Consumer's Corner

Stop Fraud while Shopping on the Internet
Many consumers are outraged about sellers who deliver their products late when ordered over the Internet.

In response, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has made a pamphlet called "Internet Auctions: A Guide for Buyers and Sellers." The guide helps buyers protect themselves against Internet fraud and offers advice for sellers on how to make smooth transactions when using the Internet.

"Internet Auctions: A Guide for Buyers and Sellers" says credit cards offer buyers the most consumer protection. A lot of consumers order their goods writing personal checks and using credit cards, money orders, cash on delivery or debit cards.

Other consumer publications are available online from the FTC at www.ftc.gov. Free copies of the pamphlet and other consumer publications are available online via the FTC at www.ftc.gov. For more information, call toll free at 1 (877) FTC-HELP (382-4357).

Tips for Shopping Safely from Home
Some tips for shopping safely at home for the average consumer, from the Federal Trade Commission, are: know who you are dealing with; protect your privacy; think it through and know what you're buying; pay the safest way; and seek help if you run into a problem.

Shop from vendors that one knows to be legitimate. Definitely do not act on impulse under high pressure tactics. Make sure the return policies are satisfying and understandable.

There are many agencies and and industry organizations that can offer assistance if there is a problem with any transaction. Visit www.ftc.gov for more information on how to shop safely on the Internet.

Consumers Order Legal Drugs Over Internet
Recently seniors had to personally travel to another country to get prescription medicines at a reasonable price. Now, one website, www.Medicines.MD, is a consumer focused website containing quotes and price lists for more than 800 known brands of prescription drugs and 1,300 generic drugs.

Thousands of seniors use the Internet to cut the cost on prescription drugs. The website also offers consumers the ability to compare international prices when prescriptions are filled abroad using the Internet.

Complete ordering information is available by going to the website www.Medicines.MD.

Warning: Scam Artists Often Run Classified Ads
Each year, scam artists run ads in newspapers to catch unwary consumers in a trap, sometimes draining all of the consumer's money.

The Federal Trade Commission has many different kinds of public service messages warning consumers about these scam artists. For more details, call (202) 326-3137.

Do Not Get Stressed Out Over Poor Credit
Don't believe statements heard over the television or radio or read in newspapers or on the Internet about erasing credit problems. Scam artists who run these ads can not deliver what they promise.

Companies that advertise credit repair services not only can't provide the consumer with a clean credit record, they might be encouraging the average consumer to violate federal laws.

Contacting your creditors and working out a payment plan is the only way to clean up your credit problems.

"Credit Repair: Help Yourself First" offers tips on how to repair a credit report. Copies are free.

For more information about credit rights and self-help tips, visit the FTC's website at www.ftc.gov for a copy of the publication.

Grants Are Available to Offset Energy Bills
Consumer Guidance has come up with a grant fund to help people who are having financial problems because of high energy costs in California. The primary focus of the corporation is to educate and assist consumers with all debt issues.

Consumers can receive a free grant application from the consumer Guidance Corporation and more information about financial help by calling (202) 595-1035 or visiting the Consumer's Guidance website at www.ConsumerGuidance.org.

Don't Be Fooled By Sweepstakes
Many consumers are tricked into thinking they have won a sweepstakes in which they did not enter.
Many sweepstakes are scams and, surprisingly, many people lose their money because of the fraudulent sweepstakes, which ask contestants to pay a fee to get a prize. But legitimate sweepstakes do not ask contestants to buy something to enter a contest or to boost their chances of winning.

Tom Carter, an attorney with the FTC, cautions consumers to read the fine print on contest drawings in public places, through the mail or online.

"Remember that if you have to pay for your prize, it's not a prize," Carter said. "It's a purchase."

He also cautions consumers to be careful if the sweepstakes requires an individual to call a toll free number for details because one might be transferred to a 900 pay-per-call number.

For more information about prize promotion scams, visit the FTC website at www.ftc.gov.

Free Tips on Contractors for Home Owners
Before selecting a contractor, the average home owner should do some home improvement homework.

The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) urges all consumers to be more educated before hiring a contractor to remodel or repair homes. Get information on contractors at www.cslb.ca.gov.

