The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide

Watch out for charity fraud, home repair scams, and price gouging following tornadoes in Oklahoma

Photo: Ks0stm

Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt Tuesday issued a warning for Oklahomans and donors around the country to beware of charity fraud and scams following the severe storms in Oklahoma.

“For those folks around the country who want to donate funds to help families in Oklahoma, please be alert and only donate to reputable relief charities such as the Salvation Army or the Red Cross,” Pruitt said. “The first scam we typically see after devastation like this is charity fraud. We have more than 30 investigators in the field to help Oklahomans avoid scams, fraud, and price gouging as communities work to recover and rebuild.”

Investigators for the Attorney General’s Office ask that consumers who suspect charity fraud or experiences price gouging at gas stations, grocery stores, rental car companies, or hotels to call the agency’s hotline number immediately at 405-521-2029.

Over the next few weeks, criminals will shift focus to scams involving clean-up, removal, home repair, and tree trimming, he said.

“Home and business owners will want to quickly repair their property, but we urge them to be cautious and patient and to use reputable contractors,” Pruitt said. “We ask that residents pay particular attention to criminals known as ‘travelers’ who go from one community to the next to take advantage of vulnerable Oklahomans.”

Pruitt cautioned Oklahomans to be wary of repair services and contractors who:

• Solicit for work door-to-door.

• Offer discounts for finding other customers.

• “Just happen to have” materials left over from a previous job.

• Accept only cash payments.

• Pressure you for an immediate decision.

• Ask you to pay for the entire job up-front.


The Attorney General’s Office suggests the following tips for choosing a qualified contractor or repair service:

• 

Ask for referrals from people you trust.

• Try to do business with local companies.

• Request to see proof of certification and insurance.

• Check out the repair service with the Attorney General’s Public Protection Unit and the Better Business Bureau.
  

• Ask for customer references.

• Get written estimates from several companies.

• Don’t do business without a written contract.

• Get all guarantees, warranties, and promises in writing.

• Agree on start and completion dates, and have them in the contract.


For more tips and resources, go online to www.oag.ok.gov/oagweb.nsf/Consumer, or call the Public Protection Unit at 405-521-2029.

Copyright 2013, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Travel, emergencies, and midlife challenges are the topics for this week’s Best of Boomer Blogs

Laura Lee Carter of the Midlife Crisis Queen is the host for this week’s Best of Boomer Blogs #305.

The boomer blog roundup is a collection of like-minded blogs cooperating to share their best stories of interest to the Baby Boomer Generation.

As spring is finally arriving in the Seattle area, baby boomer bloggers are writing about travel, preparing for emergencies, and the seriousness of midlife challenges.

In addition to my blog, other members of the Best of Boomer Blogs are: The Midlife Crisis Queen, Sightings Over 60, Arabian Tales and Other Amazing Adventures, So Baby Boomer, Blue Blinds Media, and Tao Flashes.

Be sure to check back next week to see what baby boomer bloggers are thinking and writing about.

Copyright 2013, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

After Boston: Make sure you’re prepared for emergencies

If you’re looking for something positive to do after the Boston Marathon tragedy yesterday, you can make sure you and your family are ready for emergencies.

Baby boomers, age 49 to 67, can look over this list and see what actions are needed. Do you have:

• An emergency plan?

• Emergency equipment including a battery-operated radio and emergency supplies for your car?

• Medical insurance?

• Ways to retrieve financial information?

• A will?

• A living will?

Consumers often put off being ready for emergencies, although we never know when they’ll occur.

It’s best to be prepared.

See my article “Boston Tragedy Reminds Us to Be Ready for Emergencies” for resources to help you get ready for emergencies.

Copyright 2013, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

President’s inaugural address includes some positive items for consumers, and admonishes political parties to work together

Four years ago after I watched President Obama’s inaugural address, I wondered if the president could do what was needed for American consumers. Special interests were so strong during the George W. Bush presidency and did so much damage, I wondered if Obama would be successful in fighting for consumer interest.

As we now know, the results of Obama’s first four years were mixed for consumers.

What can consumers expect from Obama’s second term?

In his inaugural address Monday, the president gave a clear message about the need for people, especially political parties, to work together to move America forward.

