Department of Professional and Financial Regulation Encourages Seniors and Caregivers to Utilize State Resources to Protect Against Elder Abuse and to Report Suspected Cases

‘Crime of the 21st Century’ under-reported, causing untold pain & suffering and costing an estimated $2.9 billion nationally each year

GARDINER – Calling elder abuse one of the most under-reported and fasting growing crimes of the 21st century, Commissioner Anne L. Head and other officials with Maine’s Department of Professional and Financial Regulation (DPFR) joined Governor Paul R. LePage in highlighting the June 15th observance of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day by urging seniors and caregivers to utilize state agency resources to protect themselves, and encouraging them to report cases of suspected abuse.

Officials are also highlighting an effort by the Maine Council on Elder Abuse Prevention, which is encouraging businesses and nonprofits to post “No Excuse for Elder Abuse: World Elder Abuse Day, June 15th” on their signage.

“Financial abuse, which includes investment fraud and exploitation, is among the most common forms of elder abuse, costing its victims an estimated $2.9 billion a year,” Commissioner Head said. “Because these crimes are often committed by caregivers, family members or trusted financial advisers, they go unreported in too many cases.”

Maine’s Office of Securities, an agency within DPFR, emphasizes that investment scams targeting seniors are increasingly prevalent and particularly troubling. Securities Administrator Judith Shaw, who co-chairs the Maine Council on Elder Abuse Prevention, noted the importance of reporting suspected cases. “Maine’s Office of Securities is committed to fighting elder financial exploitation, but our efforts are much more successful when people come forward to report their concerns.”

Administrator Shaw noted that the Office recently concluded a case in which a former New Hampshire stockbroker took nearly $200,000 from a senior couple in Aroostook County as part of an investment scheme. The perpetrator was sentenced to time in prison and ordered to pay restitution to the victims. “This case illustrates that strong action can be taken when problems are brought to light,” Shaw said. “Unfortunately, too few people speak up or they come forward after their life-savings has been depleted.”

Commissioner Head and Administrator Shaw encourage seniors and those who care for them to contact the Department for answers to questions or to obtain resources. The Office of Securities offers educational materials and personal assistance to consumers regarding safe investing and investment professionals by calling 1-877-624-8551. Information is also available at http://www.investors.maine.gov.

Additionally, the Downeaster Guide to Elder Financial Protection can be obtained from the Department’s Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection. The 32-page publication is free of charge to Maine residents by calling 1-800-332-8529 (1-800-DEBT-LAW). It can also be found at http://www.Credit.Maine.gov under “Publications”. The Department’s Bureau of Financial Institution offers a comprehensive online Consumer Library (www.maine.gov/pfr/financialinstitutions) with many resources of interest to seniors.

A partial list of State agencies and organizations in Maine providing information, services and education on elder abuse, including financial exploitation, accompanies this release

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Partial List of State Agencies and Organizations in Maine providing information, services and education on elder abuse, including financial exploitation:

Maine Office of Aging and Disability Services: www.maine.gov/dhhs/oads

1-800-262-2232 or 207-287-9200

*****

 Maine Adult Protective Services: www.maine.gov/dhhs/oes/aps

Hotline: 1-800-624-8404

*****

Maine Department of Professional and Financial Regulation:

(Five Agencies Offering a Wide Range of Assistance to Seniors and Caregivers) www.maine.gov/pfr

*****

Office of Securities: 1-877-624-8551

(Investment Questions of Concerns) www.investors.maine.gov

*****

Bureau of Financial Institutions: 1-800-965-5235

(Banking Questions or Concerns) www.maine.gov/pfr/financialinstitutions

*****

Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection: 1-800-332-8529

(Credit, Foreclosure, General Financial Scam Concerns) www.maine.gov/pfr/consumercredit

*****

Bureau of Insurance: 1-800-300-5000

(Insurance-related Questions or Concerns) www.maine.gov/pfr/insurance

*****

Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation: 624-8603

(Questions or Concerns Related to Licensed Professionals) www.maine.gov/pfr/professionallicensing

*****

Maine Area Agencies on Aging:

List of regional agencies with full contact information: http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/oes/resource/aaa.htm

*****

Legal Services for the Elderly: www.mainelse.org

1-800-750-5353

 

FTC Warns Consumers: Charity Scams Often Follow Disasters

Share Our Resources | Consumer Information.

