2008 January | consumerspy.org

January 2008
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IRS E-mail Scam

Posted by mikemcguff on January 31st, 2008

Taxpayers have a lot to worry about, now scammers are adding to that list. A Houston couple fell victim to a phising scam recently. They had just filed their taxes electronically when they got an email claiming to be from the IRS. They opened the email and found they were due an extra $129.72. The followed the links that had the IRS logos on it and gave out Social Security, Debit Card, and PIN numbers. The next day they went down to the IRS office and learned the whole thing was a scam. The IRS NEVER contacts taxpayers by email and the agency will call your home or business either. If you get an email or phone call claiming to be from the IRS, go here to report it.

www.phising@irs.gov

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Hollywood’s Green Valentines

Posted by thedailygreen.com article feed on January 31st, 2008

Power Eco-Couples Share the Love.

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What are some good investing blogs?

Posted by mikemcguff on January 31st, 2008

With this market, what are some good investing blogs out there? Or blogs about money in general. Leave them below in the comments.

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Stores’ tricks to get you to spend

Posted by mikemcguff on January 30th, 2008

Don't get tricked into spending more money at the store. Here are some marketing tactics you should know about!

1. Avoid merchandise at the end of aisles because it's usually something the store wants to quickly move.

2. Don't fall for flashy sale signs or colorful price tags. This stuff may look like a bargain, but most of the time it's not.

3. Stores often place necessary items like milk and laundry detergent far away from the entrance so you must walk through aisles and aisles of other goods you may not need.

4. Just because stuff is in bins, doesn't mean it's on sale.

5. The most expensive and profitable items for a store are placed at eye level so be sure to search high and low for a better bargain.

6. Stores make price and size comparison difficult for shoppers, so be sure to carry a calculator.

7. The most profitable department is usually at the front. For pharmacies and department stores that is usually the cosmetic counter because these items have the highest mark up.

8. Just because items are priced at two for $4 or four for $11 doesn't mean you have to buy in bulk. Most stores will offer you the same discount for purchasing one item.

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Free Tax Help

Posted by mikemcguff on January 30th, 2008

If you need help filing your taxes, help is available. Volunteers from AARP are trained by the IRS to lend a hand to people with their income tax returns.

Go to this web site to see when and where they'll be available.

http://www.houstonlibrary.org/about/news/20080101_taxhelp.html

If you have a strong background in finances you might want to consider lending a helping hand this tax season. The IRS volunteer income tax assistance program is looking for people to help those less fortunate to do basic tax returns for free. If you are interested, you can call 800-829-1040.

If you can handle the job yourself, this web site offers free filing on line.

http://www.taxact.com/