The hourly positions will pick, pack and ship customer orders. All employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes both health insurance and company stock awards.

Amazon says that the median pay for working in its fulfillment centers is 30 percent higher than that of people who work in traditional retail stores — and that doesn’t include stock grants that full-time employees receive, which over the past five years have added an average of 9 percent to base pay annually.

The 1 million-square-foot fulfillment center opened in the fall of 2012 in Middletown. Candidates can apply at www.workatamazonfulfillment.com.

The database has been updated and currently contains information on nearly 31,000 vehicles.   www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/floodedcars  Enter the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) unique to each vehicle to check whether a flood or salvage title has been issued.

 
It is not illegal to sell a vehicle with either a flood or salvage title, but specific requirements exist to ensure the status of such vehicles is disclosed to potential purchasers.

 
If a motor vehicle has suffered sufficient damage to render it economically impractical to repair or has been rendered a total loss by an insurer, the person in possession of the certificate of ownership (or “title”) for the vehicle is required, by law, to surrender the title to the MVC. The MVC will then issue a salvage title for that vehicle. Salvage vehicles cannot be registered for the purpose of being driven on the public highways of New Jersey except for the purpose of going to and from an inspection appointment at a Motor Vehicle Commission facility. (N.J.A.C. 13:21-22.6.)  It is against the law to sell or transfer ownership of a salvage motor vehicle except as a salvage motor vehicle with a salvage title, unless the vehicle is repaired and inspected by the Motor Vehicle Commission. (N.J.A.C. 13:21-22.5.)

 
The owner of a vehicle damaged by flood, but not rendered economically impractical to repair or not rendered a total loss by an insurer, must place the phrase “Flood Vehicle” on the title, assignment of certificate of ownership (title), or manufacturer’s statement of origin if a new vehicle, directly below the word “Status.” All subsequent titles shall be so noted. Vehicles damaged by flood will not be registered unless the application for registration is accompanied by the appropriately noted certificate of ownership. (N.J.A.C. 13:21-5.6, -5.7.)

 
Before purchasing a used vehicle, consumers are advised to:

· Check the vehicle’s title history and be wary if the vehicle has been titled multiple times over a short time period;
· Obtain a vehicle history report from the dealer, or get one yourself from a reputable source; this will let you know if the car has been damaged in the past; and
· Look for an insurance company’s name on the title history, and contact the company for vehicle information. 

Consumers should check whether a new or used auto dealer is licensed by the MVC as legally required. Consumer Affairs can provide information on any past actions it has taken against a dealership and whether consumers have filed complaints about a dealership. Consumers also should have their trained mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection of the vehicle.

 
Among the telltale signs that a vehicle may have sustained flood damage are:

 
· A musty or moldy smell or the strong scent of a deodorizer all over the car;
· Rust on metal parts where water would not normally touch;
· Water-stained upholstery or water damage on the door panels or seat belts; and
· Mildew, silt or debris in areas around the engine compartment, under the carpeting or in the trunk.
Consumers who believe they have been cheated or scammed by a business, or suspect any other form of consumer abuse, can file a complaint with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs by calling 1-800-242-5846 (toll free within New Jersey) or 973-504-6200.

In its effort to hire 10,000 new employees nationwide in May, Dollar General will host a career fair at its 600 E. Chelton Ave. location (Philadelphia) this Saturday, May 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event will be one of approximately 170 nationwide career fairs held on Saturday throughout the 40 states the retailer serves.

A full list of nationwide career fairs on Saturday, May 18 is available at www.dollargeneral.com/careers.

Candidates interested in joining the Dollar General team who are unable to attend a career fair may apply for available positions online at www.dollargeneral.com/careers.

Meanwhile, Domino’s Pizza is looking to hire over 550 new employees across 120 stores in the greater Philadelphia area.  All of the new positions offered are for delivery drivers, assistant managers and general managers.

Those who are interested in applying to their closest Domino’s Pizza store can do so by visiting www.careers.dominos.com.

1,000 people (18 years and older) will receive 25,000 miles* each – that’s enough for a standard roundtrip award ticket (with taxes and fees from only $5 per award ticket).  Spirit is giving away the 1,000 certificates on a first-come first-serve basis, while supplies last.

*Recipients of the 25,000 FREE SPIRIT™ frequent flyer bonus miles certificates must register their certificate within 7 days of receipt. Miles will be deposited within 45 days of registration.  Certificates are good for one time use, and only one 25,000-mile certificate can be credited to a FREE SPIRIT account. FREE SPIRIT program terms and conditions apply – complete details available at www.spirit.com.  Certificates do not have a cash value and may not be duplicated or sold. Spirit reserves the right to modify or cancel this promotion at any time. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S. states (including D.C.), 18 years old or older. For complete details, visit www.spirit.com/redeem.

Time and Place:

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Starting at 11:00 am

IndependenceVisitorCenter – Main Level (on 6th Street between Market and Arch Streets)

1 North Independence Mall West

Philadelphia, PA19106

Join Clarifi and FinanciallyHers® for a special event, Financially Single & Thriving, on Saturday, May 18th from 9:15am – 12:00pm at the United Way Building in Center City (1709 Ben Franklin Parkway) Philadelphia . 

The event will show attendees how to manage their finances at any stage of life, whether they are in a relationship, single or in transition.

Speakers will include:

Tiffany W. Thurman, FinanciallyHers Program Manager, Clarifi

Sheila Brennan, Divorce Coach

Stephanie W. McCullough, Financial Advisor, Sofia Financial

and Judith Drasin, Esq., Associate Counsel, Lipsky and Brandt.

Guest speakers will share their expertise on the following topics:

• Developing realistic goals and expectations during a transition process

• Protecting yourself financially

• Knowing when you need an attorney

Attendees can register at clarifi.org or by calling 800-989-2227. Attendance is free; seating is limited.  A continental breakfast will also be available at 8:45am.

Started in 2008, FinanciallyHers has empowered over 1,800 women to take control of their finances and is primarily funded by Citibank.

Well in recognition of the special day, several restaurants and retailers are offering freebies and special deals.  Whether you’re out shopping, eating or running a few errands, Cameron Huddleston, editor at Kiplinger’s tallies nine offers that you might want to take advantage of:

• Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar is giving mothers who eat at its location on Mother’s Day a $25 gift card for a future visit. See http://www.flemingssteakhouse.com/locations for locations.
• Hooters is honoring moms with a free meal up to $10 with a drink purchase on May 12 at any of its locations.
• I Heart Faces has three Mother’s Day photo-card templates that you can download for free.
• IKEA is offering a free breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon and potatoes and a cup of coffee on May 12 from opening until 11AM.
• McCormick & Schmick’s is giving moms complimentary truffles with brunch or dinner on Mother’s Day.
• O’Charley’s will offer a free slice of pie on May 12 to all mothers who dine at any of its locations.
• Redbox is offering a free one-day rental when you buy an egift card for Mother’s Day. 
• TCBY will give a free frozen yogurt (up to 6 ounces) to moms on Mother’s Day. Check with the store in your area to make sure it is participating.

