BEWARE OF SCAMS

As many of you know, my husband works as a Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch. He came home today and gave me this information that was circulating around his office that I wanted to pass along to you.

It appears as though scam artists who have already stolen credit card numbers are contacting individuals in hopes of gaining the 3 digit security code on the back of the card. The below is the description of the scam.

The fradulant called\r will provide YOU with all the information, except the one piece they want. The callers do not ask for your credit card number; they already have it along with your name, address and telephone number.The scam works like this:

FRAUD CALLER: This is ____________ and I am calling from the Security and Fraud Department at VISA. My Badge number is 12460. Your card has been flagged for an unusual purchase pattern, and I'm calling to verify. This would be on your Visa card which was issued by (name of bank). Did you purchase an Anti-Telemarketing Device for $497.99 from a marketing company based in Arizona?

INDIVIDUAL: "No"

FRAUD CALLER: Then we will be issuing a credit to your account. This is a company we have been watching and the charges range from $297 to $497, just under the $500 purchase pattern that flags most cards before your next statement, the credit will be sent to (gives you your address), is that correct?

INDIVIDUAL: "Yes"

FRAUD CALL: I will be starting a Fraud investigation. If you have any questions, you should call the 1-800 number listed on the back of your credit card and ask for Security. You will need to refer to this Control Number. (The caller will then give you a 6-digit number). In order to verify you are in possession of the card, I will need the 3 digit security code on the back....

The last piece is the IMPORTANT part on how the scam works. The fradulent caller will then state that he needs to verify you are in possession of your card. These are the numbers that you sometimes use to make internet purchases to prove you have the card. The caller will ask you to read the 3 numbers to him. After you read the numbers, he will ask if you have any more questions and then end the call.

Please be aware and vigilant especially during the holiday time.

HALLMARK COUPON

If you get Southern Living, be sure to look inside for a $5 off a $10 purchase.

There are so many cute Christmas items you can get there as well as jewerly or cards. But my $10 will be going towards one thing and one thing only...malted milk balls! Yep! My one addiction in life (since I gave up Crystal Light!) is malted milk balls from Hallmark. Even with watching my weight, it doesn't hurt to eat one every now and then! Believe it or not, I can just eat one and walk away! Sometimes though I have to tell my self to "step away from the malted milk balls"!

DON'T FORGET YOUR CHEAP LAUNDRY DETERGENT

I just love cheap laundry detergent. I totally forgot about this deal so I thought I would post it in case any of you forgot about it also! I was in Publix today picking up a few things and forgot about this deal.

I was toting around my father today because his car was being repaired. He got to see first hand how to really shop at Publix! My total before coupons was $35 and after coupons was $6.45!!

If you are going to be in Publix tomorrow pick up some All Laundry Detergent which is on sale 2 for $7. Use the $1/1 coupon from HERE or from the 11/11 RP. Stack with the $1/1 from the All The Trimmings Book. I asked at the customer service desk at Cobblestone today and they gave me one!!! Luckily I had my father with me and he asked for one also. Just give them one coupon and tell them how many times you need them to enter it.

My scenerio will look like this:

Buy 8 All Detergent $28.00
Buy hamburger buns $ 2.50 (forgot to get these today)

TOTAL $30.50
Use 8 $1/1 MQ's
Use 8 $1/1 PQ's
Use $5/$30 WD coupon

TOTAL BEFORE TAX - $9.50

I think these usually go for $4.99 each so that is a great savings!

DO YOU HAVE THIS COUPON?

Johnsonville Italian Sausage is going to be on sale for $3.99 in the new ad.

Check your binders for a $2 coupon for the sausage. I have four of them printed with an expiration date of 1/13/13! Nothing better than cheap sausage and  $16 towards my $50 for the gas card.

I also have a raincheck for the Suave Lotion that was BOGO less than a month ago. I also have the $2/2 coupon that went with it. The coupon has expired but since it was in date when they were out-of-stock, they will accept it! Woo Hoo! Another high value item to go towards my gas card total!

NO MORE PUBLIX TURKEYS FOR ME

Note to self...Don't buy a Publix turkey again! Thanksgiving Day went on without a hitch except for my turkey! The fried turkey came out glistening with oil, fried to perfection. My turkey on the other hand, looked gorgeous BUT when we cut into it, it was still slightly pink. My meat thermometer said it was done, but it obviously wasn't. Back in the oven it went but there is something about a turkey being split open and then putting it back in the oven.

I can see why the Cooks Country Magazine said to use a Butterball. They are injected with all kinds of stuff we probably don't want to know what it is to make it moist. Not so with the Publix turkey. The breast meat was slightly dry although the flavor from my mayo/herb mixture was awesome. It didn't ooze out juices like the Butterball Turkey does.

My final verdit is I will make my turkey like I did with the mayo/herb mixture on top. I WILL NOT buy a Publix turkey, even if it is free! Actually, next year we are going to go camping for Thanksgiving and will fry a turkey and that just sounds perfect to me. Once you have a fried turkey it is hard going back!

NEW TURKEY RECIPE

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!

We have a house full coming over and we are frying one turkey and baking another. I decided to try a new way to bake my turkey. First of all, I got a Publix turkey for free with my transferred prescription and I have never used anything but Butterball before.

I am trying a method where you mix mayonaise, olive oil and herbs and brush on the turkey. I will cook it for about 3 hours and then take it out of the oven, turn the oven up to 450 degrees, and then brush the mayo/herb mixture on again and cook for about another 35 minutes.

I am so curious to see how it comes out! They recommended a Butterball Turkey but, of course, I didn't read that part until I got the free turkey!

I will let you know! Supposedly it makes the breast meat moist and makes a beautiful color on the top.

BAGEL BITES COUPON

I have three extra $5/2 Bagel Bites coupons that were in the Believe in Heros Winn Dixie book that will make an awesome deal on bagel bites with the new ad. My daughter is already excited about these and I am going to have to try to find some freezer room to get myself a couple boxes!

The first three people who leave a comment or send me an email (if you can't access the comments) will get a $5/2 coupon. I believe it will make the large boxes about $2.25 a box!

I will respond to your email or comment and leave them at my work or on my mailbox to pick up.