This is a recently resurrected scam that goes way back to the original split up of Ma Bell: The person on the phone said they had reviewed my Verizon phone bill and asked if I would like to save money. It did not take me long to determine that it was not Verizon calling, as the woman on the phone knew nothing of my actual Verizon plan and discounts I receive based on that plan. Because she used the word "Verizon" at the beginning of the call, she made it appear as if she were representing that company. Be careful when you get this type of call. Questions are designed to get you to say, "yes," and the next thing you know, you've been switched to another provider; and you'll find an additional fee right on your Verizon bill. Verizon does offer free audits of your plan, and will sometimes offer suggestions for saving, but you have to ask them to do so.

Your URL is about to expire! Today, I received an email from an unknown source suggesting that my domain (web address) expires at the end of the month and that I had to pay $75/year to renew it. I knew right away this was a scam. People often get confused when they get these messages and the next thing you know, someone duped you out of $75, and you just lost control of your URL. Here's a checklist to help you avoid this mistake:

• Is the message actually from your web hosting company?

• Do you recognize the email address?

• The average cost of a URL is around $10 per year.

Improve Your Search Engine Optimization (SEO)!

Companies - some legit, some not - may contact you either by phone or email and ask you to spend your hard earned dollars on marketing your web site. It's more than likely that your web designer or agency has already set up SEO as part of their contract with you. Just contact your web developer and ask before you spend.

If I designed your web site, I usually receive the messages from your host about anything concerning your hosting or domain, and will follow up with you. I have also set up SEO for your site. If you ever have a question or are confused as to whether an email or phone call regarding your web site is legitimate; or someone contacts you about any type of marketing, just give me a call, or forward the email to me and I will be happy to advise you.

Don't be duped!  

FREE Workshop: Nuts & Bolts for Entrepreneurs

Greater Gardner Community Development Corp. (CDC) 

Central Street, Gardner, Massachusetts

June 15, 2011, 6:00 - 8:00 P.M.

If you are thinking about starting your own business or started one within the last couple of years, the CDC's Nuts and Bolts for Entrepreneurs workshop should be on the your calendar!

Avoid the pitfalls by learning the first steps you need to take to open a business from the legal, accounting, and marketing perspectives.

Call Jim at 978-630-2975 for more information and to register. There is a $20.00 Refundable deposit required.