In the wake of the devastating Tornado that hit suburban Oklahoma City on Monday, the Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s consumer protection agency, reminds consumers that scams often follow disasters. If you’re asked to make a charitable donation to help people in disaster-affected areas, before you give, be sure your donations are going to a reputable organization that will use the money as promised.

Unfortunately, legitimate charities face competition from scammers who either collect for a charity that doesn’t exist or aren’t honest about how their “charity” will use the money you give.  Like legitimate charities, they might appeal for donations in person, by phone or mail, by e-mail, on websites, or on social networking sites.  For more on the questions to ask and for a list of groups that can help you research a charity, go to Charity Scams.

If you’re asked to make a charitable donation to support victims of the recent tornado, remember:

• Donate to charities you know and trust. Be alert for charities that seem to have sprung up overnight in connection with current events, like a natural disaster.
• Ask if a caller is a paid fundraiser, who they work for, and what percentage of your donation goes to the charity and to the fundraiser. If you don’t get a clear answer — or if you don’t like the answer you get — consider donating to a different organization.
• Don’t give out personal or financial information — including your credit card or bank account number — unless you know the charity is reputable.
• Never send cash: you can’t be sure the organization will receive your donation, and you won’t have a record for tax purposes.
• Check out the charity with the Better Business Bureau’s (BBB) Wise Giving Alliance, Charity Navigator, Charity Watch, or GuideStar.
• Find out if the charity or fundraiser must be registered in your state by contacting the NationalAssociation of State Charity Officials.

From Maine Department of Professional and Financial Regulation:

[Information about charities can be obtained through the Department’s website (www.maine.gov/pfr), specifically at www.maine.gov/pfr/professionallicensing/professions/charitable. Links allow for the search of licensed charitable organizations, as well as disciplinary actions.  Questions and complaints can also be made by calling the Charitable Solicitations Program at 207-624-8525.]

The Federal Trade Commission works for consumers to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices and to provide information to help spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint in English or Spanish, visit the FTC’s online Complaint Assistant or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). The FTC enters complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to more than 2,000 civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad. The FTC’s website provides free information on a variety of consumer topics.  Like the FTC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources.

 

In Advance of Veterans Job Fair in Augusta, Governor and State Agency Highlight Initiative to Make Occupational Licensing Easier for Veterans

AUGUSTA – In advance of a major job fair for veterans and others in Augusta, Governor Paul R. LePage and Commissioner Anne Head are highlighting an initiative at the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation (DPFR) to make occupational licensing in several professions quicker and easier for veterans with relevant military training and experience.

Governor LePage and Commissioner Head are also encouraging veterans, members of the National Guard and the Reserves, and others seeking employment to attend the “Hiring Maine’s Heroes Job Fair” tomorrow, March 20^th, at the Augusta Armory.   It will feature special programs and information about employment opportunities.  DPFR will staff a booth to provide details about the Department’s ongoing effort to assist veterans in applying military experience toward occupational licensing.  The job fair will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Augusta Armory, 179 Western Avenue.  The event is co-sponsored by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) and the Augusta CareerCenter.

The Governor has made it a priority to help Maine’s veterans–encouraging state agencies to provide assistance to those who served our nation in the military.  One such effort by the Governor and DPFR has been the implementation of Public Law Chapter 603, signed by the Governor last year.  The law is intended to ensure that veterans are given full credit for applicable military training and experience when they apply for an occupational license from the Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation at DPFR.

“The people of Maine owe a debt of gratitude to those who have served,” Governor LePage said.  “We have an obligation to recognize their knowledge and skills whenever possible and appropriate, and our economy needs their contributions.  I’m pleased to have worked with the Department and Legislature to make licensing easier for qualified veterans.”