 For more information visit: http://www.kiplinger.com/article/spending/T050-C011-S001-mother-s-day-freebies-and-deals-2013.html.

Stamp Out Hunger is the nation’s largest single-day food drive.  It collects more than 70 million pounds of food in a single day.   On Saturday, May 11^th, the nation’s 175,000 letter carriers will pick up non-perishable food left by mailboxes and deliver it to local food banks, where it will help families across the country.

In honor of the campaign’s 21^st anniversary, in our region the Campbell Soup Company will contribute one million pounds of food and 21,000 cans to Feeding America to kick-off this year’s Stamp Out Hunger food drive. 

Wonder what foods are great to donate to the food drive?  Here are a few non-perishable food items requested by food banks:

• Cereal
• Pasta
• Rice
• Canned fruits and vegetables
• Canned meals such as soups, chili, pasta
• 100% juice
• Peanut butter
• Pasta sauce or spaghetti sauce
• Macaroni & cheese
• Canned protein – tuna, chicken, turkey
• Beans – canned or dry

For more information visit:   http://www.helpstampouthunger.com/

You may recall that Frontier has recently expanded service in our area.   I know that the mountain air is a little thin up at their main hub in Denver, but if this is the way they hope to attract customers, they need to take a hit of oxygen.

The first new charge involves carry-on-baggage.   Frontier says that its most loyal customers have made it very clear that finding overhead bin space for carry-on bags has become unacceptably difficult.   In response, Frontier will be introducing a charge for carry-on bags for customers buying Basic fares through third party sites.   The fee will range from $25 -$100, but they don’t explain how they’ll determine what price you’ll pay.  The message is clear – buy your tickets directly from us or you’ll be sorry.  All tickets sold through their website include a carry-on bag with the fare.  How nice of them.

Checking a bag?  The fee to check a first bag will remain $20 when purchased during on-line check-in at FlyFrontier.com but will increase to $25 when purchased at airport check-in for all Economy and Basic tickets booked on or after June 1, 2013 for travel on or after July 11, 2013.

If all this information is making you thirsty.  I suggest that you drink up before you board.  As part of the transformation into an “Ultra Low Cost Carrier”, Frontier will begin charging for onboard beverages this summer. Effective July 1, 2013, customers who purchase Economy or Basic fares will be charged $1.99 for coffee, tea, soda and juice. All on-board purchases continue to require a credit or debit card.  Beverages will continue to be free for Ascent and Summit level EarlyReturns® members, as well as for all customers who purchase Classic and Classic Plus fares, when they show their boarding pass or EarlyReturns® membership card.  All customers will now receive a full can of soda or juice and customers choosing coffee will be offered free refills.   

A whole can of soda and coffee refills, Yippee!

The recall affects 10,000 Foresters made from January 2013 through March. The company says the floor mats can curl when exposed to heat. 

The problem was discovered in cars arriving at a port in Vancouver, Washington.  Subaru then traced the problem to improperly manufactured backing on the mats.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says the mats could distract the driver or interfere with operation of the car.

Subaru dealers will replace all four mats free of charge. It will begin notifying owners in April.

When you buy a dozen doughnuts at Krispy Kreme this Sunday you’ll get a dozen Original Glazed doughnuts for FREE to share with the unsung heroes in your life.

You’ll need a coupon to take advantage of this offer.  You can download the Krispy Kreme Hero Appreciation Day coupon at HeroAppreciationDay.com .

The offer is valid at participating Krispy Kreme locations.  To find a location near you visit:  www.KrispyKreme.com

C

Saturday April 20

Sponsor: SB1 Federal Credit Union
CBS 3 Parking Lot 1555 Hamilton Street, Philadelphia 19130
9 a.m. – 1 p.m. 

Sponsor: The Delaware Dpt. of Justice Consumer Protection Unit
DelDOT Administration Building parking lot. 800 Bay Road, just south of the Route 13-113 split in Dover
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Sponor: Rep. Mike Vereb
West Norriton Township Building 1630 West Marshall Street in Jeffersonville (Montgomery Co.)
Noon – 2 p.m.

May 4

Sponsor: The Delaware Dpt of Justice Consumer Protection Unit
William Penn High School. 713 East Basin Road (Route 141) New Castle
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Here are some of the freebies that you can take advantage of this Tax Day;

Arby’s
For the third straight year, Arby’s is offering a free value-sized order of curly fries or a small order of potato cakes.   Just use this printable coupon.  http://coupon.arbys.com/AprilArbysTaxday04152013/

 
Cinnabon
Customers can pick up two Cinnabon bites for free today from 6-8 p.m.  

 
Office Depot
It’s always helpful to keep copies of your tax return. Office Depot and receiving a free black and white copy of your tax return (up to 25 pages, single sided.  This offer expires May 1.

 
Boston Market
Today you can get a “Big Rib-bate” special:  two rib meals for $10.40  (no coupon needed)  The meal includes a 1/4 rack of St. Louis Style BBQ Ribs with mashed potatoes and gravy, sweet corn and freshly baked cornbread.

Chili’s
Get a free appetizer or dessert with the purchase of an adult entree April 15 through April 18.   You’ll need a coupon for this one.  You can find it on the Chili’sFacebook page.  Print it out or show it to your server via your smart phone.  https://www.facebook.com/Chilis#!/Chilis/app_443870895626234

 
7-Eleven
Get a medium Slurpee for free when you text “Slurp7″ to “711711″ (this offer runs through 4/30)

The bank will be hosting an informational Career Fair on Monday, April 22, 2013, at the Hilton Garden Inn, 4000 Atrium Way, Mt. Laurel, NJ, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Spirit’s Philadelphia (PHL) – Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) schedule

Philadelphia – Dallas/Fort Worth
Depart 12:45 pm
Arrive 3:10 pm
Flight 215

Dallas/Fort Worth – Philadelphia
Depart 07:40 am
Arrive 11:55 am
Flight 484

Spirit’s Philadelphia (PHL) – Las Vegas (LAS) schedule effective April 25, 2013:

Philadelphia – Las Vegas
Depart 7:45 pm
Arrive 10:13 pm
Flight 373

Las Vegas – Philadelphia
Depart 10:40 pm
Arrive 06:28 am+1
Flight 394

For more information visit www.spirit.com

“There’s almost no excuse for not getting the best deal on an item anymore,” said Lisa Lee Freeman, editor-in-chief of ShopSmart. “More and more apps feature bar code scanners which are giving users instant access to other retailers’ prices that may be better than the one they are about to pay.”

ShopSmart’s recommendations of price-comparison apps is part of its “Bargain Issue” which features tips on where to save (in-store versus online), the best sites and apps for coupons, a list of amazing cheap products and more.

