SCAMS

Several weeks ago I attended a senior health fair sponsored by a local congressman.  The Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office was represented and the staff person handed out a booklet discussing scams and how to avoid falling victim to one.  I would hope most, if not all states, had similar materials for residents.

The focus of this 80 page booklet was “rights and responsibilities” which reinforces my premise for starting this blog- we have responsibilities to take care of ourselves and to be as knowledgeable as possible to keep ourselves safe.

Among the things I learned are:

 -How to file a complaint with the Bureau of Consumer Protection

- The nuts and bolts of the Lemon Law

-I am entitled to one free credit report annually

-Ways to avoid identity theft including opting out of receiving unsolicited preapproved credit card applications by calling 1-888-567-8688  (I just did this and it was a very simple process) ; and shredding magazine subscription labels

-What to look for when buying a hearing aid or other medical aids

-Home improvement regulations

-What to think about when buying or selling a home or car

-Who to call for a product safety issue

-Current scams: Grandparent, electricity, tech support, government agency, internet sales, electric and gas generation supplier sales, home security systems, work at home schemes, living trust mills and annuity, lottery/sweepstakes, mystery shopper, investment, travel and prescription.  Most of these have been in the news but several were new to me. 

-Information about card skimmers-if it doesn’t look like it belongs on the machine, it probably doesn’t.

-Important phone numbers and websites

And last, but not least, I signed up for scam alerts under www.attorneygeneral.gov- it’s listed on The Office page.

If you are not in Pennsylvania, check your state’s Attorney General’s Office for similar information.

In Pennsylvania, call 1-800-441-2555; you may be able to receive Rights and Resources Consumer Guide in the mail.