More information can be obtained by calling DFPR at 207-624-8678.  Veterans are encouraged to contact DFPR before applying.  Military documentation that may be needed includes:

• Copy of a DD Form 214, Report of Discharge; and
• Copy of DD Form 2586, Verification of Military Experience and Training (VMET).

“The Department is committed to working with Maine veterans to make sure their skills and talents are fully evaluated and appreciated,” Commissioner Head noted.  “Whenever we can give veterans credit toward licensing requirements, based on their military experience, we intend to do so.  It’s in the best interest of veterans, our business community, and consumers seeking the services of electricians, plumbers and other professionals.”

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Look out for phony charities

CONSUMER FORUM

By Russ Van Arsdale, Executive Director, Northeast CONTACT

Posted Dec. 30, 2012, at 8:11 p.m.

As the end of the year approaches, many of us are thinking about charitable donations. Let’s face facts: Many donations are tax deductible, and many of us need all the deductions we can get.

Of course, the real reason to give is to support a cause that really needs your help. So, make sure when you give, that your money is going where you intend it to go.

That means staying away from nonprofits that may exist more for the benefit of professional fundraisers or overpaid executives than for people that really need help. Unfortunately, there are far too many of these types of “charities” around.

Some are created in response to natural disasters. “Storm chasers,” as they have become known, create websites even before a major storm strikes. The sites contain key words, like “relief,” to attract web searches. They have varying records in their effectiveness in providing real help to those in need after a storm.

The IRS issued reminders earlier this month, after more than 1,000 “relief” websites popped up following Hurricane Sandy:

1. Give to recognized charities, and beware of sound-alike names (visit the IRS website, www.irs.gov, to find bona fide charities to which contributions are deductible).

2. Don’t give out your financial or personal information, if you can’t be sure that data won’t be misused.

3. Don’t give cash. Make donations by check, credit card or some other way that can be documented. And never make out a check in the name of the solicitor.

Scammers may claim to be affiliated with known organizations; sometimes they even use the official logo of a government or relief organization to gain a target’s trust.

Do your own research to be sure you know where your money is going. Keep your scam radar on high: Refuse solicitors who won’t answer questions about their cause; don’t give in to high pressure pitches; and if it’s a telephone solicitation, ask if the caller is a paid solicitor and, if so, what percent of money raised actually goes to the cause. You can always ask that your name be removed from a call list.

Scammers work other angles, too. Some file claims for storm damage that never occurred. Others claim to be doctors and ask for funds “to pay medical bills of injured people.” Once you give in to a phony solicitor, you can bet your name will be shared with other scammers.

Check websites like Charity Navigator and Guidestar that rate the effectiveness of charities. The Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance is another resource.

In Maine, check with the Charitable Solicitations Program, part of the state’s Department of Professional and Financial Regulation; call 624-8525 with questions about licensed solicitors or to file a complaint.

If you suspect someone’s perpetrating disaster fraud, notify the U.S. Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (toll-free, 866-720-5721). For charity fraud on the web, notify the Internet Crime Complaint Center ( www.ic3.gov), a partnership of the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center.

Consumer Forum is a collaboration of the Bangor Daily News and Northeast CONTACT, Maine’s all-volunteer, nonprofit consumer organization. For assistance with consumer-related issues, including consumer fraud and identity theft, or for information, write Consumer Forum, P.O. Box 486, Brewer 04412, visit
http://necontact.wordpress.com
or email contacexdir@live.com.

 

Check on Unknown Charities, Especially Following Tragedies

Maine’s Department of Professional and Financial Regulation Encourages Check on Unknown Charities, Especially Following Tragedies 

Phony Charities Reported following Hurricane Sandy and School Shooting in Newtown

GARDINER  –  Citing reports of bogus charities springing up in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy and the school shooting in Connecticut, Commissioner Anne Head from the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation is encouraging Maine residents to check the legitimacy of unknown charities, particularly those that seem to quickly appear following a tragedy.  She urges potential donors to always research charitable organizations before making a donation.  A quick check with the Department will provide essential information, such as whether the charity is authorized to raise money in Maine and whether disciplinary action has ever been taken against the organization.

