The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Church in Zephyrhills is changing its affiliation

By

The First Methodist Church of Zephyrhills has dropped its previous affiliation with the United Methodist Church and has re-established its affiliation with the Global Methodist Church, according to a news release from the church. The transition occurred on Dec. 15.

The church’s new name is a return to its name prior to 1968, when the United Methodist Church merged with the Evangelical United Brethren Church to form the United Methodist Church.

“After a three-year discernment process, our congregation chose to reaffiliate to the Global Methodist Church, a new denomination founded for more traditionally minded Methodists who want to remain faithful to orthodox Christian theology, stand on scriptural authority, and be part of a leaner and simpler denominational structure,” Dr. Steve Ezra, senior pastor of the church, said in the news release. “We are excited to continue building on our 111 years of worshiping God and making disciples of Jesus Christ in Zephyrhills but doing so as part of a new and rapidly growing worldwide Methodist movement.”

Founded in 1912, First Methodist Church of Zephyrhills has ministered to thousands of people locally and around the world through their mission partnerships. The church offers two worship services on Sunday mornings: 9:30 a.m. contemporary worship and 11 a.m. traditional worship, both live-streamed through its Facebook page, at Facebook.com/fumczhills/.

The church offers a variety of discipleship opportunities for children, students and adults throughout the week, as well as multiple opportunities for ministry and service, including a thrift shop and food pantry. Its mission is “to make disciples of Jesus Christ who worship passionately, love extravagantly, and witness boldly.”

Published December 27, 2023

Pasco’s firefighters, corrections officers to get mental health support

By

The Pasco County Commission has approved a contract with Tampa Bay Psychology Associates Inc., to provide mental health care support for the county’s firefighters and correction officers.

The county board approved the $223,484.82 contract for fiscal year 2024 to the mental health care provider, which will perform mental health screenings and ongoing care to support the well-being of those public safety employees.

The item was part of the board’s Dec. 5 consent agenda, meaning that the board approved it as part of a package of agenda items without board discussion.

Jon-Michael Morin, president of the IAFF local 4420, which represents Pasco’s professional firefighters, called attention to the item during the public comment portion of the board’s meeting.

(Mike Camunas)

In his remarks, Morin noted: “Firefighters are at an increased for anxiety, depression, post traumatic stress disorder, alcoholism and suicidal ideations.

“Coupled with the stress of normal life, my members endure long work hours, sleepless life, tragedies of death and dismemberment, and an overall high-stress work environment,” Morin said.

To overcome the challenges, the union established programs that “facilitate proactive education about early recognition of mental and behavioral health crises,” he said.

“We provide additional defusing at the crew level, following certain call types, such as the death of a child or those emergency calls that involve great bodily harm.

“We collectively have changed the culture within the Fire Rescue Department that instigates open dialogue about the risk factors we face as first responders and encourage our members to seek professional help, proactively,” he added.

Morin also noted that the union, in collaboration with Fire/Rescue leadership, have continued to build upon the work that’s been done in the past.

That’s where the county board comes in, he said.

“Where we need your help is before you today on consent, as item C54, with a contract award to Tampa Bay Psychology Associates.

“This award will provide a singular, focused and comprehensive third-party plan for first responder-centric professional mental health counseling for our members and is the vitally important next step of the program design.

“By approving this item, you’ll be sending a clear message to your firefighters that your public safety priority is their well-being, both on and off the job,” Morin said.

Pasco County Commissioner Gary Bradford praised the rescue crews that he said he frequently sees zipping around the county in response to calls.

“I just want you to know that you’re appreciated, you’re prayed for and what you said about the mental health issues is very, very true. Get help. It is important.”

Published December 20, 2023

Property tax breaks are on the way for some Pasco seniors

By

It won’t happen immediately and it won’t apply to all seniors, but some tax relief is on the way for Pasco County seniors with incomes below $35,167.

That figure is based on 2023’s eligibility, but it will likely increase before the property tax break becomes effective for Pasco residents over age 65.

The Pasco County Commission approved an additional $50,000 homestead exemption for those meeting age and income eligibility, and it will take effect in 2025.

To help senior citizens on limited incomes combat the high costs of living, the Pasco County Commission has adopted an additional $50,000 homestead exemption for those meeting income eligibility requirements. The tax break takes effect in 2025. (File)

Pasco County Commissioner Seth Weightman championed the tax break, as he and his county board colleagues debated issues during the board’s budget hearings for this fiscal year.

