Don’t get taken to the cleaners on cleaning supplies
Phony calls and online sellers
Watch for online sellers who claim they have in-demand products such as household cleaning supplies and health and medical supplies. The FTC (Federal Trade Commission) issued a warning that there is an increase in complaints from consumers who order these supplies but then never get their shipment. Anyone can set up an online shop so you should check the legitimacy of the company before you order from them.
Check out the seller by doing an online search for the person or company’s name, phone number and email address. In your google search include words like “review,” “complaint” or “scam.” If you still decide to place your order, pay with a credit card and keep a record of your transaction.
In addition to setting up online shops, scammers have been busy making robocalls to pitch everything from scam COVID-19 treatments to work-at-home schemes. Remain vigilant and hang up on these calls and don’t press any numbers. Remember the recording might tell you they’ll remove you from the call list if you press 1 but it will likely lead to even more robocalls instead.
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Stimulus Check Fraud
It should come as no surprise that as millions of Americans are set to get their stimulus checks, criminals are trying to get their hands on your money as well and they are using spam calls to do it.
The most popular scam right now is crooks calling and asking you for your banking information to send stimulus checks via direct deposit. The next most frequent scam call asks for your banking information in order to make a same-day deposit.
Do not fall for these solicitations over the phone, text or email that ask you to pay a fee or supply private personal information in order to get your stimulus check. There is no need to sign up for anything and there is no way to get early access to this money.
Another reason these crooks are successful at perpetuating these scams is the lack of information on the status of stimulus checks directly from the IRS. I received dozens of calls last week from readers wanting to find out the status of their check. Unfortunately, the IRS has offered no phone number to call and has told consumers to simply visit its website at www.irs.gov to get the status.
However, some readers have said they are unable to get information from the website. So now this has set up a scenario that when scammers do call with an apparent offer of help, it is more likely targets will fall victim. I did hear from several readers who received their electronic checks and one reader who said she received a paper check from the IRS.
Please be aware that the IRS has stated that patience is required because it is expected to take weeks to get the checks out to all the intended recipients.
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Grocery Pickup Services
One service that has been picking up traction lately is ordering your groceries online then driving to the store to pick up your purchases. This has a couple of advantages by allowing you to monitor your spending while avoiding crowds in the grocery store since your purchases are brought out to your car by a store associate.
Typically, you’ll be asked to provide your payment information when you place your order online. If the store has a discount card (like Fred Meyer) for frequent shoppers, be sure to sign in so you get the best price offered. If an item is not available or has to be weighed, the actual amount charged may need to be adjusted. If you order something that is out of stock, you may receive a substitution if you click that option.
Another nice feature to online shopping is you will have a running list of items in your cart so it will be easy to stay under budget and keep track of what you are purchasing and spending. Also, you can make changes to your order up until your cut-off time.
When you pick up your order you will let the associate know you’ve arrived by calling the number on the sign if you don’t have the app on your phone. An associate will come to your vehicle and go through your list with you and let you know of any out-of-stock selections or substitutions that were made.
Check the pickup process at the store you are shopping at because each store has its own procedures. Make sure you show up within the time slot you indicate online. Often if you select same-day pick-up on orders this time usually cannot be modified.
Sometimes there is a small processing fee but it appears that right now most fees are being waived for pickup services or if you order over a certain dollar amount fees are being waived as well. If you are interested in this type of service, check with the store to see what its procedures are and if this is a good alternative for you to explore.
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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 terridickersonadvocate@gmail.com or call me at 208-274-4458. As The CDA Press Consumer Gal, I’m here to help. I’m a copywriter working with businesses on marketing strategy, a columnist, a veterans advocate assistant and a consumer advocate living in Coeur d’Alene.