When “Old Man Winter” starts knocking on your door, it’s important to remember to protect your home and vehicles. Recently insurance companies have asked us to remind people of how they can protect their valuable assets against the elements. Here’s some tips for you to keep in mind during these cold winter months:

TIPS FOR OUTSIDE YOUR HOME:

* Clean out gutters. Remove leaves, sticks and other debris from gutters, so melting snow and ice can flow freely. This can prevent ice damming — a condition where water is unable to drain through the gutters and instead seeps into the house causing water to drip from the ceiling and walls.

 * If your engine is experiencing hard starts, stalling, or other problems, fix it now, not later.

* Install new windshield wiper blades. Blades should make full contact with the window. Keep extra washer fluid and an ice scraper in your car.

* Keep a cold weather safety kit in your car that that includes gloves, boots, blankets, flares, water and a flashlight.

* Examine your tires for tread life and uneven wearing. Be sure tires are properly inflated. Tires lose a pound of pressure for every 10 degrees the temperature drops.

* Make sure the heater and defroster are properly working to ensure driver visibility.

* Flush the cooling system every two years with a 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and water. Check the level, condition, and concentration of the antifreeze mixture periodically.

 * Check your battery fluid levels, battery posts, and cable connectors. Bad connections can prevent your car from starting.

* Check your brakes as recommended. If you’re experiencing trouble such as pulsations, noises, or longer stopping distances than seem normal, have a professional look at it immediately.

* Make sure all lights and bulbs are in working order and replace any burned-out bulbs.

* Have a mechanic look over your car whenever you spot something that does not seem normal.   An inspection now may prevent you from being stranded on a cold winter day.

*These tips were sent to 10 On Your Side by Allstate Insurance based out of Illinois.

Below is an email that I received from the Board of Contractors in Richmond :   Important information I wanted to pass as many are in the clean-up process and may being hiring a contractor.

Check out more information on post storm scams on wavy.com

Nor’easter Damage Raises Risk of Fraud

Board for Contractors Warns Consumers: Beware of Unlicensed Contractors

Richmond – The need for repairs following flooding and high winds can make consumers vulnerable to unscrupulous contractors and repairmen who may exploit the situation. In response to property damage from the recent Nor’easter, the Virginia Board for Contractors cautions the public to be wary of unlicensed contractors and home repair scam artists after the storm.

        “After severe weather, homeowners trying to make repairs can be vulnerable to con artists,” warns agency spokesperson Mary Broz-Vaughan. “Consumers can protect themselves by checking for a valid contractor’s license and insisting on a detailed written contract.”

        Virginia law requires a state license – not just a local business license – for most contracting work or bids over $1,000. Consumers have very little recourse against unlicensed contractors. The Board for Contractors offers a free consumer guide,  What You Should Know Before Hiring a Contractor, available for download at www.dpor.virginia.gov.

Before hiring a contractor, consumers should observe the following “Top Ten Tips:”

•  
  1. Hire only licensed contractors.
  2. Check for a valid contractor license at www.dpor.virginia.gov or (804) 367-8511.
  3. Get three references and review past work.
  4. Get at least three bids.
  5. Insist on a written contract and do not sign anything until you understand the terms.
  6. Pay 10 percent down or $1,000, whichever amount is less.
  7. Do not let payments get ahead of the work. Keep records of all payments.
  8. Do not make final payment until you are satisfied with the job.
  9. Do not pay cash.
  10. Keep a job file of all papers relating to your project (change orders, warranties, etc.).

SCAM SIGNALS:

•  
  •  
    • High-pressure or scare tactics (“offer good today only”)
    • Over-friendly sales pitches
    • “Material left-over”
    • Escalating prices              
    • Deals that sound too good to be true 

###

Set against the backdrop of Mount Trashmore in Virginia Beach, the ‘Out of the Darkness Community Walk’ took over a beautiful Saturday morning at the park.  Wavy TV/FOX 43 was a proud sponsor of the event once again. Thousands of participants showed up .. some to remember, some to prevent and other to support. The ‘Out of the Darkness’ walk is meant to bridge the gap between Depression and Suicide. The link between the two has been proven and now it’s out job to bring the facts ‘out of the darkness’.  I was lucky enough to emcee/host the event this year and I was just one of many speakers who brought their story to the stage.

