FTS

Grandpa Scam:

"Grandpa, it's me! I was drinking and got in an accident. Now I'm calling you from jail and need bail money. Please go to the Western Union office and send me $2,000 right away! And please don't tell mom; she'll be so disappointed! The scammer calls by phone, pretending to be the victim's grandchild. Caught up in urgency and emotion, the victim sends a wire transfer for hundreds of dollars- only to learn, hours later, that their grandchild was never in trouble. By that time the money is gone, and may never be seen again.

Credit Card Shimming: TIPS TO AVOID (I'm listing five)

- Use ATMS you are familiar with - Make sure that you are using ATMS and/or cash registers that are out in the open and in well-lit and public areas. - Only use cards with "chip" technology. - Frequently check back account and credit card statements for irregularities.

What should you keep in mind if you have a credit report?

. Accurate negative credit information cannot be erased. 2. It is illegal to hide bad credit. 3. You can rebuild your own credit record.

Alternatives to Small Claims and Special Part Civil:

A 1993 Appellate Court decision permits courts to order the defendant to pay the plaintiff's attorney's fees if the defendant has been found to have violated the Consumer Fraud Act.

What is a mortgage loan modification?

A modification involves changing the terms of an existing mortgage loan. A modification may help a struggling borrower by lowering monthly payments, adjusting his or her interest rate, extending the length of the loan, or in some cases, decreasing the unpaid balance of a loan. NOTE: Companies that claim they can help homeowners get a mortgage loan modification must be listened with the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance (DOBI) as "debt adjusters" Contact mortgage lender or servicer directly and ask if you cannot make your monthly payments to join program.

Virus

A software program which is capable of reproducing itself and is usually capable of causing great harm to files or other programs in the same computer

Cyberspace

A term coined by William Gibson in his novel "Neuromancer" to refer to a near-future computer network where users mentally travel through matrices of data. The term is now used to describe the Internet and the other computer networks.

Cookie

A text block of information deposited on your hard drive by certain Web sites. When you revisit the site, that cookie will act as an identifier to let the Web site know that you are back. Cookies may be used to tell Web-site businesses and their advertisers about your preferences, such as the type of music you order online.

What is Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)?

ADR is a method of resolving problems without the use of a court system. Uses two most common forms of dispute resolution: mediation and arbitration.

General Safety Tips:

Always have at least one smoke detector on each floor of your home (in the immediate vicinity of sleeping area)

Web Page

An HTML document that is accessible on the Web.

HTML

An acronym for HyperText Markup Language. HTML is the language used to tag various parts of a Web document so browsing software will know how to display that document's links, text, graphics and attached media.

Worm

An independent program that replicates from machine to machine across network connections, often clogging networks and information systems as it spreads.

Truth in Ticketing:

Any operator who markets a travel package that includes event tickets, must have the tickets in hand or have a written contract for the tickets, before the operator does any advertising. The U.S. DOT rules state that if a tour was described as including a ticket and the consumer did not receive one, the consumer is entitled to a refund of the entire package price, including the travel price, upon the consumer's return.

Adware

Any software application which displays advertising banners while the program is running. Adware has been criticized because it usually includes code that tracks a user's personal information and passes it on to third parties, without the user's authorization or knowledge.

New Lemon Law

Applies to anyone who buys leases or registers a new car or motorcycle in New Jersey.

Optimetrists:

Are the independent primary health care professionals for the eye. Optometrists examine, diagnose, treat and manage diseases, injuries, and disorders of the visual system, the eye and associated structures, as well as identify related systemic conditions affecting the eye.

Server

As the name implies, a server serves information to computers that connect to it. When users connect to a server, they can access programs, files, and other information from the server. Common servers are Web servers, mail servers, and LAN (Local Area Network) servers. A single computer can have several different server programs running on it.

Key elements of CARD 2009

Bans unfair rate increases (card issuers cannot raise the interest rates on existing balances) Bans retroactive rate increases (bans rate increases on existing balances due to "any time, any reason" or "universal default" and severely restricts retroactive rate increases due to late payment.

The amended Predatory Towing Prevention Act

Became effective in New Jersey on April 15, 2009. The amended Act regulates tows from private property, and tows initiated by law enforcement, without the prior consent of the vehicle's owner or operator.

Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility, And Disclosure Act of 2009

CARD is a national law that strengthens consumer protection for those who use credit cards by: - Banning unfair rate increases - Limiting certain fees - Requiring Plain Sight/Plain Language Disclosures - Creating protections for college students.

How can shimming be detected?

Consumers can become aware of the presence of shims if they have difficulty inserting their cards into an ATM.

What are you protected under if you decide to seek assistance from a credit repair company?

Credit Repair Organizations Act

Towing from Private Property:

Unattended cars cannot be towed from private parking lots, unless: 1. There is a sign, no smaller than 36" high by 36" wide, posted at vehicular entrances to the property stating: - The purposes for which parking is authorized; - The times when parking is permitted; - That unauthorized parking is prohibited and unauthorized vehicles will be towed at the owner's expense; - The name of, and contact information for, the towing company and the address of the storage facility-which must be secure and located within a reasonable distance of the property-to which the vehicle will be towed; - The charges for towing and storage and the times during which the vehicle may be redeemed; and - Contact information for the Division of Consumer Affairs. - The property owner and the towing company have a contract for the towing and the property owner has authorized the towing company to remove the particular vehicle. NOTE: The requirements do not apply to a single-family home or an owner-occupied multi-unit structure, and the signage require

Spam

Unsolicited commercial e-mail.

Arbitration

Voluntary legal process which takes place outside of the courts. A neutral party acts as a decision maker.

Complaint Form:

On the form, you MUST give the following information: ■ Your full legal name, street address and telephone number. ■ The defendant's name, street address and telephone number. ■ A short, simple statement explaining what happened and why you are suing. Be sure to spell the name of the defendant correctly. If you are suing a business, use the full business name. You must also fill out a "summons" to go with each complaint. The summons is a statement requiring the defendant to appear at the trial. Once you have filled out the summons, return it to the court clerk who will then notify the defendant of your suit against him or her

Small Claims Court:

Was created to promote the convenient, prompt, effective and inexpensive resolution of disputes at the grassroots level. The basic purpose of Small Claims Court is to help people recover small sums of money without having to hire a lawyer. You may file a complaint in Small Claims Court when you can show that a person or business owes you money or has harmed you financially, and will not pay. Generally, you can sue only for money. Normally, property or merchandise cannot be recovered. Small Claims is one of three sections of the Superior Court's Special Civil Part. The other two sections are Landlord-Tenant and the Special Section.

PDF

PDF stands for "Portable Document Format." PDF is a multi-platform file format developed by Adobe Systems. A PDF file captures document text, fonts, images, and even formatting of documents from a variety of applications. You can e-mail a PDF document to your friend and it will look the same way on his screen as it looks on yours, even if he has a Mac and you have a PC. Since PDFs contain color-accurate information, they should also print the same way they look on your screen. To view a PDF file, you need Adobe Reader, a free application program distributed by Adobe Systems. Adobe also makes an Acrobat Plug-in for Web browsers that enables PDF files to be viewed inside a browser window. For more information on PDFs, visit Abobe's PDF Page.

Banner Ad

Perhaps the most prolific form of Web advertising is the banner ad. It is a long, rectangular image that can be placed just about anywhere on a Web page. They may contain text, images, or sometimes those annoying animations that make it hard to focus on the page's content. Regardless of the type of banner ad, when a user clicks the advertisement, he or she is redirected to the advertiser's website

The NJ Judiciary Foreclosure Mediation program...

Provides housing counselors, lawyers, and mediators to help homeowners who are facing foreclosure

Purpose of the Orthotics and Prosthetics Board of Examiners:

Regulates and licenses the practice of orthotics and prosthetics for the purpose of protecting the citizens of this State from injury or harm caused by ill-prepared, incompetent, unscrupulous or unauthorized practitioners and strives to ensure the highest degree of professional conduct by its licensees.

Transistent Buyers are:

Required to have a $5,000 bond posted with the State Office of Weights and Measures. They are buyers of gold and precious jewelry that are mobile, and move to different locations weekly or monthly.

JPEG

actually stands for "Joint Photographic Experts Group," because that is the name of the committee that developed the format. JPEG is a compressed image file format. JPEG images are not limited to a certain amount of color, therefore, the JPEG format is best for compressing photographic images. So if you see a large, colorful image on the Web, it is most likely a JPEG file.

