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Back to School Blues...For Scammers!

College starting? K-12 already in full swing? We FEEL you. New schedules, teachers, lunch accounts, tuition due dates... it's a LOT. And guess who else knows it's a lot? Scammers. That's right, they're gearing up to cash in on the chaos of back-to-school season, trying to weasel their way between you and your hard-earned cash.

Good news! Regions Bank (and ChumCity) has your back, offering crucial fraud-prevention info. Jeff Taylor, head of Commercial Fraud Forensics at Regions, gets it: "We’re parents, too. We get the same junk everyone else does. We want to use our expertise to help you spot and avoid scams!"

Parents: Keep Your Fam Safe

• Fake Websites are Sneaky: New school year = shopping spree! Beware those too-good-to-be-true deals on supplies, tech, or books. As Taylor warns, only buy from trusted sources, because "the scam is pretty simple: you pay, and you get NOTHING."
• Social Media Shenanigans: Social media is great, but not everyone is your friend. Kimberly Reece from Regions emphasizes the importance of being careful when dealing with back-to-school offers on social platforms. Don't overshare private information!
• Monitor Your Accounts: Track your bank/credit card statements or, even better, use your banking app and set up notifications for every transaction. Report any weirdness to the FTC or your local consumer protection office.

Students: Protect Yourselves!

Scammers love to target students with fake financial aid, bogus scholarships, and shady housing deals. Don't fall for it!

• Financial Aid Red Flags: Watch out for scholarships/loans that demand upfront fees or personal info. VERIFY everything through your school's financial aid office.
• Digital ID is Precious: Your email, student portal, and bank accounts are goldmines for scammers. Use STRONG passwords (and different ones for everything!), enable two-factor authentication, and watch out for phishing emails. When in doubt, go DIRECTLY to the website instead of clicking links.
• Account Monitoring = Peace of Mind: Set up those transaction alerts to catch suspicious activity ASAP.

STOP. CALL. CONFIRM.

Before you jump on any urgent request for money or info, especially via email/text/phone, take a breath! Call the organization using a KNOWN and TRUSTED number to confirm. Taylor's advice? "If something doesn’t look right, trust your gut."

Stay smart, stay safe, and focus on acing those classes, Chumsters!

Irondale's Golden Rule BBQ Smashes World Record!

August 9th was HUGE for Irondale and Alabama! Golden Rule Bar-B-Q and Grill, a local treasure, pulled off something amazing. The parking lot was jammed, the dining room was packed – everyone was there to cheer on this 134-year-old legend as they tried for the Guinness World Record for most pulled pork sandwiches sold in eight hours.

More Than Just BBQ

This wasn't just about delicious food (though that was definitely a big part!). It was a party! Governor Kay Ivey and Irondale Mayor James D. Stewart, Jr., declared August 9th Golden Rule BBQ & Grill Day, honoring the restaurant's incredible history since 1891. Think live music, fun for the whole family, awesome giveaways, and sandwiches for only 95¢!

Smashing the Previous Record

When the Guinness World Records rep confirmed it, the place went wild! Confetti rained down, and cheers echoed. The old record was 4,775 sandwiches, but Golden Rule blew it away, serving up a whopping 6,215! That's nearly 30% more!

A Moment to Remember

Guinness gave the Golden Rule team a framed certificate for their record-breaking feat. They're planning to put it on display, a constant reminder of the team's hard work and the amazing support from the community!

Alabama Businesses Join the Fight Against Human Trafficking!

Big news, ChumCity! The Alabama Secretary of State's office and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) have teamed up to launch a powerful new initiative to combat human trafficking across the state and beyond!

Calling All Alabama Businesses!

Any business in Alabama can now become an "Alabama Combats Trafficking" (ACT) partner. By signing up, you'll get recognized on the participating businesses page, receive crucial resources on identifying and stopping trafficking, and score a decal to proudly display at your business!

What's the Goal? Awareness is Key!

Secretary of State Wes Allen is urging all Alabama businesses and residents to get involved: "The Alabama Combats Trafficking program provides citizens with the opportunity that could assist with spotting and reporting cases of human trafficking."

"We're bringing the fight against human trafficking to the forefront of minds and hearts across our state," Allen added. The program aims to provide tools and information so Alabama businesses can help identify potential signs of human trafficking.

Law Enforcement Stands Strong

ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor emphasizes the impact of the program: "The ACT initiative will raise awareness about the hidden crime of human trafficking."

"When the public knows the signs and stays vigilant, they become powerful partners in helping law enforcement identify victims and stop traffickers," Taylor noted.

Backed by Key Associations

The Alabama District Attorneys Association and Alabama Sheriffs Association are also throwing their weight behind the initiative.

"The Alabama Sheriffs Association is proud to partner with the Secretary of State Wes Allen on the ACT program," said Huey "Hoss" Mack, Executive Director of the Alabama Sheriffs Association. "This provides another valuable tool to address this most dangerous issue in all of our communities in the state. One phone call may save many lives."