March 2020 - Page 2 of 14 - The Archive Site for The Baltimore Times

Anthony Levine Epitomizes The Ravens’ Way

The Baltimore Ravens announced they have agreed to a one-year deal to bring back veteran defensive back Anthony Levine. This will be Levine’s ninth season in the NFL and eighth season with the Ravens.

Levine’s reputation as a grimy, ‘do whatever it takes player’ is the epitome of the Ravens culture. He is the underdog, an undrafted free agent out of Tennessee State who spent his first two seasons on the Green Bay Packers practice squad before joining the Ravens in 2012.

“I take pride in my hard work. I go out there and take coaching. I give them all that I have and they give me all that they have, so it works out,” Levine said last March. “I’ve been a guy that’s on the bubble my whole career. Every year I come in I have to make the team. I have to prove myself every year. You’re never safe. Every year you have to come out and show you still got it.”

The Ravens promoted Levine from their practice squad during his first season in Baltimore but he was placed on injured reserve after his first game. Levine recorded a tackle on special teams in his only 2012 appearance.

Special teams would be where he made his mark for the Ravens. He finished second on the team with 11 tackles in 2013. His excellence on special teams opened the door to playing time on defense. Levine also made three starts for Baltimore that season, playing both cornerback and safety.

Progressing from special teams to a more involved role is a path that Ravens head coach John Harbaugh also took. Harbaugh broke into the NFL as a special teams coach with the Philadelphia Eagles before adding defensive backs coach to his resume. Naturally, Levine is a player that Harbaugh pulls for.

“Levine is a great leader. Anthony Levine does a great job spearheading special teams. He’s a big veteran there,” Harbaugh said during the Ravens end of the season press conference.

Levine’s contribution off the field is another area where he also epitomizes the Ravens’ approach. The Ravens’ have long been a pillar in the Baltimore community. He has been a part of various community outreach programs ranging from providing coats for the homeless and team football camps for the youth. His foundation, 4EVERY1 Foundation has also worked to help Baltimore.

Bringing Levine back for another season was a good move for the Ravens. It was an effort to bring back a player that exemplifies the gritty spirit in Baltimore.

Fear And Loss In A Time Of Plague

The anniversary of the loss of my first-born has, by coincidence, landed right in the middle of this time of fear and pandemic.We have witnessed, over the past weeks, a President of the United States who perpetrated denial and lies about the overall situation, allegedly in an effort to calm us; more likely to calm the markets.

Our collective fear rests largely in facing the unknown. We have no idea what to expect and how severe the situation will become. The results of this plague may

ultimately be no worse than a very bad flu, but all indications are that, at a minimum, it will place severe stress on an already problematic medical system. And, yes, people will die.

For far too long as a country, we have lived in denial regarding the ever-present threat of pandemics. Trump was not alone in that self-deception. Scientists have warned us that these dangers existed and, in the context of environmental catastrophe, the dangers associated with viral pandemics have increased. Yet, too many of us have thought that we personally, or we-the USA, would be immune. We have

assumed that others would suffer and die but that somehow there was a wall or force field that protected us. Denial is easy and innocent; and seems safe.

When my wife was first pregnant, thirty-five years ago, there was nothing that would have led us to believe that there would not be a happy ending. Yes, we knew that there were such things as premature births and other complications. But we were both healthy and took the pregnancy seriously. With each month, our excitement grew. And then the unexpected happened and our first-born emerged alive but too young and too undeveloped in order to survive. Three days later she was gone.

Don’t get me wrong. I am not blaming us for being naïve. I am saying that the shock of reality threw us in ways from which we have never fully recovered. There is a level of insecurity that emerges out of such a crisis that never completely vanishes because you have faced a disturbing reality: tragedy can hit in the most unexpected ways and the pain is excruciating.

This planet— and not just ‘America First’—is living through yet another crisis. We regularly face wars, poverty and pestilence. But for many of us in the so-called global North— the more developed countries— there is a tendency to believe that immense tragedy is exceptional. Yes, it can happen, but it usually happens to someone else. And even when it is bad, it is temporary and well ‘they’—whoever ‘they’ is— will get over it.

