BUHAY AMERICA TIP: Fraud Alert - FAKE DEBT COLLECTORS

If you get a call from someone saying that they are debt collectors from “Financial Accountability Association” or the “Federal Legislation of Unsecured Loans", the Better Business Bureau (BBB) says that you take extreme caution before you deal with them - even if they rattle off your personal information to get you to believe that they are legit.

Debt collector scammers might have your Social Security and bank account numbers, home addresses, driver's license numbers, employer information, and even the names of personal friends and professional references. They will mention them when the call you.

“Because the scammers have so much information about potential victims, BBB is concerned that this may be the result of a data breach,” said Steve Cox, BBB spokesperson, said in a press release.

The organization recently issued a national alert about calls coming from lawyers claiming to be from those two companies.

These callers say that the consumer has defaulted on a payday loan and will be sued and immediately arrested and extradited to California to stand trial unless as much as $1,000 is wired. They will ask for bank account or credit card numbers if you say you can't wire the money.

According to complaints online, phone numbers that the scammers are calling from include: 949-468-5107, 415-200-0274, 415-200-0274, 213-784-5745, 408-715-1614 and many others.

More info from the Better Business Bureau website
What to do consumers receive a suspicious telephone call about an outstanding debt:

• Ask the debt collector to provide official documentation which substantiates the debt.

• Do not provide or confirm any bank account, credit card or other personal information over the phone until you have confirmed the legitimacy of the call.

• File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission online if the caller is abusive, uses threats or otherwise violates federal telemarketing laws.

• File a complaint with BBB online if you believe a debt collector is trying to scam you.

Photo credit: cbsnews.com

BUHAY AMERICA TIP: Fraud Prevention Tips

(This is FilipinOnline's second in a series of posts about avoiding fraud. The first one dealt with fraud victim resources. Below is a Balitang America story I did about alleged fraud victims. - Yong B. Chavez)

And now, from the police, here are a few prevention tips to help minimize your risk of becoming a victim to a scam or other scheme:

Residents are reminded never to participate in street transactions, as they may involve lost/stolen property.

Call 9-1-1 if you are approached by anyone on the street regarding a transaction or business arrangement (i.e. car dent repair, painting, or lawn fertilizer services), especially if they are asking for money upfront. Check with the California Department of Consumer Affairs at (800) 952-5210 or http://www.dca.ca.gov/ for the license status of any contractor.

Call 9-1-1 if you are approached by anyone on the street regarding a transaction or business arrangement (i.e. car dent repair, painting, or lawn fertilizer services), especially if they are asking for money upfront. Check with the California Department of Consumer Affairs at (800) 952-5210 or http://www.dca.ca.gov/ for the license status of any contractor.

Seniors should be weary of strangers engaging them in conversation as you exit the bank, grocery store, or shopping area. Thieves specializing in real estate fraud, credit card fraud or other scams target the elderly at these locations looking for their next victim. Be cautious of any unsolicited stranger that offers "caretaking services" such as medical or financial errands. If you hire anyone as a "caretaker" always check references and discuss it with a family member, neighbor or trusted friend.

Refrain from accepting checks from unsolicited Internet based communications. Thieves scour Internet auction sites and draw victims in under false pretenses. Report any suspicious Internet fraud schemes to the National White Collar Crime Task Force at (800) 352-3221 or http://www.ic3.gov/.

Residents should be reminded never to let people they don’t know into their homes under any circumstances, unless they can verify their legitimacy. If residents observe any suspicious persons or activity, they should call police immediately.

Now that summer has arrived, residents are encouraged to keep their windows/doors locked at all times, and to invest in window/door securing devices that allow for proper ventilation.
· Keep track of your bank ATM/Debit card(s) and purchases. “Skimming” is a scheme where a device is used to capture account and personal information encoded on magnetic strips, which has become prevalent throughout the country. Make sure the cashier or restaurant server returns your card in a reasonable time frame. “Skimmers” are mostly used in restaurants and bars.

· When entering your “PIN” number, shield the keypad with your hand so others do not see what you are keying

· If you opt to donate to a charity, initiate the gesture on your own and beware of charity organization phone solicitors. State laws and Long Beach Municipal Codes prohibit the collection of unlawful donations. When in doubt of the truthfulness of a donation being solicited, you may ask the petitioner to present an identification card, which confirms that the solicitor has been validated. You may also request a written receipt for your contribution that is to be signed by the solicitor. This does not apply to a person who is soliciting on their own property or evangelical, missionary, or religious organizations.

If you are contacted by anyone claiming to be from the lottery, simply state they are not interested and hang up. Personal information should never be released or confirmed over the phone. If contacted by a bank, phone numbers provided by the caller should never be relied upon to verify their identity. Legitimate phone numbers can be obtained from bank statements and then called to verify the caller’s name, employee number, and purpose for calling.

The Long Beach Police Department suggests that you check and confirm the identification of anyone who requests to enter your property. Call the Police if you suspect any fraudulent or suspicious activity is occurring and keep an eye on any of your elderly neighbors who might be targeted by unscrupulous criminals preying on unsuspecting residents.

