Today I’ll deviate slightly and present a mixture of current news you really need to know, along with a bit of economic projections, and a touch of energy saving. How’s that for really mixing it up 
PHONY LOCKSMITHS
First, our local Channel 8 Las Vegas News team wants everyone to be aware of a huge (I should write HUGE) locksmith scam going on – not only here in the Vegas area but across the country.
“The scam emanates from New York and Florida and appears to be a highly organized criminal enterprise that flaunts local laws and has been known to use threats and intimidation against customers who are invariably in vulnerable situations.”
Phony locksmiths are popping up all over. Many of these fake locksmith outfits take out large yellow page-type ads to appear more legitimate.
…legitimate locksmiths are appalled by the invasion of Las Vegas and other large cities by shady, unlicensed locksmith operators who are little more than a phone number. They take out huge ads in the Yellow Pages, have dozens of numbers under single listings, and essentially take over the market.
There are no background checks or work cards for the employees. Taxes aren’t paid and the whole operation seems to be routed back to a central dispatch in New York. “It’s millions of dollars. It’s big. That’s why they are doing it,” said Esposito. (Editors Note: Esposito is a legitimate locksmith)
…few, if any, of the companies have actual offices. Search Google for Las Vegas Locksmiths and hundreds pop up, but the addresses are bogus. They’re actually the addresses of fast food joints, Caesars Forum Shops, the Mandalay Events Center, or McCarran Airport. The office that sent out two of the men who were busted is, in fact, a locksmith shop but it’s been closed down for many months.
One of the bogus companies listed the address of its office and it seemed very familiar to our I-Team producer Ian Russell. That’s because it is his home address. He assures us there is no locksmith operation in his apartment.
To make sure you don’t become a mark for this type of scam – where that $30 fee to get you into your car turns into $50 or $100 or instead of $150 to change the locks in your house, the bill turns into $600 and the person won’t leave until you pay, check with AAA, your insurance company, and (as News 8 puts it) “know the signs of a scam.”
THE ECONOMY
Projections indicate that come next week the market will slow up as it traditionally does in August. With numerous variables thrown in, the key (as we’re all aware) still remains the unemployment crisis.
It is to be hoped that corporations are finally understanding/realizing that when you lay so many people off, you’re decimating your own target marketing – the very people who buy stuff WHEN they have money, but do not purchase if they are unemployed (how stupid can they really be?) . Kenneth Wink of SummitFC writes:
“I think it’s important to take a step back and realize that the market is rejoicing in what is corporate cost cutting. Firms need a real revenue stream. And they’ve been cutting so many workers, who are also consumers too that won’t be consuming. Employment will be taking a more important role.”
Who knows… while the rest of us pray “they” come to their senses, the question remains… will they?
AND A BIT OF GREEN
Going green thankfully is turning more into a habit then a trend, and there are plenty of bargains out there – in terms of tax credits. Just be sure as you “go green” that the equipment, etc., you are choosing is “certified” so you can take advantage of the multiple tax credits and rebates being offered.
While this section is written specifically for U.S. citizens, perhaps your country is also offering added incentives to go green. Check.
Here are a few “qualifying expenditures” worth investigating starting with big ticket items and working downward:
o Solar water heating equipment – residence and vacation home(s)
o Solar electricity-generating equipment for your residence and vacation home(s)
o Wind energy equipment, agains primary or vacation homes
o Fuel cell electricity generating equipment but only for your primary residence.
One thing to keep in mind is investments in ways to heat your pool or hot tub do not apply.
o Replacing windows, skylights, and storm windows and doors
o Insulation designed to reduce heat gain or loss
o Metal and/or asphalt roofs that include heat reduction components
o High-efficiency central air conditioners
o Furnaces, water heaters and water boilers that run on natural gas, propane, or oil.
o Electric heat pumps and electric heat pump water heaters.
o Circulating fans used in natural gas, propane and oil furnaces.
o Biomass fuel stoves used for heating or hot water.
Again, these are just some of the green items to keep in mind that not only save the planet, but in many cases, money out of your wallet (sometimes over time).
For more information on going green and green living, visit the Forcedgreen blog written by Linda Rembowski.
Til next time!
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