He talked about the need to improve economic conditions, the importance of equality, and the value of a rising middle class:

We know that America thrives when every person can find independence and pride in their work; when the wages of honest labor liberate families from the brink of hardship.  

Interestingly in relation to the growing anger of younger generations against aging baby boomers, Obama referred to meeting the needs of both older Americans, which includes boomers, and young people. He said:

But we reject the belief that America must choose between caring for the generation that built this country and investing in the generation that will build its future.

On programs for older adults, he said, “The commitments we make to each other through Medicare and Medicaid and Social Security, these things do not sap our initiative, they strengthen us.”

On helping those in need, Obama said: “Together, we resolved that a great nation must care for the vulnerable, and protect its people from life’s worst hazards and misfortune.” 

The president also mentioned:

• Regulating the business sector: “Together, we discovered that a free market only thrives when there are rules to ensure competition and fair play.”

• Climate change: “We will respond to the threat of climate change, knowing that the failure to do so would betray our children and future generations. Some may still deny the overwhelming judgment of science, but none can avoid the devastating impact of raging fires and crippling drought and more powerful storms.”

The president also spoke at length about equality:

We, the people, declare today that the most evident of truths – that all of us are created equal – is the star that guides us still; just as it guided our forebears through Seneca Falls, and Selma, and Stonewall; just as it guided all those men and women, sung and unsung, who left footprints along this great Mall, to hear a preacher say that we cannot walk alone...  It is now our generation’s task to carry on what those pioneers began.

Obama said our journey isn’t complete until:

• Our wives, our mothers and daughters can earn a living equal to their efforts.

• Our gay brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law – for if we are truly created equal, then surely the love we commit to one another must be equal as well.

• No citizen is forced to wait for hours to exercise the right to vote.

• We find a better way to welcome the striving, hopeful immigrants who still see America as a land of opportunity – until bright young students and engineers are enlisted in our workforce rather than expelled from our country.

• All our children, from the streets of Detroit to the hills of Appalachia, to the quiet lanes of Newtown, know that they are cared for and cherished and always safe from harm.  

The president said to make the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness real for everyone doesn’t require us to define liberty in exactly the same way or compel us to settle centuries-long debates about the role of government for all time. But, he said, “It does require us to act in our time.”

He urged others who take oaths and serve in the capital to faithfully execute their pledge.  

Let us, each of us, now embrace with solemn duty and awesome joy what is our lasting birthright. With common effort and common purpose, with passion and dedication, let us answer the call of history and carry into an uncertain future that precious light of freedom.

We’ll see how the president’s second term turns out.

Politics has been called the art of compromise. Let’s hope that lawmakers will be willing to make decisions that will move the country forward, and that most of their actions will be in the interests of consumers, not corporations.

Copyright 2013, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Recall of the Week: American Honda portable generators due to fire and burn hazards

American Honda Motor Co. Inc. is recalling about 150,600 portable generators.

The generator’s fuel hose can leak, posing fire and burn hazards, the company and U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said in a statement.

Honda is aware of four incidents of fuel leaks. No fires or injuries have been reported.

This recall involves Honda gasoline-powered portable generators with model number EU2000i and serial numbers EAAJ-2260273 through EAAJ-2485025.

The generators are black and red or have a camouflage design. They measure about 20 inches long by 11 ½ inches wide by 16 ½ inches tall. “Honda,” “EU converter,” and the model number 2000i are printed on the side of the generator. “Companion” is printed on the side of some EU2000i models. The serial number is located on the lower right side, rear corner of the generator.

Manufactured in Japan, the portable generators were sold at Honda Power Equipment dealers, Camping World, Gander Mountain, Grainger, Hertz Rental, John Deere, National Pump & Compressor, Northern Tool, Scheels Sporting, Sportsman’s Warehouse, Sunbelt Rentals, True Value, United Rentals, White Cap, and Wholesale Sports store nationwide and online from October 2011 through September 2012. The cost was $1,150 to $1,400.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled generators and contact the nearest Honda Power Equipment dealer to schedule a free inspection and repair, the company and commission advise.

For more information, call American Honda at 888-888-3139, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or go to http://powerequipment.honda.com and click on “Recalls and Updates” under “Service and Support.”