With the surge of reported identity theft cases, consumers are urged to take extra precautions to secure their personal information:
· Do not imprint social security or driver’s license numbers on your personal checks
Never give out your social security number or credit card account over the telephone unless you initiated the call
· Do not write your PIN number onto your ATM/Debit card or other credit cards
· Shred financial documents, including promotional “pre-approved” credit card applications
· Shred your printed ATM and sales receipts that list your account number
· Do not leave outgoing mail at your mailbox for the postal carrier to pick-up
· Keep track of and review all of your bank/credit card statements for irregular activity
Order a copy of your credit profile annually from all three (3) credit bureau reporting agencies, Experian (888) 397-3742, Trans Union (800) 680-7289, and Equifax (800) 525-6285, and review for unusual activity

If you suspect you or a loved one is an elder abuse victim (either financial or physical), please contact the Long Beach Police Department’s Forgery/Fraud Detail at (562) 570-7330 and/or Adult Protective Services at (877) 477-3646 and report the incident. California Penal Code section 368 defines an elder as an individual over the age 65 or a dependent adult (mental or physical limitations that restricts normal activities) between the ages of 18 and 64.

BUHAY AMERICA TIP: Identifying Types of Fraud

Do you know what to do if you become a victim of fraud?

While we can knock on wood and hope that we don't become victims, the reality is, there's always a chance we might become one. In today's economic chaos, fraud incidents are becoming more rampant.

Ang masakit, kung minsan mga kababayan pa natin mismo ang nanloloko. So, mas mabuti ng mag-ingat at maghanda tayo.

There are a lot of our kababayans who have experienced some type of fraud at some point but didn't know where to get information, or didn't want to speak up because they are somehow ashamed na naloko sila. That's just the kind of mind-set that perpetrators of fraud thrive on.

Just remember, kahit nasa ibang bansa tayo, di kayo nag-iisa. Ask for help.

This is the first in a series of posts about this topic.

I recently contacted lawyer Carmina Ocampo, a kababayan at the Asian Pacific American Legal Center, and she gave this information:

The steps a victim should take really depends on the type of fraud they are a victim of. There are many different types of consumer fraud: identity theft, credit card fraud, telemarketing fraud, mail order fraud, elderly abuse, internet fraud, debt collection, spam/phishing schemes, real estate fraud, etc. They might be scammed by businesses, landlords, tenants, sales people, telemarketers, con artists, people pretending to be immigration lawyers, etc. There are so many different types of fraud and , different steps a person should take depending on what type of fraud they are victim of.

1. A consumer should first contact the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer Affairs. The website is http://dca.lacounty.gov/ There are lots of great articles on the website about how to protect yourself from fraud, and what you can do if you are the victim of fraud.

Here are some phone numbers they can call at the LA County Dept. of Consumer Affairs:
· Consumer Protection (800) 593-8222 : Consumers should call this number to get information about steps they should take. Investigators resolve disputes a consumer has with purchases, credit, automobiles, landlord tenant, identity theft and other consumer problems. They investigate complaints or provide counseling and referrals.
· Real Estate Fraud and Homeowner Assistance: (800) 973-3370: They provide counseling, investigate complaints, and serve as the central reporting agency for real estate fraud. They can help with problems concerning: A home purchase or sale, Refinancing, Contractors, Real estate fraud, Foreclosure, Undeveloped land sales
· Small Claims Advisors(213) 974-9759: They help people use the Small Claims Court. Their advisors give people the information they need to get their cases started, Serve court papers, Prepare for court, Collect or pay a judgment
· Dispute Settlement Service(213) 974-0825 : Instead of going to court, mediators can help you resolve disputes with neighbors, businesses, and others. mediators are trained to be neutral and unbiased.
· Identity Theft Unit(213) 974-9459: They can help people deal with credit card and credit reporting companies, bill collectors and others. They will help get your finances back to normal and stop thieves from making new charges.
· Senior Abuse and Fraud Protection(213) 974-9778: staff investigates cases of financial fraud and abuse against seniors. This effort is in partnership with the Department of Community & Senior Services.
· Media inquiries: They have a phone number for MEDIA INQUIRIES, in case you want to ask them more questions. 213-974-9761
· Articles based on types of fraud:
o Co-signers of loans: Here is an article about what will happen if you co-sign a loan for someone else, and they do not pay the loan: http://dca.lacounty.gov/tsContractCoSigning.html
o Elderly abuse: Here is a link to articles about elderly abuse: http://dca.lacounty.gov/mnSeniors.htm
o Identity theft: http://dca.lacounty.gov/mnIdentTheft.htm,
o Renters: http://dca.lacounty.gov/mnRenters.htm
o Credit scams: http://dca.lacounty.gov/mnCredit.htm
o How to go to small claims court: http://dca.lacounty.gov/mnPlaintiffs.htm

[photo credit: gigcatmidhudson.org]

BUHAY AMERICA TIPS:Gift Card Tips & Laws

Whether you're planning to give gift cards for Christmas or you have an unused or partially used gift card from Christmases past, here are some basic things you should know about them. I just found an unused gift card that I thought was already wasted so this is good news to me:

- Most gift certificates and gift cards sold by retail sellers for use with the seller and its affiliates cannot contain an expiration date or a service fee, including a fee for dormancy.

- Any gift certificate sold after January 1, 1997, is redeemable in cash for its cash value, or subject to replacement with a new gift certificate at no cost to the purchaser or holder. Since January 1, 2008, any gift certificate with a cash value of less than $10 is redeemable in cash, which includes currency or check, for its cash value.

