Check websites carefully to ensure they are official

Question: Can you warn your readers about a scam in which my wife and I were charged $96 ($48 each) to get new Social Security cards? With the increased state and federal requirements to obtain driver’s licenses, there’s a need to have proof of a Social Security number. So I Googled “Social Security” on my computer and found a website — simplefilings.com — with all the appearances of an official government site. I then proceeded to fill out all the information, including my credit card number. A few hours later, I had the feeling something was not right and logged on to what I know now is the official Social Security Administration website and found out I could get a new card at no charge. I immediately called VISA to cancel my card, but was told I will not be able to get back my money.

Answer: This is another case of having to be wary of what’s offered online and vigilant in searching for an official government site.

As the Social Security Administration warns: “When you go to www.socialsecurity.gov, make sure you look for the ‘.gov’ sign along the way. Don’t be tricked into paying a fee for a service that’s free. And remember: If it isn’t .gov, it isn’t Social Security.”

When we Googled “social security cards,” the top listing was for “Ads related to social security cards” with www.simplefilings.com listed first. But directly under the highlighted ad section is the website for the Social Security Administration.

SimpleFilings does state upfront that it is not affiliated with any government agency. It also says it is accredited by the Better Business Bureau in Kansas City, meeting BBB accreditation standards, which we confirmed with the BBB of Hawaii.

The BBB report says, “Hermeris, Inc. dba SimpleFilings is (a) third party, for profit company, that provides various individual and business document preparation and filing services for a fee.”

If you believe that the fee charged for getting a replacement card was not adequately disclosed, you can file a complaint with the BBB.

You can do so online at www.bbb.org/us/Contact-BBB or by calling 536-6956 to request a complaint form.

“Since the business in question is a BBB-accredited business, they are contractually obligated to address all BBB complaints,” a local BBB official explained.

Meanwhile, Shona Barnes, spokeswoman for the Social Security Administration in Hawaii, said countless people fall victim each year to “misleading advertisers” who entice the public to use their services, even though the same services are available for free from the SSA.

These services include updating a Social Security card to show a bride’s married name, replacing a card and getting a card for a child.

The law dealing with misleading Social Security and Medicare advertising prohibits people or nongovernment organizations from using words or emblems that mislead people into believing they represent or are affiliated with the SSA or Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Barnes said.

Question: Can I include old tires in the bulky item residential pickup?

Answer: No. The city does not accept old tires in its bulky item collection.

You should either have the dealer dispose of them when you buy new tires (which it is required to do under state law, but will charge a disposal fee) or take them to one of the city’s 10 “convenience centers,” where residents can dispose of household rubbish for free. The tires are taken to a recycling facility.

For locations of the convenience centers, go to is.gd/HHHCgq or call 768-3401.

Mahalo

To the very kind angel who removed the keys left in my car trunk and turned them into the Windward City Long’s. May many blessings of health, happiness and aloha come to you and your family. — Grateful in Kaneohe

———
Write to “Kokua Line” at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 96813; call 529-4773; fax 529-4750; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.