What to be aware of:

Surroundings at all times, stay on the right when cycling (or when skating on paths and trails). be sure to keep an eye out for stationary obstacles, never get towed behind a moving car, never cycle or skate while wearing headphones.

UNLAWFUL PRACTICES FOR TOWING COMPANIES

The Act prohibits towing companies from the following: ■ Failing to release a vehicle hooked or lifted, but not actually removed from private property, upon request of the vehicle's owner; ■ Trolling (cruising) for vehicles parked without authorization; ■ Paying for information about vehicles parked without authorization; Etc..

VEHICLE STORAGE

The Act requires that after a vehicle is towed: ■ The vehicle must be stored in a secure facility; ■ The facility's business office must be open to the public between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. at least five days a week; and ■ A towing company must make reasonable accommodation for after-hours release of stored vehicles. The towing company may charge for after-hours release.

State Health Insurance Program (SHIP)

The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) provides free help to New Jersey Medicare beneficiaries who have problems with, or questions about, their health insurance. SHIP is a statewide program sponsored by the New Jersey. Department of Health and Senior Services' Division of Aging and Community Services with funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

HTTP

The abbreviation for Hypertext Transfer Protocol. HTTP is used to link and transfer hypertext documents

COST:

The cost of filing in Small Claims Court is $15.00 if you are filing a case against one defendant, and $2.00 more for each additional defendant. In addition, there is a mileage fee based on the distance a court official must travel to deliver the papers to the person you are suing. The cost of filing in the Special Civil Part-Civil is $54.00 if you are filing a case against one defendant, plus $6.00 for each additional defendant.

Businesses that can engage in mortgage loan modification services:

The lender or owner of the loan The mortgage servicer acting on behalf of the lender or owner of the loan An attorney A nonprofit corporation licensed by DOBI as a debut adjuster. NOTE: Licensed debt adjusters acting as mortgage loan modification businesses typically charge a nominal or sliding scale fee for services and a required to be bonded in the minimum amount of $50,000.

Phishing

The most common form of phishing is e-mail pretending to be from a legitimate retailer, bank or government organization. The sender asks you to confirm your personal information (Social Security numbers, financial account information, PIN numbers, mother's maiden name, etc.) and then uses your information fradulently.

NJPMD Program:

The safest and most secure way to dispose of unused medications is through New Jersey's Project Medicine Drop. In partnership with local law enforcement agencies, the Division of Consumer Affairs has made it as easy as possible for you to safely and securely dispose of your unused medications. Secure, metal PMD drop boxes are located at many local and state police departments and law enforcement agencies. Mobile boxes that can travel to fairs and other communtiy events are available as well.

TOWING AND STORAGE CHARGES

The towing company's fees must be reasonable. A reasonable fee is considered one that is no more than 25% greater than the company's fee for the same vehicle-owner-approved towing services, or no more than 50% above the fees charged by other towing companies in the community for the same towing services without the vehicle owner's permission. Towing and storage charges cannot exceed rates set by town ordinance.

How to File a Lawsuit...

There are at least two parties in a suit. The "plaintiff," who must be at least 18 years old, is the person who sues another person by filing a complaint. The "defendant" is the person being sued. The plaintiff files suit in the county where the defendant lives, where the business is located or where the problem occurred. You may file by mail in most counties. Call the court clerk and ask for a complaint form.

What do drop-side cribs have that separate them from other types of cribs?

They have a movable side that slides down to a lower position.

What is the Charities Registration Section?

They register and regulate professional fundraisers and organizations that solicit charitable contributions in New Jersey.

How does shimming work?

Thiefs/stealers attach an ultra-thin reader cards, called a "shim" to a cards inserted in ATMs. Once inserted, the shim gets implanted over the ATM's internal card reader which then stores information from subsequent users of the ATM by "contact" with the card's chip.

URL

This is the abbreviation for Uniform Resource Locator, the addressing system used in the World Wide Web and other Internet resources. The URL contains information about the method of access, the server to be accessed and the path of any file to be accessed.

Firewall

This term refers to security measures designed to protect a networked system from unauthorized or unwelcome access.

How many business days do you have to cancel a contract that you have already signed?

