CITIZEN CONSUMER FORUM



Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation

The Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation works to protect and educate Massachusetts consumers about their rights in the marketplace.   Our efforts range from shopping rights and landlord/tenant rights to concerns regarding identity theft, home improvement, and foreclosures.
The Office has recently launched an educational campaign with a website that contains valuable information about how to protect the consumer public.   There are two components to this website:   the first is a "teaser" page that appears to sell the consumer a work-from-home job that guarantees results no matter the situation of the individual consumer.   It has been modeled to look very much like many of the websites that promise guaranteed results, but in fact deliver nothing in return for the consumer's money, or result in identity theft of consumer's personal information.   On clicking any of the links to find out more information, the consumer is directed to a second page that reveals that the first page is an example of a scam and is brought to the consumer by the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs.   Most importantly, there is information about spotting fake work from home advertisements.   The website also contains valuable information about how to protect yourself as a consumer, and a number of resources to consult if a consumer has become a victim of a scam.
Please help us publicize this website and further educate consumers about false advertising by adding this link to your website:   http://topmassachusettsdeals.com/Work-at-home.html

Elder Legal Services Hotline number

I want to alert you to a new phone number for all elder legal services intake — 617-603-1776 — which will be effective July 5, 2011 (but can be used now by staff).   I am attaching a flyer on this new service, which will be the intake and screening number for cases within our case priorities, requiring our legal expertise, or referred to us for followup.
Wynn Gerhard, Greater Boston Legal Services

SNAP's Medical Expense Deductions

Please know that a user-friendly website with respect to Medical Expense Deductions that may enhance support from the SNAP program may be found at:
http://www.masslegalhelp.org/income-benefits/food-stamps/medical-expense-deductions
(with special thanks to Kathy Urquhart and Colleen Ranshaw-Fiorello)
Courtesy Emmett Schmarsow, Prog. Mgr. COAs & Senior Centers, ELD

State Chartered Banks Can Save You Money

For many senior citizens in Massachusetts, dealing with finances in retirement can be stressful.   Social Security, pensions, and savings only go so far, and as the cost of living goes up and up, that money does not go as far as it used to.
One way to stretch those dollars a little further is to sign up for what we in Massachusetts call an "18-65" bank account, which does not charge monthly fees for people ages 65 years and old, or 18 years and younger.   These accounts are available at local, state-chartered community banks across the state, and each person can open one checking account and one savings account.

FinCEN Advisory Warns of Elder Financial Exploitation

Last month, the U.S. Department of the Treasury Financial Crimes Enforcement Network released a new advisory to help financial institutions spot and report activities involving elder financial exploitation.   The advisory, Advisory to Financial Institutions on Filing Suspicious Activity Reports Regarding Elder Financial Exploitation, contains red flags, or indicators that abuse may be occurring and specifically asks financial institutions to include the term "Elder Financial Exploitation" on filings of suspicious activity reports (SARs).
In discussing the Advisory, FinCEN Director James H. Freis, Jr, noted that "Financial institutions care about their customers and in some cases may be uniquely placed to identify when customers are possible victims of elder financial exploitation."   He added that "This new tool is the result of FinCen working with feedback from financial institutions and it is a way for depository institutions in particular to combat elder financial exploitation."
To read the Advisory in its entirety, please go to http://www.fincen.gov/statutes_regs/guidance/html/fin-2011-a003.html
To learn more about FinCen, please go to http://www.fincen.gov/

GRANDPARENTS YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

YOU ARE NOT ALONE and there is help out there!   Although this document doesn't hold the answers to all of your questions or concerns, it is hopefully just what you need to get started in the right direction.   All you need is to know how to navigate the different systems and advocate for yourself and your grandchild.


— Past Events —


— 2011 —


The Emergency Homeowners Loan Program
Massachusetts was awarded $61 million from the HUD program to assist homeowners who are 3 or more months behind on mortgage payments due to either unemployment of their income falling by more than 15%.   Owners might qualify for an up to 2 year no interest, forgivable loan to prevent foreclosure.   The state anticipates assisting 1,260 owners.
July 22nd is the deadline for homeowner's to file pre-applications;   there will be a lottery of applicants after the July 22 application closing date.
AARP State Andrus Award for Community Service
AARP Massachusetts is seeking nominations for the 2011 AARP State Andrus Award for Community Service.   This annual award recognizes unique individuals who have demonstrated outstanding volunteerism in their communities in ways that are consistent with AARP's mission, vision, and commitment to volunteer service, and that inspire others to volunteer.
If you know someone who is 50 years or older and embodies the true definition of volunteerism, please take a moment to nominate them today!   If you feel more comfortable sending a nomination in by mail, please see the attached document.
The deadline to get in all nominations is June 1st.



MCOA Logo   Massachusetts Association of Councils on Aging

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    Phone:   413-527-6425       Fax:   413-527-7138

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