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Consumer protection

Business
CT Frontier Customers Will Get $860K In Bill Credits Over Service Failures CT Frontier Customers Will Get $860K In Bill Credits Over Service Failures
CT Frontier Customers Will Get $860K In Bill Credits Over Service Failures Connecticut consumer protection authorities have reached an agreement with Frontier Communications to reimburse customers $860,000 for repeated failures to meet state customer service standards, officials said. The settlement between the Connecticut Office of Consumer Counsel and the Texas-based telecommunications firm follows the company’s failure to address out-of-service repairs promptly and to meet scheduled maintenance appointments from January 2015 to December 2023, according to a release. The money will be issued to customers as bill credits. However, it remains unclear how much each…

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by Josh Lanier
Business
Fire Pits Sold At Retailers Nationwide Recalled After Multiple Burn Injuries Reported Fire Pits Sold At Retailers Nationwide Recalled After Multiple Burn Injuries Reported
Fire Pits Sold At Retailers Nationwide Recalled After Multiple Burn Injuries Reported Nearly 90,000 popular fire pits sold at major retailers nationwide are subject to a federal recall due to concerns about flames escaping from their containers and causing critical injuries. Homeowners have been advised to stop using several Colsen-branded fire pits after receiving multiple reports of serious burn injuries suffered by users, according to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). "Alcohol flames can be invisible and lead to flame jetting when refilling the fire pit reservoir," a CPSC notice states.  "Flame jetting is a serious event that can occur while pouring …

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by Zak Failla
Business
Scammers Are Creating Fake Customer Service Numbers In Google Searches: What To Know Scammers Are Creating Fake Customer Service Numbers In Google Searches: What To Know
Scammers Are Creating Fake Customer Service Numbers In Google Searches: What To Know New reports reveal that scammers are trying to trick Google into showing their fake numbers pretending to offer reputable services, and many are getting away with it. Google sometimes highlights impostors during searches for airlines, banks, as well as local businesses, according to a brand-new report in The Washington Post. A victim who called what Google listed as Coinbase customer support was scammed out of $100,000 in 20 minutes by an impostor, Fortune reports. Google told The Washington Post that it uses several methods to determine whether business listings are legitimate, inclu…

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by Joe Lombardi
Business
Boar's Head Facing Lawsuit Over Deli Meat Recall Boar's Head Facing Lawsuit Over Deli Meat Recall
Boar's Head Facing Lawsuit Over Deli Meat Recall Boar’s Head's massive product recall is going from the delicatessen to the courtroom. After an initial recall last month of around 200,000 pounds of deli meat due to possible Listeria contamination, the company expanded it on Tuesday, July 30, to approximately seven million additional pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products.  Click here for a new, updated story: Third Death From Listeria Outbreak Linked To Boar's Head Deli Meat A lawsuit filed on Thursday, Aug. 1 in the US District Court for the Eastern District of New York accuses Boar’s Head Provisions Co. Inc. …

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by Joe Lombardi
Police & Fire
Don't Fall For It: Driveway Paving Scams On Rise Don't Fall For It: Driveway Paving Scams On Rise
Don't Fall For It: Driveway Paving Scams On Rise Police are warning of an uptick in scammers hoping to take advantage of the warmer spring weather. Each year, agencies across the country see an increase in complaints about fraudsters who bait homeowners with driveway paving services, according to the North Greenbush Police Department in New York. “As the trees sprout leaf buds and the daffodils peek out of their underground hiding, so must the scam artists offering to pave or sealcoat your driveway for the low low price of only five times what it would cost for a legitimate business to do it,” the agency said on Facebook. “And they must b…

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by Michael Mashburn
Business
Public Health Alert Issued For Ready-To-Cook Chicken Products Public Health Alert Issued For Ready-To-Cook Chicken Products
Public Health Alert Issued For Ready-To-Cook Chicken Products A public health alert has been issued for ready-to-cook chicken entrée products that may be missing labeling that includes the list of ingredients and cooking instructions, the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced.  "This product contains soy and milk, known allergens, which may not be declared on the finished product label," FSIS said in a statement, saying the alert is being issued to "ensure that consumers with an allergy to soy and dairy are aware that these products should not be consumed and to ensure that consumers properly …

