Earth can be a difficult planet.
2023-07-16
Dear friend,
As I was writing this news update to you about flood victims in Vermont, I was texting with a friend. Like me, she is a Halifax resident under a current flood watch. She's planning to drive today to visit a family member in Massachusetts. There's a tornado watch there, she said.
"Earth can be a difficult planet," I thought to myself.
As I texted that sentence to her, I realized I could also use it to describe this update.
From drownings to landslides to AI scams, I have bad news. I'm sharing it to encourage us all to continue to grow our safety awareness, and to report information that could save someone's life.
First, how are you doing?
I appreciate everyone who has written a short or long update lately. Thank you. I read every email, usually the same day.
I do apologize that I am behind on replies at this moment. I hope this doesn't stop you from writing. So much of my day-to-day work as a State Rep is about priorities. When I hear from you about what's on your mind and what you care about as you face life today on Earth, it helps me understand and respond to priorities every day in Montpelier. I'm grateful.
Now for the news.
***
Two Vermonters have now succumbed to drowning following recent storms.
Stephen Davoll, a 63-year-old Barre man drowned last week while checking on flooding in his basement.
On Friday, a 25-year-old Burlington woman died. Vermont State Police report that Katie Hartnett fell into the Huntington River. Her car had been found earlier in Richmond. (More about both heartbreaking stories in this Seven Days piece.)
My thoughts and prayers are with the families of both victims.
Seven Days coverage.
I share this news to mourn these Vermonters who were loved by their families and friends.
I am also following the news and sharing my observations with you so that we can all be more prepared the next time any of face flood hazards. The way this rain keeps coming, that could be anytime.
--> Accidental drownings are the leading cause of death following flooding. Staying out of harm's way is the best way to stay safe. If you missed last week's newsletter, please review these guidelines --- turn around, don't drown.
--> If you're volunteering to help flood cleanup (register here), please be aware that flood muck and debris itself may not be safe for handling. Use gloves and protective gear, and follow these guidelines.
***
Some flood hazards are human-made.
There are people among us who act as parasites on the rest of society.
When you and I hear about an event like this one, our thoughts go to the towns and families affected, and how we can help.
However, there are despicable people out there who are already working to exploit Vermonters affected by this disaster.
I feel sad saying this, but being aware of this unfortunate reality is part of how to stay safe.
--> Let's stop scams together.
Here's information from Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark on the A.G.'s Consumer Assistance Program:
Scammers often strike in the aftermath of natural disasters, taking advantage of community generosity and our heightened emotional state. Be on the lookout and report disaster-related scams, including:
GOVERNMENT IMPOSTER RELIEF SCAMS, in which a scammer may claim to be FEMA or another government organization offering help for a fee, or demanding your personal information.
Avoid this scam: Connect with FEMA directly and follow updates from the Governor and Vermont Emergency Management.
PHONY CHARITIES that claim to be recovery efforts when they are not.
Avoid this scam: Do your research and only give to valid charities that you have thoroughly researched and vetted.
DUBIOUS CONTRACTORS without business credentials that claim they can restore damages immediately, requiring upfront payment, but never return to complete the work.
Avoid this scam: Never pay in full upfront for a home improvement project. Make sure you have a written contract. Check residential contractor registration status with the Secretary of Stateâs Office of Professional Regulation.
UTILITY DISCONNECTION SCAMS demand payment along with threats to disconnect the consumerâs services.
Avoid the scam: Hang up and contact your utility provider directly about your account status, using a number you know to be valid.
When you encounter an unexpected or new interaction, take steps to verify whether it may be a scam by slowing down, logging the contact, reaching out to others and doing research. Warn others about scams by reporting the scams you encounter to the Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) at 800-649-2424 or online at http://ago.vermont.gov/cap.
Every human being with a phone number or email address gets who-knows-how-many scam attempts per day.
They keep evolving and keeping us on our toes. How do you think scams will evolve in the era of ChatGPT?
Here's my take...
In the last couple months I've gotten two or three texts from unrecognized numbers, like this one:
What recipe do you follow, Yelena?
The spam bots are evolving.
From the jump, I'm feeling this is off and I'm going to block the number. That's what I would recommend doing.
I asked "Who's this?" because, as a legislator considering AI legislation, I wanted to test the quality of the bait. Like every effective scam, the dinner invite provides an immediate emotional hook. It feels good to be invited for dinner. Is there some old friend who's in town? Who has a new number but for some reason doesn't lead with that?
Look for text-based scams like this to become super-charged in the coming years. You're going to feel like you're texting with someone who knows you, but you'll be talking to an AI being used to exploit you and your data. One more reason to Defy AI, as I wrote in my next Reformer column.
P.S. Still wondering how landslides fit into this difficult-Earth theme?
Well, the landslide bring it down to the P.S.
Both Fleetwood Mac and the National Weather Service in Burlington remind us that with another round of heavy rainfall across Vermont and the region today, there is the possibility of additional landslides.
Landslides can happen suddenly and without advanced warning. Please report any landslides or trouble spots you see at the following link: https://dec.vermont.gov/geological-survey/hazards/landslides