Weightman wanted to take a more measured approach regarding the county’s Fire Municipal Services Taxing Unit (MSTU). Ultimately, the board approved an increase in that rate which, despite a compromise, was higher than Weightman initially said he would support.

During the debate, however, Weightman advocated for doing something to help its seniors who are living on a fixed income and are battling against the high cost of living.

The additional exemption is authorized under the Florida Constitution and the state’s general laws, according to Pasco County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder, who brought back the ordinance to the board at its Dec. 5 meeting for a vote.

The estimated annual fiscal impact from the tax break works out to be around $3 million, according to County Administrator Mike Carballa.

Those eligible for the additional exemption will need to fill out paperwork each year and the Pasco County Property Appraiser’s Office will process it.

During a previous board hearing, Pasco County Property Appraiser Mike Wells said it will require additional staff, but his office will be able to manage that.

He told board members: “We’re willing to do that. I think our seniors deserve it, especially the ones on the fixed incomes.”

At that same meeting, Weightman said: ”With the expense of the world and our senior population getting priced out of here. I am happy to support this.”

Pasco Tax Collector Mike Fasano was also at that meeting and he praised the board’s action.

Fasano told the board: “I think what you’ve done just now is going to help our seniors … We have so many seniors in this community that call us; they can’t pay their bill.

“They hear that their neighbor in another county has been getting that additional $50,000 homestead, (and they ask) ‘Is it available for me?’

“I tell them, it will be one day. We’ve got a commission that’s going to be working diligently for you, making sure you get it,’” Fasano said.

Based on the board’s Dec. 5 action, senior citizens are now a step closer to getting that relief, although it will be another year before they receive it.

Published December 20, 2023

Airports are expecting 7.5 million air travelers – a new record this holiday season

By

If you’re jetting away or driving off for the holidays, join the crowd.

Airports are expected to be the busiest they’ve ever been throughout the Christmas and New Year’s travel period, according to a news release from AAA – The Auto Club Group.

“AAA has seen steady year-over-year growth in travel demand, culminating with what is expected to be the busiest year-end holiday travel season on record in Florida, and the second-busiest nationwide,” Debbie Haas, vice president of Travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group, said in the release.

Air travel is expected to hit a new record this holiday season, between Dec. 23 and Jan. 1. (Courtesy of Tampa International Airport)

An estimated 115.2 million travelers are expected across the nation during the holidays, a figure surpassed only in 2019. The figure also represents an increase of 2.5 million over last year.

Of those making a trip, the vast majority will travel by vehicle, coming in at an estimated 103.6 million, which represents an increase of 1.8 million more than last year.

About 4 million will travel by bus, train, cruise or other modes, which constitutes the largest number of travelers using those means since 2008. It’s also the fifth-highest on record and tops last year’s total by 394,000.

Nationally, AAA projects 7.5 million air travelers, surpassing the record set in 2019.

At Tampa International Airport (TPA), airlines are significantly increasing the number of available seats on routes to and from TPA this year, according to airport officials. 

In November, TPA experienced a record-breaking number of travelers, including its second-busiest travel day ever with 89,018 people visiting the airport on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, a TPA news release says.

The two heaviest days are expected to be the Saturday before and the Saturday after the Christmas holiday, when more than 90,000 passengers are expected to travel through TPA, and the weekend after New Year’s Day also will be extremely busy, the release says.

You can save time at Tampa International Airport by using apps to order food and drink online, so it will be ready for you when you arrive.

Following a record Thanksgiving last month, Tampa International Airport is now preparing for similar upcoming traffic as it expects around 80,000 passengers per day during the three-week Christmas and New Year’s holiday period.

Much like the Thanksgiving period, TPA’s parking garages are expected to reach capacity during peak times, so travelers are urged to book parking in advance online. Some garages could briefly close, so travelers without reservations could get bumped to alternative lots, hence the need to arrive early. All drivers with reservations will be guaranteed a parking spot, according to airport officials.

Arriving passengers using ride-share apps such as Uber and Lyft for pick-up on the Blue Side will be directed to use the Blue Express Curbsides to relieve congestion at the Blue Bag Claim level. Passengers using Uber and Lyft on the Red Side can either use the Red Arrivals drive or take the elevator up and over to the Blue Express Curbsides, where there is less traffic and passengers can be picked up more quickly.