Per Consumer Union: Here are the state-by-state Gift Card Consumer Protection Laws:

Arkansas:
No expiration date within the first two years.
No fees for two years. Any fees after two year period must be printed clearly on front or back of card in at least 10 point font.
Covers gift cards useable at single store or chain.
Does not cover cards linked to bank accounts usable with multiple unaffiliated merchants or prepaid calling cards.

California:
No expiration dates and no fees, with one exception.
Permits a $1 per month fee only when the card has a balance of $5 or less, the card has been unused for 24 months, and the card is reloadable.
Covers gift cards at a single store or chain. Multiple-use gift cards are not covered.
Any card with a cash value of $10 or less may be redeemed for cash.

Connecticut:
No expiration dates.
No fees.
Florida:
No expiration dates.
No fees.
Does not cover cards linked to bank accounts usable with multiple unaffiliated merchants.

Hawaii:
No expiration for two years.
No fees.
Covers any electronic card with a banked dollar value.

Illinois:
No expiration date for five years.
No fees.
Does not include cards usable with multiple merchants.

Iowa:
No fees unless there is a contract.

Kansas:
No expiration for five years.
No fees for one year.
Does not cover prepaid bank cards.

Kentucky:
No expiration within first year.
No fees.
Does not include prepaid calling cards or cards linked to bank accounts usable with multiple unaffiliated merchants or ATMs.

Louisiana:
No expiration dates for five years.
No service fees, except for a one-time handling fee of $1.
Covers cards issued to be redeemed in goods or services provided by the card seller.

Maine:
No expiration dates.
No fees except for transaction fee for initial issuance or for adding value to existing card which must be disclosed in separate writing before purchase.
Does not cover prefunded bank cards.
Cards with an initial value of $5 or less; or rewards or refund cards with $5 or less after redemption may be redeemed in cash.

Maryland:
No expiration dates for four years.
No fees for four years.
Any terms and conditions must be printed clearly in 10 point type on the card, on a sticker affixed to the card or in an envelope containing the card.
Does not cover prepaid calling cards or prepaid bank cards.

Massachusetts:
No expiration dates for 7 years.
Cards with a remaining balance of $5 or less may be redeemed in cash.
Does not include prepaid calling cards or any electronic cards usable with multiple unaffiliated merchants.

Michigan:
No expiration dates for five years.

Minnesota:
No expiration dates.
No fees.
Does not include debit cards or other legal access devices used to access a deposit account, prepaid calling cards, cards linked to bank accounts usable with multiple unaffiliated merchants.

Montana:
No expiration dates.
No fees.
If original value of gift card was more than $5, and remaining value is less than $5, can redeem for cash.
Does not cover prepaid telecommunications or technology cards or gift certificates usable with multiple sellers.

Nevada:
Expiration or fees allowed only if properly disclosed.
No fees within first year and no fees that exceed $1 per month.
Covers only single retailers.
Does not cover prepaid telecommunications or technology cards.

New Hampshire:
No expiration for cards of $100 or less.
No expiration earlier than date funds escheat to state for cards over $100.
No fees.

New Jersey:
No expiration for two years.
No dormancy fee for two years from date of sale or two years from most recent activity or transaction.
No dormancy fee can be more than $2.
Expiration date and/or dormancy fee must be printed on card, package or sales receipt and include a toll free number to call for information.
Does not include prepaid calling or technology card, or prepaid bank cards.

New Mexico:
No expiration for five years.
No fees.
Covers cards with single retailer or affiliated merchants.
Does not cover prepaid calling cards or cards associated with a deposit, checking, savings or similar account at a bank for debiting such account.

North Carolina:
Fees to be conspicuously disclosed on card at time of purchase.
No fees for first year.
Covers prepaid calling cards.
Does not cover bank cards usable at multiple unaffiliated merchants.

North Dakota:
No expiration for six years.
No fees.
Covers prepaid calling cards.
Does not cover cards useable at multiple, unaffiliated merchants or cards linked to bank accounts.

Ohio:
No expiration for two years
No fees for two years.
Does not cover prepaid calling cards or cards usable with multiple unaffiliated merchants.

Oklahoma:
No expiration and no fees for five years, with one exception.
Permits a $1 per month fee only when the card has a balance of $5 or less, the card has been unused for 24 months, the card is reloadable and the fee is properly disclosed.
Covers cards with single retailer or affiliated merchants.
Does not cover prepaid calling cards or any prepaid service.

Oregon:
No expiration dates.
No fees with one exception—if card is sold below face value and does not expire until 30 days after the date of sale and card has printed “expires on” or “expiration date” with the date of expiration.
Does not include prepaid calling cards, prepaid commercial mobile radio services, or cards usable with multiple merchants.

Pennsylvania:
Expires after 2 years if unredeemed or after 5 years from date of purchase if no redemption period specified.
Covers cards with single retailer or affiliated merchants.
“Qualified gift certificates” do not expire and do not have fees.
Does not cover flexible spending accounts or bank cards usable with multiple affiliated merchants or ATMs.

Rhode Island:
No expiration dates.
No fees.
Covers prepaid long distance telephone service cards.
Does not cover prepaid wireless telephone service cards.