Under Maine law, charitable entities and those who solicit money for charities, are required to become licensed with the Department’s Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation before soliciting contributions.  The agency collects information about charitable activity in Maine and makes it available to the public.  The Office also receives, and acts upon, complaints related to charitable solicitation.

“Charitable solicitation scams aren’t new, but those attempting to take advantage of people’s generosity in the aftermath of natural disasters and other tragedies seem especially reprehensible,” Commissioner Head commented.  “Because the victims of scams might never know they’ve been taken advantage of, or may be reluctant to report their loss of money, it’s important for government agencies to be proactive and alert the public about the very real potential for fraud.”

Commissioner Head advises individuals to ask questions and seek printed information about unknown charities if solicited for a donation; to confirm their legitimacy with regulators; to never send cash or wire money when requested to do so; to always keep receipts of donations; and to report concerns or complaints about questionable solicitations with the Department and law enforcement.

Information about charities can be obtained through the Department’s website, specifically at www.maine.gov/pfr/professionallicensing/professions/charitable. Links allow for the search of licensed charitable organizations, as well as disciplinary actions.  Questions and complaints can also be made by calling the Charitable Solicitations Program at 207-624-8525.

Additionally, the website includes a News Alert with further guidance for avoiding scams.  Information and other resources are also available from the Federal Trade Commission (www.ftc.gov/charityfraud/).

The Department of Professional and Financial Regulation protects the citizens of Maine through the regulation of State-chartered financial institutions, the insurance industry, grantors of consumer credit, the securities industry, and numerous professions and occupations providing services to the public.  In order to encourage the development of sound ethical businesses which serve the needs of Maine citizens, the Department fosters a healthy business environment through competent, impartial and efficient regulation.

Beware of the fake Yellow Pages

CONSUMER FORUM
By Russ Van Arsdale, executive director,
Northeast Contact

Posted Dec. 08, 2012, at 12:05 p.m.

In July 2011, the Federal Trade Commission, or FTC, filed a criminal complaint against people soliciting money for online ads that may not have even existed.

Last week, a federal judge ordered the con artists to pay back more than $10 million to the companies they defrauded. It was the latest example of what’s called the yellow pages scam, where crooks bill businesses for ads they say will run in online yellow pages listings but never do.

The FTC complaint alleged that the scam originated in Palma de Mallorca, Spain. The scammers sent unsolicited faxes to small businesses, doctors’ and dentists’ offices and churches in the United States, Canada and Australia. The FTC says the fraudulent companies operated under the names Yellow Page Marketing B.V., Yellow Page B.V., Yellow Page (Netherlands) B.V., Yellow Publishing Ltd., Yellow Data Services Ltd. and possibly others.

The federal judge agreed with the FTC’s claim that the scammers made false representations that they had pre-existing business relationships with the people they sought to rip off. They also claimed falsely that they published, or were affiliated with companies that published, local yellow pages directories.

The FTC said it had received hundreds of complaints from consumers that had received the phony faxes, leading them to believe their listings already appeared in the local yellow pages directories. The faxes appeared to be invoices, telling the consumers to send more than $1,000 to an address on Park Avenue in New York City. The FTC said consumers who tried to cancel were targets of “threatening and intimidating collection tactics.”

Under a temporary restraining order last year, the FTC intercepted and opened letters to the New York address. They contained more than 800 checks totaling over $460,000 dollars. The FTC determined that it would be in the consumers’ best interest to destroy those checks. The commission sent letters to affected consumers advising them of that action; it also provided them with information about the scam (online at
http://business.ftc.gov/documents/alt019-when-yellow-pages-invoices-are-bogus
).