Organizer Chris Ghilcrest spoke from the heart.

Take a look at the pictures below. You’ll see a very colorful audience. It was no accident. Each registered walker received a t-shirts of various colors and a ribbon to tie on your arm, also in different colors. The colors were meant to identify someone who died by suicide. I don’t remember exactly which colors represented which .. but for example .. those wearing red ribbons had a son or daughter die by suicide .. and so on. Standing on stage and looking out at these people was a very intense moment. To know what they have lost is powerful.

Huddled together for support.

Colors everywhere.

This was the last time Col. John Green wore his military uniform. Jon read almost 150 names of people who had died by suicide, while family members listened attentively for the ‘closure’ that reading  may bring. One incredible fact many may not know: In January of 2008, the military reported more deaths of enlisted service members by suicide than in combat. Mind you, in Jan. of 2008 the war in Iraq and Afghanistan was very much alive.

The Military presence was strong.

It's a One Woman Show!!

This is another picture of Chris. She is a liscensed therapist in Chesapeake and she takes on the organizational task of this entire event. The process for the next years ‘Out of the Darkness Walk’ literally begins the day after the event. She puts in countless (thousands) of hours to make this happen. She makes a difference. I was proud to work with her on this event.

Through the 'Wall of 1,000 Cranes' the walk begins.

You can see the ‘Wall of 1,000 Cranes’ behind these walkers. I marked the starting point for the trek around Mt. Trashmore. The ‘Cranes’ has a special spiritual connection with depression and suicide.

Johnny Flex spinning some tunes!

And who else?? D.J. Johnny Flex givin’ us some tunes to walk with.

When all the names were counted Chris told me we had more than 2,000 walkers take part this year. In fact last year, our local ‘Out of the Darkness’ walk had more particiapants that cities like Chicagao and Philly. We ranked #3 out of more than 150 walks nationwide. Many thanks there to Chris Ghilchrest .. once again.

I hope the walk this year inspired some and gave others the chance to remember and gain closure. Looking out at the faces in the crowd as I spoke, I think this event brought more than ever expected to everyone in attendance. Hope to see you all next year.  Until then .. keep your eyes and more importantly your ears open. Listen when someone describes how they’re feeling. If you think they may be falling into depression. Get them/yourself help.

Let me hear about you experiences at the walk.

See ya.

Eric

If  you have children move all of your medicine way up high or better yet lock it up.   We just put child resistant medicine bottles to the test with a kindergarten class at  Christ The King School in Norfolk and boy was it an eye opener.

Of the 24 students in our experiment 8 were able to open the bottles.  That’s 1/3 of  the class.    Our bottles were empty, but we used the same bottles pharmacists use for narcotics and anitbiotics.  We also used over the counter bottles used for aspirin, ibuprofen and vitamins.

It took the 8 students on average less than a minute to get the bottle open.  How many times have you walked out of the room for a minute and left an aspirin bottle on the table?  From now on  I’m definetly going to be more careful.

Friday morning started a little different than most of my Friday mornings. I was up and at the station early to pick up my camera and head down to Elizabeth City. I was tasked with completing a ride-along with the Elizabeth City Coast Guard and shooting video of the flight.  The Coast Guard crew were heading up and down the East Coast to issue a marine warning about Tropical Storm Danny. (I have to admit that I, not being a seasoned photographer, was so worried about getting enough video, that prior to the flight, I didn’t even think twice about what the day had in store for me.)

I arrived at the Coast Guard base about 7:45a and was immediately asked if anyone told me to pack my lunch (of course they didn’t!) and informed that it was going to be a ”long day”. After a quick stop at the exchange where I purchased enough snacks to get me through the day, I met the Commander (CDR Bruyere) and Co-pilot (Lt. Davis) of my flight. We boarded the HC-130J Hercules aircraft, and after a few routine checks, we were on our way. The flight began about 9am and we started heading south towards Wilmington, NC. 

Our "ride" for the day!

Once we arrived in the Wilmington area and positioned ourselves about 100 miles of the coast, AMT2 Brandon Kelly began transmitting the Urgent Marine Information Broadcast every 15 minutes on VHF-FM channel 16, the marine band radio emergency channel.  The warning stated that Tropical Storm Danny was about 24 hours away from the East Coast of the United States and included wind speeds, direction and speed at which TS Danny was traveling.     

