Grandma’s Cures
Keep this on the fridge

Did you know that?  Drinking two glasses of Gatorade can relieve headache pain almost immediately—without the unpleasant side effects caused by traditional “pain relievers.”      
Did you know that Colgate toothpaste makes an excellent salve for burns.

Before you head to the drugstore for a high-priced inhaler filled with mysterious chemicals, try chewing on a couple of curiously strong Altoids peppermints.  They’ll clear up your stuffed nose.            

Achy muscles from a bout of the flu? Mix 1 tablespoon of horseradish in 1 cup of olive oil.  Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes, then apply it as massage oil, for instant relief for aching muscles.

Sore throat? Just mix ¼ cup of vinegar with ¼ cup of honey and take 1 tablespoon six times a day.  The vinegar kills the bacteria. 

Cure urinary tract infections with alka-seltzer Just dissolve two tablets in a glass of water and drink it at the onset of the symptoms. Alka-seltzer begins eliminating urinary tract infections almost instantly—even though the product has been advertised for this use. 

Honey remedy for skin blemishes…Cover the blemish with a dab of honey and place a Band-aid over it.  Honey kills the bacteria, keeps the skin sterile, and speeds healing.  Works overnight.

Listerine therapy for toenail fungus….get rid of unsightly toenail fungus by soaking your toes in Listerine mouthwash.  The powerful antiseptic leaves your toenails looking healthy again.

Easy eyeglass protection….to prevent the screws in eyeglasses from loosening, apply a small drop of maybelline Crystal clear  nail polish to the threads of the screws before tightening them.

Coca-cola cures for rust….forget those expensive rust removers.  Just saturate an abrasive sponge with Coca cola and scrub the rust stain.  The phosphoric acid in coke is what gets the job done.

Cleaning liquid that doubles as a bug killer…if menacing bees, wasps, hornets, or yellow jackets get in your home and you can’t find the insecticide, try a spray of Formula 409. Insects drop to the ground instantly.

Smart splinter remover…just poor a drop of Elmer’s Glue-All over the splinter, let dry, and peel the dried glue off the skin.  The splinter sticks to the dried glue.

Hunt’s tomato paste boil cure….cover the boil with hunt’s tomato paste as a compress.  The acids from the tomatoes soothe the pain and bring the boil to a head.

Balm for broken blisters…do disinfect a broken blister, dab on a few drops of Listerine…a powerful antiseptic.

Heinz Vinegar to heal bruises…soak a cotton ball in white vinegar and apply it to the bruise for one hour.  The vinegar reduces the blueness and speeds up the healing process.

Kills fleas instantly.  Dawn dish washing liquid does the trick.  Add a few drops to your dog’s bath and shampoo the animal thoroughly.  Rinse well to avoid skin irritations.  Goodbye fleas.

Rainy day cure for dog odor…Next time your dog comes in from the rain, simply wipe down the animal with Bounce or any dryer sheet, instantly making your dog smell springtime fresh.

Eliminate ear mites….all it takes I a few drops of Wesson corn oil in your cat’s ear.  Massage it in, then clean with a cotton ball.  Repeat daily for 3 days.  The oil soothes the cat’s skin, smothers the mites and accelerates healing.

Quaker oats for fast pain relief….It’s not for breakfast anymore! Mix 2 cups of Quaker Oats and one cup of water in a bowl and warm in the microwave for one minute, cool slightly and apply the mixture to your hands for soothing relief from arthritis pain.


ATTORNEY'S ADVICE -- NO CHARGE


1.  The next time you order checks have only your initials (instead of first name and last name) put on them.  If someone takes your checkbook, they will not know if you sign your checks with just your initials or your first name, but your bank will know how you sign your checks.

2.  Do not sign the back of your credit cards.   Instead, put "PHOTO ID REQUIRED"

3. When you are writing checks to pay your credit card accounts, DO NOT put the complete account number on the "for" line.  Instead, just put the last four numbers.  The credit card company knows the rest of the number, and anyone who might be handling your check as it passes through all the check processing channels won't have access to it.

