Friday, February 26, 2010

Dialing 911 with your wireless phones...

According to the Federal Communications Commission (info. taken from FCC website)...while wireless phones can be an important public safety tool, they also create unique challenges for public safety and emergency response personnel and for wireless service providers. Because wireless phones are mobile, they are not associated with one fixed location or address. A caller using a wireless phone could be calling from anywhere. While the location of the cell site closest to the caller may provide a very general indication of the caller’s location, that information is not usually specific enough for rescue personnel to deliver assistance to the caller quickly.

Tips for 911 Calling
*Tell the emergency operator the location of the emergency right away.
*Give the emergency operator your wireless phone number so that, if the call gets disconnected, the operator can call you back.
*If your wireless phone is not “initialized” (meaning you do not have a contract for service with a wireless service provider), and your emergency call gets disconnected, you must call the emergency operator back because the operator does not have your telephone number and cannot contact you.
*To help public safety personnel allocate emergency resources, learn and use the designated number in your state for highway accidents or other non life-threatening incidents. Often, states reserve specific numbers for these types of incidents. For example, “#77” is the number used for highway accidents in Virginia. The number to call for non life-threatening incidents in your state can be found in the front of your phone book.
*Refrain from programming your phone to automatically dial 911 when one button, such as the “9” key, is pressed. Unintentional wireless 911 calls, which often occur when auto-dial keys are inadvertently pressed, cause problems for emergency call centers.
*If your wireless phone came pre-programmed with the auto-dial 911 feature already turned on, turn off this feature. Check your user manual to find out how.
*Lock your keypad when you’re not using your wireless phone. This action also prevents accidental calls to 911.
*Also, consider creating a contact in your wireless phone’s memory with the name “ICE” (in Case of Emergency) listing the phone numbers of people you want to be notified if there is an emergency.

Filing a Complaint with the FCC:
If you have a problem completing a 911 call from your wireless phone, first try to resolve the problem with your service provider. If you can’t resolve it directly, or if you think your wireless service provider is not complying with FCC wireless 911 requirements, you can file a complaint with the FCC. There is no charge for filing a complaint. You can file your complaint using an on-line complaint form found at esupport.fcc.gov/complaints.htm. You can also file your complaint with the FCC’s Consumer Center by e-mailing fccinfo@fcc.gov; calling 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322) voice or 1-888-TELL-FCC (1-888-835-5322) TTY; faxing 1-866-418-0232; or writing to:
Federal Communications Commission Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau Consumer Inquiries and Complaints Division 445 12th Street, S.W. Washington, DC 20554.

What to Include in Your Complaint:
The best way to provide all the information the FCC needs to process your complaint is to complete fully the on-line complaint form. When you open the on-line complaint form, you will be asked a series of questions that will take you to the particular section of the form you need to complete. If you do not use the on-line complaint form, your complaint, at a minimum, should indicate: your name, address, e-mail address, and phone number where you can be reached;
the name of the company that you’re complaining about; telephone number involved, account number, date of incident, and description of the problem.

For more information about the FCC's wireless 911 rules, visit the FCC's wireless 911 Web site at www.fcc.gov/pshs/services/911-services. For information about other telecommunications issues, visit the FCC's Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau Web site at www.fcc.gov/cgb, or contact the FCC's Consumer Center using the information provided for filing a complaint.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

State's new software delays birth records...

Wednesday night at 10...we heard from a frustrated Oklahoma mother. She gave birth last November, but here we are 3 months later and she's still waiting on her daughter's social security card. Without that SS number...our mother isn't able to claim her new daughter as a dependent...which means she can't file her taxes. She's not alone. Hospitals throughout the state have been receiving complaints from other annoyed parents. The problem is the new software the state uses to register newborns. They made the switchover back in April...but it wasn't until the new calendar year that the program started to act up. The glitch temporarily prevented the state from registering newborns and as a result it delayed them several weeks. They've been trying to play catch up ever since.
Here's the problem...when a baby is born, the hospital sends his or her birth records electronically to the state health department. It's then the health department's responsibility to forward those birth records to the Social Security Administration. At that point, the SSA issues the newborn a social security number. Confused?? In a nutshell, the social security office can't issue a social security number to a newborn until the state health department process his or her birth records. Don't worry...the state seems to think they have the glitch ironed out...

