--I suggest that you direct your comments,[ pro or con ] in writing, to the front office and our HOA, Director Of Home Owners!

Saturday, September 6, 2014

PROCEED WITH CAUTION !

Choosing the right contractor is VERY important.
  In our community of over 1100 homes, there is always repair and construction work to be done.
  Recently there have been some comments, heard around the Fairways, that brings several issues to light.
 At the last HOA meeting, our president announced that the Fairways Eagle newspaper, is discontinuing the advertising of a maintenance contractor.It seems that there have been multiple complaints from residents, regarding a company known as ''EASY SOLUTIONS''.  The complaints involved ''pressure selling''--high prices, and workmanship. We applaud the Fairways Eagle for their concern and response.
  There are several things that can prevent problems with hired contractors. 
   #1--check to see if the contractor is PROPERLY licensed----it is easy----Click on the link,to the right of this page--''CHECK STATE CONTRACTORS LICENSE''----then click onto ''search by name'' on top left of the state web page.---Follow guide lines
  #2--Ask for local work references in the community--Then check  the given customer names, with your neighbors.----THIS IS THE SINGLE BEST DETERRENT TO KEEP FROM HAVING  A BAD EXPERIENCE 
 #3--Beware of contractors that claim that you need, serious,  immediate expensive repairs, that can not be seen---such as under the home problems --home leveling--vapor barrier work and etc. Their claims may be true--BUT---GET A SECOND AUTHORITATIVE OPINION!---the same way you would  get a 2nd medical opinions.
   And lastly---READ ALL AGREEMENTS CAREFULLY,---AND BEWARE OF ANY MONIES TO BE PAID UP FRONT!
   We had one resident that was charged over $3000 for a job that required less than 3 hours of labor, SUPPOSEDLY TO HAVE HER HOUSE LEVELED.

         BEWARE--BEWARE--BEWARE

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

THEY ARE STILL''COMIN IN''

THE  PICTURE BELOW WAS TAKEN LABOR DAY AROUND 12 PM.
    Pictured are two young walk ins, with their own pool toys, on their way to the Greenbrier pool! Several weeks ago HTA put up new signs at all pool entrances, and all pool gates.---- TO NO AVAIL!--- No one has any jurisdiction at the pools except HTA paid employees. Many non resident outsiders,regard our pools as their own private swim club.
  Not only do we have ''walk ins'', but there are also some  ''drive ins''--One of the ''drive ins'' has a very big,black, conspicuous automobile. This particular car and driver has generated many comments and Emails to Fairways Watch.I have even got an Email from a women s club member, saying that this ''drive in mooch'' sits at the pool and has ogled her club members.----WHAT IN THE HELL IS GOING ON?----
  We, the legal residents are the ones paying and paying--NOT THE DAMN FREE LOADERS!
  I advise, all women,s groups that use the pool areas  --- to do this---IF-- THERE IS A SITUATION AT ANY OF THE POOLS THAT CAN BE CONCEIVED TO BE UNUSUAL OR A THREAT IN ANY WAY---CALL 911 !    
  Several of the referenced Emails and comments,[ some with license plate numbers]  have been copied, without senders names, and forwarded to the Orange County Sheriff,s Office !