The Front Page
Coleman County Youth Activity Center News
December 26, 2007
Submitted by Sarah Beal
Donations:
Heath Hemphill-preparation of Deed of Trust
William & Carla Fair
Coleman High School FFA
CHS Class of 1948
Billie Maurine Mercer
Coleman Veterinary Clinic
Hords Creek Lodge, No. 168- $500
Rex Mahan-use of storage van for electrical contractors during construction
David Barnett
Lower Colorado River Authority- $20,000 grant
*Coleman County Fine Arts League received a grant from the Friends of the Coleman County Foundation to purchase museum molding for the Bill Franklin Community Center to use for art show displays.
Donations to arena:
Santa Anna FFA
Aaron Loyd
Lynn Loyd
Bruce Pittard
Greaves Ranch
Dusty & Christie Greaves
Marie E. Silvis
Ronnie Daniel
Sherman & Tammy Smith
Wesley Dockery
Tommy Saunders
Mike Barker
Henry Balencia
Kirby & Susan Roberts
Denice Rutledge
Bill & Bonnie Hennig
Memorials:
In memory of C. M. "Huck" Huckabee by Jim & Connie Whitney, James & Ann Hargett, Dr. & Mrs. R. M. Edington, Dr. & Mrs. Mark Swening, Dr. Sharilyn & James Nall, Dr. Johnny Needham, Toby & Nancy Weber, Bob & Ann Turner, Jim & Ann Guess, Travis & Millie Goree, Donald & Mary Williams/Williams Tire Store, R. O. & Lois McCarty, Don & Marian Johnson, Lynn & Patricia Owens, Coleman Rodeo Association, Henry & Margie Dodson, Wayne & Darlene Webb, Jay & Tammy Davis, Jim Stokes/Bowen Drug, Kaye Franklin, Ben & Debbie Scott
In memory of Irvin Davis by Scott & Myrtie Beaver
In memory of Toppy & Helen Jo Beaver by Scott & Myrtie Beaver
In memory of J. A. Owens by Phil & Judy Chambers
In memory of Fred Knowles, Jr. by Hank & Darla Wise Dr.& Mrs. R. M. Edington, Dr. & Mrs. Mark Swening, Dr. Sharilyn & James Nall, Dr. Johnny Needham, Jay & Tammy Davis, Ben & Debbie Scott
In memory of Lynn Stephenson by R. V. & Maedelle Rogers
In memory of Leaette Newman by Dr.& Mrs. R. M. Edington, Dr. & Mrs. Mark Swening, Dr. Sharilyn & James Nall, Dr. Johnny Needham
In memory of Randall Ivy by Hank & Darla Wise, Jay & Tammy Davis
In memory of Charles Wesley Pitts by Dr.& Mrs. R. M. Edington, Dr. & Mrs. Mark Swening, Dr. Sharilyn & James Nall, Dr. Johnny Needham
In memory of Tommy Holland by Hank & Darla Wise, Ben & Debbie Scott
In memory of Norene Woodin by Dr.& Mrs. R. M. Edington, Dr. & Mrs. Mark Swening, Dr. Sharilyn & James Nall, Dr. Johnny Needham
In memory of Martha Autry by Hank & Darla Wise
In memory of C. H. Edington by Dr.& Mrs. R. M. Edington, Dr. & Mrs. Mark Swening, Dr. Sharilyn & James Nall, Dr. Johnny Needham
In memory of Olive Flynn by Hank & Darla Wise, Ben & Debbie Scott
In memory of Sonny Norris by Dr.& Mrs. R. M. Edington, Dr. & Mrs. Mark Swening, Dr. Sharilyn & James Nall, Dr. Johnny Needham, Lynn & Patricia Owens
In memory of Cynthia Blanton by Dr.& Mrs. R. M. Edington, Dr. & Mrs. Mark Swening, Dr. Sharilyn & James Nall, Dr. Johnny Needham, Toby & Nancy Weber, R. V. & Maedelle Rogers
In memory of Gussie Smith by Dr.& Mrs. R. M. Edington, Dr. & Mrs. Mark Swening, Dr. Sharilyn & James Nall, Dr. Johnny Needham
In memory of Cynthia Garrett Philpot by Hank & Darla Wise, Mona Wilson
In memory of Rex Beck by Coleman Rodeo Association, Bob & Ann Turner
In memory of Harry Crews by Bob & Ann Turner
In memory of Clyde Dixon "Tommy" Allen by Bob & Ann Turner
In memory of John Wayne Isaacs by Bob & Ann Turner
In memory of Jean Day Horne by Bob & Ann Turner
In memory of Jack Cosby by Bob & Ann Turner
In memory of Arnold W. Cullins by Bob & Ann Turner
In memory of Richard Thomsen,( father of Cindy Jamison), by Steve, Sarah, Daniel & Candace Beal, Virginia & Dick Jamison, Jay & Tammy Davis, David & Tracy Barnett, Coleman Elementary Social Committee, Tony & Cheryl Stevenson, Henry & Margie Dodson
In memory of Carl Wright, (father of Carla Finley), by Jay & Tammy Davis, Ben & Debbie Scott, Skip & Susan Casey, Henry & Margie Dodson
In memory of Jewel Anderson by Jim Stokes/Bowen Drug Store
In memory of Jake McCreary by Henry & Margie Dodson, Mr. & Mrs. Gordon Copeland, Coleman Rodeo Association
In memory of Ethel Radle by Bob & Ann Turner
In memory of Danita Renae Poldrack Batla by Bob & Ann Turner
In memory of Ardell Monroe by Bob & Ann Turner
In memory of Garland Wireman by Bob & Ann Turner
In memory of Glyn & Emma Nell "Sing" Downey by Bob & Ann Turner