South Carolina:
No expiration dates for first year, unless expiration date is on front of card in capitalized letters in 10 point font.
Fees permitted but must be disclosed on certificate, envelope, covering or receipt.

Tennessee:
No expiration dates for two years.
No fees for two years.
Does not cover prepaid calling cards or cards usable with multiple, unaffiliated merchants.

Texas:
No fees for first year.
Expiration or fees and other terms must be clearly and conspicuously disclosed at time of purchase. The expiration date and fees must be legibly printed on the card.
Does not cover prepaid calling cars or stored value cards issued by a federally insured financial institution.

Utah:
No expiration date if not printed or information is not included.
No fees if not printed or information is not included.
Expiration and fees must be printed in readable manner on instrument, packaging or record.

Vermont:
No fees for three years.
No fees, except a licensed money transmitter, financial institution or credit union may charge a one-time issuance fee of either $10 or 10%, whichever is smaller.
Does not cover access device such as a debit card or other access means to a consumer’s account regularly maintained at a bank to access funds or to initiate an electronic funds transfer from the account.

Washington:
Permits a $1 per month fee only when the card has a balance of $5 or less, the card has been unused for 24 months, the card is reloadable, and is disclosed on card in at least 6 point font.
Covers gift cards at a single store or chain.
Does not cover multiple-use gift cards, or cards usable with multiple unaffiliated merchants.
Disclosures Only:

Arizona:
Expiration and fees allowed only if they are made clearly visible to consumer before purchase.
Covers all cards except prepaid calling cards, debit cards linked to bank accounts or electronic funds transfer cards.

Georgia:
Expiration and fees allowed only if they are conspicuously printed on the card or have a sticker affixed to the card at the time of purchase.
Covers general use gift cards, gift certificates or store gift cards.

Nebraska:
Expiration or fees allowed only when statement appears on front or back of card or in location visible to purchaser at the time of purchase.

New York:
Expiration or fees, or other terms and conditions to be clearly and conspicuously stated on the card, package, or accompanying printed document with toll free number.
No dormancy fee before 13th month of inactivity.
Covers cards with single retailer or affiliated merchants.
Does not cover prepaid calling cards, flexible spending cards, and cards linked to bank accounts

Virginia:
Expiration or fees must be clearly and permanently imprinted on card with a telephone number or Internet address to obtain information.

***This is a summary of key features of many state gift card laws. Consumers Union does not give legal advice. Please consult the laws of your state for more information.

BUHAY AMERICA TIP: Cash For Your Old Electronics

Here's a good idea for anyone who wants to raise some money - or just wants to clear some closet space and help the environment in the process: You can exchange your unused electronics for store gift cards.

EcoNEW is a green website that allows you to trade-in products for: Laptops , Desktops , MP3 players, LCD monitors , LCD TVs, Game systems, Camcorders, Digital cameras, and Smartphones/PDAs.

Here are the steps, per its website:

1. Click on the participating retailer's website - Sam's Club, Office Depot, or Navy Exchange -
to enter information about your product to get its value.

2. EcoNEW generates a trade-in value on the product and provides a pre-paid shipping label for you to print and send the product to our ISO 14001 certified partners. Upon receipt, the product is audited and a branded gift card is mailed to you for the trade-in value of the product. Some products have no trade-in value, but you can still send the product back for proper recycling.

3. The returned product may be resold in whole form or broken down for parts. The remaining product is then safely recycled. Other recyclables that you can send are: CRT monitors , printers, fax machines, and small home electronics.

BUHAY AMERICA TIPS: Economic Crisis Survival Tip #3BEWARE OF SCAMS, GET HELP FOR FREE

If you're stressed about money these days, you don't need the added aggravation by getting scammed.

So, if you see one of those TV ads promising to GET YOU OUT OF DEBT NOW! - please change the channel. Better yet, turn off the TV to save on power costs. Yes there are legitimate, for-profit credit counseling companies but before you send them anything, thoroughly research their company first. There are scammers, vultures, really, who are capitalizing on the fact that many are having money problems now, and they promise things too-good-to-be-true. Remember, they are not magicians who can just wave off your debts. What's absolutely true? Legit or not, they will get your hard-earned money.

Non-profit organizations are giving help for free. Here are some legitimate and FREE credit counseling organizations:

1. The Homeownership Preservation Foundation
Call 1-888-995-HOPE (4673) and receive free counseling when you're facing foreclosure.
Seventy percent of those they've assisted retained their, according to a report.
They will also connect you with free services if you have other financial issues, such as credit card debt.

2. SCORE
SCORE, a nonprofit association working in partnership with the Small Business Administration, offers financial counseling to small businesses.

3. Avvo.com
Avvo is an organization of lawyers (all screened and profiled on the site) who answer legal questions online for free. They specialize in helping regular people like you and me. You can post a question about foreclosure, credit or bankruptcy issues.

Here's the link to some other organizations that you can get free counseling from.

If you have a question or other tips for our kababayans, please let me know.

[Reference: CNN; Photo: UNCG.edu]

BUHAY AMERICA TIPS:Economic Crisis Survival Tips

There's a Tagalog phrase that Pinoys like to say whenever a financial problem hits them: Kailangang maghigpit ng sinturon.

In today's nightmarish economy, belt-tightening has become mandatory.

