Dear Neighbors,

 I hope this email finds you well and in the holiday spirit! As we head into the final stretch of the year, I wanted to take a moment to share some important updates with you. This week, I’ve included details on the annual dog license renewal and registration process, tips for avoiding holiday scams, and other important information to help you stay informed and prepared for the season ahead.

 Stay safe, be cautious, and as always, feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need assistance. You may do so simply by replying to this email, or by calling my office at (215) 323-6997.

In Service,

Brian

Online purchases for 2025 regular and senior dog licenses are now available through the Bucks County Treasurer’s Office.

 Please remember that all dogs two months or older must be licensed by January 1 each year.

 To apply or renew your dog license online, click here.

 If your dog has recently passed away, please email treasurer@buckscounty.org with the most recent license number or address to have its name removed from future renewal notices.

 You can also obtain your license by mail or in person at the Treasurer’s Office. Please note that all documents must be original (no photocopies), and checks should be made payable to Bucks County Treasurer.

 For more information on dog licenses, click here.

The Bucks County Crimes Against Older Adults Task Force published the following tips to help you spot and, hopefully, avoid the top holiday shopping scams. 

 Fake Websites Scammers create fake websites posing as well-known retailers, often offering deep discounts on "sold-out" items.

What to do:

• Search for reviews or scam alerts on the retailer.
• Type URLs directly into your browser.
• Look for "https" on the payment page.
• Check for a return policy and contact details.
• Use a credit card, not a debit card, for extra protection.

Gift Card Scams Thieves steal gift card numbers by tampering with cards in stores. Once activated, they drain the funds.

What to do:

• Buy gift cards directly from trusted stores or cashiers.
• Inspect cards for signs of tampering.
• Avoid buying gift cards from auction sites.
• Keep your receipt until the card’s value is used.

Fake Charities Scammers take advantage of holiday giving, either posing as real organizations or creating fake ones.

What to do:

• Donate only to familiar charities.
• Verify new charities at charitynavigator.org.
• Avoid cash donations and wire transfers.
• Ask how much of your donation goes to the cause.

Other Scams to Watch For:

• Travel “deals”.
• ATM skimmers.
• Fake delivery notices.
• Suspicious social media giveaways.

If You’ve Been Scammed:

1. File a police report.
2. Inform your bank or credit card company.
3. Report the fraud to credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion).
4. Keep evidence, such as emails or receipts, to support your case.

For more tips, visit www.buckscounty.gov/cp.

You may have received a postcard from the North Wales Water Authority about your service line material.

 This notification is required by a national program being enforced by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.  NWWA is seeking information about the material of your water service line (lead, copper, plastic, etc.), not the water itself.

 Although there are no reports of lead in the water, lead can sometimes come from older pipes made of lead materials on your property. As an added safety measure, NWWA treats its water with polyphosphate, which forms a protective barrier inside pipes, preventing lead from leaching into the water supply.

 Visit https://www.nwwater.com/service-line-inventory or call 267-328-4915 for more details.

Thank you Ivyland Fire Company for another successful pancake breakfast.

 Bringing the community together in such a welcoming environment is always appreciated!

 You rock as usual!

This week my office assisted two of our octogenarian constituents obtain a marriage license. Congratulations Irwin and Polly on your upcoming nuptials! Thank you for allowing my office to be a part of your joyful occasion. Wishing you many years of happiness.