HELOISE The bogus bill appeared to be the real thing

Dear Readers: Recently, I received what appeared to be an invoice with an "amount due" in the mail. I didn't recognize the company name or remember doing any business with it, so I looked at the "invoice" more closely.
It turned out that this was not a bill! It was an advertisement. It looked so much like a bill that if I had not paid close attention and reread it a couple of times, it might have been paid.
So, please pay close attention to "invoices" you receive -- look them over thoroughly and check the name of the company, the supposed services rendered and the amounts charged. Double-check all fees and information (including the fine print). If it's a legitimate bill and everything "adds up," then pay it. Also, if you don't recognize the company or remember receiving the service, ask a trusted friend or family member to look over the invoice with you -- sometimes two heads can be better than one. Heloise
Dear Heloise: Those of us who have old and cherished photos might want to consider having them copied so they can be easily shared with other friends/family members to enjoy. With computers equipped with scanners, it is a simple project to copy these pictures at home. Richard Testrake, via e-mail
Dear Heloise: Clear computer mailing labels are a quick and easy way to set up a new address book and keep an old one organized.
Type addresses, phone numbers, birthdays and anniversaries into a computer template for labels. You can make entire sheets of labels or just print one or two at a time, depending upon your needs. Use clear ones to set up a new address book, and white ones for replacement information. These labels can be found in a variety of styles in any office-supply store. Most computer programs have easy-to-read font types, as well as preprogrammed label templates to match the type of label purchased.
A new address book is a great gift for a new bride, filled with all of her new in-laws' addresses, etc. Tess Bauer, Keizer, Ore.
Dear Heloise: I live in a senior apartment complex, and one of my jobs here is doing volunteer work, including calling numbers in weekly bingo games. We use cards and assorted colored dime-size chips. Since there are quite a few empty prescription containers around here, I fill each with chips of a certain color. Now they're ready when someone wants a particular color.
One thing's for sure: We never seem to run out of empty prescription bottles. Ernestine Honeck, Rochester, N.Y.
King Features Syndicate