Good reminder article in the Columbia Tribune today about some of the threats that can be attached to e-mails disguised as holiday shopping discounts. Viruses and other computer infections are possible with these e-mails. So be very careful before opening attachments. Sometimes, just opening the e-mail at all can trigger trouble. You should be getting offers only from companies you've done business with in the past. If it's from some other company, call them first and ask if they're offering some e-mail special. If so, you may be safe by opening the attachment. As always, never enter your personal information when contacted by e-mail. A lot of those messages will direct you to a Web link. That's an identity theft scam known as phishing.