Some recent events that have been held at the Coleman County Youth Activity center include: Circle C Cattlewomen’s Christmas Ball, Coleman Youth Association fund raiser distribution center, Coleman County Livestock Show meeting, Wildlife Committee meeting, Deer Hunter’s Appreciation Barbeque and Christmas parties.
Construction of the Expo Center is moving right along. The South entrance has been completed. The covered walkway that connects the Bill Franklin Community Center with the Expo Center is complete and now ready for the walkway to be poured. New panels for the stockshow arena have been ordered. The 2008 Coleman County Stockshow will be the first event to be held in the Expo Center. Donations are still needed to pay for the Expo Center construction project. Donations of $1000 and over will be displayed on some sort of display inside the Expo Center. All donations are truly appreciated and help to make the Coleman County Youth Activity Center a facility that Coleman County can take pride in.
Donations may be made to CCYAC c/o Patricia Owens at First Coleman National Bank, P. O. Box 552, Coleman, TX 76834 or Henry Dodson, Coleman County State Bank, P. O. Box 940, Coleman, TX 76834. Donations are tax deductible.
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas from the Peltons and SantaAnnaNews.com.
I hope that you and your families had a safe and happy holiday.
Luke 2
1And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. 2(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 4And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 8And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 15And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. 16And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. 18And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. 20And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. 21And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb. 22And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; 23(As it is written in the law of the LORD, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) 24And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons. 25And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. 26And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, 28Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, 29Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: 30For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, 31Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; 32A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. 33And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. 34And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; 35(Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. 36And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; 37And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. 38And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem. 39And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth. 40And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him. 41Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. 42And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. 43And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. 44But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. 45And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. 46And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. 47And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. 48And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. 49And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? 50And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. 51And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. 52And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.O Holy Night!
O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, the night when Christ was born;
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!
Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
O'er the world a star is sweetly gleaming,
Now come the wisemen from out of the Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friends.
He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Truly He taught us to love one another,
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother.
