Beware the bogus background check

A Fernwood reader emailed to warn us about a text message she received informing her that a background check had begun on her and she needed to act immediately.

Of course, the message included a link for her to click on in order to “act.” There was no reason given for what she needed to act on or why a background check was being performed.

Our reader knew it was a scam because she had not recently applied for a job or put herself in any other situation that would require a background check.

Be careful of these types of phishing texts as the scammer is trying to bait you into clicking on a link so they can infect your device with malware. Just delete the text and do not click on the link.

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Welcome to the neighborhood

Last week I recommended you watch out for an increased number of door knockers who might try to sell you a product or service. I received a call from the business owner of Bright Beginnings Welcoming Service here in Coeur d’Alene. The owner let me know that they do knock on doors unannounced to deliver welcome packets to new residents in the area. The packets give information about the area along with coupons to local businesses.

If you're new to the area, you might be getting some useful information about local businesses, city and state maps, local places of worship, recreation and cultural information throughout Kootenai County.

All of this information is completely free. The goal is to be a source of reference while offering support to our local businesses. You can check out Bright Beginnings website at https://sites.google.com/view/brightbeginningscda/home or call 208-661-2380 if you'd like a request or set an appointment for delivery of an information packet.

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Time to buy a bike?

The bicycle industry is still feeling the impacts of COVID-19. When indoor gyms shut down last year, many consumers decided to purchase a bike in order to stay fit. The spike in demand along with COVID-related shutdowns have left many bike shops with little inventory of new bikes.

Recently a Post Falls reader was told by the owner of a local bike store that if he ordered a bike today (mid-April), he would not see the bike until early next year. And this time estimate assumes no more widespread shutdowns.

You can also expect services or repairs for bikes to take longer than in the past. I took my bike in for a tune-up in March and the lead time then was 10 days. However, the same Post Falls reader took his bike in for a tune-up in mid-April and was told it would be about three weeks before the shop would start the job.

It seems that with fewer new bikes to purchase, more consumers are repairing or upgrading components on the bike they already own. So if you had your heart set on supporting our local bike shops, give it a try but be prepared to wait a bit before you can either get your existing bike serviced or purchase a new one.

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Restaurant surcharges

Some time ago I wrote about a local restaurant that was adding a surcharge to bills of patrons paying by credit card. A reader recently let me know about a new restaurant in Post Falls that is doing the same thing by adding a 2.5% surcharge for customers paying by either credit or debit card.

It is certainly understandable that restaurants have been through a rough time in the past year but the practice seems a bit sneaky when it's not obviously stated.

The Post Falls facility reportedly only placed the disclosure in very small print at the bottom of the menu. It would be nice if the restaurant could find a better way to let customers know or have the wait staff inform the customer before they place their order.

To consumers who don't wish to pay these added charges, scan the menu very carefully and remember to carry some cash so you can avoid the surcharge.

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Remember: I’m on your side.

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If you have encountered a consumer issue that you have questions about or think our readers should know about, please send me an email at [email protected] or call me at 208-274-4458. As The Cd'A Press Consumer Gal, I’m here to help. I’m a copywriter working with businesses on marketing strategy, a columnist, a veteran’s advocate and a consumer advocate living in Coeur d’Alene.