Copyright 2012, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Sewing machine research is my best consumer experience this week, while a huge rain storm causes problems

In recent years, I’ve been skipping Black Friday. However, I enjoyed shopping Saturday.

What I didn’t like was a big rainstorm earlier this week.

My best consumer experience: Shopping for a sewing machine

My daughter wants a new sewing machine. She makes quilts and her old Singer has problems. The thread’s tension is hard to adjust, and it runs too fast.

I did some Internet research on sewing machines, and we visited a store that had a number of different brands to try.

In high school, I made most of my clothes. However, I didn’t sew much after that.

It was fun to see the new sewing machine technology. My daughter got a good idea of the kind of machine she wants to buy.

My worse consumer experience: A record rainstorm

Monday, I got nervous when the lights flickering several times. I was traveling the next day, so I rushed through my laundry.

It would have been a disaster if the power went out, and I had to take wet or dirty clothes in my suitcase.

On the evening news, I heard we had a record 2 ½ inches of rain. Three inches was predicted for Tuesday.

I’d just had my gutters cleared out when I had my roof cleaned. However, I worried about 3 inches of rain. That’s a lot of water.

At 9 p.m., I went out and looked in my gutters. Sure enough. Some more leaves and pine needles had accumulated.

I spent nearly an hour with my flashlight clearing stuff out of the gutters.

Copyright 2012, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Hurricane Sandy is the big topic on this week’s Blogging Boomer Carnival

Anne Maxfield of the Accidental Locavore is this week’s host for Blogging Boomer Carnival #284.

The carnival is a collection of like-minded blogs cooperating to share their best stories of interest to the Baby Boomer Generation.

Baby boomer bloggers were without power for days, watched as others were hard hit, were unable to blog, warned of scams, and told of lessons learned due to Hurricane Sandy.

Other bloggers reported on increasing jobs for boomers and Thai cooking in Dubai.

Boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, are leading corporations, serving as governmental officials, heading up non-profits, worrying about retirement, and experiencing layoffs at a higher rate than younger workers. They’re also reinventing themselves in trying economic times, with some looking for their dream jobs to keep them happy in retirement.

At each stage in their lives, boomers have changed things. They’re continuing to make America different as they begin entering into their retirement years.

In addition to The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide, members of the Blogging Boomer Carnival are: The Accidental Locavore, The Midlife Crisis Queen, Sightings From 60, Arabian Tales and Other Amazing Adventures, So Baby Boomer, Vaboomer, and Books Is Wonderful.

Copyright 2012, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Watch out for charity and auto scams after Hurricane Sandy

Earlier this week, I wrote about scams related to auto and property damage that can occur from hurricanes, floods, and fires.

Consumers also need to be aware of scammers when they donate to charities and buy cars.

New Jersey officials Gov. Chris Christie, Attorney General Jeffrey Chiesa, and Eric T. Kanefsky, acting director of the Division of Consumer Affairs, also warn consumers about charity scams that have been known to prey upon the generosity of those wishing to help during times of disaster. 

Many charities are legitimate, but it pays to investigate before you donate:

• Before donating to a charity, find out whether the charity is registered to solicit funds. Check with the agency in your state that registers charities, often the Secretary of State’s Office. Also check the Better Business Bureau’s website for a Charity Report on the organization you’re considering.

• Find out how, exactly the charity plans to use your money. Learn how much the charity spent during recent fiscal years on program costs, management costs, and fundraising. Learn about the charity's stated mission.

• Be wary if the charity doesn’t readily provide all of this information to you.

In addition, Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt warns consumers to be aware of water-damaged cars from the East Coast that soon could be sold at car lots in their areas.

Among the many photos from this week’s devastating storm are images of cars floating in water. Once owners settle claims with their insurance companies, these cars could be repaired and resold to unsuspecting buyers in other states.

“By law, if a car has been damaged it should be clearly noted on its title,” Pruitt said. “However, unscrupulous sellers sometimes buy damaged cars cheap, make a few cosmetic changes, and resell them at a high price.”  

Here are tips to help protect consumers when buying used vehicles:

• Always purchase from a reputable dealer.

• Have a reliable mechanic inspect the vehicle before buying.

• Ask questions about the vehicle’s history.

• Thoroughly inspect the car inside and out for signs of rust, mildew, mold, water stains, and dents.