Three

How many contractors should you get written estimates from when conducting home repairs?

Three

Download

To transfer to your computer a copy of a file that resides on another computer.

Domain Name

is the name that identifies a Web site. For example, "microsoft.com" is the domain name of Microsoft's Web site. A single Web server can serve Web sites for multiple domain names, but a single domain name can point to only one machine. For example, Apple Computer has Web sites at www.apple.com, www.info.apple.com, and www.store.apple.com. Each of these sites could be served on different machines

Cyberbullying

occurs when a child, preteen or teen is tormented, threatened, harassed, humiliated, embarrassed or otherwise targeted by another child, preteen or teen using the Internet, interactive and digital technologies or mobile phones. It has to have a minor on both sides, or at least have been instigated by a minor against another minor. Once adults become involved, it is plain and simple cyberharassment or cyberstalking. Cyberbullying isn't when adults are trying to lure children into offline meetings, that is called sexual exploitation or luring by a sexual predator. But sometimes when a minor starts a cyberbullying campaign it involves sexual predators who are intrigued by the sexual harassment or even ads posted by the cyberbully offering up the victim for sex.

(Web) Browser

often just called a "browser," is the program people use to access the World Wide Web (or "www"). It interprets HTML code including text, images, hypertext links, Javascript, and Java applets. After rendering the HTML code, the browser displays a nicely formatted page. Some common browsers are Microsoft Internet Explorer, Netscape Communicator, and Apple Safari.

Application

or application program, is a software program that runs on your computer. Web browsers, email programs, word processors, games, and utilities are all applications. The word "application" is used because each program has a specific application for the user.

ISP

stands for "Internet Service Provider." In order to connect to the Internet, you need an ISP. It is the company that you (or your parents) pay a monthly fee to in order to use the Internet. If you use a dial-up modem to connect to your ISP, a point-to-point protocol (PPP) connection is established with another modem on the ISP's end. That modem connects to one of the ISP's routers, which routes you to the Internet "backbone." From there, you can access information from anywhere around the world. DSL and cable modems work the same way, except after you connect the first time, you are always connected.

LCD

stands for "Liquid Crystal Display." LCDs are super-thin displays that are used in laptop computer screens and flat panel monitors. Smaller LCDs are used in handheld TVs, PDAs, and portable video game devices. The image on an LCD screen is created by sandwiching an electrically reactive substance between two electrodes. This color of this substance can be changed by increasing or reducing the electrical current. Since LCD screens are based on the principle of blocking light (rather than emitting it), they use up much less power than standard CRT (Cathode-Ray Tube) monitors.

Important tips for car maintenance

Know how to check your oil Carry a rag for dip-stick clean Check coolant levels and battery levels Check windshield wiper fluid Inspect vehicle belts and hoses, check tire pressure Clean windshield and headlights

Be cautious against sweepstakes mailings which:

1. create a false sense of urgency to respond in order to prevent someone else from claiming the prize; 2. imply that purchasing a product is a requirement and improves your chances of winning; 3. indicate that you are part of a "select group"; or falsely claim that the sweepstakes are endorsed by the State or federal government.

What are some important crib safety tips?

1. The longer a crib is used, the more wear and tear there will be on hardware and joints, allowing screws to loosen and fall out and plastic parts to flew and break. 2. Repeated assembly and disassembly increases the likelihood that crib parts will be damaged or destroyed. 3. Wood warps and shrinks over time and glue can become brittle. These problems can lead to joint and slat failures.

3 Main Credit agencies:

Equifax, Experian, Trans Union

Consumer Restitution choices include:

1. The restitution choices include returning the animal and receiving a refund or a replacement animal, or keeping the animal and being reimbursed for veterinary fees. 2. After the consumer selects the preferred form of restitution, the pet store must provide the restitution within 10 days. It is the consumer's decision regarding the form of restitution to accept***

What are some tips to ensure a safe sleep for babies and toddlers?

1. Always place your baby on his or her back to sleep, for naps and at night. 2. Make sure there are not large gaps larger than two fingers between the sides of the crib and mattress. 3. Do not use cribs older than 10 years or broken or modified cribs. 4. Set up ply yards properly according to manufacturer's directions. 5. Never place a crib near a window with blind cords, curtain cords, or baby monitor cords; babies can strangle on cords.

