A new phishing scam claims residents should verify billing and account information for a well-known Internet service provider, the Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commission is warning.
The e-mails claim to come from the "AOL Safety and Security Team" and say if the person doesn't provide the required information, their accounts will be closed.
However, consumer fraud investigators say America Online is reporting the e-mails are fake and that the company does not contact customers and ask for personal information by e-mail.
Investigators are concerned this phishing scam may impact more people than usual because AOL is a well-known company.
"The bottom line is people should never provide personal and financial information online, over the phone or through the mail unless they have initiated the contact and are certain they are dealing with a legitimate organization," said Charles Bronson, the state's Agriculture and Consumer Services commissioner.
To report suspicious activity or file a complaint, contact the department's consumer hotline at 1-800-HELPFLA (1-800-435-7352), outside Florida (850) 488-2221 or 1-800-FLAYUDA (1-800-352-9832) for Spanish. Visit online at http://www.800helpfla.com for additional consumer information.
Red-light running costs $100: Williston has installed a new traffic camera to fine the owners of vehicles that run a red light.
Police Chief Dan Davis said the camera was installed on private property to record traffic on Alt. U.S. 27 at U.S. 41. The camera is monitored by Traffipax (www.traffipaxinc.com) via satellite.
When the company sees what appears to be a red light runner, the chief will review a copy before a $100 city ordinance violation is mailed to vehicle owners. Those who receive the fine notice will be able to review the video over the Internet.
City officials estimated Traffipax spent about $130,000 establishing the system. Under a contract with Williston, Traffipax receives $30 for each $100 fine levied.
Tow to Go for Super Bowl: AAA Auto Club South and Budweiser are offering a free ride home to anyone who has too much to drink over this Super Bowl weekend.
From Friday through Sunday, Florida drivers can call (800)AAA-HELP for a free, confidential ride home.
Tow to Go has been offered for a variety of holidays and special weekends since 1998. AAA officials said the program has kept 9,000 intoxicated drivers off the roads.
"�Tow to Go' is an easy, effective way to help prevent drunk driving," said Carol Clark, Anheuser-Busch vice president of corporate social responsibility in a news release about the program. "We're proud to partner with AAA on this life-saving initiative to help keep our roads safe."