‘Tis the Season to Avoid Online Shopping Scams

The ease and convenience of online shopping make the holiday season a perfect time for cybercriminals to take advantage of unsuspecting online shoppers. In these scams, buyers pay for products or services online, but never receive them. Fortunately, many cyber threats are avoidable.

Practice Good Cyber Habits

• Be wary about clicking links, especially unsolicited ones you receive via text, social media, or email.
• If you receive a message about updating your account information or password, do not assume it is safe. Contact the company directly on a verified number, rather than in the message received, to confirm.
• Avoid using the same password for every account.

Do Business with Companies You Trust

• Do your research, check reviews or ratings and search for complaints about a company before buying.
• Verify contact information on websites to ensure they are legitimate.
• Monitor the shipping process and obtain tracking numbers.

Your Payment Method Matters

• Never transfer money directly to a seller, because it is unlikely you will receive a refund if there is a dispute.
• Only use peer-to-peer payments services like CashApp, Venmo and Zelle with people you know, trust, and have met in-person.
• Be wary of sellers who only accept gift cards or pre-paid debit cards. They may never send what you ordered, and you may be unable to be refunded.

If You Have Been Scammed

• Don’t panic. Cancel future transactions associated with the payment method used.
• Keep records of all information pertaining to the scam. 
• Make a police report.

Adopt-A-Hydrant: Help Keep Our Community Safe

During the winter months, heavy snowfall can make it difficult for firefighters to locate and access fire hydrants during emergencies — when every second counts. To ensure quick access and enhance public safety, the Village of Deerfield invites residents, businesses and community groups to participate in our Adopt-A-Hydrant Program.

When you adopt a hydrant, you’re committing to keeping it accessible and visible throughout the year. As a fun perk, you even get to name your adopted hydrant to show your dedication to community safety!

Participation in the program is simple:

• Visibility: Ensure your adopted hydrant is clearly visible from the street.
• Snow and Ice Removal: Keep the hydrant free of snow and ice after snowfall or plowing.
• Clearance: Maintain a 3-foot clearance around the hydrant for easy access.
• Debris-Free: Remove grass, weeds, and other debris that may block the hydrant.

By taking part in this program, you’ll be making a meaningful contribution to the safety of our community. First, find hydrants in your neighborhood that are available for adoption. Then, visit the registration page to sign up and name your hydrant.

Find Your Farmers Market Favorites in the Winter

The Deerfield Farmers Market may have wrapped up for the season, but you can still enjoy your favorite vendors’ products all year long. Visit the Farmers Market website to stay connected and stock up during the off-season from Frillman Farms, Saucier, Natural Environments, Montelimar Bread, The Cheese People and Farmer Nicks.