Here are five, free apps that are best for comparing prices on the go according to ShopSmart:

1. Price Check by Amazon lets users scan a product’s bar code, snap a photo, or say its name to see whether Amazon sells it for a lower price.  It also supports – and encourages – users to share in-store prices, so other customers can benefit from Amazon’s willingness to undercut other retailers.  Works on: Android and Apple.
2. RedLaser was one of the first price comparison apps and is still the gold standard.  Users can now find deals and coupons for retailers, store digital versions of loyalty cards, and make purchases directly in the app if they see a cheaper price elsewhere.  Works on: Android, Apple, Blackberry, and Windows.
3. ScanLife allows users to price compare with ease and share prices with fellow scanners.  The app has a live feed that shows prices others have scanned. Works on: Android, Apple, Blackberry, and Windows.
4. ShopSavvy is a granddaddy price-comparison app that now features user reviews, product videos, enhanced purchasing tools and the ability to add prices for local stores and new products.  Works on: Android, Apple, and Windows.
5. Smoopa is all about sharing prices users find.  Stores are graded by how often they return the lowest prices among Smoopa users.  Those who stumble upon an in-store price that beats competitors and makes the purchase receive a reward redeemable via PayPal, gift cards for stores such as Amazon and Walmart or a charity donation. Works on: Android and Apple.

For more information about ShopSmart visit:  www.ShopSmartmag.org

Personal property losses that are not covered by insurance or other reimbursements may be deductible on your tax return. For details on eligible deductions, see IRS Form 4684, Casualties and Thefts, and read the instructions.

IRS Notice 2013-21, Section 165(i) states that affected taxpayers in a federally declared disaster area have the option of claiming disaster-related casualty losses on their federal income tax returns for either this tax year (2012) or the previous tax year (2011).

According to IRS Notice 2013-16, taxpayers who reside outside the disaster area but whose books, records, or tax professionals are located in the areas affected by Hurricane Sandy may also be eligible for tax relief.

The IRS may waive their usual fees and expedite requests for copies of previously filed tax returns for affected taxpayers. Taxpayers should put the assigned Disaster Designation in red ink at the top of IRS Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return, or IRS Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return, and submit it to the IRS.

Taxpayers impacted by Hurricane Sandy can access IRS information related to Sandy online at http://www.irs.gov/uac/Tax-Relief-in-Disaster-Situations

Visit www.irs.gov/uac/Contact-My-Local-Office-in-New-Jersey for information on the nearest IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center.

Taxpayers may download forms and publications with information on tax relief from the official IRS website, IRS.gov, or order them by calling 800-TAX-FORM. The IRS toll-free number for general tax questions is 800-829-1040.

The only airline providing scheduled service out of Trenton-Mercer Airport, Frontier is offering fares as low as $29 each way (taxes and airport fees not included) to promote the launch.  

Following is the schedule for Frontier’s new Trenton service.

For departure times, visit FlyFrontier.com.

The new schedule also includes a one-stop flight from Princeton/Trenton to Denver operating six days per week via Chicago.

All service from Princeton/Trenton operates on 138-seat Airbus 319 aircraft.  For more information visit FlyFrontier.com.

The Federal Trade Commission held a nationwide contest for developers to come up with a solution to end robotic phone calls and two men now are splitting a $50,000 prize. The two developed software that detects robotic calls and hangs up on prerecorded messages before the phone ever rings.

Serdar Danis and Aaron Foss will each receive $25,000 for their proposals, which both focus on intercepting and filtering out illegal prerecorded calls using technology to “blacklist” robocaller phone numbers and “whitelist” numbers associated with acceptable incoming calls. Both proposals also would filter out unapproved robocallers using a CAPTCHA-style test to prevent illegal calls from ringing through to a user.

The challenge, designed to help solve this problem by spurring innovation in the marketplace, garnered nearly 800 eligible submissions.

“The solutions that our winners came up with have the potential to turn the tide on illegal robocalls, and they show the wisdom of tapping into the genius and technical expertise of the public,” said Charles Harwood, Acting Director, FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “We’re hoping these winning proposals find their way to the marketplace soon, and will provide relief to millions of American consumers harassed by these calls.”

Brief descriptions of all the eligible challenge entries are available on a submission gallery at robocall.challenge.gov

The Graduated Repayment Period will allow new college graduates in good standing to sign up for a one-year interest-only payment period, after the six-month grace period, instead of making full principal and interest payments at that time. The feature will be available for new Smart Option Student Loan applications on April 1 for undergraduate and graduate students who attend degree-granting institutions beginning in the fall semester.

The feature was designed to keep the total cost of the loan low. For example, a freshman borrower who elects in-school deferment on a $10,000 loan with typical loan terms would pay $144 per month for a 10-year repayment term. With the Graduated Repayment Option, the monthly payment would be $89 the first year, then $152 the second year, until it’s paid off. The difference in the total cost is less than $400, without extending the length of the loan.

For more information and to view a cost comparison chart visit: http://bit.ly/1718gDu

• Pay off credit card debt—using your refund to pay off a balance with an 18% interest rate is like earning 18% on your investments—an incredibly valuable use of the money!
• Rebuild your emergency fund—many people have raided their emergency fund over the past several years and have had little extra money to restore it.
• Boost retirement savings—you can contribute up to $5,500 to an IRA for 2013 tax-free.
• Fund a taxable account—use the extra cash to buy shares in a mutual fund or stock you’ve been considering but perhaps feel is too risky for your IRA or not available in your 401(k) plan.
• Fill gaps in your insurance—for less than $1,000 you can get coverage for flooding and liability.
• Build your college savings—it’s always hard to juggle saving for college and retirement; here’s an opportunity to use your extra money to contribute to a 529 account.
• Help your kids save—contribute to a Roth IRA to help your child save for the future.
• Prepay your vacation—set aside some money for vacation rather than using your credit card and paying interest long after you have returned.
• Invest in your home—your refund won’t be enough to redo your kitchen or bathroom, but it can pay for some smaller home improvements like adding a backsplash, painting a room or sprucing up your yard.
• Give to others—if you have your financial bases covered, consider using your refund to make a charitable donation to help others in need.

For more information from Kiplinger’s visit: http://www.kiplinger.com/slideshow/taxes/T065-S001-10-smart-uses-for-your-tax-refund/index.html.

The following are the Dirty Dozen tax scams for 2013:

Identity Theft

Tax fraud through the use of identity theft tops this year’s Dirty Dozen list. Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information such as your name, Social Security number (SSN) or other identifying information, without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes. In many cases, an identity thief uses a legitimate taxpayer’s identity to fraudulently file a tax return and claim a refund.

The IRS has a special section on IRS.gov dedicated to identity theft issues, including YouTube videos, tips for taxpayers and an assistance guide. For victims, the information includes how to contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit. For other taxpayers, there are tips on how taxpayers can protect themselves against identity theft.

Taxpayers who believe they are at risk of identity theft due to lost or stolen personal information should contact the IRS immediately so the agency can take action to secure their tax account. Taxpayers can call the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 800-908-4490. More information can be found on the special identity protection page.