And in his name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
With all our hearts we praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we,
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
Presidential Message: Christmas 2007
"But the angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High...his kingdom will never end.'"
Luke 1:30-33
During the Christmas season, our thoughts turn to the source of joy and hope born in a humble manger on a holy night more than 2,000 years ago. Each year, Christians everywhere celebrate this single life that changed the world and continues to change hearts today. The simple and inspiring story of the birth of Jesus fills our souls with gratitude for the many blessings in our lives and promises that God's purpose is justice and His plan is peace.
At this special time of year, we give thanks for Christ's message of love and mercy, and we are reminded of our responsibility to serve. America is blessed to have fine citizens who reach out with a compassionate hand to help brothers and sisters in need. We also remember our brave men and women in uniform who have volunteered to defend us in distant lands. Many of those who have answered the call of duty will spend Christmas far from home and separated from family. We honor their sacrifice, ask God to watch over them and their families, and pray for their safe return.
Christmas is a time to rejoice and remember the birth of Jesus Christ. Laura and I pray your Christmas will be blessed with family and fellowship, and we wish you a day of glad tidings. Merry Christmas.
GEORGE W. BUSH
Make Sure Your Children Have Joyful Memories This Holiday Season
By Greg Abbott
Attorney General of Texas
The holiday season is a time when many families gather to honor traditions, give thanks and make memories. Unfortunately, it can also put a financial strain on parents as they purchase gifts or host families for a holiday meal. Make sure the holidays are a memorable and joyful time of year for your children by paying your child support.
Child support enables parents to put a roof over their children’s heads, clothes on their backs, and food on the table. During the holidays, these challenges are compounded as parents also try to put gifts under the tree or gas in their car for a long trip to grandma’s house. That is why we are giving parents this special reminder to pay their child support.
Thank you to those parents who regularly pay their child support in full and on time. Your faithfulness will reap great rewards as you help your children remember the holidays as a time of provision rather than hardship.
Sometimes circumstances arise, such as losing a job, that make it difficult to meet one’s child support obligation. For parents who are in a situation like this, contact the Attorney General’s Child Support Division so we can work together to determine a course of action. As an additional service, the Attorney General’s Office partners with the Texas Workforce Commission and workforce development boards across the state to help low-income parents find good-paying jobs so they can meet their child support obligations.
Ultimately, what children need most is to know their parents care about them. For unmarried parents, this begins with establishing paternity. When paternity is established, a child has a legal connection to his or her father that protects the child’s access to a range of benefits fathers can provide, starting with having dad’s name on the birth certificate. Through the Paternity Opportunity Program, the Attorney General’s Office trains and certifies employees of hospitals and birthing centers to assist parents with the process of acknowledging paternity just after their child’s birth. We can also facilitate DNA tests to scientifically and legally establish fatherhood. As children grow up, our office encourages parents to stay involved in their lives beyond paying child support.
We also help parents who are having trouble getting access to their children. This year, the Attorney General’s Office administered more than $500,000 in federal grants to 12 organizations across Texas that facilitate parents’ access to and visitation with their children. One organization, Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas, operates a statewide Access and Visitation Hotline. The hotline is staffed by attorneys who provide legal information and assistance with child custody and visitation matters. Parents can call the hotline’s toll-free number, 1-866-292-4636, Monday through Friday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Kids will forever remember what happens during this holiday season. Please, help make those memories good ones by being there for them and paying your child support. The Office of the Attorney General wishes you and your family a happy holiday season!
POINTS TO REMEMBER
Child Support and the Holidays
PARENTS SHOULD MAKE A SPECIAL EFFORT TO PAY THEIR CHILD SUPPORT DURING THE HOLIDAYS
- Because family expenses usually increase during the holidays;
- To show their children they are loved; and
- Because it is their legal duty to do so.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL:
- Helps establish a child’s paternity;
- Establishes and enforces child support orders;
- Reviews and adjusts child support payments;
- Collects and distributes payments;
- Partners with other agencies to help parents find jobs to meet their child support obligations;
- Works with groups that facilitate parental access and visitation; and
- Encourages parental involvement in their children’s lives.