The FTC warns consumers that what appear to be invoices may contain the words “yellow pages” and the walking fingers logo, neither of which is copyright protected. Some of those solicitations may also contain what appear to be rebate or refund checks. If you get such a mailing, read carefully — if you cash such a check, you may be billed monthly for something you don’t want (such as online access or a directory listing).

Postal inspectors remind us that, if a solicitation looks like an invoice or bill, it must contain one of two disclaimers. Both contain the phrases, “you are under no obligation [to pay anything]… unless you accept this offer.” The FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection advises, if you receive such an offer:

• Call your local yellow pages publisher to see if it’s aware of the solicitation.

• Ask for a copy of a previous directory edition.

• Ask for the online directory’s Web address; call advertisers to see if their listing was a good buy.

• Ask the publisher for details in writing on where and how the directory is distributed, how often it’s published and what the circulation figures are.

• Check with the Maine Department of Professional and Financial Regulation to see if any complaints have been filed about the publisher.

In March, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice issued over $10 million in monetary penalties for similar frauds perpetrated against Canadian consumers. Canada’s Competition Bureau coordinated its investigation with the FTC, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and the U.K. National Fraud Intelligence Bureau.

Consumer Forum is a collaboration of the Bangor Daily News and Northeast CONTACT, Maine’s all-volunteer, nonprofit consumer organization. For assistance with consumer-related issues, including consumer fraud and identity theft, or for information, write Consumer Forum, P.O. Box 486, Brewer 04412, visit
http://necontact.wordpress.com
or email contacexdir@live.com.

Maine’s Department of Professional and Financial Regulation Announces Cease and Desist Order Against “Woodhaven Advisors”

Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection says company is a predatory advance fee loan scam, falsely claiming to be located in Portland, Maine

GARDINER – Maine’s Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection issued a Cease and Desist Order against Woodhaven Advisors this week and warned consumers about this nationwide phony consumer loan company falsely claiming to be located on Forest Avenue in Portland.

A consumer in Oklahoma contacted the Bureau seeking licensing information about Woodhaven Advisors, which maintains a professional-looking website (www.woodhavenadvisors.com).  The company offered the consumer a $10,000 loan in exchange for four upfront monthly “collateral payments” of $200.38 totaling more than $800.

A Bureau investigation revealed that no lender by the name of Woodhaven Advisors is located at the Portland address listed on the site.  As a result of the investigation, the Bureau issued a formal Cease and Desist Order against Woodhaven Advisors on November 27, 2012 (www.WoodhavenAdvisors11_27_12.com).

“Woodhaven Advisors is not registered with the Bureau to make or broker consumer loans to Maine or out-of-state borrowers,” said David Leach, Principal Examiner with the Bureau. “The company is also not listed in corporate filings with the Secretary of State’s Office.  Additionally, the Portland City Clerk’s office confirmed that no such company is located at the address listed on the company’s website, nor is Woodhaven Advisors registered to do business in Portland.”

Leach sent an inquiry to the company’s “customer care” e-mail address.  The company responded on November 26, 2012 with profane language.

Advance fee consumer loans are illegal in Maine and the remainder of the United States.  Consumers who fall victim to advance fee loan scams pay the upfront money, but never receive the promised loan funds.  When consumers follow through with transactions of this kind from fraudulent lenders, they are often directed to wire advance fee funds, using services such as Western Union, Money Gram or Green Dot, to Canada or another foreign country.

“Once the money is wired or mailed to the scammers, there is little if any chance of recovering those funds,” Leach added.

The on-line application from Woodhaven Associates asks applicants to disclose their Social Security number, street address, and telephone and email contact information.  The disclosure of personal financial information such as Social Security numbers, dates of birth and bank account information can lead to a subsequent identity theft incident and additional losses of funds.

The Bureau notes that Maine has issued licenses to many reputable lenders and loan brokers, and advises consumers to never wire or mail advanced, certified funds to unknown consumer lenders or brokers. The Bureau recommends that consumers deal only with known, licensed lenders and brokers, and encourages consumers to call the Bureau (207-624-8527) to verify the license status of any company engaged in the consumer loan business. The Bureau also maintains a roster of licensed supervised lenders and loan brokers on its website, www.Credit.Maine.gov .

