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CONSUMER ALERT Scammers Taking Advantage Of New Federal Economic Stimulus Package Texans should be aware of a scam that has emerged in connection with the proposed federal economic stimulus package. Under recently passed legislation, the IRS will mail tax rebate checks to eligible Texans over the next few months. President Bush has indicated he will sign the package into law on Wednesday. Several Texans recently filed complaints with the Office of the Attorney General after receiving unsolicited e-mails and telephone calls from purported IRS agents claiming that the taxpayers are eligible for “Bush refunds.” The scammers demand taxpayers’ Social Security and bank account numbers, claiming the IRS will use the information to directly deposit “rebate checks” into the taxpayers’ accounts. This is outright identity theft fraud. The IRS does not call or e-mail taxpayers unexpectedly to demand personal information for direct deposits. Taxpayers solicited in this manner should just hang up or delete the e-mail. Texans who have received these bogus solicitations can file a complaint with the IRS at www.irs.gov or by calling (800) 829-1040. Consumers also can report such calls to our office. Greg Abbott Attorney General of Texas

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McDonalds? Yeah, I said the same thing at first. But after thinking about it for a moment, I guess it did not sound that strange after all. You see, I have been drinking McDonalds’ coffee for the past two years of my own volition – meaning, I like it. In fact, I like it a lot (with 9 sugars and 5 creams in my large, please). It, like Starbucks, both beat the heck out of gas station or restaurant coffee. But often times Starbucks coffee tastes burned or over roasted to me. However, I still enjoy coffee drinks at Starbucks, even if their regular coffee has now has a new rival. But, that is exactly where McDonalds plans to take aim – in the specialty coffee drinks market.

Last week I heard that a Starbucks in Seattle is now offering a cup of coffee for a dollar. It is called a “short”. I would assume that it is shorter than their “tall”, which I have always known as their shortest. Perhaps Starbucks is getting serious, now that McDonalds is. It will be interesting to see how the beans roast on this one.

We’ll find out soon enough if the format battle will finally be over, it surely will make things easier for the consumer and prevent any inconvenience due to movie releases only being available in one particular format.

There is nothing wrong with using an oil change services provider, unless…

…unless they rip you off! Recently there was a report of such an oil change franchise that had a company policy that said something like “Do not let any customer out the door for less than $70.” So what they were instructed to do was find something wrong or that needed be serviced also; like “you need a new fuel filter, or belts, or shocks”. Or, “you need your transmission fluid and filter changed.” Whatever it took to hit the seventy dollar mark. (That was EZ Lube in California).

Of course those items mentioned above are all things that need to be taken care of at one time or another. So, being familiar with your vehicle’s scheduled maintenance is your best bet. But if you find that your simple oil changes are consistently exceeding your intended price and goal, then you should be aware that the reason might not necessarily be in your best interest.

One tip for your consumer safety is to get a recommendation from a friend, or check with your local chamber of commerce for a reputable and trustworthy servicer.

Happy Trails!

This is an interesting development and hopefully passengers will receive some more deserved respect and better service in the future.

The boxes are expected to sell for between $50 to $70. You may apply for two $40 coupons to use toward the purchase of these boxes, one coupon per box. The coupons expire 90 days after they are issued, so BE SURE you are ready to make your purchase before you apply…

The converter boxes will be available in February, so you may want to look into the features of the boxes before you commit to buy.

Be sure to check out some reviews before purchasing.

You may apply for the coupons in three ways:

• By phone: 888.388.2009
• Online: www.dtv2009.gov
• By mail: Send completed application or request to:

TV Converter Box Program
P.O. Box 2000
Portland, OR 97208

The following is the list of currently approved Coupon-Eligible Converter Boxes (CECBs).