We are facing a different reality with Covid-19 and economic collapse. Both are affecting everyone, in one-way or another. We now know that all of us can be shaken, very directly, by global tragedies. And, no, this situation is not something that someone can just ‘get over.’ This is a situation that will take time to heal and will necessitate a full break from denial. It will also necessitate, as Senator Sanders and others have so eloquently articulated, solidarity rather than exclusivity.

The pain resulting from fear and loss does not completely vanish in time. Rather, we get used to it and adjust to it. But it leaves us with a sense of insecurity that also does not easily disappear because we have had to face a daunting fact: it can happen here and, yes, it can happen to us.

Bill Fletcher, Jr. is the executive editor of globalafricanworker.com and a past president of TransAfrica Forum

We Count Too

As a millennial in 2020, this will be the third time the Census has occurred in my lifetime. The first time it happened I was six-years-old in the first grade and my mother was pregnant with my baby sister. I remember the Census distinctively because they would play the Census commercials over and over while I was watching Nickelodeon.

My mother had to still work while she was pregnant as well as raise me and my younger brother with the help of my grandmother who had just came Nigeria to help with the pregnancy.

Sometimes my mother would have to leave us at home when she had to work long hours and both her and grandma did not like opening the door for strangers. I would be home watching cartoons after school hearing the Census volunteers knock on the apartment door multiple times, and even though we were home, we would never answer. If I really think about it, I am very unsure if my changing family at the time was counted in the 2000 Census.

The last time the census happened in 2010, I was a 16-year-old high school student and I made sure that we definitely did a better job of filling out the census that year. I remember actually filling it out together with my mom, and what caught my eye about the census that year was the questions they asked about race.

I did not think the question was inclusive at all of anyone who was an African immigrant and identifying their country of origin. I could see how confusing it could be for someone still forming their understanding of their identity in America or still on the pathway to citizenship.

I share these Census stories because as the 2020 Census is quickly approaching, I applaud all the ways the Census Bureau has made the Census more

accessible, but I recognize that there is still so much work to be done to ensure that everybody is counted. You can complete the census online, by mail or in person, which is great for young people living life on the next flight like myself.

Like many other millennials, I am not constantly checking my mail unless I’m expecting something from Amazon, and I’m not home waiting for someone to come to my house unless we planned to meet there. The online option of the census works for me but I understand that it does not work for all of us. There are communities with limited access to the Internet, single parent households where the provider has to work long hours, and immigrant families that are unsure of the information that is necessary to provide.

These communities classified as “hard-to-count” are in fact some of the most necessary to be counted as the lack of resources for hospitals, public safety, and school infrastructure would impact them the most.

There is over $675 billion in federal funding tied to this year’s census count and we cannot go through another census like the one in 2010, where over 800,000 black people were not counted and we missed out in the Census, costing our community over $16 million dollars. We must think about the future of the black community both present and those to be born in the next decade. This federal funding will be necessary for the world all people including young black people will be growing up in.

The NAACP as well as our collation of partners through the racial equity anchor collaborative, have taken the initiative to GET OUT THE 2020 COUNT.

We recognize that there are multiple factors that will inhibit a complete and accurate count of the census, so we are urging all of our members, activists, and allies to map the count. Through a very special partnership with ESRI we are able to identify the hard-to-count communities and use our power to mobilize our friends, families, and loved ones to be counted so that all of our needs are seen and heard in the 2020 Census.

For more information about what you can do to make sure everyone is counted in the 2020 census, visit makemyfamilycount.org/mapthecount.

Is It Time To Consider Mortgage Refinancing?

As unsettled as the economy is currently— and it is likely to continue to be for the foreseeable future— the time might be right to consider refinancing your mortgage loan.

“Maybe it’s a good time to refinance, or maybe not,” said Donna Murphy, deputy comptroller for compliance risk policy in the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. “It depends on how far a consumer is into their mortgage and a lot of other factors, such as how high their current mortgage interest rate is.”

“Answering that question depends on what the consumer’s objective is,” added Richard Taft, deputy comptroller for credit risk policy, also with the Comptroller of the Currency’s bank

supervision policy unit. “Are they trying to maximize their available cash? Are they refinancing because they want to have lower debt as they retire?”

Answering these and other important questions, he continued, “[It] demands a more sophisticated approach than answering a call from a loan broker who offers to help you out with your mortgage or find you a lower mortgage interest rate.”

Murphy notes that the consumer’s objectives are critical because there are also options regarding what type of loan is being sought.

