Conway Bank Targeted by Internet Scammers

Just a heads up for anyone who might be banking with Conway National Bank. They are in the middle of a phishing scam attack and emails are going out by the hundreds or thousands, disguised to look like it's coming from the bank.

I've seen several different themes of the emails. Some say that your account has been compromised and the bank is blocking it (click here to reconfirm). Some say there's a mistake and your account has been credited for $XX dollars...(click here to receive money). Some just said to visit the website and confirm login. They all look very convincing.

I talked to someone at the bank this morning and they are aware of it and trying to get it stopped. I also found out that they are calling people, out of the yellow pages perhaps? and leaving recorded messages with an 800 number to call. This is to get you to punch your passwords and things into the telephone, I would assume. I had gotten one of those calls Sunday, and assumed it was Conway Bank security calling me because I was sending them the emails.

The emails are coming from numerous addresses, but most of the ones I've seen were coming from places in Korea (the email address header reads like scammer@conwaybank.com.kr ) It's likely the email addresses are fake anyway. The point to the scam is to get you to click the link in the email and type in your user name and password.

Paypal and Ebay and other large banks have suffered from these "phishing" schemes for years now. Seems odd that they would target a small South Carolina bank like Conway Bank.

At any case, it is so important that we all remember NEVER EVER to click on any link from an email and login to anything. Very few banks or accounts will ever send you an email that asks you to, but even if you think it's legit, it's better to go directly to the website and not take the chance. Sometimes the links will go to websites that have embedded viruses or worms as well.

Always be suspicious when dealing with an email from someone other than friends or family.

And sometimes you can be fooled there as well.

Visit our website to learn about Myrtle Beach real estate, and see http://www.myrtlebeachcondos.cc/ to search the MLS for Myrtle Beach condos.

Real Estate Stock Investment Picks from Forbes

From the Forbes Guru Roundtable
Best Investment Ideas for 2008-2009

According to Forbes Guru Peter Slatin, these are 7 real estate stock investments he recommends for the next 12 months. Peter is the editor of the Forbes/Slatin Real Estate Report.

He opens his report to say that even as real estate investment trusts have declined since last fall, some RES's still show strength and offer investors a very good rate of return. The lowered prices offer investment opportunity even while they increase concerns about interest rates, inflation, and other economic problems happening now.

The report is quoted as stating:
"Picking winners and losers in an arena where companies rise and fall with cyclical regularity means knowing who the players are - and, especially in real estate - which ones play by the rules."

His seven real estate stock recommendations are:

• Brookfield Asset Management (nyse:BAM)
• Capitaland Ltd. (Singapore:C31.SI)
• Gafisa SA (nyse:GFA)
• Homex Development (nyse:HXM)
• Kimco Realty (nyse:KIM)

And for short term:

• RAIT Financial Trust (nyse:RAS)
• Gramercy Capital (nyse: GKK)

A complete report may be found by signing up for the Forbes/Slatin Real Estate Report.

Look for Myrtle Beach real estate and condos for sale at any of our websites.
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Myrtle Beach Life - Chickens Can Help Local Shrimpers Survive

Rising costs of gas and diesel are causing South Carolina's shrimpers to park the boats, increasing the dependence on imported shrimp in restaurants and grocery stores.

Wild American Shrimp, a nonprofit group dedicated to the shrimping community, has partnered with several other SC groups to help promote and preserve our shrimpers and the wild shrimp they provide.

Billboards will be appearing throughout Myrtle Beach, Charleston, and Hilton Head with the message of "buying local", and the grocery chains of Harris Teeter and Kroger have agreed to sell and distribute information about the economic and health benefits of fresh-caught shrimp over the often frozen imports.Where do most shrimp that we eat come from? Hold your cookies... China, Vietnam, and South America! Don't you know that's some fresh seafood? Yuck!

And now to the title of this article - how are chickens involved?

More and more shrimp boats are shutting down due to high fuel costs and having to compete with the (as usual) unrealistically cheap prices of the overseas competition. But there is an answer or at least help for the problem of fuel...Bio-Diesel.

Biodiesel is made from chicken fat, soybean, corn or vegetable oil. One Bluffton shrimper reports that it lessens the motor power by about 5 to 10 percent, which isn't a big deal, but says you can mix it with regular diesel to lessen any problems. He says the motor runs fine unless it gets too chilly - under 60 degrees and tends to "gel" in the lines.

One provider of the fuel is in Charlestown, and they actually deliver to the boats. It's not the answer to a prayer...only about 50 cents per gallon cheaper than regular diesel. When you use 3000 gallons of fuel every two weeks, as shrimpers often do, it can certainly help.

I don't think we'll be seeing chickens replacing those cows in the commercials that hold up signs saying "Eat Mor Shrimps", now that they've found yet another use for America's favorite meat.

This was off-topic for a Myrtle Beach Real Estate blog, I know, but I thought it was interesting enough to share!

Real Estate in Myrtle Beach Picks Up

I recently received an email with some statistics put out by Certifax Appraisals, one of the most respected real estate appraisal companies in coastal North and South Carolina.

In their appraisal orders, they are reporting improved numbers and market condition in April and May, reflecting more activity, shorter time on the market, and even some price increases.
Here are some of the Myrtl Beach condos and neighborhoods they are reporting on specifically...

The Gardens at Cypress Bay- A 2 bedroom condo at this beautiful golf resort actually had a bidding war that pushed the selling price 3% higher than the price it was listed for. THAT is impressive.

Shipwatch Point II- A penthouse unit there sold 4 days after being listed, and brought 94% of the list price.

Arcadian Dunes- One of these condos sold after 45 days of listing, and brought 96% of the asking price.

Island Vista- Several of these units increased in price from $239K in 2006 to $300K during the beginning of 2008 up to April.

Laguna Keys- One of these luxurious condos sold 46 days after listing, for $499,000, or 91% of the asking price.

Market Commons- Although it's been rumored that sales at Market Commons have been very sluggish and disappointing, Certifax reports that several units have been contracted in May for prices that were 3% higher than in December.

In regular Myrtle Beach real estate, Certifax reports six or more single family homes have sold from 39-94 days after being listed, and have all gotten 93% or better of the listing price, along with some price increases since 2005.

This is promising news for the market along the Grand Strand, and hopefully we'll see more of it!

Visit our websites for information on Myrtle Beach Foreclosures, and deals on cheap oceanfront property!