Watch for ATM Skimmers!

ATM Card Skimmers are devices attached to ATM and Point-of-Sale kiosks that either electronically read your card as you insert it, or use a video camera to gather information like card numbers and PIN. Tax time is prime-time for ATM card thieves, as people are hitting the bank more than usual to move money around or pull statement information. Be sure you know how to spot a skimmer and take measures to protect yourself from thieves. Using modern wireless technology, the thief may not even be within sight of the ATM when this happens.

And at the very least ALWAYS cover our PIN entry.

SOB! Today *IS* Tax Day

Well, we all got a reprieve, but today is Tax Day. Tax forms must be eFiled or mailed today in order to avoid penalties (or you must apply for an automatic extension). But the good news is plenty of experts have tips to help you get the most back from the tax man. And even if you are filing last-minute, there are always online options to avoid the lines at the post office.

Dee Leicht E.A. preparer at H & R Block at 4530 Lemay Ferry Road suggests:

- If you are preparing your own taxes, make sure that you file Schedule M, Making Work Pay, to receive up to a $400 credit.
- Check your deductions for education. They are very good this year and include books and supplies.
- Make sure you take exemptions for any persons (earning less than $3600) that you supported in 2010.

And remember, even if you do file for the automatic extension, you still have to pay what you EXPECT to owe to avoid paying interest and penalties.

The "Ride of Silence" is today

If you should see a line of cyclists riding slowly down the streets of your town today, please be patient and considerate. Today is the Ride of Silence - an annual memorial for cyclists killed on public roadways by cars and trucks.

Reminder: Conficker goes off TOMORROW

If you are a PC user, remember that the Conficker worm/computer virus is set to activate tonight at midnight.

http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=CNG.9849350f816804a357829631f0fd7a21.51&show_article=1

Be sure to update your virus scanner, install security updates, and confirm that you are not infected. If you are, this worm could take control of your computer and use it to do any number of illegal things, including capturing your credit card numbers during shopping online.

If you are a Mac or Linux user, you are safe.