Do you know how to spot Scam Websites?

Spooky time of year, Halloween.

So watch out for goblins. Don’t let them latch on to your computer.

That’s right, Scammers want to trick you into opening the door. Don’t! Be careful and be aware. Keep those buggers out.

If you are unsure what to look for click and read this post by Daniel Nations.

How to Recognize Scam Websites Learn how to protect your identity anywhere online by Daniel Nations

Here is what I learned about how to avoid a Scammers trick. 

  1. Google is my friend…
    • Google an email link before clicking.
    • Google and research any link from Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or other social media.
  2. Even if the website seems legit…
    • check for spelling errors.
    • look for contact information
    • Find a privacy statement?
  3. As seen on…
    • Anyone can make this claim
  4. Trust…
    • Again, anyone can copy a seal of approval or trust security seal.
  5. Fake website address...
    • Is there a weird spelling in the address?
    • Lots of dashes and dots?
    • No dot-org or dot-com? Probably not legit.
  6. Http:// vs Https://…
    • One is secure and encrypted and one is not.
  7. Payment process…
    • No wire transfers is a no-brainer.
    • Refunds, Customer service? A must have.
  8. Where to double-check…

What do you think?

Did this arm you with a little more information?

Did you learn anything new? What?

Have you any tips for avoiding scammers?

Share in the comments. And let’s get only treats this Halloween.

Also, if you can please stop by my other locations and say “hey!” I’ll leave a light on. 

facebook jeans page   twitter-jeans page icon  pinterest-jeans page  stumble-upon-jeans page   amazon jeans page

 OR CLICK THE “WRITE ME” TAB AND SEND ME AN EMAIL.

 

Do you need a good book for the weekend?

Want a book you can finish before Monday?

Well, below are two fun light-hearted books.

It’s been a great summer and I managed to squeeze in a few good books. Nothing better than curling up on a screened porch and kicking back with a tall glass of iced tea and reading a fun book.

 

Unless it’s curling up in front of a roaring fire, and of course, with a good book.

So, if you’re looking for characters to fall in love with, click on these links. Because you will adore Samuel Collins and his neighbors as four-year-old melt away his grumpy demeanor. 

Both books are standalone, but I can assure you that you won’t be able to stop after book one.

Plus, both are now available in Kindle Unlimited! 

Click on the book image to read a preview.

Do you have any great books to recommend?

Share your favorite books?

Do you read more ebooks or do you prefer hard copies?

Please leave your recommendations in the comments. We all want to know.

Also, if you can please stop by my other locations and say “hey!” I’ll leave a light on. 

facebook jeans page   twitter-jeans page icon  pinterest-jeans page  stumble-upon-jeans page   amazon jeans page

 OR CLICK THE “WRITE ME” TAB AND SEND ME AN EMAIL.

Do you want to curl up with a good book this weekend?

Then today is your lucky day!

Because I’ve got not one, not two but three for you. Each book different and unique.

Long flights are perfect for reading and I found these good talented authors to keep me company as I traveled.

Up first…

The Sanctification of Peter Kane  by Troy Stoops

Want to read a preview of this book? Click on the image.

The Sanctification of Peter Kane by [Stoops, Troy]

At first, the mixed reviews gave me pause. I wasn’t sure what to expect, offered through Kindle Unlimited so I thought, why not. And boy-howdy I’m glad I took a chance on Mr. Stoops.

I enjoyed this book so much, I returned the KU version and bought a copy to keep. It’s that good. Ever heard the old saying, “Truth is stranger than fiction?” That’s what popped into my mind as I read this book.

I also wondered where the author bought his crystal ball, the book was published in 2013. Twilight time. Be sure to open your mind and check your biases before you begin reading. To read my 5-star review on Amazon review… 

 

Next is…

The Millionaire’s Wife by Shalini Boland 

The Millionaire's Wife by [Boland, Shalini]This psychological thriller kept me on the edge until the last chapter. That makes for a great read. If you enjoyed Gone Girl, you will like The Millionaire’s Wife. Just what will someone do for money?

Kill, plan, and terrorize? All of the above is in this book. Ms. Boland earned five stars for the roller coaster ride of suspense. To read my 5-star review on Amazon review… 

 

Last but not least…

I Am Watching You by [Driscoll, Teresa]Where do I start? At the end. Why? Because there are few books that have brought me to tears. This is one. I read the last few pages through blurry eyes. Not because my eyes were tired or my Kindle on the fritz. No, the words danced because of the compassion rolling inside of me.

Ms. Driscoll tells a story of murder, loss, and deceit from the perspective of all too human characters. This takes talent. She makes the reader care about the people in her story. I can only hope to achieve this great feat one day.

I didn’t figure out guilty until the author revealed their identity. Now that is great story telling and very deserving of five stars. To read my 5-star review on Amazon review… 

 

Have you read a memorable book recently?

Have a favorite you enjoy over and over?

Please share your best reads. We all love finding that nugget amidst the rubble.

And when you have a moment, head over and “like” my Facebook page at Facebook at jeanswriting . Or to connect with me, click the “write me” tab. Don’t forget you can follow me on StumbleUpon,  on Twitter @jeancogdell , and Amazon.com.

Please stop by and say “hey!”  I’ll leave a light on. 

Starting a story need not be hard

Writing prompts make starting easier.

If you’re new to my blog, I love writing prompts.

But not all prompts are created equal. That’s why I was so excited to find this blog post.

Ten Minute Writing Exercises  by Practical Creative Writing

What’s so different about these prompts? The prompt is not a word, picture or one sentence. No, there are three. Three questions to ask about one situation. I think this exercise could be applied to a WIP. Hmm… (I’m thinking.)

After you’ve read the post I’d love to know what you think.

Do you find this type of suggestive writing helpful?

Could you apply the same three question approach to your WIP?

I think it would be helpful for when I get stumped.

Leave me a comment and let’s talk.

Please head over and “like” my Facebook page at Facebook at jeanswriting . Or to connect with me, click the “write me” tab. Don’t forget you can follow me on StumbleUpon,  on Twitter @jeancogdell , and Amazon.com.

Please stop by and say “hey!”  I’ll leave a light on.