And now there is a relatively new phishing scam going around where you are notified via email that you have purchased an item from a well known and respected merchant. When you reply to question or dispute the charge, the "phishers" try to suck more information out of you (on the ruse of  correcting the charge) and then with this information they wipe out your bank account. I have had two such attempts through my email account in the last couple of months.The first was an email I received purporting to be from Amazon confirming my purchase of a flat screen tv for $588.88.  The second was a notice from Southwest Airlines confirming a flight to Phoenix, AZ for an undisclosed amount. Same scam.

Since many of us will be travelling during most of January into early February with the winter trade show season in full force, you might be well advised

to be aware of another way the criminals have devised to separate travellers from their money & possessions. The latest trick involves a very small, easily concealed tool about the size of a Magic Marker that thieves are using to pick locks on hotel doors. The device works so quickly, quietly, and efficiently, entry is gained in 5 seconds or less. At present there are millions of hotel rooms at risk in virtually every hotel chain, from the cheapest flea bag NoTell Motel to the most expensive penthouse suites, and very little has been done towards dealing with the problem. For more info on this alarming threat, check out this brief video report.

Meanwhile, I hope to see you this week in Baltimore at MANTS, the Masterpiece of Trade Shows, Booth 1415. And please make plans to join me, Smilin' Jack Campbell, Michael Proctor, Dale Saunders, 

 David McDaniel, and many more culturally enlightened exhibitors & attendees, for MANTS After Dark, the most fun you can have with your clothes on in Baltimore.  We will gather at Tir Na Nog, an Irish pub at The Harbor on Wednesday and The Cat's Eye at Fell's Point on Thursday.  As usual, Smilin' Jack will be on stage playing his fabulous harmonica with the Skyla Burrell Blues Band. The fun starts at 9:00 PM each evening, so loosen your tie, put on your high heel sneakers and get ready to get down. See you there.