Phone scams target the elderly

Dear Readers: Phone scams are now targeting seniors with specific scams designed to either frighten them or take advantage of their generosity. Here are some things to watch out for:

■ Calls from someone posing as a family member who claims to be in an accident or in jail.

■ Unsolicited calls from charities. This is very prevalent after a disaster.

■ Calls offering free product trials, moneymaking schemes or debt reduction.

■ Unsolicited calls from someone claiming to be from a government agency or a large tech firm. The government or major companies rarely call unless you have contacted them first.

If you or family members are susceptible to phone scams, don’t be lured in. Just hang up! — Heloise

Fireplace Bricks

Dear Heloise: My fireplace bricks have become rather “sooty” after having so many fires this past winter. How can I clean them? I’ve tried soap and water but they are still filthy! — Marie in Michigan

Marie, clean the bricks around the fireplace with full-strength white vinegar. This is best done by scrubbing the stained areas with a small vegetable brush dipped in the vinegar. Wipe away any spills or drips immediately. You’ll find this is the easiest method for getting those pesky stains off your fireplace bricks.

Vinegar works wonders for other cleaning chores like removing the grime from sliding glass door tracks. Just pour a little full-strength vinegar into the door track, let it sit in the track for awhile, then rinse the vinegar out with water. While you’re at it, spray some vinegar on the shower door to dissolve soap scum, then scrub with a soft brush and rinse.

FYI: Vinegar will also remove stains from clay pots. — Heloise