HELPFUL HINTS
DEAR READERS: There is a new scam going around called the “Pay Yourself” scam, and it’s tricking people into handing over thousands of dollars that they’ll never get back.
First, you might receive an email or phone call (sometimes a letter) that appears to be a legitimate form of contact from your bank. If you engage the scammer by calling the phone number they provide, they’ll ask for your help to uncover fraud.
If you receive any request from something that appears to come from your bank asking you to help uncover fraud, don’t get involved. It could be a scam. Call your bank directly and let them know what has happened. Under no circumstances should you send money to anyone or anyplace. (And the scammer will ask you to send money.) This is an attempt to drain your bank account.
A real bank would never ask you to get involved in fraud cases because they have better resources that keep them highly skilled in handling fraud. Nor would your bank ask you for personal information or passwords.
DEAR READERS: Lost a pet or need help finding a furry companion?
■ Call all the local shelters every day until your pet is found.
■ Put up flyers where permitted or post a photo and details in your online neighborhood forum.
■ Let neighbors know you’re looking for your pet.
■ Offer a reward of some kind if you can.
■ Have your pet microchipped.
■ Make sure your pet wears a collar and has up-to-date tags.
DEAR HELOISE: Every day, we get six to eight letters in the mail from different organizations wanting donations. Most of them I’ve never heard of, but they come from all over the country. I live on a fixed income and can’t afford to send money to all of these charities and other worthy causes. I need an address I can write in to so that I can stop all these requests for money.
— Dorothy H., Woodstock, Va. DEAR READER: There isn’t just one address you can write in to. To stop these donation requests, you’ll need to contact each one individually. However, if someone calls, simply say, “I do not take solicitations by phone,” and then hang up. If it’s written material, dump it in your recycling basket. If it’s an email, you can reply to the requests with, “I do not care to make a donation now or in the future. Please do not contact me again.” It’s polite and to the point.