AG Bondi: Be Wary Of Debt Collection Scams
December 14, 2014
Attorney General Pam Bondi warns Floridians to protect themselves against debt collection scams, particularly when the number appears to be from a legitimate governmental entity, such as the IRS or Attorney General’s Office. Scams where impersonators pretend to be collecting legitimate debt continue to top the number of complaints received by Attorney General Bondi’s Citizen Services Division, and there are measures Floridians can take to protect themselves.
“I encourage all Floridians who receive high-pressure calls demanding that they pay their debts immediately to use caution,” stated Attorney General Bondi. “One of the simplest ways to protect yourself from this type of scam is to say you’ll call the entity back and find its legitimate number.”
In some cases, the imposters will threaten that those who owe money will be jailed—law prohibits imprisoning those in debt. Oftentimes, the scammers will attempt to get their victims to purchase Green Dot or MoneyPak cards to pay their debts. Legitimate debt collectors will never ask for payment in this way.
Debt collectors must adhere to these laws:
- A debt collector may not contact you at work if the collector knows your employer does not approve, nor may a collector contact you at unreasonable times or places, such as before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m., unless you agree.
- A debt collector is required to send you a written notice within five days after you are first contacted, telling you the amount of money you owe. The notice must also specify the name of the creditor to whom you owe the money and what action you should take if you believe you do not owe the money.
- You may stop a collector from contacting you by writing a letter to the agency telling them to stop. Once the agency receives your letter, they may not contact you again except to say there will be no further contact, or to notify you if the debt collector or the creditor intends to take some specific action.
- If you do not believe you owe the debt, you may write to the collection agency within 30 days after you are first contacted, saying you don’t owe the money. The agency may not contact you after that unless you are sent proof of the debt, such as a copy of the bill.
- A debt collector may not harass or abuse anyone. For instance, a collector may not use threats of violence against the person, property or reputation; use obscene or profane language; advertise the debt; or repeatedly or continuously make telephone calls with the intent to harass or abuse the person at the called number. In addition, debt collectors are required to accurately disclose their identities to the person at the called number.
Anyone who believes that they have been the victim of a debt collector scam should call toll-free in Florida 1-866-9-NO-SCAM or 850-414-3990. Complaints can also be filed online at MyFloridaLegal.com. When reporting this type of scam, Floridians should include the number that was used when the call was received.
Rotary Tree Of Remembrance To Honor, Remember At Mall
December 14, 2014
The Rotary Tree of Remembrance is now on display inside the Dillard’s entrance to Cordova Mall. Shoppers have the opportunity to make a donation and place yellow ribbons on the Christmas tree in honor or remembrance of a loved one.
“The ribbons offer a simple but dignified and poignant way to remember their families and friends amid the hustle and bustle of the holiday season,” says Bambi Provost, director of the Sacred Heart Foundation. The Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart is one of six beneficiaries of this fundraising effort, along with Gulf Coast Kids’ House, Covenant Hospice, Simon Youth Foundation, ARC Gateway and Rotary’s Camp Florida.
To conclude this year’s Second Annual Rotary Tree of Remembrance project, a non-denominational service will be held on Sunday, December 28, at 3 p.m. at the tree. Following the service, checks will be presented to the charities.
Pictured: The second annual Rotary Tree of Remembrance. Photos courtesy RustyBuggy.com for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Angelic Voices: Mennonite Church Brings Christmas Joy To Children’s Hospital
December 13, 2014
Members of the Walnut Hill Mennonite Church spread Christmas joy Friday night with carols in the hallways and rooms at Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital in Pensacola. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Gulf Power Employees Collect Toys, Bikes For Needy Kids
December 13, 2014
The Communities Caring at Christmas caravan streamed into the Gulf Power headquarters on Friday and collected hundreds of toys, bikes and other gifts donated by Gulf Power employees.
The estimated total of all the donations is more than $29,000 from Gulf Power employees — including more than $12,000 in cash donations and 146 bicycles.
After collecting the gifts, the caravan headed to the Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds to sort and process the gifts to be distributed to families and children in need.
Gulf Power employees raised money throughout the year through fundraisers, such as golf tournaments, bake sales and raffles.