How to Protect Yourself When Buying Event Tickets:

1. Consumers should thoroughly check the reputation of any ticket vendor, and any websites that broker ticket sales, before making a purchase. Look for online consumer reviews - and remember that reviews on the vendor's own site may not be reliable. 2. Contact the Division of Consumer Affairs to learn whether the seller hasbeen the subject of consumer complaints. Consider using the various consumer protection services that may be offered on the ticket seller's website, such as escrow, insurance, and the verification and rating of sellers. 3. Some ticket broker websites offer to refund or replace your tickets if they turn out to be counterfeit or are otherwise rejected by the venue. Learn whether such a guarantee is being offered. 4. Learn about the tickets before you buy. Ask for the ticket's original face value. Ask for the section, row and seat number; this will help determine whether the ticket actually exists and whether it has an obstructed view. Ask for a photo of the ticket, if one is available. 5. Make sure you fully understand all terms of the sale before you buy. 6. Be sure to pay by credit card, rather than by checks, money orders or wire transfers, or cash. 7. Using a credit card will make it easier to dispute failed purchases. 8. Save all of your transaction information, including print-outs of the website pages and emails

Home Safety Recommendations (including: emergency phone numbers: lighting; smoke & CO alarms; fire extinguishers; emergency exits; cords, rugs; space heaters; light bulbs; kitchens; bathrooms; PERS; & outlets/switches).

1. List emergency phone numbers including your home number, emergency numbers, please fire Dr. poison control, family members and neighbors. 2. lighting: have good lighting on stairs in her ways to reduce change the following; use night lights in your bathrooms, bedrooms, and stairwells; keep a flashlight your bed for emergencies. 3. Smoke alarms and Carbon monoxide detectors: the majority fires happen at night. Install smoke alarms in kitchen and every level of your home. Carbon monoxide is produced when ever any fuel such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood, or charcoal is burned. If appliances are not working properly or used incorrectly dangerous CO can result. Have qualified technician inspect fuel burning appliances and she needs to make sure they're operating correctly and install carbo monoxide detectors in bedrooms and near the furnace. Change batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors twice a year. 4. Fire extinguishers: multipurpose dry chemical class ABC fire extinguisher is the best choice for the home. All occupants should know how to use it 5. Emergency exit: have emergency exit plan in case of fire. Choose a meeting place outside the home that everyone knows. 6. Cords: be sure lamp and extension cords are in good condition and placed out of the flow of traffic to avoid accidents. 7. Rugs, runners and mats: make sure all small area rugs, runners, and mats are slip resistant. 8. Space heaters: space heater should not be utilized as a main source of heat. Place space heaters where they cannot be knocked over and keep them away from furnishings and flammable material such as rugs and curtains. 9. Lightbulbs: make sure all lightbulbs are appropriate size for lamp fixtures (too high wattage may lead to fire from overheating) 10. Kitchen: avoid kitchen fires by cleaning the stove and exhaust hood. Provide good lighting of the stove and never wear loose fitting clothing working over a hot burner. 11. Bathrooms: install grab bars or handrails in showers or on walls around the bathtub. 12. Electrical outlets and switches: if electrical outlets are warm or hot to the touch this may be an indication of unsafe wiring. Unplug cords and do not use switches until electrician has checked the wiring. 13. Personal emergency response system (PERS): consider purchasing a personal emergency response system. By pushing a single button emergency crew can immediately be summoned through the phone lines. This eliminates worry of having an in-home injury without being able to reach your phone.

Every licensed practitioner of orthotics and prosthetics and their assistants must:

1. Maintain an office in New Jersey. 2. Notify the Board, in writing, within 30 days of any change in the office address on file with the Board. 3. Have the following two notices prominently displayed in a waiting room or other area where they will be visible to patients.

Consumer Rights under Pet Law:

1. May be entitled to restitution if an animal becomes seriously ill or dies within 14 days after the date of purchase and a veterinarian certifies within that 14-day period that the animal was unfit for purchase under New Jersey's Pet Purchase Protection Law. 2. It is the consumer's responsibility to have the animal examined by a veterinarian and to obtain the written certification. This certification is required in order to apply for restitution and must be presented to the pet store where the animal was purchased.

