Before hitting the trails with your ATV read and heed the following safety guidelines.

ATV's are not toys. They are powerful and potentially dangerous vehicles.

Children should never ride or be a passenger on an adult ATV.

Stay off paved roads and avoid unfamiliar terrain.

Always wear a helmet.

Never carry a passenger on a single-rider ATV.

To see the Product Safety Commission poster click here.

New Fraud Alert - New Church Member Scam

A man who was answering the phone at his church near Salemburg this past Sunday was conned out of $780 by someone he believed was coming from Washington, DC to join that church.  The con began with a call from a man claiming to be the pastor of a Washington, DC church.  He stated that his daughter was coming down to the Salemburg area with intentions of joining that church.  He asked that the church help her in any way it could.  Later, a female contacted the church claiming to be the daughter of the supposed Washington, DC minister.  She stated that she was stranded in Alexandria, Virginia with mechanical problems.  She claimed that she had money in her bank account but that the mechanic would not accept a check.  She worried that she would be stuck in Alexandria without much cash until Tuesday, when the banks would reopen.  A man then came on the line claiming to be the mechanic.  He asked if money could be wired to Alexandria to pay his bill so that he could release the woman’s car.  He suggested that his customer could repay it several hours later upon her arrival in the Salemburg area.  The man answering the phone agreed to do this and promptly wired the funds to Alexandria via Western Union.  The supposed new member never arrived at the church.      

New Fraud Alert - Return of Oil Well Leasing Scam

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) yesterday announced an enforcement action against two securities promoters who allegedly raised millions of dollars through the fraudulent sale of interests in oil well leases and oil.   The promoters allegedly harmed investors throughout the country.  At the same time, the SEC warned that recent spikes in oil and gasoline prices may be spawning a resurgence in oil and gas investment scams.  Such scams were perpetrated with some frequency during the late seventies, eighties and early nineties.  The SEC’s warning to the public includes the following example:

Henry was a successful business man, married for 30 years, raised a family and had a good life. After his wife’s death, he received an [overnight] package of materials with all kinds of reports, and it was offering an oil and gas investment . . . And it was unsolicited. He ignored it but the next day, a salesman called him and used high-pressure sales tactics to persuade him to invest $40,000.  And here are some examples of what was said to him on the phone:  “These gas wells are guaranteed to produce $6,800 a month in income;” “Some of the most successful investors in the country are interested in these wells;”  “There are only two units left in this project;” “We drilled a well in Texas that had these same early gas readings, and the investors all made millions.” Over a three year-period, Henry was re-contacted 12 times and invested, essentially, his life savings in 4 different gas wells, each time thinking that he had to invest or lose his original investment. He ultimately lost over $500,000 to this oil and gas scam investing in wells that always seemed promising at first.

If you think you’ve found the right oil or gas investment to “strike it rich,” consider this:  it may be a scam.  While some oil and gas investment opportunities are legitimate, many oil and gas ventures are frauds.  Many of these schemes start in so-called “boiler rooms,” where skilled telemarketers use high pressure sales tactics to convince you to hand over your hard-earned money. 

Playing Safe -  Kiteboarding Rules to Live By

One of the newest, exciting, action packed extreme sports is here on Oak Island and we would like everyone to keep it safe while having a good time.  Kiteboarding is the fastest growing water sport in America due to the excitement, rush, ease of learning, and compact equipment. Using the power of nature to propel you through the water allows you to leave all the limitations of boats, fuel, noise, crowds and lift tickets behind.

With excitement comes responsibility and we would like Oak Island to keep its peaceful reputation so here are a few guidelines when it comes to Kiteboarding in the area.

1.    Be familiar with your surroundings and keep Kiteboarding safe! Contact Cape Fear Kiteboarding for local information regarding places to play, weather, tides, local laws, regulations, lessons and equipment  at: Cape Fear Kiteboarding, 6402 E. Oak Island Drive, Oak Island, N.C. 28465, USA, 910-201-4002  www.capefearkiteboarding.com
2.    Keep safe distances from obstacles and people. It is your responsibility to Kiteboard safely. The biggest obstacle for us especially in the summer months is the numerous people on the beaches. Launch and land your kite with care and keep your tricks in the water away from people.
3.    Avoid onshore and offshore winds. There are places to play in all wind directions around Oak Island.
4.    Be aware of the water and weather conditions. We can have extreme rip currents and tidal movement resulting in strong currents and low water. Find out the times of high and low tide and plan your sessions accordingly.
5.    Only go out as far as you want to swim back. Common sense to most but if something was to go wrong you are swimming, so keep it a safe distance from shore.
6.    Secure your equipment while it is on the beach and do not leave it unattended.
7.    Tell a friend. Always let someone know you are going out and when they should expect you back.

With all this in mind have fun out there and stay safe.

Avoid Aggressive Driving!

Aggressive Driving is a serious problem responsible for many preventable automobile crashes on the road. Do not let stress and frustration get the best of you while driving.

• Be patient and courteous.
• Do not drive when angry, overtired or upset.
• Allow extra time to get to your destination.
• When possible, change your schedule to avoid congestion.
• Listen to relaxing music or books on tape.
• Give other drivers the benefit of the doubt - all drivers make mistakes.
• Avoid all conflict, even if you are right.

Move Over!

Move over and slow down for stopped emergency and public service vehicles. North Carolina has amended their Move Over Law and it became effective on July 1. Click here for more information.

New Fraud Alert

On Friday, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued a new consumer alert regarding the "$299 Ring" -- a scheme to defraud seniors and people with disabilities.  Under this scheme, callers contact Medicare beneficiaries promising a new prescription drug card for a flat fee of $299, and request beneficiary bank account numbers that are then used to electronically withdraw the money. 

http://www.dhhs.state.nc.us/aging/fraud/alert126.htm

This is an artist rendition of the new police department building.  It will
be constructed on the site of the old police building.  The old building is
scheduled to be torn down later this month.  The new facility is set to open
in November 2006.

Free Credit Reports - As of September 1st 2005 all North Carolina residents are eligible to receive one free credit report per year.  For more information go to the Federal Trade Commission website at: http://www.ftc.gov/ or Phone: toll-free 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357).