Across Florida, AAA is reporting that nearly 357,000 of the state’s residents are expected to take a commercial flight. That’s 15,000 more than last year, and it’s the second-highest air travel volume on record, behind 2003 (399,000).

Overall, AAA expects nearly 218,000 more Floridians will be taking a trip for the holidays, in the period spanning from Dec. 23 to Jan. 1, according to a AAA news release. That doesn’t include those traveling to Florida from other states.

Make holiday travel smoother at Tampa International Airport

  • Plan ahead for parking. Reserve a spot so you’ll be sure to have one. Book in advance at TampaAirport.com/Park.
  • If you’re not checking baggage, choose the Blue Express Curbsides to get in and out of the terminal more easily. This is also where ride-share apps pick up arriving passengers on the Blue Side. Passengers on the Red Side can meet their Uber or Lyft outside of the Red baggage claim area.
  • Arrive at least two hours before departure; at least three hours, if you are traveling internationally.
  • Check your pockets and your carry-on baggage before leaving your house. Jams and jellies, cranberry sauce, gravy, bottles of wine and other holiday treats are commonly confiscated at TSA checkpoints, along with the usual prohibited items such as knives and firearms. 
  • Skip the lines: You can order a snack before you arrive and have it waiting for you when you get there. Use either TPA To Go or the Starbucks mobile app to order and pay, then swing by the counter and pick up your items without standing in line.

Source: Tampa International Airport

A few more parking tips to keep in mind

  • Remove valuables from your vehicle.
  • Lock doors and roll up windows.
  • Take a photo of your spot to remember where you parked.
  • Keep your ticket and receipt (if prepaid) to show when exiting.
  • If you park off-site from the airport, be sure to look for a reputable business and be sure there’s a shuttle to get you to the airport.
  • Opt for covered parking if you live in an area that is expecting inclement weather.

Source: AAA

Best/Worst Times to Drive
Here’s some information regarding best and worst times to drive during the holiday period from Dec. 23 to Jan. 1, based on transportation insights from INRIX, and courtesy of AAA:
Dec. 23: Best time to travel, before 10 a.m.; worst time to travel, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Dec. 26: Best time to travel, before noon; worst time to travel, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Dec. 27: Best time to travel, before noon; worst time to travel, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Dec. 28: Best time to travel, before noon; worst time to travel, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Dec. 29: Best time to travel, before noon; worst time to travel, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Dec. 30: Best time to travel, before noon; worst time to travel, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Minimal travel is expected on Dec. 24, Dec. 25, Dec. 31 and Jan. 1.

Published December 20, 2023

No gift like the present

By

From Land O’ Lakes to Lutz, to Wesley Chapel and over to Zephyrhills and Dade City, everyone is gearing up — and pretty much ready — for the holidays — filled with presents, family and festive fun. Here are some of our favorite Holiday Scenes from our coverage area.

