Jackson Free Press

Hood Warns of Email Scam

Attorney General Jim Hood has warned that Mississippians may be the target of a email scam claiming to come from the Ford Foundation.

The email claims people are "final recipients" of a cash grant or donation for their personal business development or education. Recipients are instructed to send their "full data and contacts" to an included email address to claim their grant or donation.

"This is clearly not an email from the Ford Foundation, and anyone receiving this email should delete it," Hood said in a statement. "The Ford Foundation does not award random or unsolicited funds, nor do they ask for donations or membership dues."

Hood warned that scam artists often use the names of respected organizations to get personal information of potential victims. A few safeguards, he said, include never responding to emails or popups that ask for personal information, always contacting organizations with phone numbers known to be correct, and being cautious about opening email attachments.

Patty Peck Honda Donates Civic for Raffle

Patty Peck Honda and Friends of Children's Hospital will raffle off a brand-new Honda Civic at this year's Zippity Doo Dah Weekend. The raffle will raise money to benefit the Blair E. Batson Children's Hospital.

Tickets are on sale now through Zippity Doo Dah Weekend, March 22-24, at a cost of $25. Patty Peck will draw a finalist each week and choose the last finalist Saturday, March 24. So the earlier you purchase your ticket, the better your chances of winning.

Finalists will each receive a key. Immediately following the BankPlus Zippity Doo Dah Parade, finalists will get a chance to see whose key will unlock the Civic, and the winner will drive away in the car.

Business Professionals Roundtable to be Held Wednesday

Jackson business owners and development professionals are invited to attend the Jackson Business Development Professionals Roundtable at the Mississippi e-Center at Jackson State University at 1230 Raymond Road in Jackson from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday.

According to a press release, the roundtable's goal is to "improve exchange of information and mutual support" among local businesses, as well as "build consensus for a community-based strategy for small business development in Jackson."

Space is limited, so those planning to attend should confirm their attendance with Michael Harris at 601-540-5415 or by email at [e-mail missing].

Duling Hosts Meeting for "Arts, Eats & Beats Festival" Merchants

Fondren business owners and merchants who wish to be included in the "Arts, Eats and Beats Festival" will need to attend one of two meetings the Fondren Association of Businesses is holding at Duling Hall on Feb. 28. The first meeting is at 8:30 a.m. The second-chance meeting will be at 5:30 p.m.

The meeting will help businesses and merchants work collectively to draw crowds to their shops' vicinity. Participating merchants will be listed on the Zippity Doo Dah master calendar and official map. The deadline for inclusion in the calendar and map is Feb. 28.