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Entry bubble Read the Fine Print

By: Nicole | August 29, 2008 | Category: General

Mouse DetectiveHave you ever wondered about the full page of microscopic text that flashes for .02 seconds at the end of a car commercial? Well, the folks behind MousePrint.org certainly have. In fact, they have taken the time to review lots of ads to see what information is hidden in the fine print, and they’re willing to share their discoveries.

The website doesn’t just cover car ads either. Their retail section can keep you up-to-date on which companies are downsizing their products to hide rising costs, and their sweepstakes section can give you the skinny on unlikely giveaways.

If you have a complaint about a misleading advertisement, you should contact the company first. If that doesn’t work, there are steps you can take to resolve the issue.

And while we’re on the topic, I have some fine print to share about myself. I’ve accepted a new position at the Federal Trade Commission. Don’t worry. I will still be hard at work empowering consumers, and I will be leaving you in very capable hands. Our new Friday blogger, Ginger, is sure to keep you on your toes.*


*Nicole cannot be held accountable for Ginger's ability to keep you on your toes. All previous claims from Nicole expire as of August 29, 2008. Sorry, no refunds.

| View Comments [4] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: ads   advertisements   cars   claims   complaints   consumer   nicole   retail   shopping   sweepstakes  

 

Entry bubble Certified Deed Scam

By: Nancy | August 28, 2008 | Category: Home and Family

Recently, Gov Gab headquarters, aka the Federal Citizen Information Center, enjoyed a visit from investigative reporter Lisa Robinson from Baltimore's WBAL-TV. She was here to put together a story about one of our office's pet peeves: a consumer scam. We hate it when people try to rip you off and we do everything we can to keep you informed. So we like people, like Lisa, who are looking out for you, too.

deedOne of Lisa's viewers told her about a scam that's been circulating the country. It involves the deed to your home.

Like thousands of people nationwide, this viewer received a letter that looks like this from an official sounding company. It might also come to you in email form. The letter says that the Federal Citizen Information Center recommends that you get a certified copy of the deed to your home. Not sure where to get it? Lucky you—the company will provide it for you for just fifty-nine to eighty-nine bucks, depending on the version of the letter you receive. Oh, and don't forget the $4.50 shipping fee. I guess they photocopy your deed on especially heavy paper or something.

The truth is, we don't endorse that company or their service. You can get a copy of your deed yourself from your county clerk or registrar. In most places it's free or no more than ten bucks.

If you get any offer like this by mail, phone or email that sounds fishy, trust your gut and check it out with us, with your state or local consumer office or attorney general, or with your local consumer or investigative reporter, like Lisa.

Have you gotten one of these letters? What other scams have been hitting your area (or your inbox) lately?

| Post a Comment | View Comments [8] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: deed   home   nancy   scam  

 

Entry bubble Unemployment Compensation

By: Colleen | August 27, 2008 | Category: Money

Usually here at Gov Gab we're pretty good about making our posts all sunshine and rainbows and what-unemploymentnot. However, it's not a big secret that there is a lot of not so pleasant stuff going on. Food and gas prices are on the rise, and so is unemployment.

The U.S. Department of Labor's July report says that 43 states and the District of Columbia reported an increase in unemployment during the month of July. Nationwide, the unemployment rate is 5.7%—up a full percentage point from this time last year.

If you are laid off due to "no fault of your own," then you are eligible for unemployment compensation. Check your state's Department of Labor to find out the best and easiest way for you to file. Many of them let you file online or by phone. Be prepared with information such as you social security number, your mother's maiden name, and the Federal ID # of your employer (found on your W-2).

If you've been out of work because of a major disaster (must be declared by the President) like a flood, tornado, fire, or hurricane you are also eligible for Disaster Unemployment Insurance. People are eligible to claim for Disaster Unemployment Insurance a week after the event and up to 26 weeks following the disaster.

Laid off and thinking of starting your own business? There's help for that as well.

Unemployment compensation is designed to help keep you going while you find new work. During this time it is important to carefully watch your expenses, and save money. Any advice to help make ends meet while looking for work?

| View Comments [5] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: colleen   compensation   department   labor   laid   money   of   off   u.s.   unemployment  

 

Entry bubble School Bus Safety

By: Joanne | August 26, 2008 | Category: Home and Family

children looking out a school bus window

Today’s our first day of school, and two questions come to mind. Where did summer go? And why, why, why are there no seat belts on school buses!?!

When I was a little kid, my parents weren’t required by law to strap me into a car seat, but over the years we’ve learned a lot about safety. Whenever I get into a car I always buckle up, and my kids are properly restrained as well. So if I’m a criminal if I don’t buckle up my kids in the car, how does the school district get off? Why does the danger end when they climb the steps of the big, yellow school bus? I don’t get it.

I’ve done a little reading on the subject, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that school buses are one of the safest forms of transportation in the United States. Tragically, in the U.S. more than 42,000 people die in traffic crashes every year, and on average, six school age children die in school bus crashes. A 2002 report by the National Academy of Sciences looked at fatalities that occurred as kids were transported to and from school and the report says that only 2 percent are associated with official school transportation, compared to 22 percent due to walking/bicycling to or from school, and 75 percent from passenger car transportation to or from school. In fact, statistics show that the area around (outside) the bus is far more dangerous than being inside the bus, so be sure your kids know how to stay safe around the bus.

Still, I find these statistics only somewhat reassuring. I noticed that these reports are only addressing fatalities in school buses and ignoring injury. Maybe I have a wild imagination, but I would expect that in the event of a crash, those little children fly around in the bus like popcorn!

If school bus safety bothers you like it bothers me, do what I did and contact your elected officials and let them know that you think it’s an important issue.

| View Comments [4] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: bus   joanne   kids   safety   school   seat_belts  

 

Entry bubble Vancouver 2010!

By: Jake | August 25, 2008 | Category: Fun

Team USA struck gold in the Beijing Olympics. To me, the highlights were Michael Phelps winning a record 8 gold medals, Shawn Johnson and Nastia Liukin pretty much dominating women's gymnastics and the USA Men's Basketball team making like the Dream Team and winning a gold medal. Jake at Whistler Mountain

As crazy as it may sound, I am already excited about the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia. It makes sense though, since I had a really good time in Vancouver this summer and I am a sucker for skiing, ice hockey, bobsledding and many of the other winter events.

When I was in Vancouver, it was easy to get into the spirit, since construction crews were building event venues and widening the Sea to Sky Highway that connects Vancouver and Whistler, British Columbia, site of the alpine, Nordic and sliding events. Like China, I also think that Vancouver has neat cultural offerings that will give their games a distinct feel. Here is what you can expect to see a lot of in 2010:

  • Inukshuk – I am standing in one of these in the picture. The Inuit people of Canada stacked stones in human form across the landscape as guideposts for travelers. Over time, the inukshuks became a symbol of hope and friendship and they are the inspiration for the Ilanaaq—the official symbol of the 2010 Olympic Games.
  • Totem Poles – Another symbol of British Columbia's indigenous past. They are a very popular attraction in the province's capital of Victoria and Vancouver's Stanley Park, one of the largest city parks in North America.
  • Quatchi – One of three Vancouver Olympic mascots, Quatchi is a young sasquatch that inhabits the woods of British Columbia, like the legendary beast his creators were inspired by.

Keep in mind the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games take place at Boise, Idaho in February. But for now, what was your favorite moment from the Olympics?

| View Comments [1] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: canada   jake   olympics   sports   vancouver  

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