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Dear Readers: Many have lost jobs or are struggling financially. The utility companies know this, and most are understanding about slow payment of bills. Scammers, however, are using this to cheat you out of money. Someone pretending to be from your utility company might call or visit and demand payment.
Utility companies always send letters about your payment status and would rather work out some sort of payment schedule than shut off utilities. So, beware!
≤ Scammers might say you overpaid and ask for banking information, claiming to send the refund directly to your bank account. It's a lie. Don't give out any information about your bank account.
≤ Utility companies do not call and ask you to pay by gift card, wire transfer or other forms of payment.
Don't be frightened, of their scare tactics. -- Heloise
Wedding dress blues
Dear Heloise: My wedding is in seven weeks, and I had a beautiful, floor-length gown made of bright teal silk. My mom is angry as I'm a first-time bride, and claims that I need to wear white or ivory. Neither looks good on me. And she wants me to wear a veil, I refuse. Why must I wear white? -- Kelly in Kentucky
Wearing a white dress was made popular by Queen Victoria. Most before wore their best dress, no matter the color, which was worn many times after the wedding. Wear what you like. -- Heloise
(Heloise is a columnist for King Features Syndicate. Send a hint to P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE or E-Mail: Heloise@Heloise.com.)