Free Internet Access Turns Unfree
The FTC Consumer Alert found out that free Internet access is not so free. Usually the services are free for a month and after that the consumer will have to pay an expensive fee, resulting in the consumer paying higher prices for using the Internet.

The FTC found out that the "toll free" (800, 888, 877) numbers that connect to the Internet usually make consumers pay $5 to $6 an hour. Federal Trade Commission officials warn consumers to ask the Internet Service Provider questions about their services before accepting free offers.

For more information, call (877) 382 4357.

Grab Hold of Government Giveaway Programs
The Free Enterprise Institute recently published a booklet, "The 100 Most Popular Government Giveaway Programs."

The booklet includes information on how and where to take advantage on the most popular giveaway programs.

Consumers can receive a copy of the booklet by sending $5 to Free Enterprise Institute-100 Government Giveaways, Dept. 100GG-0529, P.O. Box 96071, Washington D.C. 20090-6071 or visit the website at www.FreeEnterpriseInstitute.org.

California Holds Billions in Unclaimed Property in Trust for Consumers

The state of California is holding $2.6 billion in unclaimed property and money in its computers in Sacramento.

The money is from insurance and title companies and banks.

In California, there is a law where corporations, business associations and insurance companies have to report yearly and deliver property to the controller's office property if there is no customer contact for more than three years. California has that law so the holders of unclaimed property cannot use someone else's money and property.

The state can return the consumer's money when they show proof of identity.

There is no time limit for claiming abandoned property. If an individual would like to reclaim their property once it's been reported to the state controller, they have to file a claim with the state controller's office and show identification, including a Social Security Card and picture identification with current address. Other evidence of ownership might be requested also if needed.

To prevent property from being turned over to the state, individuals should keep accurate and current records of bank accounts, insurance policies and safe deposit locations.

Also, one should notify a family member or trusted advisor of the location of the records.

Wake Up from Snoring Pills and Products:
Recently, The FTC has charge the promoters and manufacturers of Snorenz with false claims that the company's product, Snorenz gets rid of snoring and sleepiness. Anti snoring products has been sold as dietary supplements. Some company's products claim to cure sleep apnea, a serious sleeping disorder that affects 12 million Americans.

FTC is monitoring advertisements for anti snoring products. Companies who do not put disclaimers on their product can cause millions of consumer's lives. FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices.

Loans up to $25,000:
A published booklet, "Directory of Micro Loan Sources" includes information on a how and where to get micro loans. This booklet has valuable information on how to fund for a small business. The Micro Loan Program make funds available to qualified non profit organizations. The organizations then give loans to individuals who wants to open a small business. In addition to loan funds, The organizations also provide management and support to the individuals who receives the loans.

Consumers can receive a copy of the directory by sending $5 to Free Enterprise Institute- Micro Loan Sources- Dept. DMLS-0313 P.O. Box 96071, Washington, DC 20090-6071 or by visiting WWW.FreeEnterpriseInstitute.org.

Free Medical Care:
Apply for free or low-cost medical care. The Hill-Burton program helps participants who are unable to pay for medical care. Financial Assistance Network is like the Hill-Burton program. Financial Assistance Network primary purposes are to inform qualified applicants about the patient assistance programs and help people who can not afford prescription medication.

Financial Assistance Network has published a booklet, "Free and Low Cost Medical Care." Consumers receive a step by step outline that shows the process of finding a participating facility for low cost medical care. Consumers can receive a copy of the booklet by sending $5 to cover printing, postage and handling costs to Financial Assistance Network- Free and Low Cost Medical Care Booklet- Dept. MBC-0109- P.O. Box 60848, Washington DC 20039.

For more information, call (202) 595-1039 or visit Financial Assistance Network's Internet web site: www.FinancialAssistanceNetwork.org

Be Aware of Trees:
This pocket guide call "What Tree is That?" is for identifying trees. This guide was created by The National Arbor Day Foundation. This guide contains dozens of illustrations including well known trees like oaks, firs, maples, and pines. The National Arbor Day Foundation wants people to appreciate and enjoy trees.

This guide helps different people understand where and how to plants and care for trees. To purchase this tree identification guide, send name and address and $3 to "What Tree is That?," The National Arbor Day Foundation, Nebraska City, NE 68410.