Jenn Belmont, left, and her son, Joseph, ride down a ‘real snow’ slide at the Avalon Aglow event held Dec. 9 near the community’s under-construction downtown setting in Wesley Chapel. It was one of many events in the area, celebrating the upcoming holidays with festive gatherings, vendors, photo ops, rides and attractions, and more. (Mike Camunas)
Haidyn Oliver, 6, gladly hands out a cup of hot chocolate, on a warm, but festive Dec. 9 morning, as part of a fundraiser in Lake Padgett Estates in Land O’ Lakes she does annually to raise money for Toys For Tots. This season, she raised hundreds of dollars selling just hot chocolate to those who stopped for a sweet treat.
The Spear Family — back row: mom, Paola, and dad, David; front row, from left, Katalina, Pallas and Atticus (not pictured) — excitedly look at the LEGO town, assembled brick by brick by Jason Burkett, at Christmas at the Old Lutz School House on Dec. 9.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas carolers, from left to right: Derek Rourc, Brittany Gonzalez, Culver Casson and James Madden, perform ‘We Wish You A Merry Christmas’ following the tree lighting ceremony outside the Pasco County Historic Courthouse during the 39th Annual Christmas Stroll in Downtown Dade City on Dec. 9.
Parker Jenkins, of Land O’ Lakes, is all smiles meeting Santa Claus (Craig McTavish) on Dec. 9 at the Old Lutz School House.
Land O’ Lakes resident Jolie Linares peruses and shops at the Holiday Market, at Tampa Premium Outlets in Lutz on Dec. 9.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Fisher Family — from left: Randy, Finnegan, Christina and Erin — take advantage of the open streets during the 39th Annual Christmas Stroll in Downtown Dade City on Dec. 9.
Marielle Fernandez, marketing manager of Avalon Park in Wesley Chapel, is all smiles while donning a Santa hat during the Avalon Aglow event on Dec. 9.
Zachary Pickren, left, and Angelina Smith huddle together on Dec. 2, as they await the start of the Symphony of Lights, the nightly music and light display show presented hourly in the evenings at The Shops at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sylvana Inocent, left, and Josuha Straiton, pose with The Grinch himself (Marty Wilt) and, of course, Cindy Lou Who (Isabelle Wilt) at the Avalon Aglow event in Wesley Chapel on Dec. 9.
Ryleigh Klimowicz might be a mean one, but she still had a great time at the 39th Annual Christmas Stroll in Downtown Dade City on Dec. 9.
Nine-year-old Sawyer Steckman, of Land O’ Lakes, truly believes in Santa, but is also enjoying the model trail room set up at the Old Lutz School House.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brianna Rivera, 7, left, and Jade Kelly, 4, pose on Dec. 2 for a picture with Santa Claus (Paul Barlett) at the GFWC Pasco Juniors Woman’s Club’s Breakfast with Santa Charity at the Lexington Oaks Community Center.
Thiago Rojas, 5, left, and Annai Moreno, both of Land O’ Lakes, discuss just which is the right tree to pick out on Dec. 9, at the Winterland Christmas Tree lot at The Shops at Wiregrass.
Zita Tiatano, of Wesley Chapel, displays for sale her handmade, themed tiny trees and other holiday decor during the Holiday Market held on Dec. 9, at the Tampa Premium Outlets in Lutz.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kids and those young at heart alike enjoy the ‘snow’ coming down at Symphony of Lights on Dec 2, during the nightly music and light display show done hourly in the evenings at The Shops at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel.
Zephyrhills youngster Rowan Hickman, 4, becomes a little drummer boy walking through the lights display at Agnes Lamb Park during the 39th Annual Christmas Stroll in Downtown Dade City on Dec. 9.
Kiddos and those young at heart eagerly lined up to ride down a ‘real snow’ slide on Dec. 9, at Avalon Aglow.

Pasco school district team tracks down ‘missing’ students

By

It became obvious during a recent Pasco County School Board meeting that some of the district’s most important work occurs outside of its classrooms.

Thanks to the diligence of the school district’s social services coordinator team, 18 children under the age of 11 who had been “missing” have been located, according to Vanessa Hilton, chief academic officer for the school system.

(Mike Camunas)

The team began searching in mid-October for 22 students who had been coded W-22, which stands for “whereabouts unknown,” Hilton said.

By mid-November, the team had reduced the list of missing children to four, whom they were still trying to find, as of the Dec. 5 school board meeting.

“The 18 that were found were either re-engaged in Pasco, found enrolled in another county or state, or who have now been connected to Home Ed,” Hilton told board members.

“The success in this task is completely thanks to that team of social service coordinators, who utilized their determination, skills and creativity to look out for the safety of these younger students.

“At the end of the day, this is a huge win for the vulnerable age group for our students,” Hilton said, expressing her appreciation for the team and its leadership for their commitment.

The school district also has been involved in other efforts to engage the community, Hilton said.

“The Office for Career, Technical and Adult Education has been actively working to increase and enhance our business partnerships for school and district programs,” she said.

She cited some specific examples.

Bosco’s Italian Pizza in Wesley Chapel, for instance, demonstrated pizza-making to the students in the culinary program at John Long Middle School.

The owner of Monarch Media Designs in Wisconsin also got involved by sharing the process for wrapping vehicles to commercial arts students at Marchman Technical College. The expert then judged student designs, resulting in what Hilton described as “a very authentic experience.”

Hilton also thanked the “creative director and brand strategist of The Social Artist, who taught Pasco High School marketing students about the importance of creativity, strategy and technical skills, when developing online content.”