My view from the flight deck/cockpit!

From Wilmington we headed straight up the East Coast to New York. When we arrived in New York, I thought to myself that this flight was a “piece of cake.” Little did I know that we were only HALFWAY through our SEVEN (yes 7!) hour flight and that we still had to go all the way back down to Wilmington. Now, one would think that being in a plane that big, motion sickness, dizziness and headaches wouldn’t be a problem… well think again! After 5 hours of being in flight(and flying through numerous thunderstorms), motion sickness got the best of me (no I didn’t get sick [THANK GOODNESS], but I did have a MASSIVE headache). When I told the crew members what was wrong, they assured me that if I put on the oxygen mask then it would solve most, if not all, of my problems, boy were they right! (I guess these guys haven’t been in the Coast Guard this long without learning a few “tricks of the trade”!)

Nice mask, huh?!?!?

In all, we didn’t see many boats on the water (only about 15 along the East Coast). The Coast Guard feels like their mission was a success. Commander Bruyere stated that he was happy that most of the mariners took the precautions necessary for the upcoming storm and stayed off the water for the day.

We landed back at the Elizabeth City Coast Guard base around 4pm on Friday afternoon. During my 45 minute drive back to the station, I couldn’t help but think that a 7 hour flight would have me halfway to Europe or already on the West Coast of the United States (and laying on the beach) or almost in Hawaii.  BUT I figured I can’t complain too much, but home wasn’t such a bad place to land!  (Let’s be honest, by that time, I was just happy to be on the ground!)

The crew of flight 2001 was wonderful. CDR Bruyere and Lt. Davis, were very hospitable and great in answering all of my questions. The guys in the crew made sure that I understood what was going on and took time to explain everything to me! I can’t thank them enough for their warm welcome… they even let me check out the view from the co-pilot’s chair (actually I snuck in while he was “stretching his legs”!!!!)

I got to sit in Lt. Davis' seat!

Thanks guys!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hi everyone…..

We get quite a few calls here at 10 On Your Side regarding unwanted robocalls.  You know those annoying calls right in the middle of dinner.  Those telemarkers will now have to get written permission from you before calling.

Kelly Welsh

kelly.welsh@wavy.com

Check out the latest release from the FTC.

For Release: 08/27/2009
New Rule Prohibiting Unwanted “Robocalls” to Take Effect on September 1
Telemarketers Must Obtain Prior Written Approval from Consumers Who Want to Receive Such Calls
Beginning September 1, 2009, prerecorded commercial telemarketing calls to consumers – commonly known as robocalls – will be prohibited, unless the telemarketer has obtained permission in writing from consumers who want to receive such calls, the Federal Trade Commission announced today.

“American consumers have made it crystal clear that few things annoy them more than the billions of commercial telemarketing robocalls they receive every year,” said Jon Leibowitz, Chairman of the FTC. “Starting September 1, this bombardment of prerecorded pitches, senseless solicitations, and malicious marketing will be illegal. If consumers think they’re being harassed by robocallers, they need to let us know, and we will go after them.”

The new requirement is part of amendments to the agency’s Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR) that were announced a year ago. After September 1, sellers and telemarketers who transmit prerecorded messages to consumers who have not agreed in writing to accept such messages will face penalties of up to $16,000 per call.

The rule amendments going into effect on September 1 do not prohibit calls that deliver purely “informational” recorded messages – those that notify recipients, for example, that their flight has been cancelled, an appliance they ordered will be delivered at a certain time, or that their child’s school opening is delayed. Such calls are not covered by the TSR, as long as they do not attempt to interest consumers in the sale of any goods or services. For the same reason, the rule amendments also do not apply to calls concerning collection of debts where the calls do not seek to promote the sale of any goods or services.

In addition, calls not covered by the TSR – including those from politicians, banks, telephone carriers, and most charitable organizations – are not covered by the new prohibition. The new prohibition on prerecorded messages does not apply to certain healthcare messages. The new rule prohibits telemarketing robocalls to consumers whether or not they previously have done business with the seller.