4. Put your work phone # on your checks instead of  your home phone, or better still, no phone number at all.. If you have a PO box,  use that instead of your home address.  If you do not have a PO box, use your work address.  Never have your SS# printed on your checks. ((DUH).  You can add it if it is necessary.  But if you have it printed, anyone can get it

5. Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine. Do both sides of each license, credit card, etc.  You will know what you had in your wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel.  Keep the photocopy in a safe place.  I also carry a photocopy of my passport when I travel either here or abroad.  We've all heard horror stories about fraud that's committed on us in stealing a name, address, social security number or credit cards.

Unfortunately, I, an attorney, have firsthand knowledge because my wallet was stolen last month.  Within a week, the thief ordered an expensive monthly cell phone package, applied for a VISA credit card, had a credit line approved to buy a computer, received PIN number from DMV to change my driving record information online, and more.  But here's some critical information to limit the damage in case this happen to you or someone you know.

1. We have been told we should cancel our credit cards immediately. But
the key is having the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy so
you know whom to call. Keep those where you can find them.

2. File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where your
credit cards, etc., were stolen. This proves to credit providers you
were diligent, and this is a first step toward an investigation (if
there ever is one).

But here's what is perhaps most important of all: 
(I never even thought to do this.)

3. Call the 3 national credit reporting organizations immediately to
place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security number. I had never
heard of doing that until advised by a bank that called to tell me an
application for credit was made over the Internet in my name. The alert
means any company that checks your credit knows your information was
stolen, and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit

By the time I was advised to do this, almost two weeks after the theft,
all the damage had been done. There are records of all the credit
checks initiated by the thieves' purchases, none of which I knew about
before placing the alert.  Since then, no additional damage has been
done, and the thieves threw my wallet away. This weekend someone turned
it in. It seems to have stopped them dead in their tracks.

Now, here are the numbers you always need to contact about your wallet,
etc., has been stolen:
1.) Equifax:  1-800-525-6285
2.) Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742
3.) Trans  Union: 1-800-680-7289
4.) Social Security Administration (fraud line):  1-800-269-0271


New phone scam  TELEMARKETING FRAUD

I received a telephone call last evening from an individual identifying himself as an AT&T Service technician who was conducting a test on telephone lines. He stated that to complete the test I should touch nine (9), zero (0), the pound sign (#), and then hang up.
  
Luckily, I was suspicious and refused.  Upon contacting the telephone company, I was informed that by pushing 90#, you give the requesting individual full access to your telephone line, which enables them to place long distance calls billed to your home phone number.
  
I was further informed that this scam has been originating from many local jails/prisons. I have also verified this information with UCB Telecom, Pacific Bell, MCI, Bell Atlantic and GTE. Please beware.
  
DO NOT press 90# for ANYONE.  The GTE Security Department requested that I share this information with EVERYONE I KNOW.
  
PLEASE pass this on to everyone YOU know.  If you have mailing lists and/or newsletters from organizations you are connected with, I encourage you to pass on this information to them. After checking with Verizon they said it was true, so do not dial (9), zero (0), the pound sign # and hang up for anyone.
 
SCAM 1 - TELEMARKETING FRAUD

While telemarketers call people of all ages, backgrounds, and incomes, according to the AARP, up to 80 percent of their calls are to older consumers. These telemarketers often prey upon older people who are well educated, have above-average incomes and are socially active in their communities. Their sales pitches are sophisticated and include phony prizes, illegitimate sweepstakes, fake charities, and bogus investments.

STEPS TO TAKE:
·Never send money or give out personal information such as credit card numbers, bank account numbers, dates of birth, or social security numbers to unfamiliar companies or unknown persons.

·If you have doubts about a telemarketer's legitimacy, be sure to ask for their company's name and address, along with a phone number where they can be contacted. Ask if you can do some research "online" and ask for their Web site address.

·For elderly widows, if a caller asks for the man of the house, be sure not to say that there isn't one or indicate that you live alone.

·Talk to family and friends or call your lawyer, accountant or banker and get their advice before you make any large purchase or investment over the phone with a stranger.

·Check out unfamiliar companies with your local consumer protection agency, Better Business Bureau, the National Fraud Information Center, or other watchdog groups.

·Be sure to sign up for the Federal Trade Commission's Do-Not-Call-Registry. Telemarketers who continue to call you after you have registered are subject to penalties. You can sign up at www.donotcall.gov or at 888- 382-1222.

