Mail fraud warns of costly con schemes by postal officials
Postal Inspector Bob Stewart warns mail order swindles prey on gullible victims and notes most firms are honest. He cites a $100 billion industry with fewer than one percent frauds, 250000 complaints nationwide last year, 50000 investigated and 2000 convictions, and recalls the 1978 Progressive Farmer’s Association fraud that cost 7000 people $12 million and ruined one man who lost his $70000 life savings.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Bob Stewart
U.S
Stewart
Progressive Farmer’s Association
Illinois
Missouri
Mae
Better Business Bureau
Mail fraud warnings and consumer tips from postal inspector
Postal Inspector Bob Stewart warns against scam ads that promise large gains for small fees. He cites $15 registrations to earn $45,000 in three weeks and outlines common schemes from fraudulent correspondence courses to charity rackets and miracle cures. He advises checking with the Better Business Bureau and verifying ads before sending money.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Illinois
Sikeston
Bob Stewart
Sikeson
Stewart
Better Business Bureau
Change fuel or change furnaces Tests can help oil heat users decide
Consumers Union urges energy audits before heating changes. Consider total cost: gas installation up to 1900 dollars versus 900 dollars for conservation measures. If combustion efficiency sits near 80 percent, derating or burner upgrades may help. only a switch to gas justifies the higher expense.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Consumers Union
American Gas Association
Consumer Union
Aero Fafc
Sloan
Horse hobbies drain family funds and push horses onto kids
Dear Ann Landers readers warn that pony obsessions can cost thousands. A reader recounts buying horses, paying boarding and show fees, with specialists demanding more for competitive horses. The piece also covers guilt after a spouse’s infidelity, and advice on handling troubling teen behavior without direct confrontation.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Ann Landers
Ann
Lafayette
Calif
Anti
Testing reforms and challenges in school exams
Critics say tests reflect middle class bias and may penalize minority and poorer students. The Educational Testing Service is now sharing results to some test takers, revealing marking errors on math problems. The Education Department offers a guide to understanding tests for parents and students.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Louise Cook
Associated Press
Educational Testing Service
College
Department of Education
Understanding Standardized Test Scoring Methods
An overview explains how tests are scored including raw scores percentile ranks stanines and grade equivalents It notes percentile ranks show relative standing not percent correct and stanines group percentiles into nine bands While grade equivalents compare to peers in the same grade the guide cautions against using them to place a child in a grade
Also Mentioned on This Page
Ken Mac Garrigle
The
Southern Illinois
Consumer Reports
F. F
Marcia
Consumer Information Center
Pueblo
Colo
Hany
K-Mart
Mel-O-Cream
Sights
Carbondale
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