Phishing

Phishing is a scam typically carried out with the help of unsolicited email or a fake website that poses as a legitimate site to lure in potential victims and prompt them to provide valuable personal and financial information. Armed with this information, a criminal can commit identity theft or financial theft.

If you receive an unsolicited email that appears to be from either the IRS or an organization closely linked to the IRS, such as the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), report it by sending it to phishing@irs.gov.

It is important to keep in mind the IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email to request personal or financial information. This includes any type of electronic communication, such as text messages and social media channels. The IRS has information that can help you protect yourself from email scams.

Return Preparer Fraud

About 60 percent of taxpayers will use tax professionals this year to prepare their tax returns. Most return preparers provide honest service to their clients. But some unscrupulous preparers prey on unsuspecting taxpayers, and the result can be refund fraud or identity theft.

It is important to choose carefully when hiring an individual or firm to prepare your return. This year, the IRS wants to remind all taxpayers that they should use only preparers who sign the returns they prepare and enter their IRS Preparer Tax Identification Numbers (PTINs).

The IRS also has created a new web page to assist taxpayers. For tips about choosing a preparer, red flags, details on preparer qualifications and information on how and when to make a complaint, visit www.irs.gov/chooseataxpro.

Remember: Taxpayers are legally responsible for what’s on their tax return even if it is prepared by someone else. Make sure the preparer you hire is up to the task.

Hiding Income Offshore

Over the years, numerous individuals have been identified as evading U.S. taxes by hiding income in offshore banks, brokerage accounts or nominee entities, using debit cards, credit cards or wire transfers to access the funds. Others have employed foreign trusts, employee-leasing schemes, private annuities or insurance plans for the same purpose.

While there are legitimate reasons for maintaining financial accounts abroad, there are reporting requirements that need to be fulfilled. U.S. taxpayers who maintain such accounts and who do not comply with reporting and disclosure requirements are breaking the law and risk significant penalties and fines, as well as the possibility of criminal prosecution.

“Free Money” from the IRS & Tax Scams Involving Social Security

Flyers and advertisements for free money from the IRS, suggesting that the taxpayer can file a tax return with little or no documentation, have been appearing in community churches around the country. These schemes promise refunds to people who have little or no income and normally don’t have a tax filing requirement – and are also often spread by word of mouth as unsuspecting and well-intentioned people tell their friends and relatives.

Scammers prey on low income individuals and the elderly and members of church congregations with bogus promises of free money. They build false hopes and charge people good money for bad advice including encouraging taxpayers to make fictitious claims for refunds or rebates based on false statements of entitlement to tax credits. For example, some promoters claim they can obtain for their victims, often senior citizens, a tax refund or nonexistent stimulus payment based on the American Opportunity Tax Credit, even if the victim was not enrolled in or paying for college. Con artists also falsely claim that refunds are available even if the victim went to school decades ago. In the end, the victims discover their claims are rejected. Meanwhile, the promoters are long gone. The IRS warns all taxpayers to remain vigilant.

Impersonation of Charitable Organizations

Following major disasters, it’s common for scam artists to impersonate charities to get money or private information from well-intentioned taxpayers. Scam artists can use a variety of tactics. Some scammers operating bogus charities may contact people by telephone or email to solicit money or financial information. They may even directly contact disaster victims and claim to be working for or on behalf of the IRS to help the victims file casualty loss claims and get tax refunds.

They may attempt to get personal financial information or Social Security numbers that can be used to steal the victims’ identities or financial resources. Bogus websites may solicit funds for disaster victims. As in the case of a recent disaster, Hurricane Sandy, the IRS cautions both victims of natural disasters and people wishing to make charitable donations to avoid scam artists by following these tips:

 To help disaster victims, donate to recognized charities. Be wary of charities with names that are similar to familiar or nationally known organizations. Some phony charities use names or websites that sound or look like those of respected, legitimate organizations. IRS.gov has a search feature, Exempt Organizations Select Check, which allows people to find legitimate, qualified charities to which donations may be tax-deductible.

Don’t give out personal financial information, such as Social Security numbers or credit card and bank account numbers and passwords, to anyone who solicits  a contribution from you. Scam artists may use this information to steal your identity and money.  Don’t give or send cash. For security and tax record purposes, contribute by check or credit card or another way that provides documentation of the gift.

False/Inflated Income and Expenses

Including income that was never earned, either as wages or as self-employment income in order to maximize refundable credits, is another popular scam. Claiming income you did not earn or expenses you did not pay in order to secure larger refundable credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit could have serious repercussions. This could result in repaying the erroneous refunds, including interest and penalties, and in some cases, even prosecution.

Additionally, some taxpayers are filing excessive claims for the fuel tax credit. Farmers and other taxpayers who use fuel for off-highway business purposes may be eligible for the fuel tax credit. But other individuals have claimed the tax credit although they were not eligible. Fraud involving the fuel tax credit is considered a frivolous tax claim and can result in a penalty of $5,000.

False Form 1099 Refund Claims

In some cases, individuals have made refund claims based on the bogus theory that the federal government maintains secret accounts for U.S. citizens and that taxpayers can gain access to the accounts by issuing 1099-OID forms to the IRS. In this ongoing scam, the perpetrator files a fake information return, such as a Form 1099 Original Issue Discount (OID), to justify a false refund claim on a corresponding tax return.

Don’t fall prey to people who encourage you to claim deductions or credits to which you are not entitled or willingly allow others to use your information to file false returns. If you are a party to such schemes, you could be liable for financial penalties or even face criminal prosecution.

Frivolous Arguments

Promoters of frivolous schemes encourage taxpayers to make unreasonable and outlandish claims to avoid paying the taxes they owe. The IRS has a list of frivolous tax arguments that taxpayers should avoid. These arguments are false and have been thrown out of court. While taxpayers have the right to contest their tax liabilities in court, no one has the right to disobey the law.

Falsely Claiming Zero Wages

Filing a phony information return is an illegal way to lower the amount of taxes an individual owes. Typically, a Form 4852 (Substitute Form W-2) or a “corrected” Form 1099 is used as a way to improperly reduce taxable income to zero. The taxpayer may also submit a statement rebutting wages and taxes reported by a payer to the IRS.

Sometimes, fraudsters even include an explanation on their Form 4852 that cites statutory language on the definition of wages or may include some reference to a paying company that refuses to issue a corrected Form W-2 for fear of IRS retaliation. Taxpayers should resist any temptation to participate in any variations of this scheme. Filing this type of return may result in a $5,000 penalty.

Disguised Corporate Ownership

Third parties are improperly used to request employer identification numbers and form corporations that obscure the true ownership of the business.

These entities can be used to underreport income, claim fictitious deductions, avoid filing tax returns, participate in listed transactions and facilitate money laundering and financial crimes. The IRS is working with state authorities to identify these entities and bring the owners into compliance with the law.

Misuse of Trusts

For years, unscrupulous promoters have urged taxpayers to transfer assets into trusts. While there are legitimate uses of trusts in tax and estate planning, some highly questionable transactions promise reduction of income subject to tax, deductions for personal expenses and reduced estate or gift taxes. Such trusts rarely deliver the tax benefits promised and are used primarily as a means of avoiding income tax liability and hiding assets from creditors, including the IRS.

