I started this post several months ago. Somehow it got pushed to the side as most things do when summer finally hits and there’s stuff to do around the yard.  Well with time aside, here it is folks.

After reading through our Cody Enterprise I couldn’t help but notice the amazing amount of police reports involving fraud, scams and UIP’s complaints  (Uninformed Innocent People) .

How times change. When I moved to Cody in the 90′s from the east coast I couldn’t help but be amazed at the lack of crime in this small western town. I was genuinely pleased that I would be raising my child in a simple quiet little town that you only read about in fiction novels. Dog at large was the most common complaint followed by a few bar fights, bears in my yard or horses wondering the roads.

When I read the crime section now I notice how the crimes are related to our growing technology. There are always the ‘oldies’ crimes such as check fraud, simple assault, traffic stops, and stray animals. But now we see: Nude pictures on my iPhone, eBay item not as described, unknown person texting me, and computer crimes such as vehicle for sale scams.

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I thought this would be something I could write about and maybe offer some information as I have sold on eBay and work with fraud and scams in one way or another nearly everyday.

Fraud and Scams:

The Vehicle For Sale Cheap Scam Several months ago, well maybe a year or so ago a friend had called to tell me that she found the perfect truck on the Internet and wanted me to look at it. She forwarded the email and pictures to me. After reading the email several red flags went up. So I did alittle investigating and after checking things out a little more I reluctantly had to break her bubble and tell her that this was a scam. 

Here’s what happened:

I emailed the buyer pretending I had seen this vehicle advertised and was interested in purchasing the truck – sight unseen.  

Of course the rat emailed me back immediately with the SAME email.

I would like to thank you for your interest in buying my car and also to clearly some things first of all. I am located in Wheaton, IL and i would like to know from the begining if you are really interested in purchase, so i can stop negotiating with potential buyers. My final price is $10,800 with shipping/handling includedend and it is not negotiable because the car is perfect condition. I decided to sell the car at this price because i need the money urgently. You will pay ebay the required amount, as I had the car listed on their site for a while and they provide the most reliable and secure services in which concerns the on line sales. ebay will secure it untill you get the car. You will be given a 5 days inspection period during so you can make sure that it is the car that you saw in the pictures.The final decision to buy or not the car will be after the 5 days with the car at your home. If you find the car unsatisfactory at the end of the 5 days inspection period, you have the option to return it to me at my expense and get a refund from ebay in 24 hours after they are notified about your decision. If you are satisfied with it, you will confirm that to ebay so that they can unblock the funds and send it to me and the transaction will be completed. So if you agree with what i stated above and you have the funds, i am ready to explain to you all the details regarding the payment method, the shipping process and the paperwork. Looking forward to hearing from you!

Here is just one of the pictures of the vehicle. There were maybe 8 in all of the interior ect… The vehicle appeared brand new.

So have you spotted any red flags in the email above? After reading the email the first thing that jumped out at me is that the vehicle is a truck NOT a car. Anyone living in the USA KNOWS that any proud truck owner would NEVER refer to their truck as a car, it is a truck, Pick Up, beast of burden or dirt slaying devil. Not a car.

Red Flag #2= You will pay eBay the required amount

 eBay does NOT hold or secure funds for vehicles. You pay through PayPal not eBay.

Red Flag #3…if you are not satisfied…… get a refund from eBay in 24 hours

Once again eBay does not hold or refund money to guarantee delivery. eBay is only a platform for sellers and buyers and is never involved in the money exchange. eBay is Great for handling interactions between buyers and sellers but eBay does NOT hold funds.

Red Flag #4 “I need the money urgently… and later on in the same email… If you find the car unsatisfactory return it to me at my expense and get a refund from eBay in 24 hours. — This is to make you feel secure with the transaction. Even if it was real, if the money was urgently needed, how can he guarantee that he could cover the expense of the return?

And of course eBay has never held money for transactions as this is all handled through PayPal or the lister’s credit card company. (Also when finding a listing on Craigslist, (which this particular one was not) eBay will NOT be involved.)

When I emailed the scamer back and told him that I needed his phone number and a copy of the title. I never heard from him again. A lot of these scams originate from overseas and when asked for personal information FROM THEM, like the phone number they will either give you some lame excuse or they will be gone.

Generally the scammer will try to sell you from a fake website or directly from eBay or Craigslist. Once you are interested they will lure you away from the Internet sites and keep in contact with you with email. Since I lost contact with the scammer I would imagine the transaction would go something like this. Either he would send me  to a fake eBay site or send me Western Union, Money Gram, or wiring instructions. Once you send money thru a wire, Western Union or some other service there is no way you can get those funds back.