“We know the holiday season can be a difficult time for many, so Communities Caring at Christmas is a great way to directly help those in need,” said Jeff Rogers, Gulf Power manager of Corporate Communications. “Every year our employees reach into their own pockets to help make sure as many children as possible have a great Christmas.”
Communities Caring at Christmas provides new toys, clothing and daily living needs for low income and abused, neglected and abandoned children living in foster care in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton counties.
This is the 19th year Gulf Power and its employees have participated in Communities Caring at Christmas.
Photos: Century Health And Rehab Celebrates Christmas
December 13, 2014
Santa got a little head start on Christmas Friday, delivered presents for the good girls and boys of Century Health and Rehabilitation. The event was made possible by numerous volunteers and organizations working behind the scenes.
Pictured: A Christmas party Friday at Century Heath and Rehabilitation. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
University Of Florida Honors Milton Campus Graduates
December 13, 2014
Five Bachelor of Science degree graduates were honored Friday at the University of Florida, West Florida Research and Education Center (WFREC). Each earned their degrees from the University of Florida at the Milton Campus.
Dr. Wes Wood, Center director of the WFREC, presented the Fall 2014 graduating class to family and friends. Faculty and fellow students extended congratulations and presented highlights of each graduate’s time at the University of Florida Milton Campus.
Graduates earning Bachelor of Science degrees in forest resources and conservation were Micah Byars, Courtney Culler, Shane Jurjens, Cortney Tyson and Christie Wagner. Wagner graduated Magna Cum Laude.
Special speaker for the event was Hooper Matthews, local landowner, businessman and forester.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
All Aboard The Snowball Express For Children, Families Of Fallen Soldiers
December 12, 2014
The ninth annual Snowball Express, an all expenses paid special American Airlines flight for the children and families of fallen soldiers made a stop at the Pensacola International Airport this morning. Thirty-one children from Escambia County will be participating in the event.
Every December, as many as 2,000 children, teenagers and their families gather in Dallas for an extended weekend of fun and socializing. Though they come from all over the country and even international locations to participate in Snowball Express, these children all have one very important thing in common – each one has lost a parent on active duty.
Now in its ninth year, Snowball Express brings together families of post-9/11 fallen military members for an all-expenses-paid trip to create new memories and provide much-needed support.
Nearly 150 American Airlines pilots and flight attendants donate their duty time to charter flights for families to attend the five-day event. Crews dress up and deck the halls of each aircraft with holiday decorations, and American employees throw a send-off party at each departure airport, bringing in costumed characters, games and treats for the children aged 5-18.
The events, however, aren’t purely for fun. The weekend is also a time for the families to support each other, share their grief and celebrate their accomplishments after suffering a devastating loss.
This year’s Snowball Express will include a trip to Dallas’ Perot Museum of Nature and Science, a screening of Annie and a talent show. Gary Sinise and his Lt. Dan Band will perform for their eighth year, an annual highlight of the weekend. Plus, David Hira will return to be the MC for many of the weekend’s evening events, as well as the closing night’s Grand Finale Show.
The weekend also includes the annual ‘Walk of Gratitude,’ a procession that allows members of the Dallas/Fort Worth community to cheer for the children and their families and honor the sacrifice their husbands, wives, moms and dads have made.
Picture above and below: Preparing to board the Snowball Express Thursday at the Pensacola International Airport. Pictured bottom: Selfies will members of the Blue Angels crew at the Snowball Express. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century Chamber Holds Christmas Open House Event
December 12, 2014
The Century Chamber of Commerce held its annual Christmas Open House Thursday afternoon. Chamber members, prospective members and area residents had the opportunity to network and learn more about what the Century Chamber offers, all while enjoying light refreshments.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Ernest Ward Names November Students Of The Month
December 11, 2014
Ernest Ward Middle School has named Students of the Month for October. They are David Lamb, sixth grade; Brandon Berry, seventh grade; and Austin Adams, eighth grade. Pictured are Austin Adams (left) and David Lamb. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Little Voices Of Hope: International Children’s Choir Performs In Cantonment
December 10, 2014
The First Baptist Church of Cantonment recently hosted the International Children’s Choir. The choir, which is comprised of orphaned children from across the world, sings songs of faith while making a plea to help other children across the globe. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.