APPLY FOR CHILD SUPPORT SERVICES BY:
- Visiting Child Support Interactive on the main Attorney General Web site at www.oag.state.tx.us.
- Calling the 24-hour voice response system at (800) 252-8014
More information is available on the Attorney General’s Web site at www.oag.state.tx.us.
4-H Reminders - December 10, 2007
By: David L. Dunlap, CEA-Ag/NR
Debbie Hailey, CEA-FCS
Chapter Show Schedules
Novice - Saturday, January 12, 2008
SHOW STARTS at 10:00 a.m.
SHOW ORDER: Rabbits, Goats, Lambs, Steers, Pigs
Santa Anna - Saturday, January 12, 2008
Swine Weigh-In: Friday, January 11, by 7:00 p.m.
Pigs can be
put in show barn anytime on Friday. All pigs should be in show barn by
5:30 p.m.
Lambs & Goats arrive at barn for weighing at 7:30 a.m., January 12th
Rabbit Show: Will start at 9:00 a.m. Rabbits should arrive at 8:15 -
8:30 a.m. ( NO LATER )
Goat Show - 9:30 a.m.
Lamb Show - Following Goat Show
Steer Show - Following Lamb Show
Swine Show - Following Steer Show
BBQ Lunch Break (12 Noon - 1 PM)
Approx. 1:15 p.m. - Complete Swine Show
BAKED GOODS must be in the Elementary Cafeteria by 8:30 a.m. on January
12th
Panther Creek - Friday, January 18, 2008
Swine Weigh-In: Thursday, Jan. 17th at the Panther Creek Bus Barn from
6 to 8 pm
Lambs & Goats Weigh-In: will be at 7:00 am to 8:30 am on Friday, Jan.
18, 2008
SHOW STARTS at 10:00 am : Goats, Lambs, Pigs
BBQ Lunch @ 11:45 am
Coleman - Saturday, January 19, 2008
Weigh-In for Goats, Lambs and Pigs will be Friday, January 12, from
4:30 to 6 pm
Steers Weigh-In: Friday, Jan. 18, 2008 from 4:30 - 6 pm at the Expo
Center
SHOW STARTS: 7:30 am Saturday, January 19, 2008
SHOW ORDER: Swine, Lambs, Goats, Rabbits, Steers
STOCK SHOW REMINDERS
Listed below are County Stock Show Reminders. PLEASE READ THEM CAREFULLY ! If you have any questions about any of the rules of regulations for the County Show, contact the Superintendent of your show, your Ag Science teacher, or the County Extension Agent.
* NO PASS. NO SHOW. Each exhibitor must be academically
eligible.
* Rabbits are to be brought to the grounds for judging on Sunday
for the County Show, taken home after the show.
* You must be present for weigh-in and sifting your animals at the
county stock show. See the show schedule for details. If you miss
weigh-in, you will not show.
* 4-H members are required to sell their own animal at the county
sale.
* ALL EXHIBITORS ARE TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO STAY AFTER THE SALE &
HELP CLEAN UP - NO EXCEPTIONS !
* Once livestock are on the grounds at the County Stock Show, they
cannot leave without permission of the superintendents.
* SWINE SHOW - Show weights are 150 to 270. In order to consign
your pig to the floor, it must weigh 225 to 270 with a 5 pound variance
on the TOP only.
* All lambs must be slick shorn by no later than December 31st, in
order to show in the Coleman County Stock Show. Lambs & goats may be
washed for the county show as long as it is done before arrival on the
rodeo grounds.
* All 4-H members must have exhibitor signs on their pens at the
County Show. These are available from the County Extension Office or
you can find them out in the show barns during the event.
* STEERS - This will be a blow and show exhibition. No
adhesives.
