2021 COVID-19 Vaccine Priority Groups

BBB Tip: Don’t share your COVID-19 vaccine card on social media

Did you just get your COVID-19 vaccine? That’s great, but don’t share a photo of your vaccination card on social media. The self-identifying information on it makes you vulnerable to identity theft and can help scammers create phony versions.

What to watch out for:

You got your COVID-19 inoculation, and you are excited to share the good news and encourage others to do the same. You take a selfie holding your vaccination card and post it to Facebook, Instagram, or another social media platform.

Unfortunately, your card has your full name and birthday on it, as well as information about where you got your vaccine. If your social media privacy settings aren’t set high, you may be giving valuable information away for anyone to use.

Sharing your personal information isn’t the only issue. Scammers in Great Britain were caught selling fake vaccination cards on eBay and TikTok. It’s only a matter of time before similar cons come to the United States and Canada. Posting photos of your card can help provide scammers with information they can use to create and sell phony ones.

How to share safely on social media:

• Share your vaccine sticker or use a profile frame instead. If you want to post about your vaccine, there are safer ways to do it. You can share a photo of your vaccine sticker or set a frame around your profile picture.
• Review your security settings. Check your security settings on all social media platforms to see what you are sharing and with whom. If you only want friends and family to see your posts, be sure that’s how your privacy settings are configured.
• Be wary of answering popular social media prompts. Sharing your vaccine photo is just the latest social trend. Think twice before participating in other viral personal posts, such as listing all the cars you’ve owned (including makes/model years), favorite songs, and top 10 TV shows. Some of these “favorite things” are commonly used passwords or security questions.

For more information:

BBB has identified many ways in which scammers are cashing in the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more about vaccine scams,  clinical trial scams, contract tracing cons, counterfeit face masks, and government agency imposters.

If you’ve spotted a scam (whether or not you’ve lost money), report it to BBB.org/ScamTracker. Your report can help others avoid falling victim to scams.

Utility assistance

Utility assistance

Do Not Leave Car Running and Unattended

LMPD's 7th division wants to remind you that while it is tempting to warm up cars on a cold morning or run into the gas station really quick while leaving the car running, these opportunities are quickly capitalized on by those looking for cars to steal. We are currently organizing some details in the 7^th to address these issues, but the officers can’t be everywhere and need help getting the message out.     1. DO NOT leave running cars unattended!  2. LOCK your doors. 3. REMOVE keys and valuables from your cars.

Thank you all for your support and assistance in keeping our neighborhoods safe!

2021 Property Assessment: How will it affect you?

The Jefferson County PVA invites you to join their "You Have a Right to Appeal" virtual meeting to discuss the 2021 Property Reassessment and the appeal process for commercial properties in your area.

If you are a residential property owner in areas 2, 3, 5 and 7 (A PORTION OF DISTRICT 22 IS IN AREA 7) you will be reassessed this year. To see if you are

in those areas, click this link: https://lojic.maps.arcgis.com/apps/SimpleViewer/index.html?appid=ca553b6583934ef5b7827a99e43b5fed

If you are a commercial property owner in areas 2, 3, 5 and 7, you will be reassessed this year. To see if you are in those areas, click this link: https://lojic.maps.arcgis.com/apps/View/index.html?appid=615f61d835974ed7b5a5180325c8d0

To learn more about residential and commercial property assessments and your right to appeal, please join the PVA for one of our online informational meetings, please visit www.jeffersonpva.ky.gov or follow us on Facebook @jeffersonpva

Metro Animal Services has free straw available for outside pets and livestock

The coldest weather of the season is on its way to the Louisville area. With single-digit temperatures and sub-zero windchill predicted over the next several days, The Arrow Fund, Inc., a local animal protection group, and Louisville Metro Animal Services (LMAS) announces a partnership to provide potentially life-saving straw for those animals that cannot be brought inside or provided with heavily insulated and/or heated shelter. The Arrow Fund purchased and donated the straw currently being distributed to the public for free until supply runs out at the LMAS Harshaw Family Foundation Animal Shelter located at 3528 Newburg Road.

“A dog or cat left outdoors in this extremely cold weather will suffer tremendously and most likely die without proper, well-insulated shelter. Properly placed straw can help protect both cats and dogs from hypothermia, frostbite, and death,” said Jessica Brotzge, president of The Arrow Fund.

“A simple wooden doghouse or a plastic Igloo-type house is not going to protect your pet, “she warned. “The strategic placement of straw inside a doghouse or cat shelter can make the difference between life and death.” “Not every pet can be kept inside so it is important to provide adequate shelter with proper protection from the elements,” said Ashley Book, interim director of LMAS. “By providing straw for pet owners who need it, we are fulfilling our mission to serve the citizens of Louisville and ensure the humane treatment of domesticated animals.”

Pet owners can pick up straw Monday – Saturday from 12-6 p.m. at the LMAS Harshaw Family Foundation Animal Shelter (3528 Newburg Road).

Cold weather tips include: • Do not keep pet outside for long periods of time • Shelter floor should be off the ground (to minimize heat loss into the ground) with thick, dry bedding such as straw (not blankets) • Position shelter doors away from winds • Space heaters and heat lamps should be avoided because of the risk of burns or fire • Heated pet mats should be used with caution because they also are capable of causing burns

Friends of the Fern Creek Library Book Club Starts March 1st!

