The Better Business Bureau for Eastern North Carolina is warning consumers about an old scam with a new twist. The “Can You Hear Me?” scam has long been used to coerce businesses into purchasing office supplies and directory ads they never actually ordered, but now it’s targeting individual consumers as well. For the last few days of January, more than half of the reports to BBB Scam Tracker have been about this one scam. Consumers say the calls are about vacation packages, cruises, warranties, and other big ticket items. So far, none have reported money loss, but it is unclear how the scams will play out over time, or if the targets will be victimized at a later date. Here’s how it works: You get a call from someone who almost immediately asks “Can you hear me?” Their goal is to get you to answer “Yes,” which most people would

The Wake Forest Area Chamber of Commerce is launching a new free program for chamber members and their guests, Issues and Answers. It is an opportunity to hear from industry experts on how the changing landscape of law, finance, taxes and insurance is affecting business today. The first event will be Tuesday, Feb. 28, in the community room at the new Wake Electric building on Franklin Street. Breakfast will be at 7:45 a.m. with the meeting starting at 8 a.m. The following topics will be discussed: Law: An overview of laws to watch in 2017, including HB2, the Department of Labor’s Overtime Rule, the Affordable Care Act, and other workplace legal issues related to sexual orientation and transgender status. Finance: An overview of what’s going on in the capital markets this quarter. Taxes: New NC laws regarding sales tax on repairs, maintenance and installation services and corporate taxes, as well as any new developments

Be sure to attend the Black History Celebration at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 7, with light refreshments. The Mardi Gras Dance and Fundraiser from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 23, costs $5 but it helps support programs at the senior center. A DJ will provide music, refreshments are sponsored, and mask are welcome but not required. Remember there is free tax aid thanks to AARP on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Feb. 1 to April 12. Call the front office to set up an appointment. Also, because of the AARP Tax Assistance in the fitness room, the Wednesday Zumba class will be held in the Community Center at Flaherty Park on North White Street in February, March and April. And the acrylic painting class with Alma will be held on Wednesdays at 8:30 a.m. from Jan. 11 through March 8. Whether you

*The Wake Forest Farmers Market will be held in Renaissance Plaza on Brooks Street Saturday, Feb. 4, from 10 a.m. to noon. See its Facebook page for vendors. *Monday Night Bingo at The Factory is hosted by the Wake Forest Kiwanis Club in the Mill Room from 7 to 9:30 p.m. every Monday night. All profits support the club’s projects for children. Visit www.wakeforestbingo.com for more information. *Overeaters Anonymous meets on Friday at 6:30 p.m. at the Wake Forest United Methodist Church, 905 South Main Street. Enter through the back by the office. No dues, fees or weigh-ins. Everyone welcome! Contact Jennifer at 928-225-5236. *The Wake Forest Optimist Club will hold its second annual Community Servant Awards Dinner Wednesday, Feb. 15, from 6 to 8 p.m. at The Forks. The $18 tickets are available from Dawn Nakash, the club president, dawn@aybreakmarketing.com and 919-962-1452. *State of the Town Address and Dinner