Hoosiers filed more used auto sales & service complaints than in any other category

INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller’s office received more used car sales and service complaints in 2012 than in any other category.

Zoeller today released the annual top 10 consumer complaint categories and consumer tips on how Hoosiers can protect themselves from being ripped off.

“Consumer complaints help our office identify, investigate and sometime prosecute businesses that rip off or scam Indiana residents,” Zoeller said. “The annual top 10 consumer complaint list aims to help educate consumers and guide our consumer protection efforts to cut down on scams and industry problems.”

National Consumer Protection Week began Monday and set off a public awareness effort aimed at educating consumers about the latest scams. As part of the effort, Zoeller’s office will host a roundtable discussion on Wednesday, March 6, with consumer protection groups and law enforcement agencies. Participants plan to collaborate and discuss ways to crackdown on many of the top scams and deceptive practices seen across Indiana. Invited guests include representatives from the Federal Trade Commission, Better Business Bureau, Indiana TRIAD, FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service, among others.

Here are the top 10 consumer complaints filed with the Indiana Attorney General’s Office in 2012 and tips on how to avoid being victimized:

1. Used auto sales and service

Before purchasing a car make sure to research local dealers and check with the Indiana Attorney General’s office or Better Business Bureau for complaints. Once you find a vehicle, have the car inspected by an independent mechanic. Take your time to read and understand the entire written purchase agreement before signing. Be sure that the terms of any warranty that come with the car are spelled out in your contract. If you need repairs done on your vehicle, research auto repair shops and request an estimate for parts and labor in writing before any work is done. Before taking your car home, make sure all work completed is described to you and all guarantees are in writing. Also, ask the service representative to show you any major new parts that were installed or replaced.

2. Internet scams and sales

Research the online business you plan to purchase from and confirm their physical address and phone number in case you need to contact them. Consider using an online payment service, such as PayPal, or your credit card, which protects your transaction under the Fair Credit Billing Act. Save any transaction or confirmation numbers from Internet purchases and make a note of the time and contents of the order. If you receive an unsolicited e-mail, never respond to requests for personal or financial information and don’t click on any links.

3. Debt collection

If you receive a debt collection notice, make sure you determine whether you are being contacted for legitimate nonpayment by a lawful creditor. It’s important to know your rights and how to recognize abusive collection practices. Keep track of phone conversations and other interactions. File a complaint with the Attorney General’s office if you suspect the agency is not legitimate, if you are being harassed or if the collector refuses to supply verification of the debt.

4. Lending and mortgage related

The tough economy paired with already struggling homeowners has meant big business for scammers who aim to prey on their victims’ desperation to stay in their homes. Illegitimate foreclosure consultants will promise to reduce your monthly mortgage payment or take other steps to save your home – all for an upfront fee. Unfortunately, homeowners find out too late that no work was done and calls to the company go unanswered. If you are facing foreclosure, seek free assistance from a legitimate nonprofit like the Indiana Foreclosure Prevention Network at www.877gethope.org.

5. Home repairs and construction

Door-to-door salesman offering home improvement services – especially after damaging storms – may pressure homeowners into making quick decisions. Do your research on the contractor and compare bids with other local and reputable companies. Indiana law requires home improvement contracts exceeding $150 to be in writing. Never pay for the entire project before the work begins and do not pay more than one third of the total cost as a down payment. Remaining payments should be tied to completion of specified amounts of work.

6. Telemarketing calls

Indiana’s Do Not Call law protects registered numbers from receiving legitimate telemarketing calls. Unfortunately, illegitimate businesses and scammers skirt the law by not purchasing the list and trying to deceive consumers with phony sales pitches. That’s why if you are on the Do Not Call list and receive a sales call or text message you can count on it being a scam. Those on the state’s list can file a complaint with the Attorney General’s office at www.indianaconsumer.com.

7. Identity theft

Staying alert and being able to spot the signs of identity theft can help you thwart identity thieves. Monitoring your financial statements regularly and checking your credit report at least once a year can help you detect errors, accounts you never opened, and/or bills sent to the wrong address – all signs that someone else is using and ruining, your name and credit. To learn more about protecting yourself or recovering from ID theft visit www.IndianaConsumer.com.

8. Retail stores

Carefully check the store’s refund policy before making a purchase to know whether you can expect a cash refund, in-store credit or an exchange. Layaway plans, while often helpful, can contain hidden fees or refund restrictions. That’s why it is important to get a copy of the layaway policy in writing before you start making payments.

9. Landlord or tenant related

Tenants have certain rights under Indiana law and it’s important to understand them before entering into any lease. Make sure you thoroughly read and understand your lease to determine your obligations as well as the landlord’s responsibilities.

10. Wireless phone providers

Before contracting with a wireless service provider make sure you research the company, network and plan. Compare several different providers to determine what plan fits your needs and budget. In addition to your plan’s costs, make sure you consider other charges like activation fees, insurance and overages.

The Attorney General’s staff travel to communities across the state to promote consumer protection issues and safeguard Hoosiers – especially those most vulnerable to falling victim to scams. To schedule a free event in your area please email outreachservices@atg.in.gov or call 1-317-234-6668.

An Open House for Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation’s Early College High School is planned for Saturday, March 9. Enrollment of current eighth graders is now taking place and this event is designed to answer any questions families may have.

The Open House will be at Ivy Tech Community College where Early College is housed, in Rooms 101 and 102, from noon-1:30 p.m.

Students attending Early College High School have the opportunity to receive up to 60 hours of college credit while earning their high school diploma. Students spend half the day at their home high school and the other half at Ivy Tech Community College in Early College.

