Hello Customers

We're right in the middle of winter and this month's newsletter brings you a flurry of information and ideas. Be sure to read the warning about fraudulent Social Security e-mail messages making the rounds, and check out the passport site regarding new air travel regulations. You'll also find instructions on how to refresh web pages to get updated information, and how to burn CDs containing your holiday photo files. To celebrate the snow season, visit the Great Sites section and discover more about the Iditarod race, ski resorts around the world, and International Polar Bear Day.

The goal of each of our monthly eNewsletters is to keep our customers informed regarding their Internet connection and to improve their Internet experience.

- The West 11^th Pack and Ship Team

E-Mail Scam - Social Security Administration Warns of E-mail Scam

The Social Security Administration has received reports of an e-mail message being circulated with the subject "Cost-of-Living for 2007 update" and purporting to be from the SSA. The message provides information about the 3.3 percent benefit increase for 2007 and tells the e-mail recipients to update their personal information or their account will be suspended indefinitely. They are then directed to a phony site designed to look like the official Social Security website.

Once at the bogus website, individuals are asked to register for a password and to confirm their identity by providing personal information such as their Social Security number, bank account information, and credit card information.

Patrick O'Carroll, Jr., Inspector General of Social Security, reminds the public to always take precautions when giving out personal information. "You should never provide your Social Security number or other personal information over the Internet or by telephone unless you are extremely confident of the source to whom you are providing the information," O'Carroll said.

You can report receipt of the aforementioned fraudulent e-mail message or other suspicious activity to Social Security's Office of Inspector General by calling the OIG Hotline at 1-800-269-0271. A Public Fraud Reporting form is also available at OIG's website at www.socialsecurity.gov/oig.