Archive for November, 2009

Volunteers & donations needed to help children

 

Kohl’s Department Store
Louisville, KY
December 5, 2009
9AM – 3PM
 
“Shop With a Hero” is a wonderful program offering a Christmas to children across Louisville Metro who would not otherwise have had much to be thankful for during the Holiday Season.  Last year they helped 750 children representing every Metro Council District.  This year there will be over 1,100 requests, if not more in this tough economic time.
 
Please consider giving your time and talent to “Shop With a Hero” by volunteering or making a donation to help this wonderful program.  You can help bring a smile to a child and relief to parents who are trying to make ends meet.  There are two ways you can help:
 
DONATIONS
Donations can be mailed to Valley View Church.  Please make check payable to Valley View Church and write “Shop With a Hero” on your check.  Mail donation to:
Valley View Church
8911 3rd Street Road
Louisville KY 40272
 
Donations are tax deductable. 
 
Volunteers from Valley View Church are available to pick up last minute donations.  Please call Debbie Hunt at 724-9831 to arrange pick up.
 
VOLUNTEERS
To sign up to volunteer on December 5, please email Debbie Hunt at DebbieHunt1028@insightbb.com.  You can also reach Debbie on her mobile at 724-9831.  Volunteer can also sign up at Valley View Church located at 8911 3rd Street Road.

Cyber Monday starts today!

This holiday season, everyone will be hunting for a bargain. The Better Business Bureau is warning online shoppers that some deals are just too good to be true. “Everyone will be looking for the best deals this year and scammers know that they can take advantage of that by using low prices to lure in victims,” says Reanna Smith-Hamblin, Communications Director for the BBB. BBB offers the following advice to help make online shopping a safe and easy experience this holiday season:
 
1. Protect your computer – Update your computer system with the latest spam filters, anti-virus and anti-spyware software, and a secure firewall.
 
2. Use trustworthy Web sites – Always start with BBB to check on the seller’s reputation and record for customer satisfaction.
Look for a “trustmark” from BBB Online and click on that seal to confirm that it’s valid.
 
3. Protect your personal information – Read the site’s privacy policy to understand what personal information is being requested and how it will be used. If there isn’t one posted, consider that a warning that your personal information may be sold to others without your permission.
 
4. Trust your gut – Offers on Web sites and in unsolicited e-mails can often sound too good to be true. Always go with your instincts and don’t be afraid to pass up a “deal” because it might cost you in the end.
 
5. Beware of phishing – Legitimate businesses do not send emails claiming problems with an order or an account to lure the “buyer” into revealing financial information. Pick up the phone and call the contact number on the Web site where you made the purchase to ask if there was a problem with your transaction.
 
6. Confirm your online purchase is secure – Look in the address box for the “s” in https:// and in the lower-right corner for the “lock” symbol before paying. If you have doubts about a site, right-click anywhere on the page and select “Properties.” This will let you see the real URL (Web site address) and the dialog box will reveal if the site is not encrypted.
 
7. Pay with a credit card – It’s best to use a credit card because under federal law you can dispute the charges if you don’t get what you were promised. You also have dispute rights if there are unauthorized charges on your credit card, and many card issuers have “zero liability” policies under which you pay nothing if someone steals your credit card number and uses it.
 
8. Keep documentation of your order. When you’ve completed the online order process, there may be a final confirmation page or you might receive confirmation by email – don’t delete these, save them!
 
9. Check your credit card statement often – Don’t wait for a paper statement; check your credit card statements for suspicious activity by either calling the credit card company or by checking your statement online.
 
10. Know your rights – Federal law requires that orders made by mail, phone or online be shipped by the date promised or, if no delivery time was stated, within 30 days. If the goods aren’t shipped on time, you can cancel and demand a refund. There is no general three-day cancellation right, but you do have the right to reject merchandise if it’s defective or was misrepresented. Otherwise, it’s the company’s policies that determine if you can cancel the purchase and whether you can get a refund or credit.
 
For more advice on keeping your identity safe over the holidays, visit bbb.org or call
1-800-388-2222.

The holiday shopping season is off and running despite a shaky economy. Smart shoppers may be able to snap up bargains before, after and on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving that traditionally is one of the biggest shopping days of the year.  However, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises consumers to arm themselves with knowledge and a budget before hitting the stores. Setting limits on spending is especially important to avoid a deluge of post-holiday bills.

