Tag: Consumer Information

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Tips

TIP: Door-to-Door Salespeople

THIS IS A WARNING REGARDING DOOR TO DOOR MAGAZINE SALES

On January 2nd, 2013, I was approached inside the Wal-Mart store in San Marcos, TX by a door to door magazine salesman trying to do his magazine sales scam. The company the receipt said he worked for is “Back A Winner” based out of Colorado. During my conversation with the “salesman” he disclosed that law enforcement in the New Braunfels area have already been called on the group. He claimed to a have a “permit” to solicit in San Marcos. He also told me that he and several others would be in the Comal County/Hays County/Travis County areas for at least the next five to six weeks. The “salesman” I encountered appeared to have been drinking. Wal-Mart staff was informed and he was “politely” asked to leave.

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Alerts

ALERT: Phone Scams

809 (and other) Area Code Scams

This long distance phone scam causes consumers to inadvertently incur high charges on their phone bills. Consumers usually receive a message telling them to call a phone number with an 809, 284, 649, or 876 area code in order to collect a prize, find out information about a sick relative, etc. The caller assumes the number is a typical three-digit U.S. area code; however, the caller is actually connected to a phone number outside the United States, often in Canada or the Caribbean, and charged international call rates. Unfortunately, consumers don’t find out that they have been charged higher international call rates until they receive their bill.

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Alerts

ALERT: Suspicious Solicitor(s) Identified (07/23)

Zac Slabaugh, the reported solicitor from the Dripping Springs/Driftwood area, came by the Hays County Sheriff’s Office today and spoke with Sgt. Taylor. He is with a legitimate company. He will be in the area through the 15th of August. We hope that this resolves the issue.

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Categories
Alerts

ALERT: Suspicious Solicitor(s) (07/21)

PLEASE FORWARD TO RESIDENTS:

There have been recent reports of door solicitors in the Dripping Springs/Driftwood areas of Hays County, Texas. As we all know, these solicitors are normally very mobile and move from town to town and county to county. I have received information back from several Neighborhood Watch groups telling me that the solicitors have been trying to sell educational materials, books, claiming to be doing work for Dripping ISD, and steaks. Below is a string of information provided by Goldenwood West off of FM1826. It appears that the solicitors are have been gathering names of children and their ages, as well as trying to find out times when people are home, work, or if they are on vacation. Please be safe.

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Categories
Tips

TIP: Consumer Protection & Internet Safety

Internet Safety: Netsmartz
http://www.netsmartz.org
Parents or caregivers, educators, government officials, law enforcement, and youth organizations that want to learn more about the Internet and the possible dangers to children online. It has many links including the Cybertip Line, and Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce. According to the Norfolk Quarterly, this site is recommended by the Norfolk Police Department.

Internet Fraud: Looks Too Good to Be True
http://www.lookstoogoodtobetrue.gov
Be sure to visit this great web site sponsored by the FBI and the US Postal Inspection Service along with other partners dedicated to the education of consumer and prevention of internet fraud. This site will give you tips, describe the types of fraud, and tell victims’ stories. It includes a highly informative section of Frequently Asked Questions. You can take a test to see if you are at risk for fraud and you can also file a complaint at this site. Beat the thieves by being informed!

Internet Shopping: Safe Shopping
http://www.safeshopping.org
This informational site was created by the American Bar Association and contains a wide variety of subjects that will help you to order safely when shopping online. Topics included are security, delivery, complaints, best payment methods, and a helpful list of shopping tips.

Consumer Protection: Federal Consumer Information Center
http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/inthenews.htm
You will find general consumer information on a variety of topics, and also a description of the various federal programs, including Medicare. Look here for the Consumer Information catalog that can be viewed online, or downloaded free, or to to order booklets. There is a link to the National Call Center to obtain answers to your questions about the federal agencies, benefits, and services.

Consumer Information: USA Government’s Official Web Site
http://www.usa.gov
This is a first class site which was ranked as the most effective federal web site for 2007 and 2008. It has numerous links, and a huge amount of information on identity theft, privacy, chain e-mails, staying safe online, and common tax scams. Don’t miss this one!

Other Links:
DPS:   http://www.dps.texas.gov/
HCSO:   http://www.co.hays.tx.us/index.php/law-enforcement/sheriff/
Constables:   http://www.co.hays.tx.us/index.php/law-enforcement/constables/
Texas Parks and Wildlife:   http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/
TABC:   http://www.tabc.state.tx.us/
Borderland Beat:   http://www.borderlandbeat.com/
Terrorism Awareness Project:   http://terrorismawareness.org/
State of Texas Government:   http://www.texas.gov/en/Pages/default.aspx
Texas Department of Transportation:   http://www.dot.state.tx.us/default.htm
Texas Sex Offender Registry:   https://records.txdps.state.tx.us/DPS_WEB/SorNew/index.aspx