People have been getting calls supposedly representing AT&T Telephone Company. They are telling the person answering the phone they are conducting a test of the line. Then they ask the individual to press 90# to complete the test.

These calls are not from any telephone company. In fact, most are originating from prison lines.

By pressing 90# you are enabling the person calling you access to your telephone account. Now this person has free reign to make any call he wants anywhere in the world.

This scam has been confirmed by AT&T as well as verizon telephone company’s. If you get one of these calls do not press 90#. Hang up and contact your telephone supplier immediately.

The latest scarry post on U-Tube is how to make a “water bottle bomb.” It’s being demostrated by young kids. They are giving step by step instructions as to how to make these bombs.
Some of these bombs have been placed in people’s yards and mail boxes. About 30 seconds after you pick the inocent looking water bottle it can explode with enough force to cause serious bodily harm. All it takes is a few shakes or movement of the bottle to activate it. When it explodes the liquid that comes out is boiling hot that can cause blindness or serious burns.

The bombs are made out of household items. They either use baking soda and vinegar or drano and water with a small amount of foil. All it takes is for you to move it for it to explode.

You can verify this report by going to: http://snopes.com/crime/warnings/bottlebomb.asp.

Some people are still paying for what they spent last year on Cristmas gifts. Using your credit card to put you deeper into debt is not a wise thing to do. This year if you can’t afford to pay cash for your gifts, then simply do not buy any.

My wife & I start buying a lot of gifts at the beginning of the year. Especially after the Christmas Holidays when most items are drastically reduced in price. So the first way is to buy early and throughout the year.

Before you buy anything determine who you are going to buy for and what item. Make a list and try to stick to it.

Many companys offer discount coupons on line. You can log on to their website and print out the coupon on your computer. Some companys sell products cheaper online. One place is GiftCardRescue.com or GiftCards.com.

Some companys even let you try to get a discount using a “chat or Live button” online.

Another way to save oney is to see if you can buy the item using discount codes. Try going to these sites to log on to find discount codes. ReatailMeNot.com, SecretPrices.com and Free Shipping.org. One way to stay organized is to put the money and any information about the gift into an envelope for each person you are going to buy for.

Don’t fall for any promotion a store will offer to give you a percentage off your gifts if you open one of their store credit cards. In the end the interest rate of the card will probably be much greater than the discount they are offering you.

Buy only the gifts you intened to buy before you started your day. Resist that great deal for something for your self. stick to your plan.

Do you ALWAYS check your receipt before leaving the checkout counter? Well, you better start if you don’t.

The latest scam is being done right in front of you. The cashier will indicate that you want “cash Back” when totaling your purchases. Most often it will be in the amount of $20.00 or an amount near the total of all your purchases so as not to cause you to question the total.

It is done easily if you use a credit or debit card. One touch of a key and it goes right into the system immediately. If you don’t watch the moniter you will OK the transaction. Remember, most cash backs on credit or debit cards are subject for you to pay interest on the amount you receive or supposed to have received.

People are in such a hurry that they fail to look at their receipt before leaving the counter. Don’t be in such a hurry and let this happen to you.

Let the “buyer beware.”

Yes the weather is getting better. We all are looking for warmer weather and getting our yards resued from the winter throws.

As you know, the economy is still not the best. Many are still losing their jobs and not finding work.

I formed a lawn service business six years ago and I have noticed that because of the down economy many are supplementing because of their lost jobs by cutting grass. I have been seeing more and more trailers being hauled behind cars and pick-up trucks with lawn equipment on them. I’m not putting someone down for doing so, but I have heard some real war stories of people hiring these down and out people to be their lawn care person only to find several things missing from their property or being charged for work not done.

My recommendation before hiring a stranger to have access to your property is to have them supply referrals of others they have worked for. Also, ask if they have insurance. If they get injured on your property you could be facing a law suit.

If they insist on being paid only in cash, be aware. Be sure you have an understanding of what services they are to perform and for what price. It is best if you have this agreement in writing so that there will be no missunderstanding of additional charges after the job is completed.