“If you have an adjustable rate loan and this is a time when fixed-rate loans are relatively low,” she continues, “you might want to make sure your costs are stable going forward. That could mean looking at the potential benefits of a 15-or 20-year fixed-rate mortgage.”

As a way to get started in what can be a somewhat complicated decision regarding whether to refinance, Murphy suggests that consumers start by seeking advice from a bank where they have existing relationships.

“The key is to find someone who will walk you through the range of products that are available, and the pros and cons associated with them,” she said.

There are some helpful resources and websites such as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Murphy

explains, which has a section on its website that walks homeowners through the different stages of the mortgage loan application process.

Another of Murphy’s suggestions is to consider getting estimates from at least three different lenders of the costs and rates associated with refinancing a loan so that they can “comparison shop.”

“One of those three,” notes Taft, “should probably be your current lender. If you have a good repayment history, your current lender might be your least expensive option because they have an incentive to try to keep you.”

Both Murphy and Taft strongly warn consumers to be aware of mortgage scams.

“If someone cold calls you,” Murphy said, “don’t give them information over the phone. Go to the Internet to search for the official website of whatever lender you’re thinking about talking to. Way too many people get caught in scams where somebody is offering to fix your credit score or get you a quick loan.”

Another warning offered by Bryan Hubbard, deputy comptroller for public affairs, who recalls the period around 2008 when many consumers refinanced their mortgages as a way to take the equity out of their homes.

“At this moment people need to look at what may be ahead,” said Hubbard. “They should consider the value of the equity in their home today and be very careful about taking out cash and using it in a way that does not improve their financial condition or the value of the property.

“We don’t want to see people who are struggling, turn their homes into ATMs.”

Rebate/Stimulus ‘ Coronavirus ‘ Checks – Who Gets Them And How Much?

Who will get the checks? Information about the stimulus checks.

The U.S. government is about to send checks — or direct deposits — to most Americans to help people survive financially as much of the economy shuts down in an effort to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Bipartisan legislation passed by the Senate on Wednesday evening — which still must be passed by the House — would provide $1,200 payments to adults with annual incomes up to $75,000, plus another $500 per child. Some Americans earning more than $75,000 would also receive money if they meet certain qualifications outlined below. For most Americans, the money is likely to arrive in April via direct deposit. Mailed checks may take longer.

Who exactly qualifies for a payment? Individuals earning up to $75,000 a year will be eligible for the full $1,200 check. Reduced checks will go out to individuals making up to $99,000 a year (the payment amount falls by $5 for every $100 in income above $75,000).

Married couples are eligible for a $2,400 check as long as their adjusted gross income is under $150,000 a year. Reduced checks, on a sliding scale, will go out to married couples who earn up to $198,000. Married couples also will receive an additional $500 for every child under 17.

People who file as a “head of household” (typically single parents with children) are eligible for a $1,200 check if they earn up to $112,500 a year. Reduced checks on a sliding scale are available for heads of household earning up to $136,500 annually. Heads of household will also receive an additional $500 per child under 17.

Rebate FAQs

Q: Will I get a check?

A: That depends. You need to (1) meet the income eligibility and (2) file a return, unless you already receive Social Security or Railroad Requirement benefits. If they get Social Security, SSDI or Railroad Retirement benefits they won’t have to file but will get the rebate. SSI is not included unfortunately.

Q: How much will I get?

A: A single filer who is eligible for the full amount will receive $1,200. Joint filers eligible for the full amount will receive $2,400. If you have children, you will also receive $500 per child. So as an example, a family of four eligible for the full amount will receive $3,400. ($2,400 + $500 x kids.)

Q: Am I eligible?

A: The rebate amount starts phasing out at $75,000 for a single filer and $150,000 for joint filers. Filers who are under this amount will receive the full rebate. Single filers with an income between $75,000 and $99,000 will receive a partial rebate. Single filers over $99,000 will not receive a rebate. Joint filers with an income between $150,000 and $198,000 will receive a partial rebate. Joint filers with an income over $198,000 will not receive a rebate.

Q: How do I get the rebate?

A: If you filed a tax return in 2018 or 2019, or you receive Social Security, Social Security Disability, or Railroad Retirement benefits, you will receive the rebate automatically. If you provided bank account information to receive your tax refund as a direct deposit, you will receive your rebate that way. If you did not provide information for direct deposit, you will be mailed a rebate check to the address provided on your 2018 or 2019 tax return, whichever you filed most recent. If you did not file in 2018 or 2019 but you receive Social Security benefits, you will receive the rebate the same way you receive your Social Security benefit.

Q: What if I don’t get Social Security benefits, and I also didn’t file in 2018 or 2019?

A: You will need to file a return to receive your rebate. You can find out how to file a return for free at irs.gov.

Q: How soon will I get this rebate?

A: Congress directed the IRS to send the rebates as rapidly as possible. With that said, it could still take a month or longer. The fastest way to receive your rebate is if you already filed a tax return and provided your direct deposit information. If you have not done that, you should file as soon as possible. For information, including potentially free options, go to irs.gov.

State Of Maryland Announces 2020 Heritage Award Winners

Maryland Traditions, the folklife program of the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC), has announced the winners of its 2020 Heritage Award, which recognizes long-term achievement in folklife, or living cultural traditions. Three Heritage Awards are given annually: one each in the categories of Person or People, Place, and Tradition.

Each award comes with a $5,000 grant, and winners will be recognized at a public ceremony; details to follow. This year’s winners are:

Person or People: Rock Howland of Carroll County is a master of Appalachian flatfooting, a mountain dance style that has emerged from a blend of Scots-Irish, African American, and Indigenous solo dance traditions over the past 150 years. Rock has dedicated his life to flatfooting for three decades as a well-loved teacher and premier performer throughout Maryland, the Mid-Atlantic, and the southeast.

Place: The region now known as Dorchester County is the ancestral home of the Nause-Waiwash Band of Indians, descendants of the Nanticoke Indians who have made their home on the Eastern Shore for centuries. The modern Nause-Waiwash maintain an unbroken connection to their homelands, which today are used for an annual festival, traditional activities like trapping, and education on Indigenous lifeways.

Tradition: The Black Storytelling tradition is influenced on state and national levels by activities in Baltimore City, where organizations such as the National Association of Black Storytellers and the Griots’ Circle of Maryland steward and participate in African and African American oral traditions. Through performance, education, and outreach, their efforts provide entertainment, satisfy curiosity, recount history, and teach important lessons about everyday life.

Maryland Traditions has offered Heritage Awards annually since 2007 in honor of Dr. Alta Schrock, a Garrett County community leader who taught biology at Frostburg State University and founded groups, events, and publications to support folklife in Appalachian Maryland and beyond. Dr. Schrock’s legacy and work are a continuing source of inspiration for the Heritage Awards today. As part of their honor, each winner participates in a photo shoot and recorded interview to document their activities.

https://www.msac.org

Maryland Reports 157 New COVID-19 Cases; Now More Than 1,200 Confirmed Cases In National Capital Region

“We have never faced anything like this ever before, and I continue to urge the people of our state to stay in place at home and stay safe.”

The State of Maryland now has 580 confirmed cases of COVID-19—an increase of 157 new cases, which is by far the largest one-day increase to date. There are more than 1,200 confirmed cases in the National Capital Region—in Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia. The number of cases

Governor Larry Hogan today issued the following statement:

“We are only at the beginning of this crisis, in our state, in the National Capital Region, and in America. As I have repeatedly stressed, we should continue to expect the number of cases to dramatically and rapidly rise.

“Today, we are also seeing an unprecedented increase in the number of Marylanders filing for unemployment. We are going to do everything we can to help people and small businesses get back on their feet.

“This battle is going to be much harder, take much longer, and be much worse than almost anyone comprehends. We have never faced anything like this ever before, and I continue to urge the people of our state to stay in place at home and stay safe.

“I want Marylanders to know that if we continue to lead and work together—if we rely on and help each other—together we will get through this crisis.”

Maryland Delegation Announces $1.2 million In Federal Funding For Maryland Community Health Centers

The full Maryland congressional delegation, including U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John P. Sarbanes, Andy Harris, M.D., Anthony G. Brown, Jamie B. Raskin and David Trone, today announced $1,194,822 in federal funding through the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to help community health centers (CHCs) throughout Maryland respond to the growing health demands posed by the COVID-19 outbreak.

“Every single day, community health centers work on the frontlines to deliver quality health care to our most vulnerable communities,” the lawmakers said. “During the COVID-19 crisis, CHCs are doing more with fewer resources than ever before. This new infusion of federal funding will help CHCs in Maryland manage the growing number of COVID-19 cases while continuing to deliver quality services to their patients in every corner of the state.”

The following CHCs received funding:

· Baltimore Medical System, Inc. (Baltimore): $103,861

· Chase Brexton Health Services, Inc. (Baltimore): $98,589

· Choptank Community Health System, Inc. (Denton): $76,330

· The Community Clinic, Inc. (Silver Spring): $96,554

· Family Health Centers Of Baltimore, Inc. (Brooklyn): $56,901

· City Of Frederick (Frederick): $57,743

· Greater Baden Medical Service, Inc. (Brandywine) $73,706

· Health Care For The Homeless, Inc. (Baltimore): $61,602

· Mobile Medical Care, Inc. (Bethesda): $61,586

· Owensville Primary Care, Inc. (West River): $53,235

· Park West Health Systems, Inc. (Baltimore): $55,869

· Three Lower Counties Community Services, Inc. (Salisbury): $80,494

· Total Health Care, Inc. (Baltimore): $82,816

· Tri-State Community Health Center (Hancock): $62,420

· Walnut Street Community Health Center, Inc. (Hagerstown): $55,860

· West Cecil Health Center, Inc. (Conowingo): $61,393

· Western Maryland Health Care Corporation (Oakland): $55,863

Listen: Governor Larry Hogan Talks To Governor Chris Christie On WABC Radio

Today, Governor Larry Hogan joined former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie on WABC talk radio to discuss governors’ roles on the front lines of the COVID-10 pandemic.

YouTube

Governor Larry Hogan Speaks With Chris Christie on Maryland’s Coronavirus Response

“The governors are really on the front line of this crisis, and you, Governor, know exactly what that’s like having been a great leader and a governor yourself, and you know you’ve talked to a lot of your former colleagues across the country. We’re all in this together. We’re all fighting this very tough battle—nothing like any of us have ever seen before.”

—

“When we had the violence and the riots break out in Baltimore City, you were one of the first ones to call me. And I’ll never forget the advice he gave me after your experience with fighting the hurricane, the damage from hurricane: you said not only do you have to go out and do all the things and be the general making all of the decisions, but you’ve got to be the Consoler in Chief, and you’ve got to be out there, be honest with people, and talk with them and be out there, and I’ve been trying my best to listen to that good advice from you. This is almost like we have a hurricane but it’s hitting every single state in the country at the same time, and it’s been hitting now for 21 straight days, at least in our state.”

—

“We were the first state or the second state to shut down all the schools, we were one of the first ones to shut down all the bars and restaurants, and then we shut down all non-essential businesses. And it’s a very difficult thing to do, because we don’t hurt all these folks economically. So many people are not working, we’re hurting small businesses. But we believe that some of these steps that we’re taking, while they’re disrupting people’s lives and they’re causing tremendous fear and anxiety, we believe that it’s going to save hundreds of thousands of people from getting the infection and save the lives of thousands of people.”

—

“I’m not really a partisan guy. I don’t care much about Republican-Democrat stuff, I’m all about bipartisan, common sense solutions. And if there was ever a time in America for us to put aside the bitter partisanship, it’s now. We have to work together to save people’s lives. I’ve been doing my best to keep driving that message. This is not a time for divisiveness. This is a time for all of us at the federal, state, and local level to work together. We’ve got to be honest with the people, we’ve got to try to come up with solutions.”

—

“Well, they’ve been reacting really well. First of all, they’re listening. They’re following the directives. It’s difficult, but they understand that we’re all in this together. We got to take these steps… One of the things I’ve been trying to do the whole time I’ve been governor is just be as transparent and open and communicate as much as I can with the citizens. And during the crisis, I mean, I can’t tell you—it seems like every single day we’re out there holding press conferences and talking to as many people, because I think getting the message out is a big part of this. You know, people have to be educated. They have to know what’s going on and they’re searching for someone to tell them the truth about what’s going on. I’ve been trying my best to effectively communicate and to one, let people know how serious it is and how they’re all a part of it, that the actions they take are going to help us bend this curve and keep people safe and save lives, but also to try to reassure them, as you said, to be the ‘Consoler-in-Chief’ that, hey, we’re going to get through this together. It’s going to be difficult. It’s going to be tougher than most people imagine. It’s going to last longer than most people are saying, but if we all pull together that we’re going to come out of this thing together.”

