SMS Scam

In Search of Hope – by Sam Gannon

Seconded to the parish of Tililngdon, the Reverend Dolores has been presented with a challenge.

She’s living in an antiquated house and she’s cold. Furthermore, her new Bishop, Bishop Alice does not approve of ‘showgirls in dog collars.’

Determined to prove the Bishop wrong, she sets about warming her house – who cares if it smells of horse! There is the crochet club, jumble sale, and soup run to organise. And this year, the church bells will ring, no matter what threats are made. Even more so, the newly formed choir will spread a little joy this Christmas, even though they can’t sing – yet! And with a little help from Phil, her bassist, this year could be full of magic.

However, she has a fight on her hands as the townies out in Knob Hill – she must stop calling it that, are trying to stop her from ringing her bells. When Krystal with a K decides to do some volunteer work, Dolores sets out to see just how committed she really is.

Up to her ears in granny squares and squawking choristers, Dolores is revving up for Christmas, yet a deeper darker secret is beginning to emerge!

A secret that could blow the whole parish apart and put Dolores in danger.

(available from Amazon)

A text message scam is circulating, pretending to be from the Ministry of Health and claiming there are outstanding debts for urgent hospital services.

Scammers are using credible names like “MIN. HEALTH” or “SNS 24” to convey confidence and create a sense of urgency.

The message asks for payments via ATM. It is worth remembering that the Ministry of Health never asks for bank details or SMS payments.

In this case reported to JM, the payment is destined to an account in the PayPal digital wallet, a means not used by the Portuguese State or the Region.

If you receive a message and are unsure of its validity, please call the official SNS 24 number (808 24 24 24).

Samantha Gannon

info at madeira-weekly.com