Beware of these common scams

Dear Annie: Summer is here, and so are summer scams.

Recently, my motherin-law received a call from my daughter’s “friend” telling her that her granddaughter had been driving and caused a wreck resulting in serious injuries to a woman in another car. She insisted that my daughter didn’t want to tell us about the accident and asked for money that she would pay back soon. She even said she had a lawyer to represent her and gave a number.

My mother-in-law is a trusting woman. Luckily, she felt she had to talk to her son before she did anything, and of course the fish failed to swallow the hook. Please print this letter to let others know not to trust anyone peddling this sort of scam.

People also should know not to open their doors to strangers, no matter what they say. Call the police and stay inside your home. If you are contacted via phone or text, call your provider and ask whether someone working there can trace the call and alert fraud agencies. Don’t answer calls from unknown numbers, and never provide information or money to strangers, no matter how convincing their script. — Now Wiser

Dear Now Wiser: Thanks for sharing your wisdom. Scams can also be reported at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov.

Stay safe and savvy.

Dear Annie: I get a therapeutic massage in my chiropractor’s office and a dermabrasion treatment in my dermatologist’s office. Recently, someone in the latter office suggested that I should be tipping for these personal services. I never imagined that tipping in a doctor’s office would be expected or even appropriate. I am hoping some of your doctor readers will respond. — Tipped Off

Dear Tipped Off: I’ve never heard of tipping at a doctor’s office. You’re a patient, not a customer. The fact that someone there told you that you should be tipping sounds a little fishy to me, but stay tuned, and I’ll let you know if I hear from doctors on this subject.