IRS personnel have seen an increase in the improper use of private annuity trusts and foreign trusts to shift income and deduct personal expenses. As with other arrangements, taxpayers should seek the advice of a trusted professional before entering a trust arrangement.

County residents may bring confidential documents for shredding and televisions, computers and laptops to be recycled. Staff will unload directly from vehicles. This event is for Burlington County residents only, please no businesses or non-profits.

These events have always been well-received by residents. At the event last month, 989 residents brought 24,100 pounds of confidential documents to be shredded and recycled 40,628 pounds of electronic items, which is even more of a priority since State law banned them from all landfills and incinerators in 2011.

For more information contact the Recycling Office at 609-499-1001

The April 2013 issue of ShopSmart magazine, from Consumer Reports, features tips for deciding which card to use when looking for discounted travel and highlights some of the best airline and bank card reward formulas currently available.

ShopSmart recommends airline cards for the following types of users: Those who are loyal to a particular airline and who travel a lot; those who want a free trip fast; and those who like to wheel and deal. Frequent-flyer miles earned by traveling with an airline and its partners can often be combined with points earned by purchases – and there are perks such as free checked bags. Airline cards usually aren’t as generous with points, but may be worth it for those who can score a decent up-front bonus. Airline card users should check offers listed on an airline’s website and use them as a starting bid when calling the airline directly to negotiate a deal or to ask for double points. A notable caveat: Blackout dates and other restrictions can be an issue with airline cards.

Bank cards are better suited for these types of travelers: Those who fly based on price; those who don’t want to deal with blackout dates and other restrictions; and those enrolled in many frequent-flyer programs. Users can earn points on purchases and spend them on any airline they choose – points are usually tied to the price of the ticket, so the lower the price, the fewer the points needed. Bank cards are a better option for those concerned about when they can fly and how much time they have to use their points. Some cards allow users to transfer earned points to a variety of airline programs.

Here are a few of ShopSmart’s bank and airline card picks that go a long way toward a free flight:

American Express Premier Rewards Gold. This bank card rewards shoppers with three points per $1 spent for airfare; two points per $1 spent on gas and groceries; one point per $1 spent elsewhere. Users who spend $2,000 in the first three months can earn 25,000 bonus points. There’s no interest charge; users pay balances in full every month. No annual fee is charged for the first year, then $175.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Visa or MasterCard. These bank cards reward shoppers with two points per $1 spent for travel and dining; one point per $1 elsewhere and a seven percent yearly bonus on points. Users who spend $3,000 in the first three months earn 40,000 bonus points (worth $500 on travel booked through Chase). APR for purchases is 15.24%; the $95 annual fee is waived the first year.

Delta SkyMiles American Express Gold. This airline card rewards shoppers with two miles per $1 spent on Delta; one mile per $1 spent elsewhere. Users get a free checked bag for up to 9 people in a reservation; 20% savings on eligible in-flight food and beverage purchases. APR for purchases is 15.24%, 17.24%, or 19.24%; the $95 annual fee is waived the first year.

For more information about ShopSmart visit www.ShopSmartmag.org.

Philadelphia is one of five U.S. cities providing the service thanks to a $3.3 million grant from the Cities for Financial (CFE) Fund. This CFE Fund initiative is funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Mayors Project, which aims to spread proven and promising ideas among cities.

Through the program, professional financial counselors will provide clients with one-one-one counseling and guidance on issues such as managing and paying down debts, opening safe and affordable bank accounts, building healthy credit and creating budgets that facilitate savings.

Philadelphia has partnered with Clarifi, the region’s leading financial counseling non-profit, to provide the services.

The Financial Empowerment Centers will be integrated within agencies offering complementary services, so that clients can more efficiently receive a wider spectrum of supports. Sites include Congreso, People’s Emergency Center, Community Legal Services, Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians, Community College of Philadelphia, and the City’s Municipal Services Building. Appointments are available Monday through Saturday and can be scheduled by calling 1-855-FIN-PHIL.

The workshops have been organized by Attorney General Beau Biden’s office and are being offered to facilitate loan modifications, reduce foreclosures, and provide information to help residents stay in their homes and avoid foreclosure fraud.

Homeowners who have missed mortgage payments, are facing foreclosure, or suspect foreclosure fraud can receive immediate on-site help from housing professionals. At each workshop, mortgage servicers, state employees, and HUD-certified housing counselors will discuss mortgage modifications, government homeowner programs, and foreclosure scams.

Walk-ins are encouraged. Workshops will take place as follows:

Tuesday, March 19

3:00 – 7:00 p.m.: Meetings with loan servicers

4:00 p.m.: Educational session

Location: Chase Center on the Riverfront, 815 Justison Street, Wilmington

Participating servicers: Bank of America, Citi, HSBC, JP Morgan Chase, M&T, Ocwen (GMAC), Wells Fargo

Wednesday, March 20

10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.: Meetings with loan servicers

11:00 a.m.: Educational session

Location: Outlook at the Duncan Center, 500 West Loockerman Street, Dover

Participating servicers: Bank of America, Citi, JP Morgan Chase, Ocwen (GMAC), Wells Fargo

Wednesday, March 20

4:00 – 7:00 p.m.: Meetings with loan servicers

5:00 p.m.: Educational session

Location: Milford Senior Center, 111 Park Avenue, Milford

Participating servicers: Bank of America, Citi, JP Morgan Chase, Ocwen (GMAC), Wells Fargo

Homeowners who wish to meet on-site with their mortgage servicer should bring information about current income and details about their current mortgage, including loan number, monthly payment, interest rate, and loan balance.

Delawareans who have questions about the March 19 and 20 workshops should call the Attorney General’s Mortgage Hotline at 1-800-220-5424, or visit www.attorneygeneral.delaware.gov.

Here are four tips from the IRS about unemployment benefits.

1. You must include all unemployment compensation you received in your total income for the year. You should receive a Form 1099-G, Certain Government Payments. It will show the amount you were paid and the amount of any federal income taxes withheld from your payments.

2. Types of unemployment benefits include: Benefits paid by a state or the District of Columbia from the Federal Unemployment Trust Fund Railroad unemployment compensation benefits Disability payments from a government program paid as a substitute for unemployment compensation Trade readjustment allowances under the Trade Act of 1974 Unemployment assistance under the Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act

3. You must include benefits from regular union dues paid to you as an unemployed member of a union in your income. However, other rules apply if you contribute to a special union fund and your contributions are not deductible. If this applies to you, only include in income the amount you received from the fund that is more than your contributions.

4. You can choose to have federal income tax withheld from your unemployment benefits. You make this choice using Form W-4V, Voluntary Withholding Request. If you complete the form and give it to the paying office, they will withhold tax at 10 percent of your payments. If you choose not to have tax withheld, you may have to make estimated tax payments throughout the year.