After doing a little research online I found this site. Really good information on there if you are ever caught up in a eBay Craigslist car scam:

http://www.simplysoldstore.com/wordpress/index.php/2009/04/19/the-craigslist-ebay-car-scam/comment-page-5/

eBay item not as described: Contact eBay first not the local police department. eBay has a very good service department and offers you many ways to take steps with returns or disputes with the eBay resolution department. http://pages.ebay.com/help/buy/item-not-received.html

Check in the mail scam is when you receive a check in the mail stating that you where picked to join a survey group or that you have inherited a wad of money. You are then instructed to deposit the check into your bank account and wire back a specific amount of money to cover costs or for what ever reason. This is an OLD scam. It could involve a check out of the blue or some sort of predetermined sale or service.  If you are unsure of a check take it to you bank and explain how you received it. Banks are VERY good at keeping up and recognizing fraud checks. If somehow you do deposit the check YOU ARE responsible for the funds once the check comes back marked as fraud.

Basic Phone Scams: Someone calls you stating they are from the US government, your bank or the local court house. The Court House Scam is when they state that you have missed jury duty and will be thrown in jail. It catches you off guard. You tell them that you where never notified and that there was some mistake. The scammer says that she/he will check but you need to give him/her you social security number. Yeah right.

The Bank Scam is when someone says they are calling from your bank and need to clear something up in your account. They then ask you to verify your account information… Hey you called ME. Hang up and call your bank to verify.

The Police Charity Fund Scam is when you receive a phone call from the Police Charity Fund. They want you to donate using your credit card or by sending cash. Hang up. Some phony charities try to gain your trust by using names that sound or look like legitimate organizations.

Debit Credit Card: A few months last winter I think everyone in town got a few recorded calls stating that their credit or debit card had been compromised. I believe it was ‘some very important information concerning the status of your card’ or that it had been block or some nonsense. Then: Please press 2 to continue. I was never home when the calls came through but here’s what happens… Someone worried about the security of their card will give the caller the card number and / or other personal information that the scammer needs to ‘verify’ your identity. If you should get a call like this and the caller wants to “verify” any personal information with you think to yourself, Shouldn’t they already HAVE this information? The best thing to do in this case is hand up and call your bank or credit card provider. Look up the number yourself don’t call a number given to you by the caller.

Rule of thumb:If you receive a phone call stating that they are from what ever … bank, police, court house, credit card company ect…  wanting your credit card number, social security number or bank account information… ask your self this: Shouldn’t they Already HAVE this information? If it is not someone you know personally hang up and call the bank or company to verify. Here’s an example: You receive a phone call from the DMV saying there was a mix up and they need to verify your drivers license number.

Nude pictures on my Cell Phone: Block the number. It could be one of several scenarios. A pissed off girlfriend / boyfriend. A phone ‘bot’ that has gotten you number out of a data base and is trying to lure you into giving up your credit card number by paying for more pictures. You can also phone your cell service provider and report them. The same goes for ‘unknown person texting me’

eMail Scams: I really hope I don’t have to warn you against the email scams. I am a widow in Nigeria. I have tons of money in a bank account but no way to access the account. Send me money… I am a businessman in Zimbabwe I have tons of money to give you if you could help me out with some funds I cannot access…. Urgent Message For You– Your far off relative Sir Roger Van Hukenwink from BumFu**NoWhere has passed away. Urgent send me your personal information so I can wire you his mass millions….

A Special Word about social security numbers and banking information: Obviously your employer will need your SSN for wage and tax reporting. Many agencies and services are now offering the ability for you to have your payment taken directly from your checking account in the form of EFT’s. If you are late on a payment some services also offer “check by phone” services.

Before giving this out ask:

• WHY do you need my SS number / banking information?
• How will you use my SSN / banking info?
• How will you protect my SSN / bank info from being stolen?
• What will happen if I don’t give you the information?

Make sure the business / service is legit. Make sure you know who these people are and how this information will be used.

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Struggling with an alcohol problem? Waking up in strange places? Your drinking getting you down? Your family or job aways interfering with your drinking? If divorce and unemployment doesn’t help maybe Alcoholics Anonymous can. 

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AA meets at 1220 12th Street every night at 8 pm and Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 6 pm. AA also meets Monday – Saturday at noon and Sunday at 9 am. Newcomers and out o towners welcome!

Women’s Meeting – Saturday 10 am

Open meeting, public welcome Monday 6 pm and Friday 6 pm.

