Monthly Columns
The Chief’s Corner: Telephone and Email Scams!
Telephone scams are nothing new, but I would like to remind citizens of ways to be prepared to not fall victim to these types of fraud. Phone scammers are good at what they do. They will say anything to try and convince you to send them money. The scam may be a promise of lottery winnings, loans, credit card scams, and a variety of other techniques used to persuade you into giving them money.
The old phrase “if it seems to be too good to be true it usually is” applies when you’re dealing with these scammers. Never agree to give out personal information or send money when promised you have won a “lottery”. No lottery will require you to pay “taxes” upfront. As lucrative as the “investment” sounds, or as convincing as the caller may be, you must remain diligent in recognizing these types of scams.
Some scammers will even try to play with and manipulate your emotions. They may pose as a grandson or relative that is in some sort of trouble, and need money sent to them quickly. Always confirm who you are speaking with, and don’t always trust what shows up on the caller ID on your telephone. Many spammers are using “telephone spoof” programs that will allow them to produce ANY number they wish to show up on your caller ID when you receive the call.
One recent scam involved a spammer calling from “The States Attorney’s Office” asking why the subject did not report for jury duty. When the victim on the line demanded that he was not notified of jury duty, the spammer then asked to confirm his personal information. The caller then asked for his address, social security number, and other personal information. The victim felt comfortable giving the information over the phone, because “States Attorney’s Office” showed up on his
caller ID. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the State’s Attorney, but rather a phone scammer using this type of “spoof” software to obtain someone’s personal information.
Email is another way these scammers will attempt to get your information. The same type of spoofing software is used to send you an email that may look like it came from a company you normally do business with or a site that you recognize. For example, you may get an email from what looks like “Bank of America” or “Ebay” asking you to update your information for their files. NEVER respond to these “spoof” emails. Contact the company directly to assure that you are not being taken advantage of by a scammer.
There are many ways scammers try to use modern technology to steal your hard earned money. A great way to prevent unwanted telemarketing phone calls is to register your phone number on the National “Do Not Call” registry at https://www.donotcall.gov/ Another great resource for people to visit online is http://www.scambusters.org/ It covers all of the latest online frauds such as Bank of America, the latest Japan Relief Scam and more.
If anyone would like to talk about a possible scam, forward a scam email to me, or talk about scams in general, I can be reached at dplovich@yahoo.com
Chief Dean Plovich
Gillespie Police Department
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Dear Editor,
Domestic Violence within Macoupin County is prevalent. It is destructive and can be both physical and psychological. It can affect anyone of any age, gender, race, or sexual orientation. It may include behaviors meant to scare, physically harm, or control a partner. While every relationship is different – domestic violence generally involves an unequal power dynamic in which one partner tries to assert control over the other in a variety of ways. The following statistics are all according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
We can see domestic violence inside the home: through the use and control of household pets. In one study, 85% of survivors who experienced co-occurring animal abuse reported that the behavior of their pets had changed. An even higher percentage of survivors who reported partners had harmed or killed their pet, have also reported their partner for domestic violence. We can also see an increase usage of firearms within the intimate partner violence home. A survey of contacts by the National Domestic Violence Hotline found (of those with access to firearms):
- 10% said their abusers had fired a gun during an argument.
- 67% believed their abusers were capable of killing them.
We can see domestic violence inside our schools: as partner violence is not exclusive to the home. There are many instances of violence between dating partners that begin in high school. Nearly 1.5 million high school students in the United States are physically abused by dating partners every year. Within those relationships, 13.4% of male high school students report being physically or sexually abused by a dating partner.
We can see domestic violence inside our community: Macoupin County provides a specific set of needs for those victims and survivors of domestic violence. There are several complex concerns within a violent relationship that come to light once action has been taken. Safe Families sees a few main re-occurring concerns within the county:
- Survivors have fewer financial resources, making them more financially dependent on an abusive partner.
- The lack of rental units or other affordable housing options makes it more difficult for survivors to leave spouses or co-habiting abusers.
The Macoupin County Safe Families program provides support for residents as they journey the emotional endeavors to leave behind domestic violence. As a contributor to that experience, we will be hosting a Domestic Violence Awareness Walk on October 7th on the Carlinville Square. An event shirt will be included with a ticket sale. The online tickets will close 09/29 at 5pm. Tickets will be sold at 9am day-of event at the Safe Families booth. More information about the Awareness Walk can be found on our website at mcphd@mcphd.net. We urge Macoupin County residents to join us and rally against domestic violence together.
Juliet Wooldridge and Lilly Booth
Domestic Violence Advocate Coordinators
Community Health Worker
Macoupin County Safe Families
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Dear Editor,
Community Health Centers are the backbone of our nation’s primary health care system. We design innovative, integrated primary care based on what services communities need most — ensuring access to affordable, quality healthcare for over 30 million people. In addition to creating jobs and saving lives, collectively we save American taxpayers $24 billion a year in health care costs by preventing and managing chronic diseases.
Community Health Centers are not ordinary medical clinics; we are also problem-solvers who reach beyond the exam room to care for the whole person by providing access to necessities like food, transportation, and housing. Community Health Centers care for everyone, regardless of insurance status. Nationwide during hurricanes, floods, and fires, and locally during the pandemic, Community Health Centers are first on the scene and are vital to keeping America healthy.
The 2023 theme of National Health Center Week is ‘The Roadmap to a Stronger America.’ Community Health Centers serve as the beacon of strength, service, and care in their communities. In moments of pain and loss, we offer support and love. In moments of triumph, we offer hope and a vision for the future. This year’s National Health Center Week theme takes us on a virtual road trip across America, highlighting the achievements and amazing work being done at Community Health Centers in every state and territory. Celebrate the uniqueness of our community and get to know others as we journey across the U.S. together!
Each day of National Health Center Week is dedicated to a particular focus area. We will be working with community partners to recognize and celebrate each of the following focus groups in our community.
- Sunday, 8/6: Public Health in Housing Day
- Monday, 8/7: Healthcare for the Homeless Day
- Tuesday, 8/8: Agricultural Worker Health Day
- Wednesday, 8/9: Patient Appreciation Day
- Thursday, 8/10: Stakeholder Appreciation Day
- Friday, 8/11: Health Center Staff Appreciation Day
- Saturday, 8/12: Children’s Health Day
As part of National Health Center Week 2023, we invite you to support Macoupin Community Health Centers, Inc. to celebrate our mission and accomplishments.
Christy Blank
CEO/Public Health Administrator
Macoupin Community Health Centers, Inc.
Macoupin County Public Health Department
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