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The Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection is part of Maine’s Department of Professional and Financial Regulation, which encourages sound ethical business practices through high quality, impartial and efficient oversight of insurers, financial institutions, creditors, investment providers, and numerous professions and occupations.  Consumers can reach the Department at www.maine.gov/pfr.

State offers help to veterans seeking occupational licensing

CONSUMER FORUM

By Russ Van Arsdale, Executive director, Northeast CONTACT

Posted Oct. 06, 2012, at 12:16 p.m.

We owe our veterans a lot more than a handshake and a “thank you” for their military service.

Now, Maine is stepping up efforts to help returning vets who have technical skills find work.

Gov. Paul LePage and Anne Head, commissioner of Maine’s Department of Professional and Financial Regulation, have announced an initiative to make occupational licensing an easier process for many returning veterans.

The aim is to put the training and experience of Maine’s veterans to work here at home, by streamlining the licensing process.

Some veterans who did not hold Maine-issued occupational licenses before entering the military may not be aware that the skills they gained while in military service counts as experience that might be applied toward Maine’s occupational licensing requirements.

That holds true for several occupations, including electricians, plumbers, oil and solid fuel technicians, propane and natural gas technicians, stationary steam engineers and boiler operators. In addition, veterans in other professions during their military service are being asked to get in touch with department officials to see whether their experience might help them earn a Maine occupational license.

A new law signed earlier this year by Gov. LePage is intended to ensure that veterans receive full credit for their military training and experience when applying for licenses.

“The people of Maine owe a debt of gratitude to those who have served,” Gov. LePage said in a news release. “We have an obligation to recognize their knowledge and skills whenever possible and appropriate, and our economy needs their contributions.”

The staff of the office of professional and occupational regulation is reaching out to veterans through phone calls, one-on-one meetings, attending events for military veterans and their families, offering help to veterans in this matter. Maine’s licensing staff is available to any potential licensee, but they’re redoubling efforts to keep veterans informed and assisted in every way.

Staff members will be doing all they can to apply relevant military training and experience toward the state’s licensing requirements. The ultimate goal is to make the licensing process quicker and easier for veterans.

Veterans will need copies of relevant documents, primarily their DD Form 214, Report of Discharge and DD Form 2586, Verification of Military Experience and Training, or VMET.

There are handouts explaining the initiative going to veterans’ organizations and information on the department’s website ( www.maine.gov/pfr, see “Recent News and Reports”). You also can get information and assistance by phone at 624-8678, TTY 888-577-6690.

Whether seeking a licensed position or not, veterans might consider getting help when writing their resumes, preparing for interviews and other similar services. Professionals can help translate military experience into terms that civilians appreciate. One place to start gathering information is the website of ICDC College, 
http://blog.icdccollege.edu/2012/01/06/military-training-civilian-employment-writing-effective-resume/
.

Consumer Forum is a collaboration of the Bangor Daily News and Northeast CONTACT, Maine’s all-volunteer, nonprofit consumer organization. For assistance with consumer-related issues, including consumer fraud and identity theft, or for information, write Consumer Forum, P.O. Box 486, Brewer 04412, visit 
http://necontact.wordpress.com
 or email contacexdir@live.com.

New law gives consumers recourse with businesses that don’t honor prepaid heating oil contracts

CONSUMER FORUM

By Russ Van Arsdale, executive director, Northeast CONTACT
Posted Sept. 30, 2012, at 7:49 p.m.

In February 2011, five credit unions said they would be doing something few financial institutions do: make no-interest loans of up to $2,000.

The unusual move was in response to what one credit union official described as a crisis situation. In January, Thibeault Energy of Brunswick suddenly had shut its doors, despite the fact that at least 400 customers had prepaid for heating oil. That fuel was never delivered.

Many of those customers needed help, since they had no additional funds set aside for fuel. It’s likely that most of them took it on faith that the company would have enough fuel to deliver at the agreed-upon price during cold weather.