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by Joe Lombardi
Politics
First Black Woman To Serve As US Attorney For District Of Connecticut Takes Command First Black Woman To Serve As US Attorney For District Of Connecticut Takes Command
First Black Woman To Serve As US Attorney For District Of Connecticut Takes Command A longtime lawmaker in Connecticut has checked off a new milestone. Vanessa Roberts Avery, age 47, of West Hartford, has been sworn in as the US Attorney for the District of Connecticut, making her the first Black woman to fill that position. “It is an honor to return to this office, in the city where I was raised, to serve as Connecticut’s U.S. Attorney,” Avery announced.  “I look forward to working with the many talented members of this office, as well as our dedicated law enforcement partners, to enforce federal criminal and civil laws, protect our communities, and ensure justice …

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by Zak Failla
News
Wegmans Recalls Two Separate Products Wegmans Recalls Two Separate Products
Wegmans Recalls Two Separate Products Wegmans is recalling a pair of popular items that may contain foreign materials. The grocery giant announced that seven-pound bags of “Wegmans Bagged Ice” has been recalled due to the possibility of metal shavings in the package. It is also recalling “Wegmans Everything Bagel Seasoned Hummus” that may contain small, hard, black items inside the product. Bagged ice products that are subject to recall can be identified by lot codes printed on the bags, reading “ROC 100” or “ROC 104” with the UPC “0-77890-42446-9.” The hummus has a lot code of “211088,” with a UPC of “7789050576,” and “Best…

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by Zak Failla
News
Eversource Warns Customers Of New, 'Finetuned' Scams Eversource Warns Customers Of New, 'Finetuned' Scams
Eversource Warns Customers Of New, 'Finetuned' Scams Eversource is cautioning its East Coast utility customers to be wary of fraudsters who have recently been targeting consumers in Connecticut and Massachusetts. This week, Eversource issued an alert after receiving reports of "scam artists aggressively targeting utility customers.” Officials said that new tactics are being used as scammers continue fine-tuning their techniques, including phony caller IDs that display “Eversource” and scripts that sound like a legitimate company representative threatening to disconnect their electric or gas service because of an unpaid bill.  …

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by Zak Failla
News
Scammers May Victimize Peer-To-Peer App Users, CT Attorney General Warns Scammers May Victimize Peer-To-Peer App Users, CT Attorney General Warns
Scammers May Victimize Peer-To-Peer App Users, CT Attorney General Warns Federal and state officials are warning consumers to be vigilant when using “peer to peer” apps like CashApp, Venmo, PayPal, and Zelle to avoid losing money, giving out valuable personal information, or being victimized by scammers. Like any product, consumers must make informed decisions with regard to the use of financial technology products including the “peer to peer” applications for smartphones, otherwise known as “prepaid accounts” or “P2P account.”  P2P Apps have become increasingly popular through companies like Venmo, Zelle, Cash App, and PayPal. While these apps can be used …

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by Kathy Reakes
News
CT AG Wants Eversource To Pay For August Storm Failures CT AG Wants Eversource To Pay For August Storm Failures
CT AG Wants Eversource To Pay For August Storm Failures Connecticut Attorney General William Tong is calling on Eversource to pay penalties and for damages caused by Tropical Storm Isaias last summer. Calling Eversource’s failure to communicate and protect public safety during and after the storm “imprudent,” Tong said that the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) should mandate consumer credits and make all findings necessary to levy penalties. Last August, Isaias left more than 100,000 Eversource customers without power for several days, some more than week, which drew the ire of Tong and other elected officials in Connecticut. Accor…

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by Zak Failla
News
Here Are Four Ways To Avoid Stimulus Check Scams Here Are Four Ways To Avoid Stimulus Check Scams
Here Are Four Ways To Avoid Stimulus Check Scams Consumer protection and law enforcement agencies are warning people to be wary of scams associated with stimulus checks. To avoid scammers, the Department of Consumer Protection is circulating tips on how to identify, stop, and/or report fraudsters going after stimulus checks. The second round of stimulus checks to help Americans deal with an economy hampered by COVID-19 began arriving in people’s mailboxes and direct-deposit accounts in late December. Single people will get $600, a married couple will get $1,200, and there will be an additional $600 per child to families. Everyone who qual…

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by Kristin Palpini
Business
Stop & Shop Warns Customers Of Potential Data Security Issue At Five Stores Stop & Shop Warns Customers Of Potential Data Security Issue At Five Stores
Stop & Shop Warns Customers Of Potential Data Security Issue At Five Stores Stop & Shop says it has discovered a potential data security issue at five store locations in the Northeast. Illegal skimming devices known as “shimmers” were identified as part of routine security scans at the locations.  The five stores and dates the issue was identified are als follows: 25 Old King’s Highway North in Darien, Connecticut, April 26 to April 30 404 Springfield Ave., Berkeley Heights, New Jersey: Feb. 8 to Feb. 10 8 Franklin Street, Bloomfield, New Jersey: March 28 to April 9 1189 Broad Street, Clifton, New Jersey: March 14 to April 16 19 Temple Street, Framingham…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
COVID-19 Scams: Texts, Emails Promise Updates On Latest Cases COVID-19 Scams: Texts, Emails Promise Updates On Latest Cases
Covid-19 Scams: Texts, Emails Promise Updates On Latest Cases The global outbreak of the novel strain of coronavirus (COVID-19) has led to a rash of new scams from fear-mongering fraudsters, officials warned. Scams ranging from texts and emails from scammers posing as health officials and other professionals to others brewing up phony vaccines and cleaning cocktails have become more prevalent in the weeks since the COVID-19 outbreak, the United States Attorney General’s Office announced. According to the FTC, to help weed out scammers, the organization has issued a joint statement with the FDA to seven sellers of unapproved and misbranded products, cl…

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by Zak Failla
Police & Fire
Phone Scammers On Rise Again, CT State Police Say Phone Scammers On Rise Again, CT State Police Say
Phone Scammers On Rise Again, CT State Police Say Connecticut State Police are warning residents to beware of phone scams that appear to be on the rise. Dispatchers and troopers from around the state have been contacted by concerned citizens about unusual phone calls they have received, the department said.  The phone calls are from people claiming to be from the Connecticut State Police, among other agencies or organizations. In some cases, scammers ask callers to deposit a check they provide and then wire the money from that account.  In other calls, scammers insist that consumers make a decision and provi…

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by Kathy Reakes
News
Recall Issued For Nearly 700,000 Toyota Vehicles Recall Issued For Nearly 700,000 Toyota Vehicles
Recall Issued For Nearly 700,000 Toyota Vehicles Hundreds of thousands of Toyota vehicles are being recalled due to fuel pumps that could potentially fail and cause engines to stall, increasing the risk of a crash. Toyota announced that it is recalling nearly 700,000 vehicles due to the faulty fuel pumps, impacting dozens of models. The recall covers certain 2018 and 2019 Lexus LS 500, LC 500, RC 350, RC 300, GS 350, IS 300, ES 350, LX 570, GX 460 and RX 350 models. It also includes some 2018 and 2019 models of Toyota 4Runner, Camry, Highlander, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma, Tundra Avalon, and Corolla models. According to T…

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by Zak Failla
News
Scam Alert: Don't Fall For This Amazon Hoax Scam Alert: Don't Fall For This Amazon Hoax
Scam Alert: Don't Fall For This Amazon Hoax With the holiday seasons fast approaching, officials are warning of a “new phone scam that has been making the rounds targeting Amazon users. According to police, area residents have reported receiving an automated phone call from a fraudster claiming to be from Amazon in need of discussing a recent order. Officials said that the largest are instructed to press “1” to cancel the order or “2” to speak with a representative. No matter what button is pressed, the message states that the order is canceled and in order to fix it, the target must call an 800 number to speak with someone directly.…

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by Zak Failla
News
Scam Alert: Eversource Issues Warning To Customers Scam Alert: Eversource Issues Warning To Customers
Scam Alert: Eversource Issues Warning To Customers Eversource Energy is warning its customers of the increased number of scams involving utility services that often come with the holiday season. Scammers have been posing as Eversource employees to obtain money, demand personal information for identity theft or use deceptive tactics to persuade customers to switch energy suppliers, Eversource officials say. “We always want to protect our customers from scams, and that’s why it’s critical we continue to raise awareness and educate the public about all the different tactics these scammers use,” said Eversource Senior Vice President a…

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by Valerie Musson
News
Warnings Issued For Text, TV 'Smishing' Scams Warnings Issued For Text, TV 'Smishing' Scams
Warnings Issued For Text, TV 'Smishing' Scams Officials are warning of new “smishing” scams that have been making the rounds. The Federal Trade Commission issued an alert cautioning consumers of new scams that have been using text messages, not the traditional emails. One such scam involves the fraudster offering to provide major savings on television services. The scams involve the victims sending back personal information, or infecting devices with malware. According to the Better Business Bureau, this new scheme is called “smishing” which stands for SMS fishing, as opposed to “phishing,” which involves email. “We’re kind of condit…

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by Zak Failla
News
Don't Fall For It: Costco Confirms Coupon On Facebook Is Scam Don't Fall For It: Costco Confirms Coupon On Facebook Is Scam
Don't Fall For It: Costco Confirms Coupon On Facebook Is Scam It’s a trap! A free $75 Costco coupon that has been making the rounds on social media turned out to be too good to be true, the wholesale giant announced. “Despite several posts out there, Costco is NOT giving away $75 coupons. While we love our fans and our members, this offer is a SCAM, and in no way affiliated with Costco,” the company said. “Thanks to our fans for letting us know about this recurring hoax!” The phony coupon first cropped up on Facebook earlier this year, causing some users to unwittingly click on a link unaffiliated with Costco to collect their coupon. To gain access,…

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by Zak Failla
News
Nestlé Recalls Cookie Dough Products Nestlé Recalls Cookie Dough Products
Nestlé Recalls Cookie Dough Products Nestlé has announced a recall of ready-to-bake Toll House cookie dough products that may contain “food-grade rubber pieces.” The recalled products include refrigerated Nestlé Toll House Cookie Dough bars, tubs and tube-shaped “chubs,” which were shipped nationwide. The recall is limited only to the ready-to-bake refrigerated products, with batch codes that begin with 9189 through batch codes that begin with 9295:  Simply Delicious Nestlé Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough (18oz); Simply Delicious Nestlé Toll House Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough (18oz); Simply Delicious…

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by Zak Failla
Police & Fire
Contractor Charged After Failing To Finish $25K Job, Westport Police Say Contractor Charged After Failing To Finish $25K Job, Westport Police Say
Contractor Charged After Failing To Finish $25K Job, Westport Police Say A pool contractor was charged with allegedly taking a $25,000 deposit for a job his company did not complete in Westport. The alleged victim went to Westport Police to report that he gave the deposit to Champion Pool Service to install a pool, said Westport Police. The person said he had a verbal agreement with the company's owner Richard Sutcliffe to draft a contract and full quote once he (the victim) obtained the required permits from the Town of Westport, according to police.  The check was reportedly cashed and he got a receipt on July 22, 1018, police said. The pool c…

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by Donna Christopher
News
Don't Fall For It: Alert Issued For 'Clever' Fake Check Scam Don't Fall For It: Alert Issued For 'Clever' Fake Check Scam
Don't Fall For It: Alert Issued For 'Clever' Fake Check Scam Residents in the area are being warned about a new phony check scam that has been making the rounds in the region. There are several variations to the scam, officials said, but the most common involves a resident receiving notice that they won a “sweepstakes” with a faux check or first installment. Other versions involve letters from allegedly foreign countries that require the deposit of cash into a bank account for safekeeping, while others offer “too good to be true” or “work at home” proposals. Authorities said that, “the checks look real, and might have the names of real companies on t…

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by Zak Failla
News
Police Issue New Social Security Scam Warning Police Issue New Social Security Scam Warning
Police Issue New Social Security Scam Warning Police in the area are cautioning local residents to be wary of a new phone scam that has been making the rounds. Last week, police officials found that they received multiple calls from area residents who received phone calls threatening to suspend their social security number if cash isn’t paid to the caller. Police noted that social security numbers “do not get suspended. This is just a scam that’s after your SSN, bank account number, or money.  Please hang up if anyone calls about your social security number.” In an effort to keep residents safe, police offered a series of tips: …

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by Zak Failla
Police & Fire
Contractors Charged With Scamming Customers In Greenwich Contractors Charged With Scamming Customers In Greenwich
Contractors Charged With Scamming Customers In Greenwich Two contractors from Westchester and one from Dutchess have been charged after police say they scammed numerous customers in Greenwich. Greenwich Police say they arrested Weber Marin, 34, of White Plains, Ilir Cubi, 41, of Yonkers and Joseph Monserrate, 31, of Poughkeepsie on Sunday, June 9 after receiving complaints made by customers about being scammed. The three men had advertised plumbing repair services under an assumed business name and obtained work at three different Greenwich residences, according to police. Each of the men then conducted a requested repair and demanded on-the-spo…

