People are going stir crazy, leaving their houses to congregate in groups. And, some might be trying to have small gatherings, play dates, visit friends and neighbors. Others are hitting the outdoors in the RVs, heading to off-roading camp-sites to get out of the house.
Whatever you're doing, remember to stay safe. It's not just your health you may be endangering.
This Week's Episode
Last week resulted in all kinds of interesting things.
Mainly, scam artists have been working hard to con people out of their money, and Netflix is giving us train wreck after train wreck for our viewing pleasure.
So first we discuss the scams circulating around the country. Then we get into the magnificent grossness that is "Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem, and Madness." Feel free to jump to that part of the blog, if you're not interested in learning what scams to look out for.
Coronavirus Scammers
As we continue to shelter-in-place and do our best to stay away from other people, we also have to be vigilant about the scams developing due to the situation.There are currently quite a few ways scammers are taking advantage.
Phishing Emails, Texts, and Phone Calls
Scammers are now sending emails with links for the recipient to click. It may contain a form to fill out, out direct you to a website that looks similar to the website the scammers claim to represent.
They may claim there's been suspicious activity on your account. They may say you've ordered something, but they aren't sure it was you so you can click to verify or to deny the order. Or they may claim they need you to reverify or enter some information, etc.
They even go as far as creating a similar email and formated emails using the company's logo, and other characteristics to make the email or text look legitimate.
When in doubt, ignore these messages. You can call the company to verify they send these types of emails, but often, they'll tell you it's a scam. If this happens, report the event to the Federal Trade Commission.
Undelivered Goods or Items
One of the ways scammers are taking advantage is the promise of hard-to-find items, such as hand sanitizer, rubbing alcohol, bleach, and Lysol, to name a few.
They may set up a website, and show up in your search. The site says they have the item and you make a purchase. However, you won't receive anything.
They've taken your card information and your money, and now you have nothing to show for it.
Be careful of where you make online purchases.
Coronavirus Testing Kits
Another scam targets elderly people, offering Coronavirus testing or testing kits for the elderly. It either asks them to pay up front or asks for their Medicare information.
If you have active symptoms and need to be tested for this virus talk to your primary care provider, to go to the emergency room.
Testing is not available for people who just feel like getting tested. These tests are in short supply, and they're not available for everyone to rule themselves out, yet.
Consult the FTC
When in doubt, hit the FTC website for information on current scams and report any new activity. They take these reports seriously and will shut down these websites, these emailers/texters/callers.
Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem, and Madness
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| Joe Exotic is the founder of G.W. Zoo. |
Where to begin with this circus of a show.
There's a colorful cast of characters, tons of endangered species big cats being used for personal gain, and a crazy hippy lady pretending she's doing God's work who goes by the name, Carole Baskin. Oh, and also she murdered her husband, chopped him up and fed him to her exotic cats.
Our main character goes by the name, Joe Exotic. He's a gay, gun-toting, redneck, who has a flair for the dramatic, and the owner of the G.W. Zoo.
Joe and Carole, along with all the other "big cat people" believe they're doing what's best for these exotic animals. Nevermind the fact their numbers are nearing extinction in the wild.
The level of wrong, in all of their storylines, is just grossly glossed over.
And, we can't forget the crazy cult leader, Kevin "Bhagavan" Antle who is among the creepiest of the cat people. He has a harem of women who seem to be brainwashed by his white facial hair and his tigers. Yuck!!!
Anyway, the gist is-- Joe and Carole have been fighting it out in court. The majority of his online content and music videos, because yes, he's a country singer too, are based on or about Carole Baskin.
Joe has all kinds of personal problems, including two husbands. He thinks he's a celebrity, runs for president then runs for governor. Gets involved with shady-ass Jeff Lowe, tries to hire a hitman to take out Carole, and gets arrested and convicted on charges of animal abuse and murder for hire.
And did I mention that none of these Zoos/Wild Animal Parks/Facilities pay their employees a living wage?
Ugh!!
There are so many things wrong with these places. But, apparently, they aren't breaking any laws?
Anyway. Take a listen to the episode, and leave a comment on this post, or hit us on our social media channels. We always love to hear from listeners, whether it's good or bad.
Until next week...Don't get scammed.