Under a previous rule that took effect on December 1, 2008, telemarketing robocall messages by businesses covered by the TSR must tell consumers how to opt-out of further calls at the start of the message, and provide an automated opt-out mechanism that is voice or keypress-activated. Prerecorded messages left on answering machines must also provide a toll-free number that connects to the automated opt-out mechanism.

After September 1, consumers who receive prerecorded telemarketing calls but have not agreed to get them should file a complaint with the Commission, either on the donotcall.gov Web site or by calling 1-888-382-1222.

The Commission’s 2008 press release announcing the changes to the TSR’s prerecorded telemarketing provisions and a link to the related Federal Register notice can be found on the FTC’s Web site at:http://www2.ftc.gov/opa/2008/08/tsr.shtm.

The Federal Trade Commission works for consumers to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices and to provide information to help spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint in English or Spanish, visit the FTC’s online Complaint Assistant or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). The FTC enters complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to more than 1,500 civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad. The FTC’s Web site provides free information on a variety of consumer topics.

Breast cancer is no laughing matter but who says you can’t have some fun trying to beat it?   Chesapeake Regional Medical Center dubs its “Bra-ha-ha” as a ’seriously uplifting experience’.  Let me tell you it is.

In case you don’t know, its a bra decorating contest.   You decorate a 36 C under wire bra using any non-perishable thing you can imagine.  Last years entries knocked our socks off.    One person used pennies to create a piece called “Invest in your chest” .  Another used the faces of all different kinds of women to show that breast cancer touches women of all ages, races and religions.  The winner last year was a pink camouflage number hand sewn with sequences.

The winner is chosen by a panel of celebrity judges (including yours truly) and gets a $500 prize.

The deadline to enter is September 11 at 4pm.  For more info go to the Chesapeake Regional Medical Center’s web page

Now, put on your creativity caps and get to work!   See you at the Gala.

According to a recent report from FOX NEWS, there are nine very prevelant scams targeting unsuspecting victims. Here are a list of scams that you should watch out for:

1. Asian Invasion: The “Asian Extortion Scam” targets business owners, mostly of Asian decent, with death threats and other violence. Scammers pluck personal information about their targets from online searches and use the sensitive data to make victims feel vulnerable. The extortionists, who appear to be calling from outside the U.S., generally demand between $10,000 and $30,000 — though the FBI says there have been no reports of actual violence stemming from the schemes.

2. Mystery Shopping Scam: Some companies pay “mystery shoppers” to act as sample customers and test out the service at stores, banks and restaurants. But scammers are now targeting stay-at-home moms with “opportunities” to be defrauded of thousands of dollars. Victims receive a letter in the mail from a company offering about $400 for shopping at a few stores, along with a check for thousands of dollars to fund the purchases. The victim deposits the check into their back account, stops by a few stores and is then asked to wire about $2,000 back to the company. But when the original check bounces, victims are out the $2,000 they wired back — plus all the money they spent to go shopping.

3. Hit Man Scam: In the Hit Man e-mail scheme, scammers send letters claiming that the boyfriend, girlfriend or spouse of the recipient has arranged for their death. “It would say something like, ‘Your boyfriend paid $30,000 to have you killed, but if you pay me $15,000 it won’t happen,’” Kolko told FOXNews.com. Another version says a loved one will be kidnapped unless an advance ransom is paid out immediately, naming specific relatives (information found courtesy of — you guessed it — more online searches). Kolko said some recipients feel anxious when the sender names their loved ones, which can make them more apt to believe the threat is authentic.

4. Million Dollar Scam: If you’re offered a shot on the “Oprah Millionaire Contest Show,” you’re not going to be the lucky winner of $1 million — you’re the target of a new scam. In order to participate, recipients of the scam e-mail must first send their contact information and are required to buy airfare and a ticket to the show in advance. Victims are later asked to fill out questionnaires seeking detailed personal information, which can put them at risk for identity theft. Other scammers have been mailing counterfeit checks with a letter that claims recipients they have won the “Oprah Show Summer Sweepstakes” — a contest that ended in 2006.