* MANDATORY - YOU MUST CLEAN OUT YOUR PEN(S) BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE
STOCK SHOW GROUNDS AFTER THE STOCK SHOW IS OVER.
2008 County Stock Show Schedule
Friday, January 18, 2008
4:00 - 6:00 p.m. Steers weigh-in at Expo Center
Saturday, January 19, 2008
3:00 p.m. All livestock must be in place for the County
Show
Sift for swine, lambs, goats will begin.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
12:00 Noon Swine Show
1:00 p.m. Weigh-In for Rabbits
2:00 p.m. Rabbit Show Begins
Little Britches Goat Show - Following Rabbit Show (Approx. 3 PM)
Monday, January 21, 2008
8:00 a.m. Steer Show
11:00 a.m. Lamb Show (Or immediately following Steer
Show)
Meat Goat Show Immediately following Lamb Show
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
12:00 Noon County Stock Show SALE at Expo Center
Little Britches Goat Show
Sunday, January 21, 2008
Each year the Little Britches Goat Show is a great success with many
youth involved. This show will again be part of the county*s stock
show events. ENTRY FEE IS $1.00. You can enter just prior to the show
on Sunday, January 21, 2008. If you have a little brother, sister,
cousin, grandson, granddaughter, who is not old enough to be a member of
4-H or FFA, and would like to get them started in the show ring - get
them involved at the County Show in the Little Britches Goat Show.
There are 2 classes:
1) Under 5 years of age - This is a COSTUME Contest. Both the animal
and the contestant can sport a costume.
2) Ages 5 to 8 years of age - Contestants will go through a showmanship
class. Contestants in this class should wear stock show
attire.
4-H Foundation Scholarship Information
The Texas 4-H Youth Development Foundation is pleased to offer senior high school 4-H members and current 4-H college students the opportunity to apply for an Opportunity Scholarship through the Texas 4-H Program. 4-H Scholarships are offered in four different areas: Baccalaureate Scholarships, Technical Certification Scholarships, Collegiate Scholarships, and Courageous Heart Scholarships. Each type of scholarship has its own requirements.
All applications, instructions, and an on-line training module are available through the Texas 4-H & Youth Development website at http://texas4-h.tamu.edu
Applications must be submitted to the District Office by February 15, 2008. REMEMBER to allow sufficient time for collecting the appropriate documents needed for this application and review time for county agents* approval.
For further questions or assistance, contact the County Extension Office at 325-625-4519 or come by the Extension Office (2nd floor, County Courthouse).
Consumer Decision Making Topics for 2008
For those of you who might be interested in participating in the Consumer Decision Making project, or being a project leader, topics for the 2008 District Contest are now posted on the FCS website : http://consumerdecisionmaking.tamu.edu . There are some new subjects that will challenge your critical thinking skills such as: Analog to Digital: The Switch is On (televisions - analog to digital), Compact Fluorescent Bulbs (CFLs) - comparing incandescent bulbs to fluorescent bulbs, Roth IRA*s for Working Kids - method of investment for working teenagers , Sun-Blocking Clothes, Buying a Used Car. Other topics that have been posted previously are: Emergency Radios, Gift Cards, Gold Jewelry, Pedometers, and an updated Printing Digital Photos.
If you are interested in the Consumer Decision Making project call the Extension Office at 625-4519 and let us know.
4th Annual FOOD FAIR
For all of you who like to bake, you have another opportunity. Why not try out your creativity ???!!!! Youth are invited to try their hands at baking their best bread, cake, cookies, etc.... and bring them to the 4th Annual Food Fair during the 2008 County Livestock Show. Listed below are a few details for this upcoming event.