So, starting today, I will regularly post one or two belt-tightening and money-saving tips that would be a good to follow year-round, crisis or no crisis. If you have a tip of your own, please let us know!

1.) Claim those rewards

Most of our credit cards have some sort of rewards program. Even if you keep a zero balance (Good for you! That's the smart way to go.), you get reward points anytime you use your card so the experience of claiming it can be like finding money under your bed. So review your credit card statement today and find out how much points you have, then claim it! It's easy to claim - log on to their website and choose the reward you want. I recently got about $250 doing this, that's grocery money galore - cash that I don't have to eke out from my budget so it was lovely. I opted for the debit card-type of reward which can be used everywhere.

2.) Get a loyalty card

The painful lesson that a lot of us are learning in today's economic downturn is that mortgaging our future by charging everything to credit cards that we can't pay in full monthly is disastrous. But there are cards that allow us to save: grocery loyalty cards. Because I used to live near Filipino stores like Seafood City where food items are usually cheaper, I rarely shopped at mainstream stores like Albertsons and Ralph's. But when I moved a couple of years ago, those two became the ones I bought grocery items from regularly so I got their loyally cards which allowed me to save hundreds of dollars since. (Here's a caveat, though. When you sign up, they will have your name and shopped items on file but I don't think them knowing I buy bokchoy every week is a huge invasion of privacy.)

BUHAY AMERICA TIPS:New Mailing Address for N-400 (US Citizenship) Applications

Beginning October 14, 2008, if you are planning to submit an N-400 (US citizenship) application, there's a new Lockbox address to send it to. (Military N-400 cases are still to be submitted at the Nebraska Service Center.)

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigrations Services (USCIS) will forward to the appropriate Lockbox any N-400 applications received at their facilities during the 30-day transition period.

The N-400 form instructions have been updated to reflect the new filing procedures. OTHER UPDATES to be found on the new form: Applicants are required to submit two passport-style photographs and a copy of the Permanent Resident Card for applicants who are lawful permanent residents.

Starting on October 14, applicants must submit Form N-400 and related supplements to one of two new USCIS Lockbox facilities for initial processing, using the following addresses:

Per USCIS: "Since 1998, Form N-400, Applications for Naturalization, have been filed at the four Service Centers. The Service Centers completed initial processing on the cases before the cases were forwarded to the local USCIS Field Offices for interviews. During 2008, the processing of N-400s is undergoing change through a two-step process. First, N-400 cases were transferred internally, by the Service Centers to the National Benefits Center (NBC). The NBC, located in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, began to accept N-400 cases from the Service Centers in June 2008. During the time that the first step was taken, there was no change to where the applicants filed their applications.

The Federal Register Notice begins the second step of the process, requiring the public to file their applications directly with a Lockbox facility beginning October 14, 2008. Each Lockbox facility will scan the documents submitted and complete the data entry and fee processing steps before forwarding accepted applications on to the NBC for further processing. The NBC will not accept any N-400 filings mailed directly from the public."

Helpful Info:
Click on Application for Naturalization (N-400) if you need a form. Application Fees: $595 plus a biometrics fee of $80; the fee total is $675. Applicants 75 years of age or older are not charged a biometric fee; their fee total is $595. No fee is required for military applicants filing under Section 328 and 329 of the INA. Forms dated 10/15/07, 07/30/07, 11/01/06, 05/31/01 can be used. No other editions accepted.

BUHAY AMERICA TIP: Free ID Theft Monitoring Services

It's a fact of modern life: At one point, you or someone you know has been a victim of ID thieves. Going through it is one those awful times when your life will consist of severe teeth-gnashing and cursing as you sift through and repair the damage caused by usually anonymous criminals.

Even if you safeguard your personal information Fort Knox-like, the companies you give them to (such as creditors and past & present employers) might lose them. You read about what happened to TJ Maxx, Office Max, and others, right? Kung hindi pa, read this link http://blog.wired.com/27bstroke6/2008/08/11-charged-in-m.html. It has details on the millions of credit and debit card numbers that were stolen.

What to do? The best way is to do a security freeze on your credit report - which means no one can access your credit file without your approval. The one-time fee for a permanent freeze (unless you lift it) is $5 to $20, depending on what state you live in. If you're a victim of ID theft and you have a police report, it's FREE. You can unfreeze it when you're in the market for credit.

If you don't want to do a security freeze and you just want to monitor your credit file activity, you can subscribe to credit protection companies - they usually charge the first month free, then a monthly fee will apply. The downside: If you're on a budget, this could be expensive; and also, there are a lot scammers and/or overpriced services out there so don't automatically go with the one with the best TV commercial.

Besides, there are free or low-cost steps you can take to safeguard your identity, aside from the security freeze. Here's a great one: Until September 24, as part of a legal settlement, TransUnion is providing up to 9 months of FREE credit monitoring. Go to https://www.listclassaction.com/ to register (scroll down, then click on Register for Benefits.) Everyone who has an active credit file can register & get the FREE benefits. You can choose to:

- Sign up for six months of credit monitoring services. If you select this option, you can also register to possibly receive cash benefits in the event of a cash distribution or file an individual lawsuit against the Defendants.
-Sign up for nine months of enhanced credit monitoring services. If you select this option, you will not receive any further benefits, including a cash payment, and you will not be able to file an individual lawsuit against the Defendants.
-Register to possibly receive a cash payment. If you select this option, you can also sign up for six months of credit monitoring; however if you receive a cash payment, you cannot file an individual lawsuit against the Defendants.