Ask if you might contact some of their other customers if you feel uncomfortable.

Some communities require lawn services of any kind to be licensed by the town or community. This can be some assurance of the validity of the person you are about to hire.

I’m looking forward to this summer and I hope all of you will have the best ever.

The Certified Check Scam has been around for a long time but recently it is getting more common. The different means of the scam is also getting more diverse.

It used to be that a “certified check” was just like guranteed money. With the advent of computers it’s making fraudulent people generate what looks like an actual check but in reality it’s not worth the paper it’s printed on. There is also some companies that you can call and tell them to write a certified check on either a non existant account or an account someone has stolen the identity of another. Yes, it will have what looks like a bonified routing number and your bank might even accept it into your account.

Here is the problem. It might take one or two days for it to go through the banking cycle before your bank knows that the check was bogus. By that time you’ve already used the fraudulent money and the bank will demand you place the money back into your account.

Remember, just because you deposit a check into your banking account you are still responsible for making sure the money of the check is good. Checks are only “promissary notes” between the issuer of the check and the person receiving it. If the person writing the check did it fraudulently, you are still responsible for the amount of money the check was written for.

Don’t fall for the scam that someone from a foreign country wants you to be an “agent” for then here in the USA. They supposedly want you to collect their money receiving a certified check for them from a transaction or supposed customer. Then you are supposed to deposit this certified check into your personal banking account. Then you are supposed to keep your commission out of that money and send them the remainder by writing them a check from your account. Needless to say, the certified check is gogus but by the ime you have found out they have alrerady cashed your check and you are out all the money. Most of these scams like this are coming out of Nigeria or some African country.

The best way to receive money from a transaction on EBay or Craig’s List is to use Pay Pal or credit card. Of course cash is always welcome.

Remember, if it sounds too good, it usually is.

Of all the age groups senoir citizens ususally have a lower crime rate with the exception of purse snatching, home repairs, frauds and scams.

Crimes of violence are most feared by older people because these types of crimes get so much press attention. These types of are least likely to happen to a senior citizen.

Most murders and assaults are usually committed by a relative, friend not by a stranger. This is not to say not to be wary of strangers but to also be aware of your surroundings with all people at all times.

A rape of a woman over 65 rarely happens. Always walk and show confidence in a relaxed manner. Make brief eye contact with approaching stranger.

No matter how a senior citizen is victimized, the crime has a greater effect emotionally and financially. Crimes to older people can be very devastating.

We all have heard the expression, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
Be sure your home has good locks, and use them. One thing you might do is replace the striker plate screws with longer 3 1/2″ screws. They will be long enough to penetrate into the door jam not just the door molding.

Know your neighbors and have some idea of their family routine. If you see something out of the ordinary call your local law enforcement. They would rather do that than show up on a crime scene.

Form neighborhood watch group in your area. If you start experiencing a higher crime rate start walking in groups in your area. Some neighborhood groups patrol in cars and have citizens band radios. Post signs in the area informing would be criminals of the watch group.

Let your neighborhood know your home is a safe haven for a child and they can go to it in case of an emergency.

Install a “wide angle” peep hole at a level that will be comfortable for your height. Don’t let anyone into your home unless they adequately show proper indentification. Even then confirm the person with the company they represent. If you have any suspicions don’t let them in. Tell them you will call for help if they need it and call the police of this contact.

Trim all shrubbery to waist level. Don’t have any shrubbery that will block windows or provide a place where an attacker my hide.

When you return home before unlocking you car doors, look around you and be sure there in no one is present or have followed you home. Some attacks have ocurred while a person was getting out of their car or walking to get into their home.

If possible have the outside light on a timer if you will be coming home after dark. It’s not good to have it on during the day. It will be a clear beacon that might let a criminal know you are not there but will be coming home after dark.

Parents should know the area their children will be trick-or-treating in. Admonish them not to leave this area even if one of their friends tell them of another great place to trick-or-treat. Parents should accompany smaller children. Get together with your neighbors and go as a group. There is safety in numbers plus you will have as much fun as your children.