·Don't forget you can simply hang up the phone when a stranger calls trying to sell you something you don't want!

SCAM 2 - HOME IMPROVEMENT FRAUD

Home improvement contractors use several methods of targeting seniors: high-pressure phone calls, flyers, advertisements, and door-to-door-sales. While most contracted home repairs are completed satisfactorily, fraudulent contractors can be very effective in making people think their services are needed, and then defrauding their victims.

STEPS TO TAKE:
·Use a local well-established contractor. Ask for references and licenses, and check with other customers to find out if they were satisfied.

·Get competitive bids on all work and be wary of any bids that seem too good to be true. Don't accept high-pressure offers or offers that force you to make quick decisions.

·Determine exactly what work you want done. Make sure the project is explicitly described in your contract, including materials and labor specifics and dates for estimated start and completion.

·Never say "yes" to someone who wants money before the job is done or wants you to withdraw a large amount of money from your bank.

·Check to see that the work is complete and done correctly before paying.
·Find out when and how payment and/or billing will take place before the work begins.

SCAM 3 - DOOR-TO-DOOR SALES

Seniors are frequent victims of door-to-door scams and high-pressure sales tactics. While some door-to-door salespeople are honest, the chances are likely that whomever answers the door is about to be swindled. Con-artists often try to coax seniors into buying unnecessary products or services ranging from living trusts to encyclopedias to household cleaning supplies. They usually appear friendly and sincere in their desire to help. In fact, they are successful because they seem so honest.

STEPS TO TAKE:
·Never allow anyone you don't know into your home. It is easier to close the door on them before they get in, than to get them out once they are inside.

·Don't buy on impulse. Tell the salesperson you will get back in touch with them after you have had a chance to carefully read all the materials given to you.

·Ask to see the salesperson's credentials and identification and request their business card. Many communities require door-to-door salespersons to have a permit. Other communities may have no-solicitation rules that could mandate you call security.

·Never give cash up front to a salesperson or rely on verbal promises for delivered goods.

·If you sign a contract, make sure that it is complete, signed, and dated. Get all terms in writing, including the total price, warranties, return policy, and all conditions of sale. Read it carefully; sometimes it the "fine print" that can cost you thousands of dollars.

·Know that you can get out of a door-to-door sales contract within three business days. According to the FTC's "Cooling Off Rule," you have the right to cancel your contract for a full refund until midnight of the third business day after the sale, provided that you have a signed contract and the sale was over $25. You do not have to have any reason for canceling.

If you are a senior or know a senior that has been a victim of fraud, be sure to report the act immediately. Seniors can contact the following agencies for more information:

·Federal Trade Commission - www.ftc.gov or 877-FTC-HELP (382-4357) - The FTC enforces federal consumer protection laws that prevent fraud, deception, and unfair business practices. Whether combating telemarketing fraud, internet scams, or price-fixing schemes, the FTC's primary mission is to protect consumers.

·Better Business Bureau -The BBB's mission is to promote and foster the highest ethical relationship between businesses and the public through voluntary self-regulation, consumer and business education, and service excellence. You can find your local office on the BBB's Web site: www.bbb.org.

·The National Fraud Information Center -The NFIC is a project of the National Consumers League and was designed to help people learn about fraud and file complaints. Additional information about how to avoid becoming a victim of fraud is listed on their Web site: www.fraud.org   or by calling 800-876-7060.


Federal Trade Commission - www.ftc.gov or 877-FTC-HELP (382-4357) - The FTC enforces federal consumer protection laws that prevent fraud, deception, and unfair business practices. Whether combating telemarketing fraud, internet scams, or price-fixing schemes, the FTC's primary mission is to protect consumers.

Better Business Bureau -The BBB's mission is to promote and foster the highest ethical relationship between businesses and the public through voluntary self-regulation, consumer and business education, and service excellence. You can find your local office on the BBB's Web site: www.bbb.org.

The National Fraud Information Center -The NFIC is a project of the National Consumers League and was designed to help people learn about fraud and file complaints. Additional information about how to avoid becoming a victim of fraud is listed on their Web site: www.fraud.org, or by calling 800-876-7060.

American Association of Retired Persons - www.aarp.org - AARP provides seniors with information on financial planning, using home equity, avoiding fraud, and consumer rights.

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