This is Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week, a time when the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) work to educate citizens about tax identity theft, how to recognize it, prevent it, and report it.

Both the Contra Costa County and Fresno County Sheriff’s Offices are reporting a recent uptick in complaints about bogus phone calls being made to residents in an effort to collect fines or fees for warrants and/or missed jury duty.

With all the scams that take place these days via electronic devices, it can actually be an eye opener, to once again, read about extortion scams arriving in your postal box. The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office is reporting that one of its residents recently found a blackmail letter in his mailbox.  The letter (see below) obtained information that can be obtained through the internet, but had one glaring error – the recipient isn’t married. 

New year resolutions often include buckling down on the debt in our financial lives.  Unfortunately, scam artists are aware of this and will often target individuals who are desperate to find a way out of their mounting pile of bills.

Home for the holidays, or not, be sure to protect your place from those who might want to break in and take what’s yours. 

You don’t have to venture beyond a local police department’s facebook page to note that thieves have pushed their illegal activity into hire gear this holiday season.   For example, the Ventura Police Department reports, that in just seven days it took reports on:

There seems to be no question.  The number of people traveling this Thanksgiving holiday will be higher than we’ve seen in the past 12 years!   AAA predicts 51 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home...

Netflix customers beware! Scammers are sending emails that look like they are coming from Netflix and asking customers to update their payment information. 

In this day of convenience and easy bill payment methods, some consumers are being tricked into parting with their hard-earned cash by crafty scammers on the phone who call on the consumer to pay utility, tax, hospital, or debt collection bills over the phone by way of credit or gift card.

Halloween is approaching and while the parties may begin this weekend, October 31st is the evening we need to be especially aware of children out trick- or-treating.  Below are some safety reminders for kids, parents, and motorists.

Thieves looking for a quick take often target vehicles parked at gyms and movie theaters because they know the occupants of the vehicle won’t likely return for one to two hours.  That’s why gym and movie-goers are advised to take precautions when parking and exiting their vehicles.

California residents who live in wildlife-prone areas are accustomed to slowing down and preparing for unexpected obstructions in the road such as a large deer, a bear, skunk or racoon.   Because animal behavior changes in the Fall months, September 18-24, 2017 is Watch out for Wildlife Week.

News of the devastation Hurricane Harvey left behind in parts of Texas and Louisiana has touched many of us.   There’s no question there are many people in need of help and Americans are responding by making charitable donations.  But which organizations are you contributing to?

Yellow school buses on the road, children riding bikes, kids navigating crosswalks – it is back to school time and a great time to remind drivers to play it safe when driving near schools, especially during drop-off and pick-up times.

August 21, 2017 is going to be a particularly exciting day with many people focused on the rare total solar eclipse that will darken our daylight when the moon completely blocks out the sun.

When a family pet goes missing, pet owners often take to social media sites like facebook and Nextdoor to spread the word, sharing photos of the pet and contact information.  While the goal is to locate the pet as quickly as possible...

While California bakes with scorching high temperatures, many of us resort to the air-conditioned indoors and some of us have air conditioners that are working nearly round the clock.  That all translates into very high energy bills.

Safety is our top priority and we know this summer there will be plenty of folks out on the road who are travelling long distances for vacation spots and to visit family.  Driving while drowsy is extremely dangerous...

If safe and sane fireworks are allowed in your community, be sure to review the safety tips offered by the National Council on Fireworks Safety before you begin lighting your fireworks.