During its Dec. 5 meeting, the school board also:

  • Redefined the job descriptions for the district’s principals and assistant principals.
  • Added the position of civil rights compliance manager. This position reports to the general counsel to the superintendent and is responsible for managing and monitoring equal employment and educational opportunity activities, and ensuring compliance with applicable local, state and federal rules and regulations, including the Equal Opportunity Employment Act, the Florida Educational Equity Act (FEEA) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
  • Added the position of civil rights compliance investigator. This role is responsible for investigations into charges and/or complaints of unfair employment or educational practices that involve race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, disability or marital status. It also involves preparing documentation, includes follow-up activities, and is responsible for assisting legal department administrators by preparing written reports, documents, case materials and other data as needed. 
  • Extended the closing date on a 15-acre property between Interstate 75 and Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, at the end of Dunham Station Road, for a charter school. The closing date on that transaction is now scheduled for Jan. 16.
  • Approved an amendment to the purchase of a school site within the Villages of Pasadena Hills, an area that’s located between Dade City, San Antonio and Wesley Chapel. The district is tentatively planning a K-8 school on a parcel that is part of the Evans family property. Closing on the property was expected on Dec. 8 and the amendment was needed, in order for closing to take place on time.

Published December 20, 2023

Buckle up the right way for safety

By

Whether taking a trip for the holidays, or just driving in the neighborhood, parents and caregivers are encouraged to help make sure children are buckled up in the right seat, for every ride, every time.

Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 12 in the United States. In fact, one in three kids under age 13 in 2021 who died in car crashes were unrestrained, according to a State Farm news release.

Studies examining misuse among users of child car seats estimate that more than half of car seats are not used or installed correctly. A properly used and installed child safety seat can reduce the risk of injury by as much as 71%, the release says.

State Farm has teamed with Safe Kids Worldwide to launch the Good Neighbor Car Seat Safety Program — a new national initiative to increase access to education and resources, help inspire behavior change, and create a culture of safety for children and families.

Safe Kids is a nonprofit organization working to reduce unintentional injuries to children ages 0 to 14, and to build equitable and sustained systems that support injury prevention. To learn more, visit SafeKids.org/car-seat.

“With over 3.6 million children born in the U.S. every year (CDC/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), State Farm is committed to helping kids stay safe ‘From Car Seat to Driver’s Seat,’” said Jose Soto, State Farm corporate responsibility analyst, in the release.

Before the end of 2023, the Good Neighbor program will bring car seat checkup events to communities in 25 cities across the country.

For more information on State Farm’s mission, visit StateFarm.com.

Published December 20, 2023

As dry conditions persist, here are some tips to reduce outdoor water use

By

Pasco, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties are operating under a Modified Phase 1 Water Shortage declared by the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s governing board.

Under that order, all three counties are limited to one day a week for outdoor irrigation.

Katherine Munson is the lead conservation education coordinator for the Southwest Florida Water Management District. (Courtesy of Southwest Florida Water Management District)

Katherine Munson, lead conservation education coordinator for the Water Management District, has compiled a list of questions and answers to help individuals reduce their water use by taking a few simple steps. A condensed version of that Q&A is presented here.

Q: Why is it important to conserve water outdoors?
A:  Outdoor water use accounts for about 50% of water consumed by households, so it’s important to pay attention to your outdoor water use. If using a permanent in-ground irrigation system, be sure to conduct regular maintenance to ensure it is working properly and make seasonal adjustments throughout the year. If using a non-permanent above-ground sprinkler, only run the sprinkler when you’re home, water slowly to reduce runoff and allow deep penetration, and be sure to use a kitchen timer to remind yourself to turn it off.

Q: What are signs to tell me my in-ground irrigation system is working properly?
A: Manually test run your system to visually check for broken or misdirected sprinkler heads, where water is shooting into the air or into the road or driveway. Also, look for areas where water may be spraying unevenly across your lawn.

Q: Does it matter when I water my lawn?
A: You should only water on your designated day and only if needed. You can learn more about local water restrictions at WaterMatters.org/Restrictions.

Q: What should I check on my irrigation controller to make sure it’s set to water more efficiently?
A: There are three main elements to check on your irrigation controller — the start time, run time and schedule. The start time refers to when your sprinkler system will turn on. Only one start time is needed to initiate watering all irrigation zones. The run time refers to how long each zone in your system will run. Check with your local UF/IFAS Extension office for run time recommendations. The schedule refers to the days of the week your system will turn on. Always check local water restrictions before setting your start time and schedule at WaterMatters.org/Restrictions.

Q: Can smart irrigation controllers help save water outdoors?
A: Yes, smart irrigation controllers help to reduce outdoor water use by automatically adjusting your irrigation run times and/or frequency depending on local weather and other site conditions. Smart controllers are an especially great option if you travel often or live in Florida only part of the year, and still want your irrigation system to adjust to seasonal changes. If properly installed and programmed, a smart irrigation controller can result in water savings of up to 30% to 40% during dry conditions and up to 70% to 90% during the rainy season.