Show Date: Projects Due Saturday, January 19, 2008 (at the County Livestock Show)
Eligibility: ALL 4-H, FFA, and FCCLA members
Age Divisions: Junior ( Ages 8 to 13 ), Senior (Ages 14 to 19) **SPECIAL AGE GROUP-Clover Kids:Kindergarten through 2nd grade
Classes: Decorated Cakes, Creative Cakes, Sponge Cakes, Butter cakes, Sweet rolls, Candies, Cookies, Bar & Square Cookies, Quick Breads, and Yeast Breads (plain)
ALL Food Fair entry forms must be submitted by Wednesday, December 12th. If you are interested in participating in the 4th Annual Youth Food Fair, come by the Extension office and pick up a detailed list of rules & regulations. Entry Forms are available !
Five Holiday Scams Texans Should Avoid
By Greg Abbott
Attorney General of Texas
With Texans across the state preparing holiday meals and shopping for gifts, a few con artists are dusting off old scams and looking for new victims. Over the next few weeks, consumers should avoid five popular holiday scams: gift card scams; online shopping schemes; phony charities; credit repair scams; and spam e-mail and other unsolicited offers.
Gift card scams. Scam artists often take advantage of gift cards by writing down or memorizing the serial numbers on the face of the card while the cards are still displayed in the store. When an unsuspecting consumer purchases and activates the card, the scammer simply calls the card’s customer service number, verifies it is active, and uses the memorized serial number to make online purchases. Sadly, it’s often days or weeks before the legitimate buyer learns that the card balance was drained by a thief.
To avoid scammers who drain gift card balances, consumers should ask a store clerk to provide them with a gift card from behind a counter or one that has not otherwise been accessible to the general public. Some gift cards have additional security measures, such as scratch off codes, so consumers should always verify that no one has tampered with a card or its packaging.
Online shopping schemes. Consumers should never respond to bulk e-mails that offer merchandise, travel deals or solicit charitable contributions. Crooks often set up Web sites that look like they sell products or collect money for charities when, in fact, all they do is collect credit card numbers, take the money and run. Consumers should always verify a Web site’s security status before placing an order. Online shoppers also should consider using a credit card for online purchases. Paying by credit card often provides an extra layer of protection making it easier for consumers to dispute unauthorized charges or undelivered products.
Bogus charities. Charitable giving is commendable, but consumers should ask questions before donating to a telephone or door-to-door solicitor: Does the solicitor have identification? How will contributions be used? Texans also should independently check what they are told about the organization and make sure their gifts will count. To verify an organization’s legitimacy, donors can contact www.give.org. This Web site is maintained by the Council of Better Business Bureaus to promote wise charitable giving. Consumers also should confirm the tax-exempt status of any organization before they reach for their wallets.
Credit repair scams. Online or in the classifieds, credit repair offers often guarantee consumers loans despite their poor credit ratings; all consumers have to do is pay an upfront “processing fee.” These offers are invariably a form of advance fee fraud, so Texans should steer clear of them. Consumers who need extra money over the holidays should visit a local lender in person.
Unsolicited offers. The best way to guard against scams and swindles is simple: Never respond to unsolicited offers. Consumers should never respond to spam e-mails sent by strangers or unfamiliar companies.
Consumers should also be skeptical of unsolicited telephone offers. Even if the caller claims to represent a trusted company or pitches an interesting offer, Texans should hang up and call the well-known company directly using a number that appears in the local telephone directory. This simple precaution ensures that consumers are talking to an actual company representative.
Fraudulent offers also can arrive in the mail. As tempting as it sounds, consumers can rest assured they did NOT win the Spanish lottery, the Canadian lottery, or any other foreign lottery just in time for the holidays. Texans should be extremely wary of cashier’s checks sent by people they do not know and should never provide their personal financial information to unfamiliar solicitors.
Con artists tend to spend money just as fast as they steal it, so money lost in these or similar scams is difficult to recover. Prevention is a critical factor in stopping thieves in their tracks. By taking a few simple precautions, Texans can enjoy a safe and happy holiday season.