Safety tips for using a space heater (I'd probably know three):

1. Read the manufacturer's instructions before operating your heater. 2. Make sure that your space heater was not made before 1984. 3. Don't leave the space heater unattended at any time or running when you sleep.

What are the new mandatory crib standards supposed to do?

1. Stop the manufacture and sales of dangerous, traditional drop-side cribs. 2. Make mattress supports stronger. 3. Make crib hardware more durable. 4. Make test safety more rigorous.

How to create a back to school budget?

1. use teacher supply list 2. list items in priority order and cost next to them 3. take inventory and see what you can reuse from last year

How many dangerous cribs has the CPSC recalled since 2007?

11 Million

Homeowners eligible to use the N.J. Judiciary Foreclosure Mediation Program must meet the following requirements

Have a one- to three-family residential property; Use the property as their primary residence; and Be the borrower named on the mortgage loan.

How to involve your kids in back to school shopping?

Have them make decisions (wants vs needs) and figure out money management

Mediation

Informal, voluntary process in which a neutral third party assist those in conflict to reach a resolution which is acceptable to all parties. NOT the decision maker. The agreement is binding and enforceable in court.

IP

Known as an "IP number" or simply an "IP," this is a code made up of numbers separated by three dots that identifies a particular computer on the Internet. Every computer, whether it be a Web server or the computer you're using right now, requires an IP address to connect to the Internet. IP addresses consist of four sets of numbers from 0 to 255, separated by three dots. For example "66.72.98.236" or "216.239.115.148". Your Internet Service Provider (ISP), will assign you either a static IP address (which is always the same) or a dynamic IP address, (which changes every time you log on). ISPs typically assign dial-up users a dynamic IP address each time they sign on because it reduces the number of IP addresses they must register. However, if you connect to the Internet through a network or broadband connection, it is more likely that you have a static IP address.

Ophthalmic Technicians (opticians)

Make eyeglasses based on a prescription written by a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist. Measure the curve of the eyeglass lens and the distance between your pupils to ensure that your eyeglasses fit properly. An optician may adjust the frames that you select to achieve the best vision for you. An optician will also be able to tell you if the frames that you select are right for your prescription.

Advantages of ADR

Matters are dealt with promptly and disputes are settled generally faster. Participants may be able to avoid time consuming and expensive litigation. The service of trained volunteer mediators and arbitrators is free.

Sweepstakes

Most sweepstakes are run by reputable marketers and nonprofit organizations to promote their products and services. Some lucky winners even receive money or valuable prizes. However, capitalizing on the popularity of legitimate offers are con artists who frequently disguise their schemes to look legitimate. It is important to know that legitimate sweepstakes do not require you to pay money or buy something to enter a contest or improve your chance of winning. Ordinarily sweepstakes promotions arrive by mail, as a letter or postcard, instructing you to respond by return mail or phone call to enter a contest or collect a prize. Many mailings are designed to look like official government documents and give the false impression that the document is legally important, when in fact it is nothing more than a mass-market mailing.

The Pet Purchase Protection Law:

Requires that cage labels contain the name, street address, web address, and license numbers for each animal's breeder and broker. Labels must also include the date and place of each animal's birth; its age, sex, and identifying markings including any tag, tattoo, collar number, or microchip information; the date of its initial medical exam and the name and address of the vet who examined it. Mandates on-cage display of the "Know Your Rights" sign informing consumers that stores are required to prominently display the two (2) most recent inspections of the facility in which an animal was bred and housed prior to sale. The sign must direct consumers to request any undisplayed reports and inform consumers concerning how to obtain more information about inspections. Requires that an animal be examined by a veterinarian within five (5) days of being offered for sale and that those results be included in the animal's history and health certificate. Mandates that if an animal was examined more than 14 days before it is purchased, the pet must be re-examined within three (3) days of delivery to the consumer (unless the consumer declines the re-examination in writing). Forbids the sale of any animal purchased from a breeder or broker who doesn't hold required state and federal licenses; has violated certain animal welfare laws in the past two years; or has refused to grant inspectors access to its facilities within the past two years.

