Followthese tips and don’t get scammed

Today’s Sound Off is about blackmail scams:

Dear Readers: According to AARP’s FraudWatch Network, there are disturbing blackmail scams making the rounds. Scammers claim they have access to your emails, internet usage or your computer’s camera, saying that they have embarrassing photos, videos or emails that will be posted on social media if you do not give them a certain amount of money in bitcoins. These claims are usually fake, no matter what they say. AARP has some suggestions for dealing with the blackmailers:

■ Don’t respond!

■ Change your password immediately to block access to hackers.

■ Make sure your antivirus software is current.

■ Delete emails from anyone you don’t recognize.

■ Don’t keep any material in a computer file that you wouldn’t want.

As frightening as blackmail scammers may seem, they’re almost always bluffing. Just be aware and don’t give them a chance to take advantage of you. — Heloise

FAST FACTS

New uses for old sweaters:

■ Cut off the sleeves and use as leg warmers.

■ Put five or six sweaters together to make a throw.

■ Cover an old pillow for a snuggly pet bed.

■ Use to cover a hot water bottle.

■ Create your own unique purse or reusable shopping bag.

■ Save the yarn and use to knit something else.

— Heloise

IT’S NOT CANDY

Dear Heloise: My daughter-in-law tells her children that medicine is candy when she tries to give them something the doctor has prescribed. I feel this is a dangerous thing to do. I worry that they’ll get into the other medications thinking they are candy -- Vera in Oregon

Vera, you’re absolutely correct. Never lie to a child and tell them that medicine tastes good or it’s actually candy. Let them know why they are taking it and how it will help them get better. Give the child some juice or a cracker before and after they take their medicine to help cover the taste. — Heloise

STUCK IN BED

Dear Heloise: Some mornings I find I can’t get out of bed. I just don’t have the strength to pull myself up. What can I do? — Joseph E., Cuero, Texas

Joseph, tie a piece of rope to your bedpost or to the side of the metal mattress frame. Tie knots at intervals to have a good grip. Grab the rope in the morning and pull yourself up, then slowly swing your legs to the side of the bed so you can stand up. You can pin the rope to your sheets so it’s easy to find. — Heloise

BUGGY GRILLS

Dear Heloise: I travel for my job, and after a long trip by car I just hate cleaning all that grime off my car’s grill, so I use an old toilet brush. It works great! — Joan, via email

Joan, this is such a good idea. You can also use an old vegetable brush. — Heloise

Send amoney-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, SanAntonio, TX78279-5000, or you can fax it to 1-210-HELOISE or email it toHeloise@Heloise. com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received inmy column.