A tearful older citizen and frequent belmontfrontporch visitor stopped by a couple of days ago on her morning walk. What happened we inquired?
She had received an email notice from whom she thought was the IRS. The email suggested that she had a refund due, and to “click here”. Well she did, because there was a notice at the bottom that threatened audits of her future filings. Lo, and Behold, her email was soon flooded with spam selling everything from apple pies to porn — mostly porn.
The Belmont Front Porch’s crack investigative team jumped into action ! 
We tracked down an official Internal Revenue Service (IRS) site, called to inquire, and found out some good information.
It took some doing, we all know how government “services” work and the time waiting, but it was worth the effort. We started with the IRS website at www.irs.gov, looked all over and found 1-800-829-1040. We then found 1-800-829-1954 and spoke with a representative of the service.
As we explained the issue, the customer service rep assured us that the IRS does not send emails, especially about refunds due. We were referred to another number, which is a tech center to discuss the spam attack. That number is 1-800-366-4484. There, they will give you instructions about how to report the phishing scam and ways to protect future issues.
As always, be careful online, in the neighborhood, and in your car. Being aware of your surroundings will help you be safer.
October 31, 2007
This is a BIG sports week in Belmont.
We have already had a showdown with North Gaston for the HS boys, a MS title match for softball, State meets for golf and X-country, and tonight the first round matchup for the HS boys soccer team.
Friday night football will be for the outright conference title for the football team as they play Crest at home.
So, yeah, BIG week in sports.
Great crowds turned out in Dallas for the football team. A great crowd for the softball team. Let’s shoot for 3-in-a-row with a great turnout for tonight’s match with the soccer team !
South Point plays Clyde Erwin, a 13-5-0 team out of the Mountain Athletic Conference. If they are successful, they will play Saturday night, either home or away.
The match begins at 7:00 PM in Lineberger Stadium. Dress warm, Yell Loud !
October 31, 2007
The Belmont Wildcats softball played 5 and-a-half innings of very good softball, then the wheels fell off, losing to Chavis 9-3 in the County Championship game yesterday.
A great crowd was on hand to view the MS championship game at Dwight Frady Field in East Belmont. Special thanks to the fans, who lined the field and outfield fence, for their support for this game and the season.
Chavis, a perennial softball power, came loaded for bear in this game. After losing in the regular season to Belmont 9-7, they planned to play aggressively and with extra focus.
The game was also a battle between Leah Sturgill of Chavis and Emily Tucker of Belmont.
Sturgill won the pitching battle, striking out 7 seven players and holding Belmont scoreless for 3 consecutive innings at one stretch.
Tucker pitched well overall, and contributed offensively recording two runs, one on an inside-the-park dinger.
The game was fun to watch. South Point will have a good group of girls when this squad ages into the high school program. The Gazette had a short video and article in today’s paper.
Congratulations Wildcats on another fine season !
(file photo - Emily Tucker)
October 31, 2007
