Be extremely careful giving any money to anyone asking for funds for Hurricane Harvey “victims.” If you want to donate money to help those affected, a great source is The American Red Cross.

You can donate directly by calling 1-800-HELP NOW (1-800-435-7669).

The American Red Cross works to help victims of disasters by “paying it forward.” That is, the money it has collected through its regular fundraising of the recent past is now providing immediate help to victims of Hurricane Harvey. The money you give now will help replenish the accounts being used to provide that aid.

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BAIT AND SWITCH: We’ve all heard the term, but what does it actually mean? In practical terms, it means a very unhappy consumer!

I got a call this week from a gentleman who called on an ad that said, “Dangerous trees removed — $250.” The consumer called, the contractor came out and even before looking at the tree to be removed, announced to the consumer, “I charge a minimum of $500 for tree removals.” The consumer asked about the $250 price as stated in the ad. According to the consumer, the contractor said: “I only put that price in my ad to get people to call.”

Obviously this guy never heard of “bait and switch,” nor does he see anything unethical about lying to people and misrepresenting his services, even in print.

In another incident, I got a second complaint about a car dealership in Kootenai County. The caller said the vehicles advertised were never available, regardless of how early the consumer checked. Excuses like “it was a misprint” or “the advertising department of the paper made an error” were offered.

The great state of Idaho takes “bait and switch” VERY seriously:

Idaho Code: “Advertising goods or services with intent not to supply reasonably expectable public demand, unless the advertisement discloses a limitation of quantity. Up to $5,000 per violation of the law prohibiting deceptive advertising (Idaho Code § 48-606(e))...”

Let this be a warning to big and small companies in this area. The days of ignoring “bait and switch” advertising are over!

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CAUGHT — A CONSUMER’S SCAM: A local dry cleaner called me, to give me a heads up about a complaint I might be getting from a consumer. Turns out a consumer left a very expensive garment with the dry cleaner for regular cleaning. Problem was, the garment was significantly damaged and stained in a manner that was irreparable. Unbeknownst to the consumer, it is common practice for the dry cleaner to document, with photographic, dated evidence, the condition of garments that are expensive AND damaged when they come in.

The consumer came in to pick up the garment and immediately insisted the dry cleaner either replace it or compensate him. The merchant did neither, sent the consumer packing and called me to let me know I might get a “consumer complaint.” I haven’t received that complaint and I hope I don’t.

Our local honest merchants work many long hours providing valuable goods and services. It’s a shame when someone attempts to take advantage of them. It compounds the insult when they post the illegitimate complaints on social media. (Warning to those who would post fake complaints: Be careful. You might find yourself on the wrong end of a very expensive lawsuit for damages.)

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WALKING AND BIKE TRAILS: In this area we have some of the best bike, walking and running trails in America. Our trails are wide, long, and well maintained and wind their way through spectacular country, over prairies, within view of beautiful mountains and along the shores of breathtaking rivers and lakes.

Unfortunately, there’s trouble in paradise that could easily turn tragic. What I’m referring to is those bike riders who insist on going as fast as they can, weaving between slower traffic, including older citizens, mothers with kids and strollers, and people out taking their dogs for a stroll (always remember to immediately clean up after your fur babies). The Tour de France wannabes have been endangering all other trail users by racing and exceeding the trail speed limits. The legal speed limit on the trails is 15 MPH — NO MORE! I’ve specifically asked the police to begin enforcing that speed limit.

A senior citizen with a poodle on a retractable leash or a mom with a stroller and a 4-year-old could be victims in a tragedy if a bike racer traveling in excess of 25 mph crashed into them. Let’s all show some consideration. Cyclists desiring to ride faster than 15 mph should use our roadways, not the walking trails. (Oh, and while on the roadways, please abide all traffic laws.)

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Remember: I’m in your corner.

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I have many more interesting cases that I’m working on as The CDA Press Consumer Guy. Call me at (208) 699-0506, email me at CDAPressConsumerGuy @gmail.com or fax me at (866) 362-9266. Also include your full name and a phone number. I am available to speak about consumerism to schools, and local and civic groups.

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Bill Brooks is the CDA Press Consumer Guy and an active Associate Real Estate Associate Broker for Tomlinson-Sotheby’s International Realty in Coeur d’Alene.