COSTUMES

* Purchase costumes, masks, beards, wigs, and costume accessories that are labeled “flame resistant”. These materials will resist burning. Keep away from flimsy-baggy sleeves and skirts.
* Buy or make costumes that are light, bright and easily seen by motorists. Place reflective tape on the costume and carry bags. Look for the tapes in your local hardware, bicycle, sporting goods or department stores such as Walmart or Kmart, etc.
* Each child should carry his/her own flashlight to see and be seen.
* Keep away from high-heeled or oversized shoes. Shoes should be well fitting and sturdy.
* Masks should be well fitted and have good ventilation with large eye holes for good vision.
* Swords, knives and similar costume accessories should be made of soft flexible materials.

TREATS

* Warn children not to eat any treats until you have inspected them for any signs of tampering.
* Carefully examine any toy or novelty items received by trick-or-treaters under 3 years of age. Do not allow any young children to have items small enough to cause a possible choking or that have small parts that may break off and become a choking hazard.

DECORATIONS

* Keep candles and jack-o-lanterns away from landings and doorsteps where costumes may come into contact with them.
* remove all obstacles from lawns, steps and porches when expecting trick-or-treaters.
* Indoors. keep candles and jack-o-lanterns away from curtains or from anything conbustible that could be ignited.
* Check all lights and extension cords for fraying or loose connections. Do not overload circuits with numerous decorations. Keep the decorations clear from the path a trick-or-treater will take to get to your door.

Have a safe, fun, and scary Halloween.

It’s back to school for many students. Several ride their bikes to school. Before the school season starts, it’s time to make a safety check for the bicycle and give safety training to the rider.

The most important thing to check is for proper tire pressure. Most bicycle tires are made out of Butyl Rubber. It is a porous rubber that seeps air so the tires should be checked on a regular basis. Low tire pressure will lead to improper control of the bicycle. Proper tire inflation will also make a more comfortable ride.

The brakes need to be tested and if necessary adjusted.

Do not lubricate the chain with WD-40. It is a good cleaner and moister preventer but it shouldn’t be used as a lubricant. One of the best lubricants is Tri-Flow Bike lube. It will not let dirt and road grit accumulate on the chain. Other things to check is bearing lubrication, proper seat adjustment. Make sure the handle bar is tightly secured, clean gears, rear reflector and both rear and front lights. If the student is carrying books and supplies a good carrier is also recommended. It is important to keep the hands free so that the rider can grip both handle bars while riding the bicycle.

Each student should attend a bike safety course. Most police departments offer a course or will direct you to one.

I came across an interesting idea. I’m not endorsing the company or it’s products, but only to give out the information.

Years ago I worked for a company that sold “safe rooms” and hidden safes. Yes, they were steel vaulted rooms with unique hiding accesses. Even the experienced intruder would never suspect there was anything behind this hiding technique. Each safe room had an actual safe door behind the whatever they used to hide the existance of the safe room. Needless to say, they were not inexpensive to have installed. To date no one has reported ever having their safe room or safe found after over 30 years they have been installing them.

The problem bought up by the company Burglar Bombs has a valid drawback to a safe room. While most crimes are on the decrease home invasions are on the increase, most invasions are done at night while the victims are sleeping and the intruder can get a surprise attack. So getting into a safe room is not viable. So what can you do to prevent being surprised attacked in your own bedroom?

The best security system has a delay time after it has been triggered. It takes time for the police to get to you. So why not have a device that will cause a would be intruder to flee your home in seconds before he can harm you or take any of your possesions?

Burglar Bombs feel they have the answer. Place one of their devices in the hallway leading to your bedroom. When triggered it puts out a fine mist of non-toxic pepper spray that will engulf the hallway. It effects the breathing of the assailent such as coughing and making it hard to breath. Needless to say, if that were happening to you, you would find the nearest exit to get away from the pepper spray. So the intruder leaves the home before actually getting to his objective, you.

They have several different devices to be used in the area you want protected. They can also be used in conjunction with your existing security system.
You can get more information on their website here.