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by Valerie Musson
Police & Fire
Contractor From Westport Accused Of Taking Money For Uncompleted Work In Wilton Contractor From Westport Accused Of Taking Money For Uncompleted Work In Wilton
Contractor From Westport Accused Of Taking Money For Uncompleted Work In Wilton An area contractor has been arrested for allegedly taking money for work and then never completing the job. Krystian Lorek, 37, of  Westport, was arrested Monday, May 6, by Wilton Police on an active arrest warrant for consumer related charges.  The owner of Lorek General Contracting in Westport, had been contracted for construction work and took money for work that was not completed, said Wilton Lt. Robert Kluk. Lorek was charged with violation of a home improvement contract, larceny over $25,000, and numerous contracting-related charges, said Kluk.  He is being …

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by Kathy Reakes
Police & Fire
Man Scammed Out Of $1.6K In Craigslist Scheme, Darien Police Say Man Scammed Out Of $1.6K In Craigslist Scheme, Darien Police Say
Man Scammed Out Of $1.6K In Craigslist Scheme, Darien Police Say A local man was conned out of $1,600 by a fraudster on Craigslist pretending to sell a Ford Explorer online, police said. Investigators from the Darien Police Department received a complaint on Thursday, April 4 from a local resident who stated that he found an ad on Craigslist for a Ford Explorer that was for sale for $1,600 that he attempted to purchase. The complainant stated to police that he made contact with the seller, who said the transaction would take place through an eBay system, and an invoice was sent to his email address. At the direction of the seller, the man purchased eight…

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by Zak Failla
News
Don't Be A Victim Of Credit Card Fraud: Here Are Steps To Take From FBI Don't Be A Victim Of Credit Card Fraud: Here Are Steps To Take From FBI
Don't Be A Victim Of Credit Card Fraud: Here Are Steps To Take From FBI The FBI is warning consumers in the area to be wary of falling victim to scammers involved in credit card fraud schemes. The Bureau issued an alert this week, offering a series of tips to avoid becoming the latest victim of credit card fraud. According to the FBI, "credit card fraud is the unauthorized use of a credit or debit card, or similar payment tool (ACH, EFT, recurring charge, etc.), to fraudulently obtain money or property. Credit and debit card numbers can be stolen from unsecured websites or can be obtained in an identity theft scheme." Tips provided by the FBI include: Don’t …

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by Zak Failla
Business
FTC/FDA Issue An Alert For Misleading Medical Ads, Claims FTC/FDA Issue An Alert For Misleading Medical Ads, Claims
FTC/FDA Issue An Alert For Misleading Medical Ads, Claims Health officials are warning consumers of misleading advertisements for products that claim to treat or prevent serious health conditions. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that they issued warning letters to certain companies. The FTC and FDA said that those companies make unfounded claims that their products can treat or cure Alzheimer’s disease and other conditions. Letters were sent to  Gold Crown Natural Products, TEK Naturals, and Pure Nootropics, LLC. They were sent out Tuesday, Feb. 5. “Unfortunately, these products o…

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by Zak Failla
Police & Fire
Scam Alert: 'Spoofing' Calls Being Made By Scammers Pretending To Be Cops, Municipal Officials Scam Alert: 'Spoofing' Calls Being Made By Scammers Pretending To Be Cops, Municipal Officials
Scam Alert: 'Spoofing' Calls Being Made By Scammers Pretending To Be Cops, Municipal Officials Police are alerting residents to a "spoofing" scam in which the callers pretend to be police officers or other municipal officers in an attempt to solicit money and sensitive personal information. On Friday, Jan. 25, a town resident reported receiving a suspicious phone call that appeared to originate from the Greenburgh Police Department, Chief Chris McNerney said on Saturday, Jan. 26.  The caller claimed to be a Greenburgh police officer and wanted to discuss the woman's credit report.  "Fortunately, the resident became suspicious and hung up the phone," McNerney said. "We…

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by Daily Voice
News
Don't Fall For It: This Social Security Number Scam Has Cost 35K Victims $10 Million, FTC Says Don't Fall For It: This Social Security Number Scam Has Cost 35K Victims $10 Million, FTC Says
Don't Fall For It: This Social Security Number Scam Has Cost 35K Victims $10 Million, FTC Says A consumer alert has been issued about a new phone scam that has already cost tens of thousands of victims millions. Imposters pretending to be from the Social Security Administration call victims and tell a fake story about their Social Security number being compromised in an attempt to obtain personal information, according to the Federal Trade Commission.  In 2018, the scam cost 35,000 victims $10 million. “To compare: in 2017, we heard from 3,200 people about SSA imposter scams, and those people reported losing nearly $210,000,” the FTC said in a statement. Th…

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by Joe Lombardi