• Do a search on the car’s title.

• Remember the consumer tip that if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Pruitt said that buying a flood-damaged car is risky and can pose numerous safety and health hazards that might not appear until the seller is long gone.  

Copyright 2012, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Watch out for scammers who prey on consumers after natural disasters

Natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, and fires often bring out scam artists who take advantage of the victims. Some of the most common "after-disaster" scams involve auto, home and yard repairs, or clean up.

The Better Business Bureau offers the following tips to consumers who suffer auto and property damage due to Hurricane Sandy:

 Check with your insurance company about policy coverage and specific filing requirements. Save all receipts – including those for food, temporary lodging, or other expenses – that may be covered under your policy.

Stay calm. Don't be pressured into making an immediate decision with a long-term impact. Be pro-active in selecting a company and not reactive to sales solicitations. Make temporary repairs if necessary.

Shop around. For major repairs, take time to get at least three to four estimates based on the same specifications and materials. Check references, verify licensing and registration, and read the BBB Business Reviews at www.bbb.org.

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of door-to-door workers who claim to have leftover materials from a nearby job or who don’t have a permanent place of business. If sales people go door-to-door, check to see if your community requires them to have solicitation permits. Be leery if a worker shows up on your doorstep to announce that your home is unsafe. If you are concerned about possible structural damage in your home, have an engineer, architect, or building official inspect it.

Get everything in writing. Require a written contract with anyone you hire. It should specify the work to be done, materials to be used, and price breakdown for both labor and materials. Any promises made verbally should be written into the contract, including warranties on materials or labor. Be sure their name, address, license number, and phone number are included in the contract, along with a start and end date for the work. Once you have found a contractor, request proof of a current insurance certificate covering workman’s compensation, property damage, and personal liability.

Never pay in full in advance, and don’t pay cash. While many companies may ask for a deposit, the BBB suggests that no more than one-third of the job be paid upfront. Be sure the contract specifies the schedule for releasing payments to the contractor. Before making the final payment, ask the contractor to show proof that all subcontractors have been paid. If they haven’t been paid, you could be liable).

Disaster victims should never feel forced to make a hasty decision or to choose an unknown contractor. Take your time and check out any company thoroughly that you’re considering doing business with.

Copyright 2012, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Wine tasting is my best experience this week, while being turned away from evening doctors’ offices disappoints

Friday I had a fun time at looking at art shows at local businesses. But Monday was a bummer when I ended up in the emergency room to get treatment for a bladder infection.

My best consumer experience: Wine tasting at Arts Walk

After lunch with friends on a nice sunny day, shopping at the Farmers’ Market, and hanging up flyers for upcoming events, I spent several hours looking at art hung in local businesses for our community’s Arts Walk.

I ended up at the Olympia Wine & Tasting Bar. I had a “flight” of four tastes of wine. Then I bought a bottle of white wine, Salida Albarino, crafted by Doug McCrea of McCrea Cellers.

It was a pleasant end to a nice day.

My worst consumer experience: Being rejected by three doctor’s offices with evening hours

Monday evening about 5:30 p.m., I felt like I was coming down with a bladder infection.

Although my doctor’s office has evening hours, they were unable to take me because they didn’t have any appointments left. The receptionist gave me the address of a minor emergency clinic.

After printing out a map, I arrived at 7 p.m., an hour before closing, I thought. However, the receptionist rejected me. She said they were really busy and didn’t have any examining rooms left. She said I could go to the emergency room. I asked about the other minor emergency clinic. The receptionist said it was over by Skipper’s.

Although I didn’t have a map, I set out. Since it’s in a mall, I spent 10 minutes hunting around for it.

Arriving at 7:30 p.m., I was hopeful about getting seen. However, I was rejected again. The clinic didn’t take my primary insurance.

Before heading to the emergency room, I stopped at Skipper’s to get something to eat. I hadn’t had dinner, and they don’t let you eat anything in the ER.

The good news is that it only took two hours. I’ve been to the ER several times before, and it’s taken from three to four hours.

It’s irritating that my doctor’s office and the minor emergency clinics don’t have policies about helping someone in pain. It’s ironic that I ended up in the ER, a place that consumers are supposed to stay away from to keep health care costs down.

Copyright 2012, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist