DEAR SUN SPOTS: I want to give everyone a heads up. For those of you who do a lot of online shopping and receive packages regularly, there’s a phishing scam out there that really looks like the United State Postal Service website saying they need to verify your address then they’re going to redeliver your package. They give you a tracking number and everything, but when you get to the bottom of the page, they want your credit card information to pay for what they call “redelivery.”

If you look at the website they want you to use, it has USPS in the website address, but it’s not the way it should look. I called USPS and they said there’s a lot of this going on right now, so you must be careful. I didn’t put any information in or any credit card information because I was suspicious from the beginning, but the website looks real. USPS said customers have lost a lot of money because they did put their card information in. This message will come in as a text or an email. USPS says to report it to spam@uspis.gov. — Kris, no town

ANSWER: I have received that one! Be very careful, friends.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I found a new seamstress who I’ve been very pleased with. Her name is Karen Read and she is in Bowdoinham. She altered my daughter’s bridal gown, a friend’s mother-of-the-bride dress, and some prom dresses for other young women I know.

In the past, I’ve seen requests for alterations so I thought I’d help you both out by recommending this lady. — No name, Lisbon

ANSWER: Thanks for the addition to the Rolodex! I have heard good things about this seamstress, too. You can reach Karen at makeitsew@gmail.com or at 449-5606.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: It’s a safe bet that you know the answer without having to research this. My current city of Lewiston water bill shows my meter increased 10 units over the last three months. My question is, 10 units of what measurement?

From “back in the day.” I’m one of your faithful fans. — Gene

ANSWER: A unit of water is 100 cubic feet or about 748 gallons. If this is a surprise to you and you don’t know the reason for the increase, by all means, contact the City Water and Sewer Division at 513-3003. The number for the billing and services office is 513-3140. They will be able to answer all your questions.

Did you fill a pool, wash your vehicle a lot, or power wash your home? Sometimes you can have a leak in your water system that you may be unaware of. Toilets can often be the culprit and you may not even realize it.

The average household’s leaks can account for nearly 10,000 gallons of water wasted every year and 10% of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more per day. Common types of leaks found in the home other than toilets are dripping faucets and other leaking valves.

One way to find hidden water leaks is to conduct a water meter test. Turn off all the faucets in your home and check the water meter. If the meter is still running, you have a leak.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name. We won’t use it if you ask us not to. Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.