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Hello Alaska,
After throwing scammers under the bus last week, I received an automated telephone call a couple of days ago to let me know that my account at Credit Union 1 had to be temporarily locked. The caller then asked me to press 1, if I want unlock it. The short story is that two confirmations later, I was prompted for my 16 digit account number. Naturally I hung up at that point, both because my account number contains 6 digits (my credit card number is 16) and because banks will never ask for that information. I was absolutely blown away at this attempt at obtaining my credit card information. The incoming number by the way was (866) 430-4323. Naturally I reported this to CU1, who confirmed that other members had called about being contacted by phone. Am I way behind the times here, or is phone-phishing the next level of threat? ------------------------------------------------------- Here is some feedback from Sarah Hurst on one of last week's newsletter topics: As a professional editor and occasional proofreader I have to disagree that a spelling error in a publication isn't a big deal. Sure, it may be understood, but it makes you look amateurish. I feel particularly strongly about this now that the internet has everyone posting instantly without bothering with any editing or proofreading. The other day someone knocked on my door to tell me about a meat delivery service. I was curious about it and willing to consider it, but there was a spelling error on their business card (the word "guaranteed"). I wondered who these people were and looked up the person's name on Alaska CourtView. It turned out he had a lengthy list of criminal and civil cases associated with his name. So, an unprofessional appearance on marketing materials may be an indicator of more serious underlying problems. ------------------------------------------------------- Even though we have been largely spared by the worldwide economic downturn, there are many economic pitfalls for small businesses, for many of which we are unable to prepare. Point and case is this email from Cassy - You may not be aware of the difficulties a remote community in the Interior is having and has been since 06. As a long time local artisan...I have finally hit the wall. My primary earning power is via Holland America. Our little town of Eagle (on the Yukon) receives about 80-140 Holland America visitors a day from late May to early Sept. This has been a wonderful source of income for many town folk. But we had two summers (06 & 07) of major fires, then in 09 our town (and my business) was destroyed by a massive ice flood, last year the only road into Eagle was destroyed by torrential rains and we had less than half a sales season when the road washed out, now this year Holland America will not be coming in to Eagle until (possibly) July. Needless to say I have been hanging on by a thread over these rough seasons and have reached a point of wanting to sell my inventory and seek a new creative outlet....somewhere out there in the big world. I am wondering if you could mention that I am looking for a buyer. My jewelry is unique and produced with good materials. A sampling can be seen at http://shop.cassalona.com. I currently have over 500 pieces to sell and my older inventory is still at 09 & 10 precious metal, ivory and supply prices. Each year I develop some new designs (which are not on the website yet). I would like to sell all my jewelry to one buyer. I'd appreciate any assistance you can provide. Sincerely, Cassalona Cassalona's Artfully Designed Jewelry mail@cassalona.net 907.547.2329 I hope one of you can hook the girl up with a buyer! ------------------------------------------------------- And now at last the winners of the survey drawing: Kaladi Brothers $25 gift card - Mary Rydesky Kaladi Brothers $25 gift card - Sharon Kelly Kaladi Brothers $25 gift card - Lisa Greer Kaladi Brothers $25 gift card - Margaret Nelson Orso/Brewhouse gift certificate - Tara Rosenlund Overnight stay at the Crowne Plaza - Carrie Kay Congratulations to all of you and thank you again for participating. Your certificates will be available at our office (430 W. 7th Ave, Suite 110 in Anchorage) for pickup on Monday, or please contact us to arrange having them sent to you. ------------------------------------------------------ Here is the first Mother's day special I found. Feel free to send me yours and I will post it next week! - Join the Finish Line (in Fairbanks) for Mother's Day Sunday, May 8, for a special menu prepared by Chef Joe just for Mom! Breakfast and lunch will be served from 10am until 2pm and reservations are recommended. Live music all day. Please call (907) 328-6300 for reservations.
-------------------------------------------------------- 32nd Annual Kenai Peninsula Home Show, "Home on the Kenai" presented by the Kenai Peninsula Builders Association and Spenard Builders Supply Soldotna Sports Center Saturday, April 30 - 11am to 7pm Sunday, May 1 - 11am to 5pm Admission - Adults: $5 / Students and Senior Citizens: $4 Children under 12 and Active Military Personnel Admitted Free. Over 100 exhibitors - Door Prizes furnished by vendors given away every 10 minutes - $500 Cash giveaway - Seminars presented by the Central Peninsula Garden Club----------------------------------------------------------- The Wasilla City Market will open in June and remain open until August 28th. It is a "Farmers Market and Crafts/Artisan Market all in one and is located in Downtown Wasilla behind Key Bank. Next to Husky Electric Supply at 300 North Willow St. -------------------------------------------------------- Its time to vote for the best in Alaska! http://www.adn.com/bestofalaska/---------------------------------------------------------------- Fish on!! Wrangell Alaska Chamber's 59th Annual King Salmon Derby will be held May 7 - June 5. Visit www.wrangellchamber.org/derby.php for further information ------------------------------------------------------------ Enjoy the summer in Fairbanks at winter prices!! The Alpine Lodge is offering a $99 weekend special starting May 13. That price includes a Free Deluxe Continental breakfast, as well as Free Shuttle Service to and from the Airport and Railroad Depot. Visit www.akalpinelodge.com, or call (907)328-6300 (or 800-455-8851 toll free) for more information and to make your reservation. ------------------------------------------------------------ Alaska's Hallo Bay Bear Camp invites you and your friends to their 10th Annual Duck & Dessert Shorebird Appreciation Party! Wednesday, May 4th 7pm - 9pm 290 Crestwood Circle in Homer If lost check your iphone, or call for directions at:235-2237 or 235-1599 The will be the usual sinful desserts, refreshments and door prizes ---------------------------------------------------------------- The next day, Thursday May 5th is the Grand Opening of the new in Town Office for Hallo Bay at 1529 Ocean Drive where you can meet their staff, eat more great desserts and get in the running for more door prizes and bear viewing trip give always. | 
