Watch out for computer scams

Dear Heloise: A number of years ago, I had a friend who was helping an older lady with her online bank- ing. They had something pop up on their screen tell- ing them something was wrong with their account, and it gave them a phone number to call.

She called the phone number and gave them (the scammers) informa- tion about the account. After that, they figured out it was not the bank’s pop -up and called me. I told them never to call a phone number that shows up on the screen, but call the bank directly at the bank’s phone number.

I told her they needed to go to the ATM and get balances of her friend’s checking and savings accounts. I told her to print the balance out or take a picture of the screen and go to the bank when it’s open.

One thing about getting the balances is, if you were to go to the bank the next day and find your accounts have been cleaned out, you would have proof that you had money in those accounts.

Always look at emails to see where they come from. Bad spelling and grammar is one thing to look for on scams. — D. Hansel, Houston, Texas

D., this is important information, particularly for older people learning to deal with online banking and all the safety issues involved. — Heloise

Lowering the power bill

Dear Heloise: To decrease the electric bill, unplug all TV cable boxes. Only plug them in as you need t hem. The cable industry has done nothing to keep their boxes energy efficient. — Kyle Nienberg, Lima, Ohio

Storing brown sugar

Dear Heloise: The absolutely best and easiest way to store brown sugar is in a gallon zip-close bag. Put the sugar in, roll it to get air out and then zip it closed. It will stay soft forever. The best part for me is when I have to measure a cup. I put the measuring cup in the bag and press against the side of the bag to make a firm scoop — no spilling on the counter. — Chickie D., The Villages, Florida

Cleaning shoes

Dear Heloise: Whenever I take my dog for a walk in the park, I take off my shoes when I return home and clean them in the garage to keep from tracking dirt and grass into the house.

I saw a tile cleaning brush while shopping and picked one up to keep in the car. Now I clean off my shoes before I get into the car, and I don’t have to clean my shoes or car floor mat when I get home. Thanks for all the hints I read in the Bakersfield Californian.—Shirley Skenfield