REGION

REGION

BBB to computer users:
Beware of holiday cards

YOUNGSTOWN — The Better Business Bureau is warning people to be wary of electronic Valentine’s Day cards. They may contain the Storm Worm virus, which allows a computer to be controlled by another user, the agency said. These users use a network of comprised machines for criminal activity, such as spam e-mail and identity theft. The e-mail with the Storm Worm virus directs users to click on a link to retrieve the electronic card. The BBB advises that computer users should not open unsolicited e-mails and not click on any links that are provided.

NATION

Retail sales rebound
after a bleak December

WASHINGTON — Retail sales posted a surprising rebound in January after a dismal December although much of the strength reflected rising gasoline prices. Economists saw the increase as a temporary blip rather than a sustained recovery.

The Commerce Department reported Wednesday that retail sales rose by 0.3 percent last month after having fallen by 0.4 percent in December as retailers suffered through their worst Christmas shopping season in five years. The increase was led by higher demand for new cars and a big jump in sales at gasoline service stations that primarily reflected rising pump prices.

Vindicator staff/wire reports