“Consumers need to make lists and stick to limits on spending so they don’t find themselves overwhelmed by debt next year,” says Reanna Smith-Hamblin, Communications Director for the Better Business Bureau. “Work out a plan, and stick to it.”  Shoppers should be wary of exaggerated claims of discounts whether shopping online, in a mall or at a free-standing store. Be sure to shop around to compare prices, matching descriptions or model numbers of items you want to buy.

When buying gifts, it’s important to obtain and keep receipts for all purchases in case the recipient needs to return an item. Many stores will provide gift receipts upon request, which allow returns but don’t show the recipient how much you paid for an item. Be sure to check a store’s return and refund policy before you make a purchase. Although some stores relax their return policies during the holiday season, others may require that returns be made within a few days of purchase. Some only allow returns if a product is defective while others may give store credit instead of cash refunds.

While online shopping can be a way to avoid crowded stores, shoppers need to be careful of the sites they patronize. When shopping online, be sure to:

• Check the site’s security settings and read the company’s policy on sharing information with other sites. If the site is secure, its address should start with https://. You also may see a picture of a small closed lock in the lower right hand corner of the screen.  Know the company’s refund and return policies before ordering. Are there restocking fees? Do you have to pay shipping costs on returns?

• Do not rely on pictures of a product. Read the description and check model numbers, if applicable.

• Be cautious of free or very-low-price offers. Often, free offers are followed by an open-ended enrollment in a program that automatically bills your credit card account.  Before ordering anything online, make sure you click on and read all terms and conditions.

• Pay with a credit card whenever possible, so you can challenge the charge in the event of a dispute.

• Obtain a tracking number for shipments. If you need the product before the holidays, find out when the seller intends to ship it and if possible, how it will be shipped.  Toy safety also has become a concern for many parents. Make sure any toys you buy are appropriate for the age of the child. If possible, inspect toys carefully to look for sharp edges that may cut, moving parts that can pinch or small, removable pieces that can be a choking hazard. Toy chests should have air holes, and fabric products should be flame resistant.  Check for a UL (Underwriters Laboratories) seal on electric toys.

Research any company carefully before doing business with it. Check out BBB Reliability

Reports online at www.bbb.org or call 1-800-388-2222.

BBB Warns: Don’t Fall Prey to Identity Thieves over the Holidays

Identity theft claimed 10 million victims in 2008, a 22 percent increase over 2007, according to a report from Javelin Strategy and Research. BBB warns that the holiday season provides many new opportunities for identity thieves to steal your information.  BBB recommends taking the following steps to fight identity theft this holiday season:

Online Shopping Tips

Forty-four percent of holiday shoppers make purchases online and every year scammers devise online schemes to trick them into divulging personal information such as credit card numbers. BBB recommends that online shoppers:

• Confirm the legitimacy of all “trust marks.” You can confirm that certification from organizations such as BBB, Versign or TRUSTe is legitimate by clicking on the seal. A legitimate seal will direct you to the certifying organization’s Web site.

• Make online purchases with a credit card. If the credit card number lands in the hands of ID thieves, remember your Fair Credit Billing Act protection which allows you to dispute the charges with your credit card company.

• Only pay on a secured site. Always look in the address box for the “s” in https:// and in the lower-right corner for the “lock” symbol before paying. If there are any doubts about a site when using Internet Explorer, BBB recommends right-clicking anywhere on the page to select “Properties.” This will let you see the real URL (Web site address) and the dialog box will reveal if the site is not encrypted. If using Firefox, click on Tools in the menu bar, then Page Info.

In-Store Shopping Tips

Increased traffic at malls and retailers means more opportunity for ID thieves. When fighting the crowds, BBB offers the following advice for shoppers:

• Prevent pick pocketing. Keep your purse tucked securely under your arm and your wallet in a front pocket or other safer place than a back pocket. Also, don’t bog yourself down with too many shopping bags.

• Keep receipts in your wallet. Retailers are required to maintain the privacy of all but the last four digits of the credit or debit card used to make a purchase but it is still a good idea to keep all your receipts together in safe place rather than in your bag.

• Review your credit card statement regularly. Check your credit card activity weekly during the holiday season—rather than waiting for the statement at the end of the month—in order to catch suspicious charges as quickly as possible and immediately report any irregularities to your credit card company.

Fight E-mail Phishing Attempts

Many holiday scams can be found in your email in-box. BBB recommends the following steps to protect your computer from hackers:

• Purchase anti-virus software from a business you trust. Make sure you update your computer’s operating system, browser program, and antivirus software and install all security patches.

