A few days ago, I spoke about the unsettling weather during March. In recent days it has been more than true. A Texas friend, reports that Dallas had 2 inches of snow one day followed by another 6 inches a couple days later. On average, Dallas might see 0.2 inches in March and 2.5 inches for the entire year. At the same time Ohio and Tennessee saw over 1 foot of snow as did Kentucky and other parts of the South… March is a lion going in - we can only hope that the lamb arrives before it is over. But, be prepared.

Soory to vent but one of the more disturbing things I read about (weekly) is the conning of the elders. I read about one lady in our Sunday paper who was fleeced by a caller with a voice that “could make you melt”. He called with a prescription plan that would eliminate all drug costs for life.  He had enough information to convince her that he was the real thing. He knew her bank, a couple numbers of her account, spoke slowly, etc. She bit and was quoted in the paper as saying “Damn it, he’s got me”. She knew these things happen but was powerless. He took her for  $297 and attempted to do additional damage until she changed phone numbers.

It reminds me that last year a foreign entity sent letters to thousands of people telling them they won a lottery. Because they were going to have to pay taxes on their prize, a check was enclosed for $2,000 to cover the taxes, All they had to do is send money to initiate this good fortune  - release the winnings . Sure enough, they took one of my checks, with my signature and made it out to the person. Sorry, it wasn’t really my check and I would never pay someone I don’t know $2,000 so they could win a lottery. But, dozens of people and businesses fell  for the com. I even heard from a police department in Missouri threatening to have me arrested until I explained  it. These things are convincing.

Scams are so prevalent that the consumer has to be aware. Suggestions:

   > If it is too good to be true, it is.
   > Never deal over the phone - insist that it be put in writing before taking any action.

   > Never ever give out personal information over the phone, no matter how convincing the caller sounds. Again, insist that it be sent.

   > Call the police. Some of these frauds are so common, they can be overwhelmed. But, report it because some departments have divisions to deal with such matters.

   > Contact a local Seniors organization who can forewarn others

My heart goes out to people who are convinced over the phone that good luck shines on them. Especially during tough economic times, intelligent people are hoping for relief. If it is too good, it really is. It is unconscionable that a companies and individuals can do this for a living. How one sleeps at night after fleecing our elders, makes no sense. If you have an experience along these lines, I would enjoy learning about it