One reader got a number of calls purporting to be from his Visa card company. The fake company, and would be scammer, called the cardholder early on a Saturday morning, informing him that a suspicious charge was made to his Visa card from a location in India. He immediately went online and checked his account. There was no such charge.

In an hour or so, the same caller called again, with a more frantic and passionate message indicating that more charges were being made and that, in order to prevent more charges, which might be difficult to remove, the cardholder needed to “verify” his personal information, including his full name, Social Security number, his billing address and finally his actual credit card number, expiration date AND security code. (I’m surprised they didn’t ask for a fingerprint and his blood type.)

The consumer, being very sharp, after hearing this spiel hung up and called me. It was hard to talk with him in that he was still laughing at the amateur crooks trying to scam him. Really funny thing is, they tried to call him back three more times that day.

Crooks: A+ for persistence, F for smarts!

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MAILBOX MAYHEM: Mailboxes are like little safes, containing all sorts of valuable information about you, which scammers and crooks would love to have. Most of us still have the “old fashioned” mailboxes (without locks) with the little red flags on the side. Unfortunately, the little red flags are literally “red flags” for crooks to steal your outgoing mail — the same mail that has your checks that you’ve filled out and SIGNED.

Modern technology makes it easy for high tech crooks to erase or “wash” out the “pay to” line, the date, and the AMOUNT! Crooks then use the same type of pen and rewrite your check to their favorite charity — THEMSELVES.

Usually the bank will not cover you for the loss. The message from the financial institutions is: “it is your responsibility to hang onto your checks.” GOOD PRACTICE: Use a gel pen to write all checks. They are almost impossible to erase (wash). These pens are available at any office supply store. BEST PRACTICE: Use a gel pen and deposit outgoing mail in a United States Post Office Box, like the Post Office, or around town — not in the mailbox out in front of your house or on your front porch. Those days are, sorry to say, a thing of the past for smart consumers.

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PURLOINED PACKAGES: Why are crooks more active in the spring and summer? They seem to come out about the time flies, gnats, and mosquitos start being a problem.

I’ve had a large number of consumers call, reporting that various packages have been taken off their front porch or steps. One easy way to cut down on this “snatch and run” thievery is to put a small but obvious sign at your door that looks something like this:

“THIS AREA UNDER VIDEO SURVEILLANCE.”

Assuming that the crooks can read, it might help. If the thefts continue, and it being spring and cleanup time, clean your back yard of all the doggie leavings and put them in a pretty box, addressed to the crooks. Leave it on your porch. Maybe it will be gone when you get back home! Something about M80s and mailboxes comes to mind, but that’s probably NOT a good idea in today’s world. Poop goes the weasel!

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FAKE REFUND CHECKS-TAKE 2: Be careful, careful, careful, BEFORE you cash them!

Many consumers have recently received “refund” checks from companies that they’ve never heard of. There are two areas to be careful of: One, when you cash the check you may give crooks a clue to your banking information, routing number, account number and any ID you used to identify yourself to the bank in order to cash or deposit the check — like a driver’s license number; the second area of concern is that you may, by endorsing the check, agree to receive AND PAY FOR future purchases. The Fake Refund Checks are usually bait — DON’T GET HOOKED! An extra $9.95 is not worth exposing yourself to fraud or making a legally binding commitment to buy a lot of crap you don’t want or need.

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BUT YOU’VE COVERED THAT BEFORE: My wife, who, as many of my readers know, proofreads my rambling writings, often points out, “You’ve covered this topic before.” It’s true, I have, but much to my chagrin, not everybody reads my column every time it’s in the paper. The reason I repeat some of my warnings is that the subject matter does bear repeating. If you knew how many consumers call me with a “new” scam they just discovered — the “IRS” scam, the “My Grandson is in Jail” scam or the oldie but goodie, “Microsoft Just Called Me” scam — you’d understand why I, from time to time, repeat these warnings.

If I had a nickel for every time someone called me with a scam that was new to them but old to the rest of us, I’d be counting a lot of nickels! On the other hand, the favorite thing I say to ALL those who call is “thank you, you’ve made my day, please call again.” Just because most of us are aware of some of the more common scams, doesn’t mean that all of us are.

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DO WE HAVE FLEAS & TICKS: Yes, fleas and ticks are a problem in North Idaho; our pets also often suffer from these afflictions. As warmer months approach, make sure your pets’ vaccinations are up to date AND they have adequate flea and tick protection.

We have a number of nice doggie parks in the area, because dogs like to run in packs and play together. They can also infect each other with various diseases and parasites. You may take perfect care of your pooch, but remember, not everyone does. Some of the diseases your dog can contract can be life-threatening. Other parasites are just yucky, like worms, fleas and ticks. Last fall, my little hunting dog brought home a batch of ticks. Apparently I didn’t check her carefully enough. That night I woke up with a tick crawling down my cheek. Double yeech! I got it before it found a home, but I still have nightmares about it.

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FINAL IMPORTANT THOUGHT: Bud, a friend of mine, just reminded me that many doctors offices are using recorded robo calls to remind patients about upcoming appointments and suggested that consumers at least listen to the first few words so they don’t miss medical appointments. If it’s a scammer — then hang up!

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REMEMBER BILL BROOKS: “He’s On Your Side”

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I have many more tips and interesting cases that I’m working on. Call me at (208) 699-0506, or email me at BillBrooksAdvocate@gmail.com or fax me at (866) 362-9266. (#GoGetEmBillBrooks) You can follow me at www.billbrooksconsumer advocate.com. I am available to speak about consumerism to schools, and local and civic groups. Bill Brooks is a consumer advocate and the Broker and Owner of Bill Brooks Real Estate in Coeur d’Alene.