Avoid Hurricane-related charity scams

The following tips have been offered by New York State officials for those contributing to the relief effort:

• Take Time To Research The Organization.
• Know Where Your Money Will Go.
• Give to Established Charities.
• Be Cautious With Telephone Solicitations.
• Check Before You Text A Contribution.
• Check Before Donating to an Online Giving Site.
• Don’t Respond to Unsolicited Spam Emails.
• Never Give Cash.
• Be Careful About Personal Information.
• Report Suspicious Organizations.

If you believe an organization is misrepresenting its work, or that a scam is taking place, click here.

For more information on how to avoid a scam, click here.

Beware of cold weather scams

Government officials in New York State have issued a consumer alert, advising the public, especially seniors, how to avoid potential scams that may occur with the onset of colder weather.

Consumers should protect themselves when hiring contractors to perform winter-related services by considering the following:

• Shop around. Get at least three estimates from reputable contractors that include specific information about the materials and services to be provided for the job. • Get it in writing. Insist on a written contract that includes the price and description of the work needed. • Do not pay unreasonable advance sums. Negotiate a payment schedule tied to the completion of specific stages of the job. Never pay the full price up front. • Get references. Check with the Better Business Bureau, banks, suppliers, and neighbors. Always contact references provided to you. • Know your rights. You have three days to cancel after signing a contract for home improvements. All cancellations must be in writing.

Persons who believe they were the victim of a scam can contact the New York State Consumer Frauds Bureau by calling 1-800-771-7755.

For more information, click here.

New York State Grant Money Awarded to Fight Tax and Public Benefit Fraud.

New York State officials have announced that $14.7 million in grant money has been awarded to 28 district attorneys' offices to target tax and public benefits fraud.

The grants fund personnel, including forensic accountants, investigators and assistant district attorneys, who work to build cases for prosecution.

These funds are in addition to the $860,700 in Crimes Against Revenue Program (CARP) funds awarded to district attorneys' offices six months ago.

All taxes, such as sales, excise and income, are subject to these investigations.

For more on the state’s program, click here.

Presentation: avoiding online consumer headaches

Cornell Cooperative Extension will be hosting a Consumer Issues program on Thursday, December 12 at 11:00 am.

The topic will be Avoiding Consumer Problems on the Internet. Speakers will explore ways for consumers to protect their identity, financial accounts, and personal information, and what to do to resolve problems if they occur.

Cornell Cooperative Extension is located at 615 Willow Avenue, Ithaca, New York. The program is free and open to the public; no registration is necessary.

For more information, click here or call the Consumer HelpLine at 607-272-2292 weekdays between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm.

New York law limits when businesses can demand your Social Security number

The Post-Standard (Syracuse, New York):

On Dec. 12, a new state law limiting the rights of businesses to ask consumers for their Social Security number takes effect.

Companies, as well as individuals, will be barred from requiring individuals to disclose their Social Security account numbers except under certain circumstances. They also will be prohibited from refusing to provide any service based on a person’s refusal to disclose his Social Security number....

The exceptions include situations in which the use of a Social Security number is required by federal, state or local law or regulation, or the number is needed for internal verification, fraud investigations, banking and credit-related activities, or in connection with employment, insurance or tax purposes.

More on the new law can be found here.

Legal guide for New York property owners: recovery and rebuilding from Hurricane Sandy

The New York State Attorney General’s office  has issued a guide to New Yorkers recovering from Hurricane Sandy.  The guide includes tips on “how to avoid scams as they restore and rebuild their homes and businesses.”

The tips offered in the guide include information on hiring a reputable contractor for property clean-up and repair, as well as how to avoid and report illegal price gouging.

For more information, click here.

Report: Affinity frauds increase in economic downturn

From the New York Post:

Maybe it's the bad economy. Maybe it's people's desire to look past Wall Street and invest with someone they believe they can trust.

But whatever the reason, swindles of friends by friends are on the rise -- so much so, that prosecutors have coined a separate name for it: Affinity frauds...Savvy people who would never dream of investing with a cold-call telephone huckster will hock their homes and ruin their credit for a "friend" with an honest face and a good idea....

Many “friendly” business offers are legitimate. However, even a legitimate business deal can go sour if one or both parties do not realize what they are getting into.

The best way to avoid fraud, or other legal complications, is to consult a qualified attorney of your own choosing before entering into any contract or making any sizeable investment, even with a friend or family member.