Brooks is a 2 year old Miniature Pincher mix. This sweet boy has a strong personality. He may work best in a single dog home but he loves to be around people. Brooks’ adoption would be $120, which includes his neuter, age appropriate vaccines, nationally registered microchip and a bag of food.

3rd annual Criminal and Civil Justice Summit focused on keeping kids safe

INDIANAPOLIS — As state and federal policymakers examine new proposals for school safety, Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller today convened experts at a legal seminar to discuss school resource officer programs, juvenile justice, human trafficking and online crimes against children, as part of the Attorney General’s third annual Criminal and Civil Justice Summit.

A total 245 people, including law enforcement officers, educators, nonprofit workers, attorneys and representatives from all three branches of government registered to attend today’s free seminar, organized by the Attorney General’s Office and held at the Sheraton Indianapolis City Centre. For attorneys, the event counts as 5.5 hours of Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credit.

With school safety under a spotlight nationwide since the Newtown, Connecticut, tragedy, the first session of today’s Criminal and Civil Justice Summit focused on school resource officer (SRO) programs where specially trained law enforcement officers are stationed at schools to protect students and teachers. One of this morning’s speakers was Mo Canady, executive director of the National School Resource Officer Association (NASRO), who addressed the role of police in school safety policies. The approaches taken in Indiana schools were discussed by Carmel police officer D.J. Schoeff who is SRO for Carmel Middle School, and Fort Wayne police officer Chris Crapser who is SRO in the Fort Wayne Community Schools.

Last fall, prior to the Newtown tragedy, the Attorney General’s Office conducted a needs assessment study where Indiana educators and law enforcement indicated they would like to make more school resource officers available in their schools but funding is an obstacle. Zoeller reiterated his support for a bill now moving through the Legislature, Senate Bill 1, that would define school resource officers in law and provide state matching grants to help schools create or expand SRO positions through local control and decision-making. He invited the three SRO experts to speak at today’s summit, whose theme was “Keeping Hoosier Children From Harm.”

“The increase in the dangers that are present to our children require the State of Indiana to do more to meet our obligations to the most vulnerable in our society. This justice summit brings together the three branches of state government, local school administrators, members of law enforcement and others who serve and protect the children of our state to find ways to work together collaboratively in a common effort,” Zoeller said.

As the lawyer for state government, Zoeller has organized two previous Criminal and Civil Justice Summits, or free legal seminars, to facilitate discussion among attorneys, judges, prosecutors, legislators, policymakers and the public on subjects facing the judicial system. Past summit topics included the impact of the mortgage foreclosure crisis on homeowners, and disparities between counties in seeking the death penalty due to costs that resulted in fairness concerns.

Other session topics and speakers in today’s Criminal and Civil Justice Summit include:

Juvenile Detention Reform. Under the leadership of Judge Marilyn Moores of Marion Superior Court Juvenile Division, Marion County became a site for the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative, a project of the Annie E. Casey Foundation. Judge Moores led efforts to enact system-wide reforms to reduce the number of juvenile detainees while maintaining public safety. Judge Moores today led a panel discussion on approaches to juvenile detention reform.

Child Victims of Human Trafficking. Indiana’s anti-human-trafficking task force, IPATH, and the Attorney General’s Office have worked to raise awareness about children becoming victims of human trafficking and prostitution due to criminals who support the commercial sex industry. Because of concerns about human trafficking associated with large sporting events, Indiana in 2012 passed a new trafficking law prior to Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis. At today’s summit, attendees heard from Deputy Attorney General Abigail Kuzma, chief counsel of the Consumer Protection Division, and Marion County Deputy Prosecutor Mary Hutchison, who handles human trafficking investigations and prosecutions.

Investigating and Prosecuting Internet Sex Offenders. Law enforcement has found that sex offenders who prey upon children typically use the Internet to lure their victims. The Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, or ICAC, is a local, state and federal partnership that works to combat online predators. Steven DeBrota, Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, discussed his work prosecuting such cases.

Today’s four summit topics were among the list of priorities Attorney General Zoeller announced in 2012 as part of his second-term agenda.

The school resource officer legislation, Senate Bill 1, recommended by the Attorney General and authored by State Senator Pete Miller, R-Avon, passed 43-7 in the full Indiana Senate on Feb. 25 and has advanced to the Indiana House. If passed into law, SB 1 would do the following:

· Update the statute to legally define school resource officers as being law enforcement officers who have at least 40 additional hours of certified SRO training. Such officers could be employed directly by schools or work for law enforcement agencies and be assigned to schools under an agreement.

· Create a Secured School Fund from which schools could apply for two-year matching grants of up to $50,000 each, to use to 1) employ a school resource officer, 2) conduct a threat assessment of school buildings, or 3) purchase equipment and technology to restrict access to school property or expedite notification of first responders.

· Set up a five-member board that includes the Attorney General that would review grant applications and award funding to qualifying proposals.

The Indiana General Assembly is considering Senate Bill 1 even as the White House recently announced a proposal for a $150 million federal grant program to fund 1,000 resource officers and school counselors nationwide in the aftermath of the Newtown tragedy. Zoeller said the Attorney General’s Office will closely monitor whatever federal grant program might emerge, and he will work closely with the Department of Education, the Legislature and other state agencies to make schools aware of any federal funding opportunities that could complement state grants.

March 7, 2013 – Evansville, IN – Area preschool and daycare facilities are invited to participate in the Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library’s 6th annual Preschool Fair on Saturday, April 6th. The fair will be from 10:00 am-2:00 pm in Central Library’s lobby.

Parents and caregivers will have the opportunity to explore childcare and preschool options available in the Evansville area at this free event.

Table space is available at no charge to all area childcare providers to promote your facility, but you must register prior to the event. Tables are limited and available on a first come, first served basis. To reserve a table for your preschool or daycare facility, please contact Amy at amym@evpl.org.