Consumers in all 50 states report company used misleading tactics to sell vehicle service contract of dubious value

RESTON, Va. — The price of gold is once again selling at near all-time high prices. That combined with tough economic times has many people anxious to take advantage of high prices by selling their gold for scrap. The American Society of Appraisers cautions consumers to learn the ropes before jumping into a gold marketplace that may not offer the best deal.

The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) will help you save time and money when renewing a license or ID by mail or online. A $5 discount is given to those who choose to use the automated renewal application to renew without visiting a customer service center in person.

Partnership to educate all Georgians about new tool to compare health care

Dr. Rhonda Medows, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) on Feb. 19 announced a partnership with the Georgia Public Library Service (GPLS) that will promote georgiahealthinfo.gov to Georgians across the state. The partnership announcement kicks off DCH’s statewide grassroots educational campaign to promote the new Web site.

SBA warns of fraudulent attempts to obtain bank account information from small businesses

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration issued a scam alert Feb. 19 to small businesses, warning them not to respond to letters falsely claiming to have been sent by the SBA asking for bank account information in order to qualify them for federal tax rebates.

New and enhanced incentives could bring large projects, high-paying jobs to Georgia

ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue announced Feb. 18 that House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Rep. Larry O’Neal has introduced a legislative package that will position Georgia as a more aggressive competitor for economic development projects that grow jobs and investment in the state. The proposed changes to the “Business Expansion Support” Act (BEST) legislation in House Bill 438 and House Bill 439 would enhance and update existing tax credit programs for qualified businesses, including both new and existing companies.

Atlanta, GA — The recent turmoil in the financial markets has touched virtually every sector of the economy. One great source of anxiety for many people is the state of their retirement savings.

Atlanta, GA — Deceptive solicitations for extended vehicle warranties are rampant. They may take the form of telemarketing calls or postcards that appear to come from the vehicle manufacturer warning that your warranty is on the verge of expiring.

Aimlessly casting a line and hoping for a bite is history thanks to Georgia’s new and improved online fishing prospects. Anglers of all skill levels can benefit from the newly-enhanced fishing prospect guides which detail the state’s 31 reservoirs and 18 rivers and include maps, local weather forecasts, best bets and species-specific techniques, all in one convenient location — www.gofishgeorgia.com .

The crisp, swift-flowing waters of north Georgia’s rivers and creeks offer an abundance of trout angling opportunities this winter.

The new 2009 Georgia Sport Fishing Regulations are now available. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division recently distributed printed versions of the regulations to all division offices and facilities, a number of state parks and fishing license retailers statewide. An online version of the new regulations will be available at www.gofishgeorgia.com.

COWETA County – The Georgia Department of Transportation announces a southbound traffic shift on Interstate 85 beginning at Exit 51 (State Route 154/McCollum-Sharpsburg Road) and extending to Exit 47 (State Route 34) beginning Sunday, Feb. 8. This traffic shift is subject to change based on weather conditions.

EVENT TITLE:
Wild Wings Weekend & the Great Backyard Bird Count

DATE:
Friday, Feb. 13, 2009 through Sunday, Feb. 15, 2009

Atlanta, GA — You check your purse or pocket and discover the worst has happened — your wallet has been stolen. What should you do first?

Expands protections for consumers and small businesses

ATLANTA, GA – Georgia consumers who buy or lease a new car after Jan. 1, 2009 will have greater protections against recurring problems with their vehicle, thanks to an update of the Georgia Lemon Law. The revised law offers broader protections, a more streamlined process and is more consumer-friendly.

WASHINGTON – Entrepreneurs can take advantage of new, free online training and other resources offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration to assist them during this period of economic recovery.

Atlanta, GA — In a troubled economy, many companies are cutting back on jobs. But if you are laid off, there’s no need to panic, according to the Georgia Society of CPAs. Here are some strategies for keeping your finances in order even if you lose your job.

Social networking websites are a great way to find old classmates, stay connected with friends, or even make new friends. Unfortunately though, hackers have learned how to use websites like Facebook in order to disseminate viruses or steal identities.

The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) has implemented several legislative mandates as of Jan.1, 2009, which may affect your driving privileges.

ATLANTA - Governor Sonny Perdue announced Jan. 5 the launch of the Open Georgia: Transparency in Government website. The website can be found at open.georgia.gov.

Commissioner of Agriculture Tommy Irvin is alerting Georgians to the recall of some cocoa products due to possible melamine contamination.

For holiday travelers, Georgia DOT is suspending construction-related lane closures on all interstates and major state routes from 12 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 23, until 5 a.m., Monday, Dec. 29.

The good news ... United Way in Fayette County is currently at 75 percent of their $285,000 fundraising goal.

The bad news ... if the other 25 percent is not raised, a large number of the not-for-profits serving Fayette County will be negatively impacted in their ability to serve the number of people seeking their services.

Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Tommy Irvin has granted a special 24-hour permit waiving the routine identification and other health requirements for nine flying reindeer slated to visit Georgia on the evening of Dec. 24 and in the early morning hours of Dec. 25.

By Paul D. Barnes
Atlanta Regional Commissioner, Social Security Administration

There’s never been a better time than the present to plan for your retirement. Why’s that? Because Social Security’s Retirement Estimator has just been rated the best online service in government! You can find it online at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator.

The FBI is reminding people this holiday season that cyber criminals continue to aggressively seek ways to steal money and personal information.

Atlanta, GA – The Governor’s Office of Consumer Affairs is warming consumers about an email phishing scam designed to look like an alert from Capital One.

Georgia’s State Parks & Historic Sites host dozens of events throughout the year. This holiday season, skip the malls and traffic, and bring your friends and family to one of our old-fashioned events.

Detachment to serve Fayette and Coweta counties

Peachtree City, Ga., Nov. 19, 2008 — The Marine Corps League is looking for a few good men: Specifically, Fayette and Coweta County Marines. Membership is open to all active duty, reserve, retired, or honorably discharged Marines.

Hunters around West Point Lake in west Georgia might be led to believe that Georgia has a new predator roaming the woods — the cougar.