Remember, you have to register by September 24 to get the free services.

Here are other ways to protect yourself from identity theft, from ConsumerReports.org:
-Obtain copies of your credit report. Federal law entitles you to one free report every year from each of the three credit bureaus. Go to www.annualcreditreport.com, the only Web site authorized to deliver the free reports. Stagger your requests to get one report every four months.
-If you think you need to subscribe to a service, consider signing up for one of the new ID fraud prevention and detection services rather than a credit-report-monitoring service.

ALSO: Do you know your rights when you become an ID theft victim? Here they are, per the Federal Trade Commission:

Various laws limit your liability for fraudulent debts caused by identity theft. REMEMBER: For most of them, there's a short window of time to report so be vigilant.

Fraudulent Credit Card Charges: You cannot be held liable for more than $50 for fraudulent purchases made with your credit card, as long as you let the credit card company know within 60 days of when the credit card statement with the fraudulent charges was sent to you. Some credit card issuers say cardholders who are victims of fraudulent transactions on their accounts have no liability for them at all.

Lost or Stolen ATM/Debit Card: If your ATM or debit card is lost or stolen, you may not be held liable for more than $50 for the misuse of your card, as long as you notify the bank or credit union within two business days after you realize the card is missing. If you do not report the loss of your card promptly, your liability may increase.

Fraudulent Electronic Withdrawals: If fraudulent electronic withdrawals are made from your bank or credit union account, and your ATM or debit card has not been lost or stolen, you are not liable, as long as you notify the bank or credit union in writing of the error within 60 days of the date the bank or credit union account statement with the fraudulent withdrawals was sent to you.

Fraudulent Checks: Under most state laws, you are liable for just a limited amount for fraudulent checks issued on your bank or credit union account, as long as you notify the bank or credit union promptly. Contact your state banking or consumer protection agency for more information.

Fraudulent New Accounts: Under most state laws, you are not liable for any debt incurred on fraudulent accounts opened in your name and without your permission. Contact your state attorney general’s office for more information.

[photo: alumni.indiana.edu]

BUHAY AMERICA TIP: Another Phone Company Charges 411 Callsbut, FYI, there's also another Free 411 Service

Earlier this year, Verizon started charging subscribers who dialled 411 for directory service. They charge 95 cents to look up local numbers and $1.50 for all others.

Next month, AT&T follows suit by cutting the number of free 411 calls offered to customers each month. You only get one now instead of three.

I wish they'll just divert some of that the money they spend on their ubiquitous TV ads to maintaining this basic service. It's not a big amount, for sure, but the way phone companies are piling on fees is just annoying, isn't it? Have you tried going through your phone bill, line by line? You might get cross-eyed from understanding all the obscure, small charges that add up to a lot.

But there's hope if you want to avoid 411 fees. I already wrote about another firm that offers free 411 call (with ads) before, but here's another one that's supposedly ad-free: it's 1-800-GOOG-411 or 1-800-466-4411. It's from the good folks at Google. There's one rant about it online, but the L.A. Times gave it a rave.

BUHAY AMERICA TIP: You Can Save 20% On Your Gas Bill

A family of four earning up to $43,200 a year may qualify for the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) discount, which provides 20% off your gas bill.

Especially kung bago pa lang kayong nag-ta-try na i-establish ang buhay ninyo sa America at isa lang ang nagtaratrabaho sa pamilya, or you're simply one of many affected by the national econimic crisis, this is welcome help.

If you are approved within 90 days of starting new gas service, you will also receive a $15 discount on the Service Establishment Charge.

TWO WAYS TO QUALIFY:

If you or another person in your household receives benefits from any of these programs:
Medi-Cal, Food Stamps, TANF (AFDC), Women, Infants & Children (WIC), Healthy Families Categories A&B, LIHEAP

OR

Total income for all persons in your household meets the following income guidelines:
Number of persons in household /Household Income not more than

1 or 2 - $30,500

3 - $35,800

4 - $43,200
5 - $50,600
6 - $58,000

For more info, go to their website or call 1-800-427-2200. On their website, there's a link to apply online or to download a form which you can mail.

BUHAY AMERICA TIPS:Losing (and hopefully, finding) Your Stuff at LAX

I'm sure most of us have had that scary feeling when we're traveling. One moment we're calmly boarding our plane, and the next moment, ay naku! We suddenly realized we possibly left something at the airport.

If it's false alarm, good for you! Pero kung talagang may naiwan ka sa airport, it might not be the last time you see your stuff. All you have to do is find out who to contact and take the time to make the call.

The Los Angeles Times recently published an informative article on what to do when you lose items at the LAX.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the LAX police maintain a lost-and-found departments so if you lose something there, you might have a good chance that you can get it back. TSA hold most items for 30 days, the LAX police holds them for 97 days. Unclaimed items get donated.

The top 5 things they've recovered? Cellphones, luggage, electronics such as cameras & DVD players, laptops, and clothings. Each day, they find about "400 objects from checkpoints."

Writer Jane Engle lists the tips to remember to avoid losing-it hassles and what to do to when it happens:

* Carry on valuables. For every TSA employee who handles a bag, seven to 10 airline or contract employees may also handle it.