To find more water conservation tips, visit the District’s website at WaterMatters.org/Water101.

Published December 20, 2023

Avoid these ’12 scams of Christmas’

By

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has compiled its ‘naughty list’ of the top 12 scams of Christmas, according to a news release from the organization.

You can avoid most of these scams, however, by exercising caution.

Be careful when shopping or donating during this holiday season and keep an eye out for schemes that are trying to swipe your cash or steal your personal information, the BBB advises. If you are asked to make a payment or donation by wire transfer, through a third party or by a prepaid debit or gift card, regard that as a red flag and refuse to do so.

Here’s the BBB’s 12 scams of Christmas, in condensed form:

Be wary of misleading social media ads. Online purchase scams are the most common cons reported to BBB’s Scam Tracker.

Avoid social media gift exchanges. This scam aims to collect your personal information. Stick to buying your friends gifts from trustworthy businesses.

Be careful with holiday apps: There are dozens of holiday-themed apps that allow children to video chat live with Santa, light the menorah, track Santa’s sleigh and so on. Be sure to review privacy policies to be aware of what information will be collected and also be aware that some of these apps may contain malware.

Watch out for fake texts that say you’ve been hacked. BBB receives tons of reports on Scam Tracker about fake texts and emails, many of them claiming your Amazon, Paypal, Netflix or bank account has been compromised. Be extra cautious about unsolicited calls, emails and texts; contact the business directly and don’t click on any links.

Be wary of free gift cards. Scammers have been known to take advantage of our weakness for ‘free things’  by sending bulk phishing emails requesting personal information to receive free gift cards. In some of these emails, scammers impersonate legitimate companies and promise gift cards to reward their loyal customers. They may also use pop-up ads or send text messages with links saying you were randomly selected as the winner of a prize. Mark these emails as spam or junk. If you did open the email, do not click on any links.

Temporary holiday jobs: Retailers typically hire seasonal workers to help meet the demands of holiday shoppers. Shippers and delivery services are top holiday employers this year because of the increase in online orders and the need to get most of these packages delivered before Christmas. Job seekers need to be wary of employment scams aimed at stealing money and personal information from job applicants. Watch out for opportunities that seem too good to be true.

Look-alike websites: Be wary of emails with links enclosed. Some may lead to look-alike websites created by scammers to trick people into downloading malware, making dead-end purchases, and sharing private information. If you are uncertain about the email, go directly to the official website.

Fake charities: Keep a look out for fraudulent charities and scammers pretending to be individuals in need. Avoid impromptu donation decisions to unfamiliar organizations. Where possible, donate to the charity through their website and use a credit card.

Fake shipping notifications: As more consumers make purchases online, there’s an increase in the number of notifications about shipping details from retailers and carriers. Scammers are using this new surge to send phishing emails with links enclosed that may allow unwanted access to your private information or download malware onto your device. They may also try to trick people into paying new shipping fees. 

Advent calendars: In the past, BBB has received reports to Scam Tracker about advent calendar ads on social media not delivering as promised. Some were not received, and others received inferior products or incomplete orders. Do your research before placing an order.

Top holiday wish list items: Low-priced luxury goods, jewelry, designer clothing, and electronics are almost always cheap counterfeits and knockoffs. The same applies to popular toys. This year, Barbie and Ken, Bitzee, and Paw Patrol headphones are some of the items in high demand. Be very cautious when considering purchasing popular toys from resellers or on social media platforms.

Puppy scams: Many families may be considering adding a furry friend to their household this year. However, be on the lookout for scams. Experts say as much as 80% of sponsored pet advertisements may be fake. Be sure to see the pet in person before making a purchase.

For general information on how to avoid scams, visit BBB.org/AvoidScams.

Published December 20, 2023

Avoid Gift Card Scams This Holiday Season

By

The Pasco Sheriff’s Office offers these tips to help you avoid gift card scams this holiday season:

  • Inspect gift cards for signs of tampering, such as scratches or scuff marks around the bar code or additional adhesives on the exterior of the card.
  • If the PIN is exposed on a gift card, notify a store representative and choose an untampered card.
  • Never buy gift cards from an auction or community website; buy gift cards directly from the retailer.
  • Be sure to save receipts when purchasing a gift card.
  • Treat gift cards like a debit card; change the security code to something creative.

Also, remember that a digital gift card may be a safer option.

Published December 20, 2023