• Be wary of emails from retailers, banks or shipping businesses. If you receive an e-mail from your bank, retailer or a shipping company claiming that there is a problem with your account or delivery, do not click on any links in the email or reply with any information. Instead contact the business directly to confirm the issue.

• Be extremely cautious when viewing e-cards. In the past, scammers have created fake e-mail notices that claim generically that a “friend” or “family member” has sent them a card. In some cases, victims have clicked on a link that has installed a virus on their computer or their computer caught the virus when the victims installed supposed software needed to view the e-card.

For more advice on keeping your identity safe over the holidays, visit bbb.org or call 1-800-388-2222.

BBB Applauds FTC Request for Relief to Consumers

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has lodged contempt charges against BlueHippo for violating a 2008 court order by continuing to deceive thousands of financially strapped consumers with phony promises that it would help them purchase a computer even if they have credit problems.

The computer finance company has received 4,154 complaints in the last three years with the BBB. Of those, 1731 were received in the last 12 months – the same period in which the FTC claims that BlueHippo made over $15 million from consumers. According to the FTC and complaints on file with BBB, very few consumers ever received their merchandise. Many of those who filed complaints were from disadvantaged populations specifically targeted because they had not credit or poor credit.

BBB issued a nationwide warning about BlueHippo back in 2007.  BBB continues to answer calls and written complaints that allege BlueHippo never delivered on promises of a new computer or other purchases. Many consumers report evidence of having sent installments that when totaled would exceed the value of the pending merchandise.

The FTC’s contempt motion alleges that between April and December of 2008, more than 35,000 customers contracted for

BlueHippo’s computer financing deal. But the company provided only one financed computer. The company offered consumers credit to finance personal computers and other consumer electronics with a low down payment and a year of weekly or biweekly payments of $36 to $88. BlueHippo promised to deliver the product once the consumer made 13 weekly payments. But even after they made all the payments, most consumers did not receive the computers they ordered in the time promised. The FTC contends that BlueHippo used deceptive marketing tactics, and violated the FTC Act and other federal credit statutes.

The FTC also accuses BlueHippo of hiding key aspects of its refund policy. The company did not offer cash refunds but promised that consumers who canceled their order after seven days could get store credit to buy desktop computers, laptops, monitors, software and televisions. But BlueHippo failed to tell consumers that they would have to send a money order to cover undisclosed shipping and handling fees, as well as taxes. Even if they had enough of this credit to cover all the costs, consumers could only order one item at a time.

The FTC has asked the federal court to order BlueHippo to compensate consumers and bar it from its documented pattern of deception.

Victims of BlueHippo have clamored for justice across the country. Attorney Generals in many states have taken action on behalf of their citizens including Florida, Maryland, Ohio, Washington and West Virginia. BBB has cooperated with government officials over time regarding independent investigations into consumer accusations about BlueHippo. To view a copy of BlueHippo’s BBB Reliability Report including their complaint history and government action against the business, go to www.bbb.org or call 1-800-388-2222.

Motorists may want to take alternate route during parade

Medora Elementary, located at 11801 Deering Road, will hold their annual parade along Deering road on Tuesday, November 24. The parade will start around 1:00 PM and last about an hour. Motorists may want to consider taking alternate routes to avoid congestion.

Annie’s Angels is an Angel Program for Senior Citizens living in Louisville nursing homes. There are 2200 angels this year and gifts are needed for the senior recipients.  Many south Louisville nursing homes benefit from this program.  They include: Signature Health Care, Summerfield, Brenthaven, Georgetown Manor, Rockford Manor and more.

What to donate:
Examples of what is needed: shampoo and conditioner, lotion, warm socks, sweaters or sweatshirts, comfy pillows, blankets/afghans, deodorant, chap stick, etc., large print books, luxuries like costume jewelry or athletic apparel (U of L & U of K).

Ways to donate:
·         Stop by and take an angel from the tree at Annie’s Attic in the Kroger Shopping Center in Middletown, 12695 Shelbyville Road
·         Call Annie’s and get an angel: 244-0303 and 244-2303
·         Shop for whatever you want to give and just drop it off
·         Drop by or send in a monetary donation – whatever amount – they’ll do the buying
 
Donations must be in by Dec. 1st!
Please help if you can!!!
 
 
Thank you Francene for discussing “Annie’s Angels” on your program.