* Mark everything with a phone number and an e-mail address. Tape a business card to your laptop.

* Consolidate items. Put your keys and cellphone in your laptop case before going through security.

* Know whom to contact. Each airport may work differently. At LAX, if you think the loss happened at a security checkpoint, call the TSA at (310) 665-7382. Visit http://www.tsa.gov/ for more info, click on "For Travelers" and select "Lost & Found. There you can see the contact info for all airports.

If you think you left your item somewhere other than a TSA checkpoint, contact your airline or the LAX Airport Police Lost & Found; (310) 417-0440, www.lawa.org/lax/lostFound.cfm.

[photo: foxnews.com]

BUHAY AMERICA TIPS:Receiving Social Security BenefitsThrough Debit Cards

If you or someone you know are receiving Social Security benefits (including SSI), instead of waiting for your paper checks, you can get them monthly through a MasterCard debit card service called Direct Express. The government has made this service available to discourage the use of paper checks which are costly for both the government and the recipients who pay about $6 each time they cash their checks at cash-checking stores. Also, with this service, you don't have to worry about lost or stolen mail or postal delays.

Applying for a card is free, and you also get one free ATM withdrawal per month. Cardholders can also get free cash back with purchases at retail locations, or free cash withdrawals through bank or credit union tellers.

ATM owner surcharges may apply at ATMs outside the Direct Express network. After the first free withdrawal, you will be charged 90 cents per transaction thereafter.

For more info, go to this government website. To apply online, click here, and to sign up by mail, click here.

*Ignore the "Click on..." sign on the photo. That link won't work for this blog.

BUHAY AMERICA TIP: Low-Cost Auto Insurance For Californians

With gas prices getting higher and higher, anything that could save motorists hard-earned money is a great thing.

If you live in California, here's a way to get low-cost auto insurance.

California's Low Cost Automobile Insurance Program provides liability insurance coverage (if you're a new U.S. driver, click this to get info on why you need liability insurance) to qualified applicants for less than $400 a year, depending on which county you live. Halimbawa, if you live in L.A. County, the rate is $350, but if you live in Imperial County, the rate is only $208. San Diego is $265, while Riverside is $243. Here's the list of rates. NOTE: A 25% Surcharge is added to the base rate for unmarried, male drivers ages 19-24.

Do you qualify? You are if you:

1.) Meet low-income requirements (1 person = $26,000, 2 persons = $35,000, 4 persons = $53,000, 8 persons = $89,000)

2.) Meet the good driver standard (no more than one at-fault property damage only accident or more than one point for moving violation in the past three years)

3.) Have not had an at fault accident involving bodily injury or death in the past 3 years.

4.) Are at least 19 years old

5.) Have been continuously licensed to drive for the past three years

6.) Have a vehicle valued at less than the $20,000

How do you sign up?
Go to their website and/or call the CLCA hotline at: 1-866-602-8861.

[picture: CLCA website]

BUHAY AMERICA TIP: Intruder Alert for your E-mail Account

Setting up an intruder alarm for your e-mail account is another way by which you can repel ID thieves.

Here's an article written by PCWorld's Erik Larkin - he talks about how it's done (getting a hacker alarm) para malaman nyo kung may tumitingin na iba sa email account ninyo.

Eto ang sabi sa article:

1.) Open an account with OneStatFree.com, and use a disposable e-mail address to complete the registration process.
2.) You'll receive an email from OneStat with an attached file. Save the file, note the account number, and then delete the email.
3.) Rename the file with a name that would catch a hacker's eye like "AccountPasswords." Save the .txt file as an .htm file so it opens up in a web browser.
4.) Send an email with the .htm file to the account you want to monitor. Use a subject title that is eye catching.
5.) Wait for the hacker to take the bait. If the attachment is opened by anyone else but you, the hit counter will record their IP address.
6.) Change your password frequently to something that's a little harder to crack.

[photo: Yahoo.com]

BUHAY AMERICA TIP:Beware of Scammers Stealing Tax Refunds

If you get a call from someone saying that they are IRS agents and asking all kinds of personal financial information in relation to your tax refunds and rebates, hold the phone.

Better yet, disconnect.

Here's a story about how some scammers are targeting people expecting money back from the government. With tax season in full swing, some criminals are having a busy time, too, stealing money from those who are supposed to receive refunds (and soon, rebates).

Some people have received e-mails that looked like they came from the IRS and other government agencies, complete with believable logos, instructing them to click on a special attached form to provide personal information.

Never, ever, ever click. Tandaan ninyo: The IRS will never ask for bank account or similar information over the phone or Internet.

If you ever get this bogus call or e-mail, go to the IRS Web site and report it.

[photo: CNN.com]

BUHAY AMERICA TIP: Family Watchdog

FilipinOnline reader Jon Dela Cruz sent this informative link about Family Watchdog, an organization that maintains a website where parents can know where registered sex offenders live in your area.
It's creepy because in one click you can even see the pictures of the offenders, but a useful tool nonetheless for parents who would like to know if any of the offenders live near their home or the child's school.

BUHAY AMERICA TIPS:Be sure to check your W-2 for errors

This is the time of the year when we get our W-2 forms. The deadline for employers to put W-2s in the mail is Jan. 31 so if you haven't received yours by that time, tanungin na ninyo ang inyong accounting department.