Blog

Short for "Web Log," this term refers to a list of journal entries posted on a Web page. Anybody who knows how to create and publish a Web page can publish their own blog. Some Web hosts have made it even easier by creating an interface where users can simply type a text entry and hit "publish" to publish their blog

Pharming

Similar in nature to phishing, pharming seeks to obtain personal and private (usually financial) information. A malicious program is secretly implanted in your computer and it then hijacks your Web browser. When you type in the name of a legitimate Web site, you are taken to a fake copy of the site without realizing it. Any personal information you supply to the fake site can be stolen and used fraudulently

Small Claims: ADDITIONAL INFO

Small Claims Court handles cases in which the demand is for $3,000 or less. If the amount of money you are seeking to recover is more than $3,000, but less than $15,000, your case should be filed in the Special Civil Part-Civil. Cases which involve more than $15,000 must be filed in the Law Division of the Superior Court. Generally, you can present your case without an attorney, unless you are a corporation, in which case you must be represented by counsel or your case will be dismissed. However, in many cases at least one of the parties is represented by an attorney so it is important to consider your particular situation and make a careful decision before representing yourself.

Spyware

Software installed on your computer, without your consent, to monitor and control your computer use. It may be used to send you pop-up ads, redirect your computer to Web sites, monitor your Internet surfing or record your keystrokes, which in turn could lead to identity theft.

The Halal Food Consumer Protection Act requires... (Be familiar with the (Bureau)

Stores, restaurants, caterers, nursing homes, summer camps, and slaughterhouses to post inflation setting for the procedures they follow in the purchase, handling, and preparation of the halal food they sell and requires dealers to keep records for inspection by the Division.

Cycling & Skating Safety TIPS:

Wear a helmet: NJ law requires those under 17 to wear a helmet while riding a bike, skateboard, or inline skates. Most children ages 5-14 are in emergency rooms for injuries related to bike riding, and appx 55% of children fail to wear a helmet every time they ride a bike. Every $12 spent on a bicycle helmet for a child generates $580 in cost saving benefits to society. Bicycles: While sitting on the bike, you should be able to fully extend your legs to reach the pedals when they are in the lowest position. When standing astride the bar with your feet flat on either side, there should be about 1 to 2 inches of space between your crotch and the crossbar for a road bike, and 3 to 4 inches for a mountain bike. Skateboard: Make sure all of the parts are in working order. Check the deck, trucks and wheels for cracks, sharp edges and damaged or loose parts before use. Inline skates: Make sure buckles are in good condition, skates are comfortable, and choose a sturdy pair of skates with plenty of ankle support. Other gear- fluorescent and bright clothes for maximum visibility, riding gloves, knee pads/elbow pads, and shoes that grip the pedals.

Tips for buying a space heater:

When purchasing a space heater, you should look for a model with: 1. An overheat sensor which turns the heater off when high temperatures are reached. 2. A grille to keep the heating elements well protected and away from furniture, children and pets. 3. An automatic "off" switch in case the heater is tilted backwards, forwards or falls. 4. Make sure the model you buy is listed with a recognized testing laboratory. This should be indicated on the box or on the unit itself. Many laboratories test heaters to meet certain safety standards and provide you with care and use instructions. Examples of organizations that certify space heaters are: Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and American Gas Association (AGA).

WARNING SIGNS OF A POSSIBLE SCAM

You are asked to pay large, up-front fees for mortgage loan modification help. Mortgage loan modification help is offered by a "homeowner consultant" or "financial counselor" and not a DOBI-licensed "debt adjuster." You are told not to make your mortgage payments. You are told not to contact your mortgage lender or provider because the person or company offering you assistance will handle all of the details; and You are told to make future payments to a new person or firm without informing your current mortgage lender or provider.

SPECIAL CIVIL PART-CIVIL V. SMALL CLAIMS COURT

You may represent yourself if your claim is for less than $3,000 or if it is between $3,000 and $15,000. However, in the Special Civil Part-Civil, procedures are more formal. Therefore, most people use an attorney to represent them in that section. In the Special Civil Part-Civil, the plaintiff does not have to appear in court if the defendant fails to answer the complaint. However, if you wish to obtain a default judgment against an absent defendant, you must appear in court to do so.