587-3024 for more information

It works if you work it. While your out touring the country there is no need to miss an AA meeting!

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Other Meetings:

Cody Al-Anon – Are you struggling with someone else’s drinking? Maybe Al-Anon can help. Been there done that! Friday 8 pm a in the basement of US Bank 1132 Beck Ave. Enter through the parking lot door. 587-2857 for more information.

Cody Narcotics Anonymous – Mondays 7 on Assembly of God Church basement- 1532 Bleistein Ave

Overeaters Anonymous – Call for the nearest location 307-899-4741

Warning: These pictures may be considered gross or graphic by some readers. Read and view with caution ultra refined city folk.

A cow elk gives birth right next to the Administration building at Yellowstone National Park headquarters in Mammoth Hot Springs! 

You can see how wildlife and people can live together harmoniously.  And I figure it is one of the few places in the Yellowstone area where a cow elk can safely have her calf without it being eaten immediately by a grizzly or a wolf! 

Ugh come on! Maybe if I pull this string like thing…

Maybe this position will help.

Yeah I know who your daddy is.. I’ll kill the bastard if I ever see him again!

It’s all instinct now

Oh yes a safe delivery! Who IS that nosey man taking pictures?

Up and at ‘em little one

How little and vulnerable

Alright Mom quit pushing!   Hey!     Quit!     I’m still wet

Ughhh Grrrrr Told you!

What?   Are?   These?    THINGS?    Whoa…  LEGS!   I   got   legs!

Hey what’s up mama? Mother and baby bonding

Kinda getting the hang of it.. hey lady whatch ya eating?

Dang right I’m hungry… that’s hard work. Ahhh love you too mom!

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There are many people, through not fault of their own, that are still struggling from the economic upset that has been devastating our country for the past 2 or 3 years.  Many people are without decent paying jobs or have no jobs at all.  Many are also struggling every day just to make ends meet - pay the mortgage, put food on the table, buy school clothes for their children. You may be in this situation or know someone who is.

People helping people

In 2009 a group of people wanted to make a difference and help others struggling in this bad economy. 2010 Blessings was born and has been helping each other within the community one gift at a time.

2010 Blessings  is a  voluntary, private, invitation only community dedicated to the common goal of helping each other struggle through a difficult and tough economy. We help each other by cash gifting. In our community, there are no products to sell or monthly services to pay for. It is based on a voluntary gifting activity that is a legitimate and easy to join. Hundreds of gifts are sent everyday!

We know that it is better to give than to receive therefore, we are standing for what we believe in and blessings the lives of each other all across America.

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  Read more about 2010 Blessings

Who is 2010 Blessings Designed For? 

Blessings is designed for people just like you and me. The average Joe.

Single mothers, single dads, firefighters, millionaires, truck drivers, school teachers, store clerks,retired individuals, the elderly, college students, entry level workers, people stuck in jobs with no advancement, people working 2 or even 3 jobs, low salaried individuals, people without jobs, struggling families ect… 

Many members have already improved their circumstances by paying off outstanding debts, paying tuition, buying or building homes, preventing foreclosure, starting their own business, supplementing their income, or as a means to quitting their jobs and pursuing lifelong dreams.

There are numerous reasons why you should join the 2010 Blessings community, but the number one reason is because its the best way to do something good for yourself and others.

No wonder it’s the fastest growing cash gifting community in the US!

 2010 Blessings gives hope and a little peace of mind.

 
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Keno and I decided to take a walk around Beck Lake today. Luckily I had my camera with me. Half way around the lake the batteries died, or I could have had more pictures of the Lake. I always carry spares in the car so I did capture a few good shots.

When you don’t want to go out for an all day hike Beck Lake is the perfect spot to get away for an hour or more. Here you can enjoy quiet peaceful surroundings along with some amazing scenic Cody views. 

There is a walk way that surrounds both lakes so you can walk, jog, or bike along one or both. There are other things you can do at Beck Lake, fish, walk, jog, picnic, bike, swim or just kick back at the much shaded picnic area and enjoy.  Beck Lake is dog friendly so you can take your best buddy for a nice long walk around the lake, like my best buddy below.

Beck Lake closes to vehicles @ 9 pm.

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Cody is home to a diverse religious population. Whether you live here  or are just passing through on your way to Yellowstone, you can still connect with your religion of choice. Here is a list of Churches in our Cody area..