Sheryl Edelen who writes for the Neighbor Section of the Courier-Journal is looking for someone who is known in the community for making delicious dishes.  She would like to interview a Southwest resident who is willing to share their recipe and their story that accompanies the dish.   Sheryl is not seeking professional chefs.  She would like to interview someone before next week so her deadline is fast approaching!

If you or someone you know has a special recipe and would like to share it, please contact:

Sheryl Edelen

Courier-Journal

582-4621

sedelen@courier-journal.com

Several dozen Web sites are trading on the Google name to scam people who want to learn about making money from home. The sites prominently display Google, but Google has nothing to do with them.  Some sites include Google Treasure Chest, Google Money Tree, and Google Biz Kit. Complainants say they provided their credit or debit card number for shipping of information that would tell them how to make money from home using Google, but they never received the information.

Don’t be a victim of ID Theft this holiday season! When shopping online, pay with a credit card. That way, if a scam artist gets your numbers, you can dispute the charges. Also, only pay on a secured site. Look in the address box for the “s” in https:// and in the lower-right corner for the “lock” symbol before paying.  When shopping in stores, keep your purse close to prevent pick pocketing and check your credit card statement regularly to catch suspicious charges.

The FBI is reporting a significant increase in Spear Phishing emails. The emails either contain an infected attachment or direct the recipient to an infected web site. Once recipients open the attachment or visit the web site, malware is installed on their computers. The malware contains a key logger which harvests the recipient’s bank account log-in information. Shortly after, the scam artist either initiates funds transfers or creates another user account with the stolen log-in information.

Social Networking “Friends”: Online criminals are planting malicious software and codes onto victims’ computers. It starts when someone opens a spam email from a hijacked account. When opened, the spam allows the cyber intruders to steal passwords for any account on the computer, including the social networking sites. The thieves change the user’s passwords and send out distress messages claiming they are in some sort of legal or medical trouble and they request money from their social networking contacts.

Before you DONATE to a Charity do your research! Don’t succumb to pressure! Be sure it is a charity you can trust. Some charities’ names sound the same. Check with the BBB or your state’s attorney general.  Find out how the charity will use your donation, and how much of your donation will go straight to the charity. If you want to take a charitable deduction on your taxes, make sure the organization is tax exempt.  For more information go to www.bbb.org/charity.

H1N1 Scams – Be wary of any email or web site related to H1N1. People are falling victim to scams online, from “cure-all” supplements, to “H1N1 Flu Kits” that make claims to prevent you from catching the flu. The FDA recently created an H1N1 “Fraudulent Product List,” available on its Web site:  http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/h1n1flu/.

Winterize Your Car before the weather gets too cold! BBB recommends you check your battery, tires, lights, wipers and washers, heater, and defroster. Also, have a professional inspect and replace your air filter, rubber hoses, and drive belts. Also, carry safety supplies during the winter like an ice scraper, washer fluid, boots, gloves, flares, blankets, a flashlight, and spare batteries. For more information, go to bbb.org.

Free Laptop? No way! This internet hoax has been going around for years! Consumers receive an email that claims Ericsson is distributing free laptops for a brand promotion. It states to forward the email to 8 people and you will receive an Ericsson T18 Laptop, or if you send an email to 20 people, you will receive an Ericsson R320 laptop. If you get this email, it is a waste of time. Delete it!

Cash for Appliances is a new rebate program for consumers looking to purchase new energy-efficient appliances. Many details of the program are still yet to be determined. The program will occur at the state level. Consumers should see the program implemented in late 2009 or early 2010. Consumers should visit their state energy department’s Web site for updates on the program at www.energy.gov/recovery.

BBB Scam: A local consumer says she received a call from “the BBB of Washington D.C.” and was told that she won $500,000. She was told to send a fee to get her prize. First, the BBB does not hand out prizes worth a half-million bucks. Second, the area code she was given was 876, which is from Jamaica. Be wary of any calls you receive, telling you that you have won something, but you have to pay a fee to get it!

The Louisville Metro Department of Housing and Family Services has been collecting citizen input on the city’s new 5-year plan for HUD funding since May.  Your opinions as a grassroots leaders in our community is vital to the planning process.  The deadline to participate in the “Community Needs Survey” is Monday, November 16^th.

Please take the time to fill out the survey and ask others to voice their opinions by taking the survey.

CLICK HERE to take the online survey

CLICK HERE to print the survey

Return completed surveys to:

Louisville Metro Department of Housing and Family Services

745 West Main Street, 4^th Floor

Louisville, KY  40202

DEADLINE: As of Monday, November 16^th at 4:00 pm, the survey will no longer be available.