For more information on unemployment benefits see IRS Publications 17, Your Federal Income Tax, or IRS Publication 525, Taxable and Nontaxable Income. You can download these free booklets and Form W-4V from the IRS.gov website. You may also order them by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).

This year, taxpayers with a 2012 Adjusted Gross Income of $57,000 or less – about 100 million Americans – may visit www.IRS.gov/freefile to prepare, complete and e-file their federal tax returns at no cost.

In addition to offering comprehensive tax services for 70 percent of taxpayers, Free File also offers basic federal e-filing services with no income limitations. This basic e-filing service, called Free File Fillable Forms, allows taxpayers who are familiar with tax law and need no preparation assistance to complete and file their federal income tax electronically. There are no income limitations to use Free File Fillable Forms.

To begin, taxpayers should visit the IRS website -www.IRS.gov/freefile. Users will find a list of Free File Alliance member companies and may either choose one that fits their needs or utilize the “Help Me Find a Company” tool. After selecting a tax software company, users will be transferred to the company’s website to prepare, complete and electronically file their federal income tax returns. The service is also available in Spanish.

About the Free File Alliance

The Free File Alliance, a nonprofit coalition of 15 industry-leading tax software companies, has partnered with the IRS since 2003 to help low- and middle-income Americans prepare, complete and e-file their federal tax returns online. The Free File Alliance is committed to giving 70 percent of Americans free access to the industry’s top online tax preparation software. More than 36 million returns have been filed through IRS Free File since its inception. For more information, visit www.freefilealliance.org.

Unlike many other forms of debt, student loans generally can’t be discharged through bankruptcy and may take decades for borrowers to repay. Additionally, delinquent student loan repayment may have a devastating impact on a borrower’s credit report.

To help address the needs of borrowers faced with repaying student loans, Clarifi, the region’s leading non-profit consumer credit counseling agency is piloting a unique new service called the “Student Loan Borrower Repayment Counseling Program”.

The program will run from March through December 2013 and is designed to provide guidance to student loan borrowers who are facing difficulty in repayment of their federal and private student loans. There will be no charge to borrowers who are counseled through this service.

“We are seeing an increase of younger clients with unprecedented student loan debt who need a reliable resource. Through this pilot, our counselors will help graduates and/or students explore payment options and potential solutions that may offer a more manageable monthly payment schedule to avoid delinquency,” says Patty Hasson, President and Executive Director of Clarifi.

The pilot program provides an unbiased resource to help borrowers who are facing difficulty in repayment of their student loans in the following ways:

-  Explore available repayment options and potential solutions. Many borrowers are simply unaware of available federal repayment options that may provide a more manageable monthly payment schedule than a borrower’s current repayment plan.

-  Determine an individual borrower’s eligibility for these federal options.

-  Provide assistance in establishing a budget to cover monthly expenses, including federal and private student loan repayment.
Attempt to contact private lenders to determine possible repayment solutions.

-  Help student loan borrowers in repayment avoid defaulting and suffering the related consequences.

As part of this service, Clarifi is partnering with Community Legal Services of Philadelphia to mentor counselors and to provide consultation to student loan borrowers.

For more information about this free counseling opportunity or to make an appointment with a trained Student Loan Borrower Repayment Counselor, call 855-761-4975 or visit clarifi.org/studentloans.  The pilot is available to a limited number of borrowers per month.

This Saturday, March 2nd, the Junior League of Wilmington will be holding its 32nd Whale of a Sale.    Since 1980 it’s been featured as “Delawares Largest Garage Sale.”

The sale will be held from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. at 700 White Clay Center in Newark, Delaware.   Admission is FREE.

The Junior League of Wilmington collects donations from members and local merchants to sell to the community at affordable prices.  In addition to gently used items, the Whale of a Sale contains sections offering new merchandise, furniture and antiques.  This popular event draws many crowds who often wait in line overnight to be the first to shop the Whale of a Sale.

This event is open to the public and attracts thousands of shoppers throughout the tri-state region.   Whale of a Sale has a large number of veterans including many shoppers who have been attending for 20+ years.  Whale shoppers include business owners stocking up on antiques and collectibles, fashion divas in leotards to make trying on clothes a snap, and savvy shoppers who recognize a good value.

Proceeds support the Junior League of Wilmington’s mission and community programming.

For more information visit: http://www.jlwilmington.org/

This year, Clarifi, the region’s largest non-profit consumer credit counseling agency is encouraging consumers to take the “Philadelphia Saves Pledge” online to start saving money.

As part of the Pledge, participants choose to set aside a certain amount of money over time to meet a savings goal.  Philadelphia Saves then provides participants with an online savings tracker and the option to receive text messages with savings tips.

The Pledge is available online at  clarifi.org/save  and all benefits are free.

“Committing to save money is one of the best things you can do for your finances,” says Patty Hasson, President and Executive Director of Clarifi. “It allows you to rely less on credit for the things you need and have an emergency fund when unexpected expenses arise.”

As part of Philadelphia Saves Week, Clarifi offers the following savings tips:

Set a goal:  You’ll be more successful with saving if you have an end goal in mind, whether it’s a new TV, tuition for school or retirement. First, figure out how much you need to save; then, work out a plan to save a certain amount each month or year to meet your goal.

Look for places to trim:  Making a few small changes to your spending habits can add up big. Start by looking over your expenses and to see if your money is going to the right places. Could you be saving on insurance? Do you need unlimited texting?

Automate your savings:  Consider setting up automatic transfers between your checking and savings accounts to make sure you’re saving money before you can spend it. And if you’re paid via direct deposit, you could also choose to have a certain amount of money go directly into savings.

Spending money is fun, but saving can be too—especially when you see how much it can add up to. So take the “Philadelphia Saves Pledge” with Clarifi today and start saving for tomorrow!

First up, Homelite is recalling 241,000 blower vacs. Objects that are drawn into the unit during vacuum mode can break through the plastic housing, posing a laceration hazard.

This recall involves Homelite electric blower vacuums with two different model and serial number ranges, including model UT42120 with serial numbers BMP3540001 through BMR2103100, and model UT42120A with serial numbers BMR2120001 through BMR3421250. Model and serial numbers are located on a label on the left side of the red motor housing. The blower vacuums are red and black. “Homelite BlowerVac 2 Speed Powerful 220 MPH” is printed on the side of the motor housing and on the black plastic blower tube.

The vacs were sold exclusively at Home Depot stores nationwide and online at http://www.homedepot.com from February 2012 through December 2012 for about $40.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled blower vacuums and contact Homelite for a free replacement blower vacuum.

For more information visit:

http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2013/Homelite-Recalls-Electric-Blower-Vacuums/

The second recall involves 131,000 Expert Gardener Electric Blower Vacuums sold by Walmart. This recall has been announced too because objects that are drawn into the unit during vacuum mode can break through the plastic housing, posing a laceration hazard.