But the energy picture was cloudy two years ago. Prices were far from stable, and that on top of a continuing credit crisis forced more than one dealer out of business. Hundreds of other customers who prepaid various oil dealers were left wondering where the oil truck was, and whether they would be able to afford to have another company’s truck fill their tanks.

At least some of that uncertainty might have been averted had consumers asked their dealers some specific questions. The Maine attorney general’s office advised citizens to do just that as far back as 2008. “Ask them to explain how they’re going to get oil for the winter,” urged Linda Conti, an assistant attorney general.

State law at that time barred fuel dealers from offering prepaid contracts, unless they had one of three kinds of financial safeguards:

• A contract with a supplier guaranteeing a fixed price for at least 75 percent of the gallons the dealer held contracts for.

• A surety bond for at least half the amount customers had prepaid.

• A letter of credit for the full amount those customers prepaid.

Earlier this year, the law was strengthened. Now, dealers must register their intent to offer prepaid contracts with Maine’s Department of Professional and Financial Regulation by June 30 of each year. They must follow that up with a report by Oct. 31 showing how they will honor those contracts. You can find a list of the dealers who have registered and details on the new law (LD 1895, An Act To Protect Consumers by Strengthening the Laws Governing Prepaid Home Heating Oil Contracts) at the department’s website, 
http://www.maine.gov/pfr
.

Also, the new law requires the commissioner to report to the attorney general the names of any registered dealers who do not provide the required report or who make false statements on that report. Violations are considered a breach of the state’s Unfair Trade Practices Act.

We urge consumers who are considering prepaid heating fuel contracts to do their homework and ask questions before they sign any agreements.

Consumer Forum is a collaboration of the Bangor Daily News and Northeast CONTACT, Maine’s all-volunteer, nonprofit consumer organization. For assistance with consumer-related issues, including consumer fraud and identity theft, or for information, write Consumer Forum, P.O. Box 486, Brewer 04412, visit 
http://necontact.wordpress.com
 or emailcontacexdir@live.com.

Governor and Commissioner Highlight Initiative to Make Occupational Licensing Easier and Quicker for Veterans

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage and Commissioner Anne Head highlighted an initiative at the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation (DPFR) to make occupational licensing in several professions quicker and easier for veterans with relevant military training and experience.

Governor LePage has made it a priority to help Maine’s veterans–encouraging state agencies to provide assistance to those who served our nation in the military.  One such effort by the Governor and DPFR has been the implementation of Public Law Chapter 603, signed by the Governor earlier this year.

The new law is intended to ensure that veterans are given full credit for applicable military training and experience when they apply for an occupational license from the Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation at DPFR.

“The people of Maine owe a debt of gratitude to those who have served,” Governor LePage commented.  “We have an obligation to recognize their knowledge and skills whenever possible and appropriate, and our economy needs their contributions.  I’m pleased to have worked with the Department and Legislature to make licensing quicker and easier for our veterans.”

More information can be obtained by calling DFPR at 207-624-8678.  Veterans are encouraged to contact DFPR before applying.  Military documentation that may be needed includes:

• Copy of a DD Form 214, Report of Discharge; and
• Copy of DD Form 2586, Verification of Military Experience and Training (VMET).

“The Department is committed to working with Maine veterans to make sure their skills and talents are fully evaluated and appreciated,” Commissioner Head noted.  “Whenever we can give veterans credit toward licensing requirements, based on their military experience, we intend to do so.  It’s in the best interest of veterans, our business community, and consumers seeking the services of electricians, plumbers and other professionals.”

Commissioner Head noted that the Department will continue to explore ways to streamline programs and assist veterans–while also continuing to safeguard public health and safety.  She encouraged anyone with ideas for additional improvements to licensing laws and procedures to contact the Department by calling 207-624-8678.

The Department of Professional and Financial Regulation (DPFR) encourages sound ethical business practices through oversight of insurers, financial institutions, creditors, investment providers, and numerous professions and occupations.