 Worship and Church Services in Cody

Baptist

First Baptist Church
Across From Dairy Queen 587-3687

Sunday School…….. 9:45 am
Sunday Service……. 11 am
Sunday Evening…… 5 pm
Wednesday  …………6:30 pm 

Grace Baptist Church
4 South Fork Rd / West Cody Strip & South Fork Road 587-6262
http://www.gracebaptistcody.com/

Sunday School……. 10 am
Sunday Services ….11 am
Sunday Evening …..6 pm
Wednesday …………6:30 pm

New Hope Southern Baptist Church
2202 Cougar Ave

Sunday School……… 9:45 am
Sunday Services ……11 am
Wednesday ………….6:30 pm

Yellowstone Baptist Church
99 Southfork Rd  587-5995

Sunday School …………..9:45 am
Sunday Services …………11 am
Sunday Night ……………..6:30 pm
Wednesday ………………..6:30 pm

Bible

Cody Bible Church
2137 Cougar Ave 527-4488

Sunday School ………..9:45 am
Sunday Services ……..10:45 am
Wednesday……………. 7 pm

Wapiti Valley Church
3122 North Fork Highway 587-4789

Sunday School ………….10 am
Sunday Service …………11 am
Wednesday ………………7 pm

Catholic

St. Anthony of Padua
1333 Monument Drive 587-2567

Saturday Latin Mass……………. 8:30 am
Saturday Regular Mass………… 5 pm
Sunday Latin Mass – 1st Sunday of Month 11″30 am
Sunday Mass ………………………8 & 9:30 am
Daily Mass Mondays 7:30 am / Tues – Fri 8:30 am
Holy Days ………………………….8:30 am & 5:30 pm

Christian

Church of Christ
1826 Stampede Ave  587-3311

Sunday Services: Bible Study ……10 am 
Services ………………………………..11 am & 6 pm
Wednesday Bible Study ……………6:30 pm

Cody Christian & Missionary Alliance
147 Cooper Lane East  587-3418

Sunday Early Worship  ……………8:45 am
Sunday Services…………………… 11 am
Sunday School…………………….. 10 am
Monday – Divorce Care ………….7 pm
Friday    - Celebrate Recover…. 6 pm 

Cody Christian Church – New Beginnings
2637 Sheriday Ave 527-7431

Sunday School………….. 9:30 am
Sunday Services ………..10:45 am

Heart Mountain Cowboy Church -
Boot Jeans & Hats
948 Rd 7 Powell, Wyoming 548-6564

Tuesdays ………….7pm

Living Word Family Church
1701 Sheridan Ave – Holliday Inn 250-3832

Sunday Services ………..10 am

Mountain View Community Church of God
2926 Big Horn Ave 587-5437

Sunday Services…………….. 10:30 am
Sunday Childrens Church ….11 am
Sunday Evening Services ….7 pm
Wednesday …………………….7 pm

Episcopal

Christ Episcopal Church
Yellowstone Hwy (Codys West Strip) 587-3849

Sunday Services: ………..8 am & 10 am
Tuesday   …………………  12:05  pm     

Fellowship

Assembly of God “Loving God and One Another”
1532 Bleistein Ave    527-7339
http://www.codyassembly.org/

Sunday Services: ……….11 am & 6:30 pm
Wednesday ……………… 7 pm

Victory Fellowship Church
3219 Sheridan Ave 527-6231

Sunday Services…….. 10:30
Childrens Church…….10:30

Latter Day Saints

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
1719 Wyoming Ave 587-3855
1500 Heart Mountain St 587-4840

Sacrament Meeting…………… 9 am
Sunday School………………… 10:20 am
Primary ………………………….10:20 am
Priesthood Meeting …………..11:10 am
Young Women’s Meeting ……11:10 am
Wednesday Service  ………….7 pm

Luthern

Christ the King
1207 Stampede Ave 587-3025

Sunday Service: ………….9 am
Sunday School :…………. 10:15 am

Trinity Luthern Church
3401 Sheridan Ave  587-2436
http://www.codytlc.org/

Sunday School …………….9:15 am
Sunday Services………… 10:30 am

Methodist

Cody United Methodist Church
1405 Beck Ave 587-4430

Early Worship…………… 8:30 am
Sunday School …………..8:30 am
Sunday Services ………..11 am

Nazarene

Cody Nazarene Church
808 Skyline Drive 587-4397

http://www.codynaz.com/

Sunday Services ………….11 am

Pentecostal

United Pentecostal Church
#5 Nez Perce Drive  587-7511

Sunday Service …..10:30 am & 6 pm
Wednesday…….. …7:30 pm

Presbyterian

First Presbyterian Church of Cody
2025 23 Street  587-2647
http://www.codyfirstpresbyterian.org/

