Holiday Shopping: Protect Yourself

From the Missouri Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions, and Professional Registration:

Missouri DIFP cautions consumers this holiday season

Use extra precautions when making online purchases

 

Jefferson City, Mo. - While the holiday season brings joy to Missourians shopping online for family and friends or donating to a charitable organization, it also brings out the scam artists.
"Unfortunately, there are a large number of fraudulent websites and scammers who prey upon innocent consumers this time of year," said John M. Huff, director of the Missouri Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions and Professional Registration. "We all need to pay special attention to safeguarding our personal and financial information."
The Missouri Division of Finance offers these tips for Missourians who shop online:

• Use your own computer or one from a trusted source, and make sure your security software is updated and running.
• Verify that the website is a known and trusted retailer or charity. Addresses that start with an "https" indicate a secure site.
• Look for reviews and ratings from the Better Business Bureau or on Google before dealing with retailers or charities.
• Never email your personal, bank or credit card information. Legitimate businesses may email you a receipt, but will never ask you to email information or call them.
• Keep all receipts and know a store's return policy before making a purchase.
• Be especially careful when purchasing gift cards. Many scammers use online auctions to sell gift cards that appear to be legitimate. Remember, if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• Use a credit card instead of a debit card for purchases. If your card is fraudulently used, there is far less financial risk with a credit card.
• Review your credit card and bank account statements every month. Immediately notify the provider if you detect an error.

Following these tips will help ensure your financial identity is protected and your holidays will be joyous and happy. For more information, consumers may contact the Division of Finance.

About the Missouri Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions & Professional Registration
The Missouri Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions and Professional Registration (DIFP) is responsible for consumer protection through the regulation of financial industries and professionals. The department's seven divisions work to enforce state regulations both efficiently and effectively while encouraging a competitive environment for industries and professions to ensure consumers have access to quality products.
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Holiday Travel

As many of us prepare to make journeys to see our loved ones, you may want to keep these websites handy:

 

Air Traffic Control System Command Center
Real-Time Flight Delay Information

United States Bureau of Consular Affiars
International Travel Alerts

NOAA National Weather Service
Weather Alerts, Forecast Maps, and Radar

50th Anniversary of JFK Assassination

From the United States Government Printing Office:

As Americans observe the 50th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination, the U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO) has made the official, digital version of the Warren Commission Report available on the agency’s Federal Digital System (FDsys).

The post President Kennedy assassination audio tape recordings of conversations between various individuals in Washington, DC and Air Force One pilots and officials on board during the flight from Dallas to Andrews Air Force Base are also available on FDsys.





Link to Warren Commission Report: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/GPO-WARRENCOMMISSIONREPORT/pdf/GPO-WARRENCOMMISSIONREPORT.pdf

GPO’s Federal Digital System:  www.fdsys.gov
Link to post assassination audio tape recordings: http://www.gpo.gov/featured/Kennedy.htm

I have a dream... 50 years later

Today marks the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King's historic "I have a Dream" Speech.

There are several events happening across the country this weekend in celebration of this important day in our nation's history. More information and a list of events here.

  

Read the full text of the speech here.

Route 364 Page Avenue Extension Phase 3

Route 364 Page Avenue Extension Phase 3 is underway

St. Charles County and the Missouri Department of Transportation have allocated $112.8 million to improve the connection between Page Phase 2 at route 94 and Mid Rivers Mall Drive to I-64/US Route 40/61 at Route N.

View a map of the project at the Middendorf Kredell Branch, Government Documents Reading Room or visit MODot's Project Page for updates on road closings and progress.

The Affordable Care Act @ Your Library

The Affordable Care Act @ your Library  

 The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was passed by Congress and then signed into law by the President on March 23, 2010. On June 28, 2012 the Supreme Court rendered a final decision to uphold the health care law.

The St. Charles City County Library District is Your Answerplace for questions regarding the Affordable Care Act. We also provide free internet access for library cardholders who wish to enroll online using the Health Insurance Marketplace beginning October 1st.

For a list of branch locations and hours visit: Your Answerplace.org
 

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