While you don't have to request your infant's social security card, you must request a copy of your birth certificate. It's a $15 dollar charge...and you can download the application off the state's website. http://www.ok.gov/health/Birth_and_Death_Certificates/Birth_Certificates/

You can also send in the application by mail...the address is...Vital Records Service Oklahoma State Department of Health1000 Northeast 10th Oklahoma City, OK 73117

Or drop it off in person, Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. at:

Vital Records Service, Room 117Oklahoma State Department of Health1000 Northeast 10th Oklahoma City, OK

Tulsa Health Department,Central Regional Health Center315 S. UticaTulsa, OK

Pittsburg County Health Department1400 East College Avenue McAlester, OK


Here's an interesting tid bit of information...did you know the 1,000 babies are born in Oklahoma each week....that comes out to 54,000 newborns statewide per year. I couldn't believe those numbers when I heard them...crazy, but true! The state has compiled a host of databases including birth and death certificates. You can access those figures by logging onto www.health.ok.gov/ok2share.
I'm Scott Hines...In Your Corner!

Monday, February 15, 2010

Craigslist and the Nigerian puppy scam...

Here's how the scheme works...the con artist posts a bogus ad on Craigslist...he or she wants you to think they're selling pure bred pets (i.e. english bulldogs)...they trick you into wiring them several installments of cash for the puppy's airfare and insurance...DON'T EVER WIRE CASH UNLESS YOU KNOW EXACTLY WHO YOU'RE DEALING WITH!

I've included a link to a fraudulent pet shipping website...avoid it at all costs!
http://animaltransportservice.page.tl/

Also, make sure to deal locally...check with your local humane society (http://www.okhumane.org/)
and other animal shelters about adoption (for a complete list...check out www.animalshelter.org)
Another thing...if someone demands you wire them money for pet airfare or insurance, walk away immediately.

I found a good article about the Nigerian puppy scam on the Los Angeles Times' website. http://articles.latimes.com/2007/jun/03/business/fi-consumer3

Check out useful tips below (courtesy of of Craigslist)...
*DEAL LOCALLY WITH FOLKS YOU CAN MEET IN PERSON - follow this one simple rule and you will avoid 99% of the scam attempts on Craigslist.
*NEVER WIRE FUNDS VIA WESTERN UNION, MONEYGRAM or any other wire service - anyone who asks you to do so is a scammer.
*FAKE CASHIER CHECKS & MONEY ORDERS ARE COMMON, and BANKS WILL CASH THEM AND THEN HOLD YOU RESPONSIBLE when the fake is discovered weeks later.
CRAIGSLIST IS NOT INVOLVED IN ANY TRANSACTION, and does not handle payments, guarantee transactions, provide escrow services, or offer "buyer protection" or "seller certification"
NEVER GIVE OUT FINANCIAL INFORMATION (bank account number, social security number, eBay/PayPal info, etc.)
AVOID DEALS INVOLVING SHIPPING OR ESCROW SERVICES and know that ONLY A SCAMMER WILL "GUARANTEE" YOUR TRANSACTION.

Who should I notify about fraud or scam attempts?
FTC toll free hotline: 877-FTC-HELP (877-382-4357)
FTC online complaint form
Canadian PhoneBusters hotline: 888-495-8501
Competition Bureau Canada: 800-348-5358
Internet Fraud Complaint Center
Software Piracy (http://www.siia.net/piracy/report.asp)
Non-emergency number for your local police department.


Thursday, February 11, 2010

Tips to weed out those shady tree trimmers...