• DigitalSTREAM D2A1D10
• DigitalSTREAM D2A1D20
• Zenith DTT900
• Magnavox TB100MW9
• Philco TB150HH9
• Sansonic FT300A
• Philco TB100HH9
• MicroGEM MG2000
• Sansonic FT300RT
• MaxMedia MMDTVB03
• Apex DT1001
• ECHOSTAR TR-40
• AMTC AT-2016

Check for updates at http://www.ntiadtv.gov/cecb_list.cfm. Big box retailers who will participate in the program include, but are not limited to the following:

•Best Buy
•Circuit City
•KMart
•Radio Shack
•Sam’s Club
•Sears
•Target
•True Value Hardware
•WAL-MART

A complete listing can be found at:
http://www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon/NTIA_DTV_121107.pdf

The National Association of Broadcasters estimates that as many as 70,000,000 TV sets are connected by antennas. However, there is only enough money for about 30,000,000 coupons. So, we can only assume it will be first-come, first-served.

Incidentally, it is the NTIA, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (a division of the Commerce Department) that is administering this program – not the FCC.

Watch carefully, read the specs, make sure which brand and model you want. Get more information at DTV Facts.

Here is what the US Department Of Transportation says on their website:

 

 

If you’re planning a trip, bring your laptop computer, cell phone, camera, personal digital assistant, or other battery-powered device along. These items are safe to fly with!

Batteries pose little risk contained in the devices they power. Taking the battery out of the device does not enhance safety. To be safest, carry the device with you, not in your checked baggage. Do not remove the battery!

Carry your battery-powered devices or spare batteries in your carry-on baggage. In the passenger compartment, flight crews can better monitor safety conditions to prevent an incident, and can access fire extinguishers, if an incident does happen.

Finally, if you must carry a battery-powered device in your checked baggage, package it to prevent inadvertent activation. Cordless power tools, for instance, should be packed in a protective case, with a trigger lock engaged.

Many travelers like the convenience of readily available spare batteries. It’s safe to travel with spare batteries, as long as you follow these simple spare battery tips.

Consumer Product Safety Commission reports:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced today that HSN LP (previously known as Home Shopping Network), of St. Petersburg, Fla., has agreed (pdf) to pay a civil penalty of $875,000. The civil penalty settles allegations that HSN LP failed to report in a timely manner, as required by federal law, serious injuries and hazards with the Welbilt Electronic Pressure Cookers.

CPSC alleged that from September 2001 through about October 2004, HSN received at least 25 reports from consumers indicating that the pressure cookers contained a defect that could create a substantial product hazard or that the pressure cookers created an unreasonable risk of serious injury. CPSC alleged that HSN failed to immediately report this information as required by federal law. HSN LP finally reported information to CPSC in February 2005. In June and October 2005, these pressure cookers were the subject of a recall.

Under the Consumer Product Safety Act, manufacturers, distributors and retailers are required to immediately report to CPSC information about products that could create a substantial risk of injury to the public or that create an unreasonable risk of serious injury or death.

In agreeing to settle this matter, HSN denied CPSC’s allegations that it violated the CPSA.

United States – The FCC voted in 2002
to allow cell phone carriers to begin allowing their
analog networks to go offline beginning February
18, 2008. As this date is fast approaching, as
many as 500,000 OnStar users will no longer
have access to emergency services.
It is believed as many as one million
cell phone users will be shut out, as will about
400,000 wireless home security systems.
Many people are also completely unaware
this shutdown is coming.

This is just one example of progress
and obsolescence. Next on the horizon is
the advent and takeover of high definition video.
Per FCC directives, all TV stations in the US will
be required to broadcast in HD and analog will
be left by the wayside.

Today I was ticked off that nobody makes the Flash and other plug-ins for Windows 98 that the web browser needs to play kiddie games and other media. A parent can’t even give their kids a hand-me-down computer anymore.

1. BMW 7-Series
2. Infiniti QX56
3. Jaguar S-Type
4. Jaguar X-Type
5. Mercedes-Benz M-Class (V8)
6. Mercedes-Benz SL
7. Nissan Armada
8. Nissan Titan
9. Volkswagen Touareg
10. Volvo XC90 (6-cyl.)

The winners (“good bets”) are not so surprising:

1. Honda Civic
2. Honda CR-V
3. Honda Element
4. Lexus ES
5. Lexus LS
6. Toyota 4Runner
7. Toyota Highlander
8. Toyota Land Cruiser
9. Toyota Prius
10. Toyota RAV4