HELOISE Beware of financial offers on the Internet

Dear Readers: The National Consumers League's Internet fraud watch says don't be fooled by some online auctions, general merchandise sales and offers coming from Nigeria related to money. Those offers are not real, folks! I've been getting them for 10 years! Also be wary of sales of computer equipment and software, and Internet access services. There was $13 million in losses last year from online auctions alone.
Many sites are legit, and many aren't. You do have to be very careful, because there are smooth crooks out there in cyberspace.
Before you buy or bid on any item, check the seller. It's important to know the seller's address. You might be able to get some information about the individual or company from the Better Business Bureau in the state where the seller is located. Check to see how many, if any complaints have been lodged against the seller -- there might be some, but if there are lots of them, stay clear.
There is a Better Business Bureau Web site that can help resolve problems you might have. One good way to pay is by credit card -- if there is a problem, you can dispute paying. The National Consumer League recommends paying for products using a bonded and licensed escrow service. For a small fee, the service protects you if you don't receive the product you paid for. The seller won't get paid until you confirm you received it. But, beware again -- there are some fraudulent escrow services, too.
If you have a problem, you can go online to www.fraud.org to receive statistics from 2002 and information on the most common scams reported. Also, you can call the toll-free phone number, (800) 876-7060. Hopefully, you will not be taken by these cyber con artists. Heloise
Dear Heloise: In 1998, my husband had cancer, followed by a stroke. I got one three-year calendar especially for him. I used it to keep up with his doctor appointments, hospital stays, the kinds of tests made and his prescriptions, etc.
When the calendar runs out, I get another three-year and keep writing. I put an address label on the front, so if it gets lost, someone can find me. Every time we have a doctor's appointment, I tuck it into my carryall bag and am ready for most anything the doctor needs to know.
This continues to be my helping hand, and so I thought you might pass it on. Veda D., Canton, Texas
Dear Heloise: When putting on rubber gloves, first dust your hands with powder. The gloves will slip on/off easily.
Also, those who wear compression stockings (stockings that help prevent blood clots), dust your legs with powder before putting on the hose. Makes it almost as easy as putting on slacks. Janice Bradley, Pearland, Texas
Dear Heloise: After many years of steaming off unused postage stamps, I tried soaking the stamp and envelope in fairly hot water. Voil & aacute; -- the stamps nearly fell off by themselves. Robert Frantz, Los Alamitos, Calif.
XSend a great hint to: Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, Fax: (210) HELOISE or E-mail: Heloise@Heloise.com.
King Features Syndicate