Claims That Can Be Filed (In Small Claims Court)

Your case can be heard in Small Claims Court if your claim is for less than $3,000, and your case is based upon one of the following: ■ A contract or agreement. The agreement doesn't need to be in writing. ■ Damage to property caused by someone's negligent driving of a motor vehicle. ■ A landlord/tenant dispute after the plaintiff has obtained a "judgment for possession" in the Landlord-Tenant Section of the Special Civil Part. Consumers also have the option to file a complaint in the Special Civil Part-Civil of Superior Court. The claim limit in that section is $15,000.

(Internet) Portal

a Web site that acts as a starting point for browsing the Web. Portals typically include search engines and large directories of websites. Some popular portals are Yahoo, Excite, Lycos, Netscape, AltaVista, MSN, and AOL.com. There are also many smaller portals, known as "niche portals," for specific interests. These sites include C|net (for computers and technology), Fool.com (for investors), and Garden.com (for gardeners). Most large portals have millions of Web pages indexed for visitors to search though. They also have large directories of Web sites, which are categorized by topic. Though the primary purpose of a portal is to find other sites for you, many now include a lot of information within their own sites.

Project Medicine Boxes:

are available to the public 24/7/365- and the contents are secured and destroyed by law enforcement officers authorized to handle them. New Jersey residents can visit their nearest drop box location and dispose of their unused medications-no questions asked. Only accept household medications, and only accept solid materials such as pills and capsules. Make sure you scratch out prescription info like name address and country. The New Jersey Office of the Attorney General and the Division of Consumer Affairs have created the NJPMP and NJPMD programs in order to help curb the use and abuse of prescription medications by keeping track of their usage and access, and by ensuring that New Jersey's citizens have the availability to dispose of their unused prescription and over-the-counter medications in a simple, convenient and environmentally responsible manner.

Social Networking Websites

enable people to create home pages and post their own content on the Web, allowing them to be a part of a virtual community. The two most popular sites are currently Facebook and MySpace. These websites provide users with simple tools to create a custom profile with text and pictures. A typical profile includes basic information about the user, at least one photo, and possibly a blog or other comments published by the user. Advanced profiles may include videos, photo albums, online applications (in Facebook), or custom layouts (in MySpace). After creating a profile, users can add friends, send messages to other users, and leave comments directly on friends' profiles. These features provide the building blocks for creating online communities.

WhoIs

is an Internet service that finds information about a domain name or IP address. If you enter a domain name in a WHOIS search engine, it will scour a huge database of domains and return information about the one you entered. This information typically contains the name, address, and phone number of the administrative, billing, and technical contacts of the domain name. WHOIS can also be used to simply check if a certain domain name is available or if it has already been registered.

DSL

stands for "Digital Subscriber Line." It is a medium for transferring data over regular phone lines and can be used to connect to the Internet. However, like a cable modem, a DSL circuit is much faster than a regular phone connection, even though the wires it uses are copper like a typical phone line.

Broadband

refers to high-speed data transmission in which a single cable can carry a large amount of data at once. The most common types of Internet broadband connections are cable modems (which use the same connection as cable TV) and DSL modems (which use your existing phone line). Because of its multiple channel capacity, broadband has started to replace baseband, the single-channel technology originally used in most computer networks.

VoIP

stands for "Voice Over Internet Protocol." VoIP is a telephone connection over the Internet. The data is sent digitally, using the Internet Protocol (IP) instead of analog telephone lines. This allows people to talk to one another long-distance and around the world without having to pay long distance or international phone charges. In order to use VoIP, you need a computer, an Internet connection, and VoIP software. You also need either a microphone, analog telephone adapter, or VoIP telephone. Many VoIP programs allow you to use a basic microphone and speaker setup. Others requires VoIP phones, which are like regular telephone handsets, but typically connect to your computer via USB. Analog telephone adapters allow you to use regular phones with your computer. IP phones are another option that connect directly to a router via Ethernet or wirelessly. These phones have all the necessary software for VoIP built in and therefore do not require a computer. The largest provider of VoIP services is Vonage, but there are several other companies that offer similar services: Skype and PeerMe.

CD-ROM

stands for Compact Disk-Read Only Memory; an optical disk from which information may be read but not written.

When can you get a warranty under the Used Car Lemon Law?

the car is under 7 years old 2. less than 100K miles 3. price is over 3,000 dollars 4. car has not been declared a total loss by insurance