Anytime your trees need a good trim...don't just go with the first tree trimmer who knocks on your front door. I picked up some good information from www.buzzle.com.
Here's a few tips/questions for potential tree trimmers...
*Request a copy of insurance papers, public liability and workers accident coverage.
*How they will access the job site? How they will remove the tree? Will they climb it or use a tower or perhaps a crane, etc. The condition of the tree may influence this decision as well as the site.
*How long will removal take?
*Is the climber a qualified persona and how experienced.
*What equipment do they have and are qualified to use (see crane question above)?
*How deep will the stump grind be? (Did you know there was a stump grind!?)
*Will all debris and wood be removed from the site? Is there extra cost for cleanup?
*There are many different ways to remove trees just as many different types of machinery and individuals skill levels. It can be difficult comparing competitors when you have limited knowledge about tree removal. One thing is for sure, be on the look out for inexperienced operators who want to see other quotes you’ve receive. Don’t show them the quotes, instead show them the door.

I'm Scott Hines...In Your Corner!

Monday, February 8, 2010

Craigslist scam...renters beware!

Con artists are using Craigslist to try to steal your money and personal information. Here’s how the shady scheme works…the scammer finds a 'for sale' listing online, steals the pictures and information from that ad, then reposts it on Craigslist using a bogus ad. In most cases, the scammer uses the names and information of the actual owners of the property and wants to make you, the renter, think they are temporarily living in West Africa...as the story goes, because they owners of the property are too far away from home, you must wire them a deposit in order to get the keys to their place. um...THIS IS A SCAM! DO NOT SEND THEM ANY MONEY!

I copied one of those advertisements off Craigslist and pasted it below…
$605 / 1br - Amazing Luxury 1 Bedroom Condo, Available January Or February (DOWNTOWN)
Date: 2010-01-12, 9:33AM CSTReply to: see below
Large 1 bed room luxury Condo on the 5th floor, the unit is 715 sq ft.Condo equipped with - - ALL UTILITIES are included in monthly rent - Dryer, Window Covers, Stove, Fridge, Lighting Covers, Dish washer, Washer - Premium Condo Location - Concierge available 24/7 - Oak Hardwood floors - One parking spot included (additional space available) Lease Terms: - Must sign contract for twelve months or longer - Only $275 deposit and first months rent to move in - ALL Dogs and Cats allowed emailEMAIL joycegosserand525ve@hotmail.com
2600 N Ann Arbor Ave (google map) (yahoo map)
PostingID: 1548926273


Obviously a brand new or remodeled condo (even in Downtown OKC) will not go for $600 a month…it’s just not going to happen. Read on below…
Courtesy: www.scambusters.org.
Craigslist Warning: Selling a Home? Be Sure Scammers Don't "Rent" It First.
Planning to sell your home soon? If so, keep an eye on Craigslist.com after you (or your realtor) place an ad in the local paper or post information on the Internet's Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Otherwise, your property may become the "bait" that lures unwitting victims into forking over hundreds or thousands of dollars to scammers. In a number of recent cases, scammers have taken information from real estate ads placed in local newspapers -- and also scanned photos of the houses for sale -- and posted classified ads on Craigslist.com that have convinced potential renters that THEY (the scammers) were renting these houses. In some instances, scammers wanted just a little money from a LOT of people. They exchanged emails with victims, claiming they (the fake landlords) were outside the country. Then, they asked the victims to send small sums to receive copies of the house keys, so the victims can walk through the premises themselves.
In other cases, scammers actually gained access to vacant houses, gave tours to the prospective renters, and accepted deposits for renting the properties.
Craigslist.com, the world's largest online classified ad service, offers the following advice to people visiting them:
"Deal locally with folks you can meet in person.
"Never wire funds via Western Union, MoneyGram or any other wire service -- anyone who asks you to do so is a scammer.
"Fake cashier checks and money orders are common, and banks will cash them and then hold you responsible when the fake is discovered weeks later.
"Craigslist is not involved in any transaction, and does not handle payments, guarantee transactions, provide escrow services, or offer 'buyer protection' or 'seller certification.'"
You can find more information on avoiding scams from Craigslist on their site. Here is information on a similar related scam: the overpayment scam.
Finally, Craigslist is obviously not the only place this scam can occur. Be wary of any listing anywhere that has these tell tale signs.