People In Maryland Warned To Be On Their Guard As Telephone Scammers Set To Cash In On Coronavirus

People in Maryland are being warned to be extra vigilant as scam callers are likely to ramp up their activity over the next few weeks to take advantage of increasing amounts of people being at home due to the current Coronavirus outbreak.

CPR Call Blocker, makers of the US’s best-selling call blocking device, is predicting that scammers and fraudsters will be ready to strike and take advantage of the situation as more states go into lockdown, forcing people to stay at home, and is warning people in Maryland to be on their guard for a rise in bogus calls.

In a bid to beat the scammers who are likely to take advantage of this extraordinary situation, CPR Call Blocker has compiled the top five active scams that people in Maryland should watch out for over the next few weeks as the Coronavirus situation unfolds:

Fake test kits scam – someone may call claiming to offer free Coronavirus testing kits and will ask you for your personal information and health insurance details. A common version of this scam targets diabetic individuals that are higher risk, where a scam caller will offer both a free Coronavirus test kit and a free diabetic monitor.

FDIC scam – scam-callers posing as employees from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation will ask you for sensitive information, such as your social security number and bank account information, over the phone as a precondition to receive federal money. Remember the FDIC would never make unsolicited phone calls asking for personal information and money, and especially would not put pressure on you or threaten you.

Charity scam – you may get a call from someone claiming to be from a charitable organisation which is collecting donations for individuals, groups or areas affected by Coronavirus. The caller will ask you to send cash donations in the mail, by wire transfer or by gift card.

Healthcare provider scam – scam-callers pretending to work for a healthcare provider will tell you that a relative or friend has been treated for Coronavirus, and then demand immediate payment for treatment before threatening legal action if you don’t pay. Healthcare providers would not contact you this way.

Student loan scams – you receive a call to tell you that new measures due to the Coronavirus outbreak will have an effect on your student loan, and that you need to ring a different phone number to find out how the new measures will impact your future payment obligations. If you ring this number, a scammer may ask you for personal information like your social security number and credit card details.

While the list is not exhaustive, CPR Call Blocker hopes to make people in Maryland aware that scammers are becoming more inventive and if something sounds too good to be true or out of the ordinary, then it could well be a scam.

Chelsea Davies from CPR Call Blocker said: “As more and more restrictions are put into place in the US, we predict that scammers are going to take advantage of more people being at home and, with many of those people also being distracted or stressed about the Coronavirus situation, this could be a recipe for disaster. When we’re feeling vulnerable or distracted, it can be too easy to say “yes” to something without checking first whether it’s genuine.

“We’re warning people in Maryland to bear this in mind and we would always strongly recommend never giving your bank details or paying for something over the phone that you’re unsure of. Especially if the call you receive is the first time you have heard of any payment that needs to be made.”

If you want to stop receiving scam and nuisance calls, follow CPR Call Blocker’s quick three-step guide to stopping unwanted calls:

Don’t consent to being contacted – get your phone number taken off directories and look out for tick boxed on all marketing correspondence to see if ticking or unticking them will prevent your details being passed on to third parties.

Consider getting a call blocker.

If you think you may be receiving scam calls, here are a few ways to protect yourself:

Don’t reveal personal details. Never give out personal or financial information such as your bank account details or PIN – even if the caller claims to be from your bank.

Hang up. If you feel harassed or intimidated, end the call. You have the right not to feel pressurised.

Ring the organisation. If you’re unsure whether the caller is genuine, you can always ring the company they claim to be from. Make sure you find the number yourself and don’t use one provided by the caller.

Don’t be rushed. Scammers will try to rush you into providing personal details. They may say they have a time-limited offer or claim your bank account is at risk if you don’t give them the information they need right away.

Ms Davies continued: “If you suspect you may have compromised your bank account, contact your bank or card provider as soon as possible. It is also advisable to check your bank and card statements regularly for unauthorised charges as a matter of course.”

CPR Call Blocker is the best-selling and most trusted call blocker brand worldwide and is pre-programmed with thousands of known nuisance callers. The CPR suite of call blockers are available from www.callblockerusa.com and www.amazon.com.