(NAPSI)—It’s a common occurrence these days—one of your friends recently had an online account hacked but doesn’t have a clue how it happened. We’ve all heard tech advice from a tech-savvy sister or the IT guy at work, but what’s the truth? When it comes to online security, it’s sometimes difficult to discern between perception and reality.

Paula Wells quickly realized she was being scammed. After purchasing a Ford F350 from a Sacramento-area Ford dealership, Wells, of Lodi, received a letter in the mail, saying her warranty was about to expire.

(NAPSI)—Protecting your health is important to everyone. That’s why the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) wants you to know that there are many dangerous products unlawfully marketed as “dietary supplements” that contain hidden drugs and chemicals. These products are sold for all sorts of conditions including weight loss, sexual enhancement, bodybuilding, arthritis and diabetes. They can contain hidden prescription ingredients at levels much higher than those found in approved drugs.

1. Esther Kemalyan-Roche in concert at Hutchins Street Square

A new telephone scam has at least one Lodi resident warning senior citizens to be careful about the information they hand out over the phone.

A long time ago, my dear friend Albert Einstein said World War III will be fought with cyber and atomic weapons (I paraphrase) and World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones.

It's famous. It has endured the battlefield and celebrates in peacetime. It has been credited by world leaders Eisenhower, Thatcher and Khrushchev for its role in the allied victory in World War II. It has traveled the world — Europe, Asia, Australia — and is beloved by our ocean neighbors, the Hawaiian islanders. It is sometimes single, is known to be hot and spicy and will be forever classic. It has been immortalized with its own museum and is forever celebrated in festival.

If you get a letter in a Costco envelope with information about winning a lottery hosted by Enterprise Holdings Inc., don't cash the Wells Fargo check enclosed.

Telephone scams have become increasingly popular among scam artists who like to prey on people and their good nature. There are many types of phone scams, but most all will have one thing in common: money.

If you've shopped anywhere recently, you've probably been asked to complete an online survey about customer service and such and there is usually a chance of winning a pretty nice prize.  The URL  to the survey is traditionally at the bottom of your receipt.  I always participate in this surveys because, heck, I just might win something.  And, this would most likely explain the amount of sales material and spam I receive.

As a massive disabled Carnival cruise ship is towed back to land from the Pacific Ocean, guests onboard are without electricity, hot water or warm food. But thanks to a former Tokay High School trumpet player, at least they have a lot of onboard entertainment.

Visitors wanting to enjoy historic towns near beautiful views of wide flowing rivers will enjoy a day in the Delta.

Where can you go to find classical musicians and fine cuisine? You can now find them in the Stockton Symphony Alliance's new cookbook, "Classical Cuisine," which was completed in October.

For every comment we receive here on the Beat, we seem to get about 10 spam comments.

Moving is, without a doubt, one of my least favorite things. I enjoy the change of scenery, but I am not as fond of the packing, cleaning, unpacking or being disconnected for days (from the Internet, and now, with an older television, from the outside world in general).

From renting boats to eating crab Louisiana-style, there is something for everyone to do in Lodi's backyard.

Delta-inspired art fills independent galleries

Here is a simple answer to the bonus mess at AIG.

Have you ever tried to pour a cocktail for accuracy five minutes after completing a bungee jump? Joel Baker will.

There seems to be a new "replacement" for mud-slinging television ads: mud-slinging e-mail spam.

While Isleton celebrates the beloved crawdad on Father's Day weekend each year, the town spends the weekend after Valentine's Day celebrating everything Spam.

A girlfriend and I want to go on a cruise to Mexico this spring (like this one, if the link works), and we're naturally trying to cut as many costs as possible. In other words, do you have any tips or advice, aside from resolving my passport woes?