5. Grandparents Scam: “Hi grandma, it’s your favorite grandson,” says a scammer on the line. “Tommy, is that you?” “Yes, grandma, it’s Tommy. Listen, my wallet was just stolen and I’ve lost all of my money. Do you think you could send me some to make it through the end of the month?” Unsuspecting victims, momentarily confused or suffering from hearing loss, go along with the story and wire money out — up to $15,000 in the case of one giving grandmother who thought she was sending $15,000 to help cover an auto accident, according to the Better Business Bureau.

6. Military Wheels: People posing as U.S. troops have been posting to classifieds Web sites offering cars on the cheap that they have to sell quickly before being deployed to Afghanistan or Iraq. The scams typically claim there is a third-party protection program to ensure a safe transaction, but when payments are sent to the “secure” service, victims either don’t receive the car, or get stolen vehicles or ones with a salvaged title.

7. Jury Scam: Victims of the Jury Scam get an e-mail containing a fake subpoena ordering recipients to testify before a grand jury, complete with seemingly genuine details like your name, a case number and court seal. But the e-mails contain malware that can ruin a computer. Another version of the scam involves a phone call in which the caller claims to be a jury coordinator and intimidates victims into revealing personal information. Once the caller gets a victim’s Social Security Number and birth date, it’s all over.

8. Border Bust: Spam claiming to be from a former assistant commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Patrol says a foreign diplomat has been stopped with a consignment of thousands or even millions of dollars, which was found to be an inheritance for the recipient. Victims who get drawn in receive more e-mails claiming it is a crime to carry the consignment into the U.S., and demands personal information and a $250 fee to prove the recipient was not involved in a terrorist act. If they fail to do so, the spammers tell their victims they are proving they intended to smuggle the money into the U.S., which is a federal offense. Victims never receive a dime but will continue to get e-mails demanding more money for fees in connection with getting their “inheritance.”

9. FBI Scams: The FBI says there have been “tons of complaints” about e-mails from people claiming to be FBI agents. Some appear to be from the Internet Crime Complaint Center and say the recipient has extorted money and must refund the money or face prosecution. Others, from the non-existent Anti-Terrorist and Monetary Crimes Division, inform recipients that they are the beneficiary of millions in inheritance. To claim the money, recipients must supply their full name, address and bank account number. Scammers even incorporate the names of top FBI executives into their e-mails by reading authentic FBI press releases, lending an air of credibility.

After seeing this recent report from FOX NEWS, Virginia Beach Police Department’s Crime Prevention Unit sent us a few tips on the best way to prevent these scams:

We get phone calls all the time about scams that people receive through the mail, e-mail, telephone, etc. I received this e-mail today and wanted to share it with our viewers. This is a prime example of an e-mail that you should delete!!!

Hello,
Sorry I didn’t inform you about my travel to UK for a Program, am presently in London. I am stranded here because the hotel where i lodged was burgled and i was affected. I would like you to assist me urgently with a soft loan of $1900 to sort-out my hotel bills and get myself back home. I would appreciate whatever you can afford.May God bless you.
 Here is my information:
Name/ Dick Rose
 Address: 2-24 Kensington High St
Zip code: W8 4PT
State: London
Country: England
 
Please email me the Western Union Money Transfer details as soon as you send the money. I will pay you back as soon as i am back . I wait to read from you soon.

Regards,
Dick Rose

If you have received a letter/e-mail and you think it might be a scam, but aren’t sure, feel free to call us here at 10 On Your Side and we’ll help you figure it out.

Jamie Shackelford

10 On Your Side Producer

jamie.shackelford@wavy.com

After receiving my 3rd e-mail of the day on the same topic, and receiving the phone call myself, I decided I should write a blog about the newest scam that is hitting the telephone lines…

In many cases the number is coming up on the Caller ID as an unknown number. When you answer the phone, there is an automated recording that says that your credit card account has been compromised and that you need to enter your card number, expiration date, etc. in order to reactivate your account. Luckily, all of the people that have contacted me have been smart and have entered either all 0’s (zeros) or all 1’s (ones) when the recording asks for their card number. Once they enter the number, the system congratulates them for successfully reactivating their card.

Thankfully most people know that this is a scam, however, I’m writing this for all of those people who may not realize that it’s a scam. PLEASE BE WARNED AND PLEASE DO NOT FALL FOR THIS. This is all a ploy to gain access to your credit card number.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions regarding this scam or any others. I can be reached at jamie.shackelford@wavy.com