Two different model and serial number ranges are involved, including model 20254EG with serial numbers BMP3010001 through BMR3311972, and model 20254EGC with serial numbers EUP3120001 through EUP3630730. Model and serial numbers are located on a label on the left side of the motor housing. The blower vacuums are green and black. “Expert Gardener” and “BlowerVac 2 Speed Quiet 150 MPH Powerful 220 MPH” are printed on the side of the green motor housing and on the black plastic blower tube.

The vacs were sold exclusively at Walmart stores nationwide and online at http://www.walmart.com from January 2012 through December 2012 for about $40.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled blower vacuums and contact OWT Industries Inc. for a free replacement blower vacuum.

Consumer Contact: OWT Industries Inc.; at (800) 597-9624 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or online at www.expertgardenertools.com and click on Safety Notices for more information.

Burlington County residents will have the opportunity to shred confidential documents and safely dispose of computers and TVs.   Nearly 5,000 residents participated in the recycling events last year, bringing in more than 123,000 pounds of documents and disposing of 170,000 pounds of “E-waste.”

Volunteers will be on hand to unload the recyclables.  People participating in the recycling event are urged to bring only “confidential” documents for shredding, such as bank and credit card statements, tax returns, papers with account numbers or social security numbers.  These documents will be shredded on-site.  Residents should not bring already-shredded paper, binders, plastic folders, computer disks or plastic credit cards.  Up to four bags or boxes per household will be accepted.

In addition to TVs and computers, accepted E-waste includes laptops, monitors, computer keyboards, mice/cables, printers, desktop copiers, scanners, fax machines, VCR/DVD/MP3 players, cell phones, game consoles and rechargeable batteries.

This event is for Burlington County residents only. ID is required. No businesses, please.

For more information call 609-499-1001 or email recycle@co.burlington.nj.us

Often we unleash our frustrations on those closest to us. Many times it’s a husband, wife, or partner that takes the brunt of it. So I wanted to let you know about a great deal being offered by the Council for Relationships. They offer a 3-session “Relationship Checkup” for $99.

The unique 3-session program provides a comprehensive assessment of relationship strengths and weaknesses, a structure for improving communication skills and balance within the relationship. This process will help couples understand the state of their relationship and give them a road map for how to improve.

If you find yourself ready to rip your partner’s head off, maybe a Relationship Checkup is in order. While this offer doesn’t include a dozen roses or a box of chocolates, you can find out more information by visiting this link:

http://www.councilforrelationships.org/therapy/relationship-checkup.shtml

According to the United States Department of Transportation (DOT), the nation’s airlines reported their lowest rate of mishandled baggage in 18 years. There were a little more than 3 reports of mishandled baggage per 1,000 passengers last year. (personal observation – perhaps the improvement is due to the fact that less bags are checked due to the fact that you have to take out a home equity loan to afford the fees!)

Also, it seems that the commuter airlines continue to lose more luggage than the big carriers.

From January through December of 2012 here’s how the airlines ranked from Best to Worst:

1. Virgin America (Best)
2. Airtran
3. Jet Blue
4. Delta
5. US Airways
6. Frontier
7. Hawaiian
8. American
9. Alaska
10. Southwest
11. United
12. Mesa
13. Skywest
14. ExpressJet
15. American Eagle (Worst)

America’s largest airlines also posed a nearly 82% on-time arrival rate in 2012. Here was the ranking from Best to Worst.

1. Hawaiian (Best)
2. Alaska
3. Airtran
4. Delta
5. US Airways
6. Mesa
7. Virgin America
8. Southwest
9. American Eagle
10. Skywest
11. JetBlue
12. Frontier
13. United
14. American
15. ExpressJet (Worst)

Wait times are also getting better. There were 42 tarmac delays longer than three hours on U-S domestic flights. That’s down from 50 delays in 20-11, the first full year the tarmac rule went into effect.

So how does Philly stack up? Well in the most recent DOT Air Travel Consumer Report covering December of 2012, 76.9% of arrivals were on-time at Philadelphia International and 81.5% of departures left the gate as scheduled. (That’s 6,331 arrivals and 6,340 departures)

Of the three biggest carriers that service PHL, US Airways had a 81.2 % on-time arrival record in December, Delta’s record was 80.1%, and Southwest clocked in at 64.7%.

To read the entire Air Travel Consumer Report visit:
http://www.dot.gov/airconsumer/february-2013-air-travel-consumer-report

The March 2013 issue of ShopSmart magazine, from Consumer Reports, identifies free phone and tablet apps that can help you keep track of day-to-day appointments and tasks while keeping you on schedule.

Here are five free apps that can help you get a jump on organizing your life:

Alarmed wakes users up with songs from their iTunes playlist. Keep snoozing and the songs play louder. Works on Apple.

Catch helps users keep track of stuff by allowing them to jot down prices, record notes, and take photos while shopping. Works on Android and Apple.

Evernote allows users to create notebooks for things they want to do, buy or just remember. Notebooks can be filled with photos, websites, audio clips, and more. Tag notes in this app to make them easy to search or share with friends. Works on Android and Apple.

30/30 is a time management tool. Users list upcoming tasks, prioritize them, and assign the amount of time per task – the app’s timer notifies the user when time is up for each task. Works on Apple.

Unstuck assists users in figuring out what should get done first by taking them through a series of questions, asking what’s important, how the decision will affect them and others, how to prioritize each task, and more. It offers tips along the way and at the end provides a plan, plus alternatives. Works on Apple iPad.

For more information about ShopSmart Magazine visit:
www.ShopSmartmag.org.

The goods will be auctioned by Morphy Auctions and come from safe deposit boxes located throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The items have been stored in the State Treasury’s Finance Building vault in Harrisburg.

Items to be sold include bags of silver coins, precious-metal bars, 1,500 watches and timepieces by Rolex and other makers, antique firearms and swords, musical instruments, historical documents (including one signed by Benjamin Franklin), and a large selection of fine jewelry

Here’s a sampling:

A stunning 14K white gold bracelet, approx. 3.4 ctw with marquise and round-cut diamonds, is estimated at $10,000-$15,000; as is a chic Art Deco-style platinum bracelet with 9 ctw diamonds – the largest being approx. .80 ct – accented by 10 small, fancy-cut rubies. An old European-cut solitaire diamond weighing 4.25 ct is flanked by two baguettes, each weighing .30 ct, in a platinum engagement ring estimated at $15,000-$20,000.

Many fine timepieces are included in the Treasury Department consignment, among them, an 18K yellow gold men’s Rolex Presidential watch with diamond-encrusted face, bezel and link band. Having an approximate weight of 8 ct, it could fetch $6,000-$10,000. Made by the popular Swiss company Breitling, a boxed circa-2006 chronograph with cobalt-blue face carries a $4,000-$5,500 estimate. Ladies wristwatches are led by a Baume & Mercier 14K white gold bangle-style watch with elegant diamond-framed square face. Estimate: $3,000-$4,000.

Also from the Treasury Department vaults comes a nice 60-lot selection of gold and silver coins and bullion; and platinum ingots. Coins include a 1795 draped bust silver dollar, $2,000-$3,000; a similar coin dated 1799, $2,000-$3,000; and an 1855 $3 gold piece, $3,000-$4,000.

