The IRS is reminding taxpayers to be on guard against tax fraud and other scams related to the COVID-19 outbreak. The IRS reports detecting a variety of scams related to CARES Act stimulus payments, using the payments as a cover to steal personal information or money from unsuspecting taxpayers. Other COVID-19 scams include the organized selling of fake at-home test kits, offers to sell fake cures, vaccines, pills and advice on unproven treatments for COVID-19, or fraudulent offers to sell large quantities of medical supplies through the creation of fake shops, websites, social media accounts and email addresses where the criminal fails to deliver promised supplies after receiving funds. More information from the IRS, as well as tips on how to report suspected scams, is available on its website here.
North Carolina’s Department of Health and Human Services has releasedupdated guidance for doctors and clinicians on who should be tested for COVID-19. View the new guidance here.
Sampson County is hosting a free COVID-19 drive-thru testing event on Saturday, June 13th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Sampson County Complex,360 County Complex Road in Clinton. No registration is required, and testing will be provided on a first-come, first-serve basis. Individuals seeking tests should bring their insurance, Medicare or Medicaid card. It is not required to receive a test but will help the county recoup costs later on. If you have questions about the testing, contact the Sampson County COVID Help line at 910-490-1056.
Cape Fear Community College’s Small Business Center has launched “Reboot, Recover, Rebuild” (R3) to help small business owners as they continue to cope with and start to recover from the loss of revenue due to COVID-19. The program will provide businesses with free counseling and resources on topics like marketing plans, strategies for scaling business operations, break-even and cash-flow analysis, loan package preparation and a host of others. Availability is limited on a first-come, first-served basis. For additional information, visit CFCC’s website here.
The CDC has updated its guidance and suggestions for youth and summer camps, with information on ways camp staff and administrators can help operate their facilities safely during the COVID-19 outbreak. View the CDC’s youth and summer camp page here.
For today’s good news story, I’m highlighting Bill Hogan of Wilmington. He rallied his neighborhood to raise money in support of local first responders, using the proceeds to buy them gift cards to Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N BBQ, which has a restaurant right across the street from Ogden Emergency and Fire Station. Our first responders have stepped up and continue to keep our communities safe, and it’s always good to see our communities showing appreciation in return. Thank you, Bill!