POINTS TO REMEMBER
Avoid Holiday Scams
- JUST HANG UP on unsolicited telephone offers.
- Avoid sweepstakes, lottery and other advance fee schemes.
- Approach a local lender if you need to secure a holiday loan – be wary of unsolicited credit repair offers.
- Ask questions before making a charitable contribution.
- Verify a Web site’s security before ordering merchandise online.
- Be a smart shopper when buying gift cards.
To verify a charitable organization’s legitimacy, visit www.give.org.
To learn more about safe holiday shopping and how to avoid common consumer scams, contact the Office of the Attorney General at (800) 252-8011 or visit www.oag.state.tx.us.
Consumer Tips for Online and Catalog Shopping
By Greg Abbott
Attorney General of Texas
With the holiday season upon us, many generous Texans are buying gifts for friends and family. Amid all the hustle and bustle, it’s easy to forget how to protect hard-earned dollars from theft and fraud. Taking just a few precautions when shopping online or by catalog can protect Texans from holiday scams.
Shoppers should cautiously approach online advertising, even promotions displayed on well-known sites. Web sites that sell advertising space do not generally endorse advertisers, the claims they make or the products they advertise. Crooks often set up sites that appear to sell products or collect money for charities when, in fact, all they do is collect credit card numbers, take the money and run.
Before providing credit card numbers or other sensitive information online, consumers should verify the Web site’s security features. The location bar should include the letters “https://” instead of “http://” – the “S” typically indicates the site is secure. Online shoppers should also examine the status bar and look for an icon that resembles a lock. When clicked, the “lock” icon reveals details of the site’s security features. If the icon appears in the Web page itself, or if a consumer clicks on the icon and finds it is merely a photo, it may be the sign of an insecure or fraudulent Web site.
If an offer sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Double-check the fine print. Always review the company’s return policy, particularly when purchasing clothing or shoes.
Never rely on pictures alone. Often, several items are shown in an image, but only one or two are actually included in the purchase price. Also, size and quality may differ from what appears in written advertisements. To find out if a product meets expectations, consumers may want to see if the same product is sold locally so they can handle or test it in person.
As always, consumers should be cautious when providing credit card numbers and other personally identifying information. Online shoppers often prefer to use credit cards, which are convenient and often make it easier to dispute charges for products that are not delivered or were misrepresented. However, consumers should only give their credit card information to a company they trust, especially when shopping on the Internet. Many credit card companies offer specific protections to cardholders who shop online. Consumers should consult their credit card companies to learn more about the safeguards they provide.
Under federal law, merchandise ordered by computer, catalog or telephone must be received within the timeframe stated in the company’s advertisement or telephone offer. If the merchant is unable to ship ordered products within the promised time period, it must notify consumers of the new delivery date. This gives buyers the opportunity to decide whether to accept the revised shipping date or cancel their order for a full refund.
Finally, consumers should never respond to unsolicited offers, whether by telephone, spam e-mails, or by mail. Even if the solicitor appears to represent a trusted company and pitches an interesting offer, consumers should hang up and call the company directly with a telephone number they find in the local directory. This practice ensures that consumers are talking to an actual company representative and not responding to a fraudulent offer.
To learn more about safe holiday shopping and common consumer scams, visit the Office of the Attorney General’s Web site at:www.oag.state.tx.us.
POINTS TO REMEMBER
Online and Catalog Shopping
When shopping by telephone, mail catalog or over the Internet, consumers should take the following precautions:
- Verify that the server connection and Web site are secure.
- Know what the price includes before placing an order.
- Review the company’s refund policy.
- Understand your cancellation rights.
- JUST HANG UP on unsolicited telephone offers.
For more information on common consumer scams and how to avoid them, access our consumer brochures online at: www.oag.state.tx.us.
Consumers who believe they have encountered an online or catalog scam should contact the Office of the Attorney General at (800) 252-8011, or file a complaint online at www.oag.state.tx.us.
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