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A Cornucopia of Resources
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Let's Talk Turkey
We've been talking all year about things each of us could
do to mitigate potential scams, or having our identity stolen.
True, some suggestions take more effort than others,
such as changing passwords and getting your annual credit reports.
It's up to each consumer to take action or not. There is often so
much embarrassment and shame surrounding having fallen for a scam,
that victims don't talk about it for fear of being ridiculed.
This year, as you gather around the Thanksgiving table,
try sharing some of the tips we've provided in these monthly newsletters.
Who knows, next Thanksgiving someone may say how grateful they are that
your shared your these safety tips.
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LITTLE BITES OF INFORMATION
- AARP
Foundation Fraud Fighter Volunteers have recently seen an uptick in
the amount of reports of Medicare beneficiaries who have received
offers for a "free" back brace or knee brace that would be
paid for by Medicare. It is important to remember not to agree to
receive medical equipment that is not prescribed by your doctor and
never give an unsolicited caller your Medicare/Social Security
number. Take a minute to review and share the following AARP Foundation
ElderWatch Smart Tips on Medicare-related fraud.
- A
few Denver residents have reported receiving a call from a company
who says they will provide the person a new medline alert
system. The "company/caller" offers to send a taxi
to the consumer's home to take them to the bank to pay for it
quickly. One consumer actually had a taxi show up to do just
that. Remember, NO LEGITIMATE company will provide a taxi to
take you to the bank. HANG UP! Or better yet: If you do not
recognize the caller's phone number, DO NOT ANSWER THE PHONE.
- 'Tis
the season to change your passwords. Many people use a
password manager app to alleviate the headache of remembering
current passwords or providing help with setting new passwords.
Click on these links for a list of free
applications or fee based management systems.
- Remember
to always get at least 3 bids for ANY services and/or home
repair. Contracting with a person without checking their
licensing and references is asking for trouble. Ask if the
person is licensed and then verify through DORA
Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies. Here you can
find information about the licensee and see if there are any issues.
There are many occupations that require a license to practice
including Real Estate Agents, CPAs, Accountants, Nurses
etc. Along with licensee demographic information, these
lists include disciplinary information for licensees that have a
public action on their record. This additional information includes
the Case Number, the Public Action Description, Effective Date and
End Date.
- Recently
we spoke to a neighborhood organization that had concerns
surrounding persons knocking on doors asking if the resident would
like to sell their house for cash. These "agents" are
looking for quick cash, targeting the elderly or those who may be
having difficulty making house payments. If you are looking to
sell, first, as always, get bids from at least 3 different
realtors. Research the realtors credentials on DORA Real
Estate Division .
- Additionally,
if you are enticed about selling your home due to financial issues,
don't jump on an offer of cash. First contact Colorado Housing
Connects or by calling them 1-844-926-6632 or Colorado Foreclosure
Helpline or 1-877-601- HOPE (4673) . Both services provide
information and assistance on all types of housing issues.
- Looking
for a fun family activity after Thanksgiving dinner? How about
each person get on the computer and check out their credit reports from
Trans Union, Equifax and Experian. Remember, everyone is
entitled to 3 free credit reports a year. Even if you have frozen
or placed a security alert on your accounts, if you haven't
actually viewed your credit history, you are only dealing with
future issues vs those that may have occurred prior to the
breach. And now that it is the end of the year, you can get
all 3 credit reports this month and start the new year off knowing
that you have done what you can to protect yourself.
And finally, District Attorney Beth McCann and the entire
staff at the Denver District Attorney's Office wish you and your family a
safe and happy Thanksgiving.
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