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Vote for your favorite scam

by Bill Brooks Special to
| October 4, 2018 1:00 AM

Scam artists are using the phone to prey on prospective Idaho voters.

The following information comes directly from the Idaho Secretary of State’s office and an article appearing in the Idaho Statesman by Christina Lords.

“Neither election officials nor legitimate voter advocacy groups will ever offer to register voters or mail out absentee ballots solely based on a phone conversation. Idaho Secretary of State Lawerence Denney reminded the public not to give out personal information over the phone.

Denney said, “With the General Election rapidly approaching, I urge all eligible Idahoans to register and vote. The Secretary of State’s online voter registration website, IdahoVotes.gov is safe, secure, and easy to use.”

Idahoans can also register to vote the day of the election at the polls with proof of identification and proof of residency, such as a utility bill, that shows you’ve lived at your address for at least 30 days. Anyone who has received one of these calls is encouraged to report the contact to the Secretary of State’s elections division at 208-334-2852 or their Kootenai County Clerk Jim Brannon at 208-446-1030.

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PROPOSED FEDERAL LAW: Here’s a quick two-point outline of a federal law that I think we need.

1. Make it illegal to allow phone companies to let scam and robo callers use the phone and service we as consumers pay for, to bombard us daily with nuisance calls. Big fines for phone companies that let the bad guys call us.

2. Severe and active law enforcement action against individuals who initiate scam and robo calls and the companies they work for. Penalty — big fines and jail time.

I’ve seen estimates that 50 percent or more of calls to consumers next year will be scam and/or robo calls. Any federal level politician who wants to easily be elected should introduce, push and pass legislation like this. They couldn’t help but be re-elected. This is not a political issue — it’s a consumer protection issue.

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OPEN ENROLLEMENT MEDICARE: The bombardment begins.

Open enrollment period for Medicare is Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. You will be contacted by email, snail mail, radio and television ads with all manner of slick advertising and spokespeople in white coats with stethoscopes dangling around their necks.

Instead of spending one minute listening, reading or watching this drivel, do your research. Go in and sit down with a local agent who can answer your questions. Not all supplemental plans are the same. What your prescription drug needs are, and other questions specific to you, are essential to ask and more importantly, to get a straight answer.

You can call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or go to medicare.gov. If you need more information or a recommendation, call me.

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PAINT STORE: A local well-known paint store has recently changed hands. A consumer called me to let me know that unlike before, the staff at the store refused to put her previously purchased paint on the mixer (you know the machine that sounds like an out-of-control machine gun). She had proof that she bought it from the store, but they still refused to help her.

She went to a local Ace Hardware store where they gladly helped her — for no charge.

Lesson: Local merchants are special and to be valued.

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NRA JUNK MAIL: The National Rifle Association, regardless of where you stand on guns and/or the Second Amendment, has one of the most active and aggressive fundraising arms of any organization in existence. LOTS of people complain to me about getting phone calls and mailings to join the NRA — even people who are already members.

There is a way to stop that: Opt Out! The NRA also sends information and special notices to members in the mail or by email about special member benefits, discounts and offers. If you do not wish to receive mailings, you can opt out of email lists immediately by following the instructions at the bottom of each email; email them using their website; or call them directly at 1-800-672-3888.

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GOING TO JAIL: Here’s a transcription of the automated call I received Wednesday morning:

“This message is only intended for the recipient. My name is Michell Townsend and this is your final notification regarding the service of your legal documents relating to your possible arrest. I have made several unsuccessful attempts to serve you at your current address. Unless you contact me immediately at 973-598-XXXX, a warrant for your arrest will be issued without further warning.”

You know this is a scam. Many calls like this are being made to consumers in our area. DON’T EVER CALL the number. It WILL be the beginning of a lot of trouble and expense for you. Again, if you are really unsure, call me.

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SEARS: Recently a consumer called because he was having problems getting a Sears appliance serviced. I suggested he call the Sears store located in the Spokane Valley. He did so and the manager of that store went “above and beyond” and solved his problem.

Kudos to Sears and a great big “attaboy” to the consumer for being both persistent and reasonable.

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VETERANS: Be cautious when enrolling in the VA Choice Program. On the surface, the VA Choice Program looks like a dream come true: Pick your doctor, be seen sooner than the VA doctors can schedule you, and the VA will pay the bill.

First of all, you can choose your doctor but only from an “approved” list. Second, wait times are sometimes almost as long for waiting to see a regular MD employed by the VA. Thirdly, there is no guarantee that the VA will pay the non-VA doctor on time. In that event, YOU are responsible for paying the bill in full, until such time as the doctor is paid. The bad news here is that the non-VA doctor is within their rights to turn your account into collections and hurt your credit rating.

P.S. Once you’re “enrolled” in the VA Choice Program, it is very difficult to get out and return to the regular VA. MY ADVICE: Be careful!

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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-BILL. You can follow me at www.billbrooks.us. I am available to speak about consumerism to schools and civic groups. Bill Brooks is a consumer advocate who lives in Coeur d’Alene with his proofreader, Bobbi (who is also his wife).