Friday, February 5, 2010

In Your Corner team joins forces with a host of consumer advocates to fight identity theft!

Thursday was Consumer Protection Day at the State Capitol. The Oklahoma Attorney General was on hand to answer questions for consumers...along with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and consumer groups like AARP. Of course yours truly, along with IYC photographer/producer, Marc 'Storm Chasing' Dillard, also got in on the action. We even handed out some tasty treats (i.e. homemade cookies and cupcakes). I can't take credit for either batch...my little sister baked the chocolate chip cookies and best friend Amanda (aka Princess) cooked up her AMAZING cupcakes. Both deserts were a huge hit, especially with a bunch of the secretaries at the Capitol. For the 5th year in a row, the document destruction company, Shred-it, provided free document shredding for Oklahomans free of charge...http://www.shredit.com/. Their giant shredders are the ticket. Thursday alone, the Shred-it trucks parked outside the state capitol shredded 10 tons of personal and financial documents...now that's what I'm talking about!
Brad Edward would be proud! His daughter, Ashton (a spitting image of her mom and KFOR's website guru), was also on hand to present this year's Brad Edwards consumer champion award to Teresa Tisdell, an occupational therapist who runs the outreach non-profit, NeuroResources (http://www.neuroresources.com/). The worthy organization helps the disabled -- specifically those without insurance --with rehabilitation services and medical equipment -- free of charge. Teresa is such a sweet lady and so deserving of Brad's award. We actually did a story with her and NeuroResources last month involving an Oklahoman man who was trying to get back his medical equipment from an out of state moving company (that reminds me...don't ever do business with Chase Relocation out of Illinois...they are awful to deal with). Teresa didn't want to be on camera during out first meeting with her, but I told her we'd make her a local TV star yet...and sure enough, the Attorney General picked her as this year's Consumer Champion Award recipient. She was a total pro during our taped interview and noon live shot. Great job Teresa! I've also included tips below about identity theft and how to protect yourself.

• Beware of appeals that are long on emotion but short on fact.
• Do not be fooled by charities with names that sound similar to a legitimate charity.
• Ask for written information before giving.
• Do not be pressured into giving.

Oh, and before I forget...AARP has a new tool they unveiled Thursday...an online toolkit that allows people, organizations and community groups to help older friends educate themselves on consumer fraud. Check out their website... www.createthegood.org
All in all...Consumer Protection Day for a smashing success! We'll do it again next year...
I'm Scott Hines...In Your Corner!

Monday, February 1, 2010

When mother nature leaves her mark...the con artists will come out to play!

A word of warning as folks in towns like Purcell and Lexington start to clean up from the recent ice storm. Don’t just hire the first tree trimmer or contractor who knocks on your front door. The City of Purcell has been receiving complaints about some tree trimmers going door to door and using false information to solicit new business. Of course they call themselves tree trimmers, but come on now…in the words of Purcell’s Emergency Management Director…”Just because you have a chainsaw, that doesn’t make you a tree trimmer.”
Just be cautious…watch out for the shady contractors who demand you pay them up front or try to pressure or scare you into doing business with them. Be thorough…do your homework! Get multiple written estimates and try to deal locally with someone you know and trust. Most municipalities like Purcell require tree trimmers to have a permit, but because workers in Purcell and neighboring towns are so overwhelmed right now, many towns are temporarily waving any costs associated with obtaining permits.
The City of Lexington is even providing free tree trimming for anyone who lives within their city limits.
If your only option is hiring out the work on your own dime…ask to see the tree trimmer’s license. If they don’t have one or if they’re not insured or bonded, it’s in your best interest to go with someone else who is.
One more thing…the ice also knocked out power in many areas…some homes had their weather head’s damaged (that’s the steel pole mounted on a home to which the incoming overhead electrical supply is attached). Make sure to hire a reputable electrician. Electricians must be licensed…check with Oklahoma’s Construction Industries Board (http://www.ok.gov/cib/) to see whether or not contractors residing in Oklahoma are licensed.
I’m Scott Hines…In Your Corner!