[If you're a new immigrant: The W-2 is the tax form distributed by employers which lists the income you earned, retirement plan contributions, and the income taxes that were withheld for the previous year. This is needed to file individual tax returns.]

Kahit di mo natanggap ang W-2 mo, you're still required to file your tax return on time. Kung nahihirapan kang kunin ang W2 mo dahil may problema sa employer, you can file a complaint with the IRS by calling 800-829-1040 or go to http://www.irs.gov/. Don't call until after Feb. 14.

The deadline to file individual tax returns is on April 15.

After reviewing your W-2 and wondering where all the money went (or feeling depressed about how little the amount was), check your W-2s for any errors.

This article lists some potential problems to look for when you receive your W-2:
• Wrong name.
If you got married last year and changed your name, the name on your W-2 may not match the one on your Social Security card. Notify your employer of name mismatches right away. You may be able to get it corrected before your W-2 is sent to the Social Security Administration and your state.
• Misplaced W-2s.
You're supposed to get a W-2 from every company you worked for in 2004, even if you stayed for only a day or two. Companies that have gone out of business are supposed to send employees a W-2 form by the end of the month following the quarter they stopped operations.

What if Your Employer Refuses to Give You Your Form W-2?

Kung ayaw kang bigyan ng W2 for whatever reason, your employer still doesn't want to give you one, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.

Pag tumawag ka sa IRS, have this information ready:
1.) Your name and address, Social Security number, and contact information.

2.) The employer's name and complete address, including zip code, the employer’s identification number (if known), and telephone number.

3.) An estimate of the wages you earned, the federal income tax withheld, and the dates you began and ended employment.

[photo: msn.com]

Most Commonly Mispronounced English Words

Yes, we're known for sometimes confusing our Ps and Fs but there are other English words that trip even native English speakers.

Speaking of our Ps and Fs, naalala ko tuloy yung kwento ng isang katrabaho ko dati. She called a Pinoy client but the client wasn't home so the voicemail came up. The voicemail prompt left my coworker confused as to where and how exactly to leave her message for the client. This is what the client's recorded voice said:

"Sorry we missed your call. Please leave a message after the beef."

Anyway-- Here's a partial list with explanation from yourdictionary.com. Scroll down to get the full link. The first word is the commonly misprounced usage; the correct pronunciation is highlighted.

Some entries may surprise you. I didn't know that I've been mispronouncing "forte" till now:

Antartic - Antarctic
Just think of an arc of ants (an ant arc) and that should help you keep the [c] in the pronunciation of this word.

athelete - athlete
Two syllables are enough for "athlete."

[David Spader used this mispronunciation to great comedic effect in "The Benchwarmers". I know it's not an Oscar movie but it has Rob Schneider, who is Pinoy, so rent it now. - YBC]

cannidate - candidate
You aren't being canny to drop the [d] in this word. Remember, it is the same as "candy date."

[I know some of us are tempted to pronounce this with an American accent, like saying "twenny" instead of "twenty", but it doesn't make it correct - YBC]

duck tape - duct tape
Ducks very rarely need taping though you may not know that ducts always do—to keep air from escaping through the cracks in them.

Febyuary - February
We don't like two syllables in succession with an [r] so some of us dump the first one in this word. Most dictionaries now accept the single [r] pronunciation but, if you have an agile tongue, you may want to shoot for the original.

fedral - federal
Syncopation of an unaccented vowel is fairly common in rapid speech but in careful speech it should be avoided. See also "plute" and read more about the problem here.

forte -fort
The word is spelled "forte" but the [e] is pronounced only when speaking of music, as a "forte passage." The words for a strong point and a stronghold are pronounced the same: [fort].

'erb - herb
Does, ''My friend Herb grows 'erbs,'' sound right to you? This is a US oddity generated by the melting pot (mixed dialects). Initial [h] is always pronounced outside America and should be in all dialects of English.

irregardless - regardless
"-Less" already says ''without'' so there is no need to repeat the same sentiment with "ir-."

lambast - lambaste
Better to lambaste the lamb than to baste him—remember, the words rhyme. "Bast" has nothing to do with it.

often -ofen
We have mastered the spelling of this word so well, its spelling influences the pronunciation: DON'T pronounce the [t]! This is an exception to the rule that spelling helps pronunciation.

Here's the complete list of the 100 Most Commonly Mispronounced Words.

[picture from Savvy Traveler]

BUHAY AMERICA TIPS:Hit Delete on Texting While Driving

Naku, mga kababayan ko: Stop texting na while driving.

Apart from being ridiculously unsafe for you and the other motorists, it could land you in jail. If you haven't heard about the first texting-while-driving citation given to a distracted driver, then read this.

More and more states are adopting anti-cell phone-usage-while driving laws.

If you live in Calif., you must know that it is illegal for drivers under the age of 18 to use a cellphone, pager, text-messaging device or laptop while driving, even if they are wearing a headset.

Lawmakers used statistics that show that teenagers make up 6% of licensed drivers but 16% of auto accident fatalities in passing the bill.

For all California adult drivers, just a reminder: When you buy a new cell phone, make sure to get the hands-free one because by July 1, that's all we could legally use.

[photo: SWITCHED.COM]