Phone Scam Bilking Regional Residents

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Vermont state police have issued a warning to those living in and around Bennington County, Vt., about an allegedly Canadian-based telephone scam reported by numerous victims. Police described the ruse as being "very clever" and said that the scam has netted financial rewards for the perpetrator. Calls Coming From Montreal and Ontario, Say Police The ploy involves a telephone call from a person who claims to be a family member or a friend who reports being mugged, kidnapped or experiencing some other misfortune while traveling in Canada. The individual is familiar with certain details about the person being contacted and uses the information to assure that the call is legitimate. If questioned about an unfamiliar voice, the scammer offers explanations such as a broken nose, a damaged pay telephone, or other excuse. "The scam artists has information about you, your family, and your friends to assist in convincing you that he is who he says," according to a written police statement. The con artist then states that they need financial help because of the circumstances. Police said that a request for funds may be direct or implied, and that the amount requested is most often about $500. Once someone agrees to provide money, the scammer insists that only a Western Union transfer is acceptable and instructs the victim where in Canada the funds should be wired. Police are asking anyone with any information about this ruse to call the Vermont State Police barracks in Shaftsbury, Vt. at 802-442-5421.
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BCC Wins Grant for New Automatic External Defibrillator

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College (BCC) is the recipient of a $2,326 grant, funded by the Healey-Driscoll Administration, for the purchase of an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) device. 
 
The grant specifically covers a device for use inside one of BCC's security vehicles for easy access when traversing the campus.  
 
In total, the Commonwealth awarded more than $165,000 in grant funding to 58 municipalities,
13 public colleges and universities, and nine nonprofits to purchase AEDs for emergency response vehicles. The program is designed to increase access to lifesaving equipment during medical emergencies, when every second matters.  
 
An AED is a medical device used to support people experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, which is the abrupt loss of heart function in a person who may or may not have been diagnosed with heart disease. An AED analyzes the patient's heart rhythm and, if necessary, delivers an electrical shock, or defibrillation, to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm.  
 
"Immediate access to AEDs is vital to someone facing a medical crisis. By expanding availability statewide, we're equipping first responders with the necessary tools to provide lifesaving emergency care for patients," said Governor Maura Healey. "This essential equipment will enhance the medical response for cardiac patients across Massachusetts and improve outcomes during an emergency event."  
 
The funds were awarded through a competitive application process conducted by the Office of Grants and Research (OGR), a state agency that is part of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS).  
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