Sunday Early Music …………9:15 am
Sunday Services…………….. 9:30 am

 Scientology

Christian Science Society of Cody
901 Sheridan Ave   587-0754

Sunday Services: ……………………10 am
Wednesday – Reading Room ……..2 – 4 pm
Saturday 2 – …………………………..4 pm

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Wyoming Game and Fish still searching for the grizzly bear that mauled 70 year old Erwin Frank Evert to death:

Just hours after a grizzly was tranquilized, collared and left to wake up it mauled to death a 7o year old cabin owner in the Kitty Creek area of Wyoming. (Just 7 miles from the East Entrance of Yellowstone National Park) 

Botanist Erwin Frank Evert of  Park Ridge, Ill, vacationed in his Kitty Creek cabin for nearly 40 years. One afternoon he went out for an afternoon hike and never returned. His wife reported him missing. Erwin was found shortly after at the bear capture site.

The grizzly responsible was left just hours earlier after being captured by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team (IGBST)that was in the area researching grizzly bears.  The area is only 4 miles away from the  Wyoming Boy Scout Camp. At the time the researchers tranquilized the grizzly there where 150 boy scouts in the area.

Officials are not certain that this was the same bear that attacked and killed the 70 year old hiker. But it is no doubt a no brainer as Evert was found 20 yards from the capture site. The probability is that Erwin Frank Evert came upon the bear as the bear was waking up or shortly after. No doubt the bear was disoriented and in a bad mood.

The mauling occurred approximately 7 miles from the East Entrance of Yellowstone National Park on Thursday. After wardens of the Wyoming Game and Fish, members of Park County Search and Rescue and Scott Steward, a Park County Sheriff,  recovered Erwin’s body they closed the area to protect the public from further attacks.

The U.S. Forest Service furthered issued a closure order for the Kitty Creek area and part of the Shoshone National Forest until the bear is found. Federal wildlife and law enforcement agents are searching for the bear using the electronic tracking equipment put on the grizzly Thursday.

Just another reminder, when hiking the back country, you are not in the zoo! These are free roaming wild animals living in their natural habitat. Bear attacks are rare but they do happen! When in bear country please be prepared. Carry bear spray, do not hike alone and do your hiking in the day time, the evening is hunting time for grizzlies.

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Update

The bear was tracked via the radio collar and shot.  

We would like to express our thoughts and prayers are with Erwin’s wife, family and friends at this tragic time. Erwin, a Botanist,  had just published a massive reference book, “Vascular Plants of the Greater Yellowstone Area” which was his life’s work and his passion.

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Stunning high definition cinematography captures the sweeping beauty and extraordinary natural wonders of two of America’s premier National Parks. Llama trekking, wolf watching and geyser gazing are just a few of the out-of-the-ordinary activities that await you in Yellowstone. Go Inside Grand Teton National Park to saddle up for a working dude ranch, feel the rush of whitewater rafting and witness a staggering array of wildlife in America’s Eden.

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Our post office houses thousands of letters, packages and 3 baby bunnies!  What a surprise I had after I dropped an out of state letter in the mail box!

Here is a picture of a yellow barrier that you need to drive past  as your leaving the drop off boxes beside the post office.

And here is the little teeny baby bunny. The little thing was just sitting there beside the barrier like nobody’s business.

 He wasn’t in the least bit afraid of my car. I thought he was lost so I got out of my car to shoo him back into the grass. That’s when he darted underneath the yellow barrier to hide.

I stood there a minute and realized that there where at least 3 baby bunnies living under the barrier. Luckily I had my camera with me. I never could catch the 3 together.

So I’m wondering who do you call to keep these street smart bunnies from getting run over?

Our author, a longtime resident of the American West, hits all the highlights, from Yellowstone, Glacier, and Grand Teton National Parks to small old-west towns. He’s checked out all the best hotels and restaurants in person, and offers authoritative, candid reviews that will help you find the choices that suit your tastes and budget. You’ll also get in-depth advice on planning an active vacation to the area, recommendations on planning a successful family vacation; and (more…)

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As the world’s first national park, Yellowstone has captivated visitors from around the world for more than a century. The first time people see a buffalo, elk, moose, or grizzly bear in the wild is a memory that will remain with them for the rest of their days. In Yellowstone, wildlife photographer Nelson Erikson captures the essence of the park by showcasing the native animals in their natural setting. Unlike most books on Yellowstone, this one focuses on the wildlife througho (more…)