An important item of Pennsylvania history from the Treasury Department is 1787 property deed signed by Benjamin Franklin. Estimate: $7,000-$10,000.

All items in the Feb. 8-9 auction are currently available to preview at Morphy’s gallery. Both the Friday and Saturday auction sessions will commence at 10 a.m. Eastern Time. All forms of bidding will be available, including live via the Internet through Morphy Live or LiveAuctioneers.com. View the fully illustrated catalog online at www.morphyauctions.com or www.liveauctioneers.com. For additional information, call 717-335-3435 or e-mail serena@morphyauctions.com.

One of our assignment editors got one of these letters recently. Kristen’s letter said that the tickets had a retail value of up to $1,398. Yippee! Well at least until reality sets in. Fortunately Kristen knew it was a scam.

The letter claims to be from US Airlines. Well there isn’t such a carrier as US Airlines. In fact US Airways has even posted a scam alert telling customers that the letters aren’t coming from them.

The Better Business Bureau has put out a warning too.  They say that these letters are part of a phishing scheme, designed to acquire your personal information.

http://www.bbb.org/blog/2012/07/scammers-lure-victims-with-fake-free-plane-tickets/

I called the phone number on the letter and was disconnected three times.

Take my advice, if you get one of these letters, throw it in the trash, unfortunately you are going anywhere.

The AAA Four and Five Diamond Ratings are the travel authority’s highest designations for hotels and restaurants.

2013 AAA Five Diamond Award recipients in the Philadelphia Area

The Four Seasons Hotel, Philadelphia (29 year recipient)
The Rittenhouse Hotel, Philadelphia (22 year recipient)
Fountain Restaurant, Four Seasons Hotel (19 year recipient)

2013 AAA Four Diamond Award recipients in the Philadelphia Area

Omni Hotel at Independence Park (22 year recipient)
Swann Lounge & Café (19 year recipient)
Hyatt at the Bellevue (18 year recipient)
Lacroix at the Rittenhouse (17 year recipient)
The Westin Philadelphia (13 year recipient)
The Hilton Inn at Penn (12 year recipient)
Sofitel Philadelphia (12 year recipient)
Moshulu (9 year recipient)
XIX (Nineteen) Restaurant (7 year recipient)
Loews Philadelphia Hotel (6 year recipient)
10 Arts Bistro & Lounge by Eric Ripert (4 year recipient)
Le Meridien Philadelphia (3 year recipient)
Hyatt Regency at Penn’s Landing (2 year recipient)
Hotel Monaco Philadelphia, (1st year recipient)
Hotel Palomar Philadelphia, (1st year recipient)
BUCKS COUNTY: The Inn at Bowman’s Hill, New Hope (7 year recipient)
MONTGOMERY COUNTY: Savona, West Conshohocken (14 year recipient)

2013 AAA Four Diamond Award recipients in New Jersey

The Bernards Inn (lodging and restaurant), Bernardsville (17 year recipient)
The Lambertville House, Lambertville (15 year recipient)
Stage Left, New Brunswick (9 year recipient)
Pluckemin Inn, Bedminster (8 year recipient)
Caesars Atlantic City (2 year recipient)
Dolce Basking Ridge (2 year recipient)
Golden Nugget Atlantic City (1st year recipient)

2013 AAA Four Diamond Award recipients in Delaware
The Green Room, Hotel du Pont (28 year recipient)
Boardwalk Plaza Hotel, Rehoboth Beach (21 year recipient)
The Hotel du Pont, Wilmington (20 year recipient)
Dover Downs Hotel and Casino, Dover (10 year recipient)

Representing the upper echelon of the hospitality industry, AAA/CAA Four and Five Diamond establishments make up just 3.9 percent and 0.3 percent, respectively, of the total 59,000 AAA/CAA Approved and Diamond Rated hotels and restaurants throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.

AAA Four and Five Diamond hotels are refined and stylish with upscale physical attributes. They offer guests personalized attention and extensive amenities in a luxurious setting. Restaurants at this rating level offer a distinctive fine dining experience. They feature highly creative chefs, complex menus, fresh top-quality ingredients and knowledgeable staff. Collectively visiting some 1,200 hotels and restaurants every week, AAA inspectors are in a unique position to identify emerging trends in the hospitality industry.

Travelers can access additional information about AAA inspections and Diamond Ratings at AAA.com/Diamonds.

The Travel Leaders Group survey also inquired about the best airports for business travel services, amenities, dining,  and accomodating travelers with kids. 

Here’s a look at the results:

Best U.S. Airports for Connecting Flights:

Travel Leaders Group owners, managers and agents were asked, “If your clients are flying and need to connect through a hub airport, which hub do they prefer?” Respondents were allowed to choose up to three airports. The following list displays the Top 10 domestic airports.

Worst U.S. Airports for Connecting Flights:

When asked, “If your clients are flying and need to connect through a hub airport, which hub do they try to avoid?” the top responses were as follows.  (Again, those polled were able to choose up to three different airports.)

Top U.S. Airports for Business Travel Services:

When asked, “Which airport(s) would you and your clients say offers the best services for business travelers?” nearly 700 agents responded with the following list of Top 10 airports:

Top U.S. Airports for Amenities

Today, airport amenities can range from spas and yoga rooms to art exhibits and putting greens. When asked, “What do you and your clients consider the top airport for amenities?” Travel Leaders Group agents named (1) Atlanta, (2) Minneapolis/St. Paul, (3) Chicago O’Hare, (4) Dallas/Ft. Worth, and (5) Las Vegas as their Top 5 U.S. airports for amenities. This particular question is based on responses from 489 agents.

Top U.S. Airports for Dining

Some of the most significant upgrades at airport have been to the dining options available to air travelers. When asked, “What do you and your clients consider the top airports for dining?” Travel Leaders Group agents identified (1) Atlanta, (2) Minneapolis/St. Paul, (3) Chicago O’Hare, (4) Dallas/Ft. Worth, and (5) San Francisco as their Top 5. This particular question is based on responses from 526 agents.

Top U.S. Airports for Families with Kids

Traveling with kids poses additional challenges, particularly when trying to keep kids entertained while spending time in airports.  When asked, “Which airport(s) would you and your clients say are the best for helping to keep kids entertained and occupied?” Travel Leaders Group agents listed their Top 5 U.S. airports as: (1) Orlando, (2) Minneapolis/St. Paul, (3) Atlanta, (4) Chicago O’Hare and (5) Dallas/Ft. Worth. This particular question is based on responses from 314 agents.

These trends are part of a comprehensive travel trends survey which included responses from 1,045 U.S.-based travel agency owners, managers and frontline travel agents from the flagship Travel Leaders brand, along with those affiliated with Travel Leaders Group’s Luxury Travel Network, Nexion, Results! Travel, Travel Leaders Corporate, Tzell Travel Group and Vacation.com units.