Friends of the Fern Creek Library and Fern Creek Woman’s Club invite you to join First Monday book club which will be shared virtually through ZOOM, March 1 from 7:30-9:00 p.m.  We will meet the first Monday of each month.  Our first book will be Sisters in Law by Linda Hirschman.  This book tells the story of Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sandra Day O’Connor.  If you would like to join us please send an email to ferncreekfriends19@gmail.com.  I will make sure you receive the link for our First Monday book club discussion on March 1.

BBB February 2021 Hot Topics

1. A local consumer contacted BBB saying he received a call from a scam artist posing as LG&E, saying his electric was going to be cut off in 30 minutes unless he went to a kiosk near his home and paid cash. At the same time, the consumer’s wife got on the phone with LG&E directly, only to find out it was a scam. Don’t fall for it!
2. In another utility scam, a local consumer reported getting a call from a scam artist posing as the Louisville Water Company, advising that she was past-due on her water bill and her water would be turned off in 30 minutes if she did not purchase a MoneyPak, load $100 on the card, and call back with the card information for payment.
3. BBB Scam Tracker reports show that several local consumers have received phone calls from what seem to be local banks offering personal loans. They say the bank offers the loan, then asks for payment upfront for insurance, closing costs, and taxes for the IRS. Don’t fall for it. It is a scam!
4. Don’t fall for debt collection scams! Several local consumers reported to BBB Scam Tracker that they received calls from “Easy Cash” saying they owed money. The callers asked for personal information, including social security numbers. Hang up!
5. Realtors are reporting to BBB that scammers who are posing as owners of listed properties are contacting contractors to paint/remove trees from vacant properties listed on the MLS. Scammers want banking account numbers to wire payment for the job.
6. Consumers who are waiting for Covid-19 vaccines report they are receiving calls from scammers who pretend to be an “agent” with the “Vaccination Distribution Committee,” saying they are calling to talk about getting your vaccine “now before the general public.” The scammer asks for personal information. Don’t fall for it.
7. BBB Warns – do NOT post your COVID-19 vaccination card on social media! While you would like to share the good news, it could also put you at risk for identity theft. The card has your full name, birthday, and where you got your vaccine, allowing scammers to take the information, or use it to help create fake vaccination cards and sell them.
8. Don’t fall for a spoofed email that appears to be from your friend or colleague! An email came into BBB from a colleague, saying he was away visiting his friend’s daughter, who tested positive for coronavirus, and is in isolation. While away, he needs your help getting a Google Play Gift Card for his niece, whose birthday he is going to miss because he is out of town.
9. If you have a concealed weapon carry permit, beware of texts and email messages saying your permit needs to be changed or updated. Scammers are using the tactic to gain information on gun owners and/or to steal money for supposed amendments. Don’t click on any links!
10. It’s February, and love is in the air, but beware of romance scams! If your potential love interest postpones meeting you in person, asks you to send them money, or only wants to chat by email or text, you may be dealing with a scammer instead of a new love.

Bridge Replacement Taking Place on South Watterson Trail in Jefferson County

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Jan. 7, 2021) –The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) advises motorists of work to replace the bridge on South Watterson Trail over Fern Creek in Jefferson County. The structure is closed and will remain shut down to traffic for 60 days as work on the project is complete. The project was scheduled to begin in the fall but was postponed due to contractor delays. Motorists can detour the area via KY 1747 (South Hurstbourne Parkway) and U.S. 31 E (Bardstown Road).

This bridge replacement is part of a multi-project contract awarded to Louisville Paving and Construction. The cost of the replacement is $673,991. This project is part of KYTC’s Bridging Kentucky Program, which is a commitment to improving the safety and soundness of the Commonwealth’s bridges by rehabilitating, repairing, or replacing critical bridges throughout the state. The program is designed to open closed structures, improve bridge lifespans, ensure appropriate weight capacities are met and improve access and mobility for all Kentuckians.

The date and duration of this work may be adjusted if inclement weather or other unforeseen delays occur.  Visit goky.ky.gov for the latest in traffic and travel information in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.  You can also get traffic information for the District 5 counties at facebook.com/KYTCDistrict5 and twitter.com/KYTCDistrict5.

Driver's License Updates

Driver’s Licenses

At this time, these five Driver’s License branches are now open and operating Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.:

• Middletown (11700 Main St., 40243) 
• Outer Loop-Highview (7509 Outer Loop, 40228)
• Southwest (4919 Dixie Highway, Suite A, 40216)
• West Louisville (2900 W. Broadway, 40211)
• Bowman Field (3501 Roger E. Schupp, 40205)

Please note:

• Social distancing will be required.
• Mask or face covering will be required.
• At our high-volume branches, a reservation system may be utilized.
• From 8 to 9 a.m. each day at each branch, Seniors and those with health issues will be served first (reservations not needed)
• We highly recommend taking advantage of the Mail-in Renewal Option if you meet the applicable criteria. For details and the form, click here -- https://www.drivejefferson.com/mail-in-renewal/

(Our sixth branch, at 514 West Liberty, is closed to the public due to COVID-19 and is only processing main-in renewals at this time.)

Career opportunities

Our office is now hiring! For information about openings or applying for a position, click here -- https://www.jeffersonkycourtclerk.com/human-resources/

Websites

Please visit DriveJefferson.com for driver’s license locations, services, hours, etc. and JeffersonKyCourtClerk.com for Office of the Circuit Court Clerk information.