Emery County Progress Castle Dale, Utah Tuesday May 8, 2001 5B An army of children gathered to help put the finish- ing touches on Castle Dales new playground on April 28. Children helped spread more than 1 25 yards of wood chips in fall zones. A job city council members said would have taken days to accomplish was handled with the help of the children in nine hours. Medical billing opportunities: Not exactly what the doctor ordered with the FTC, says that when the would-b- e workers called for more details, they were told that they would get the name of at least one doctor who was in the market for medical billing services. dataThey got an base of doctors who had never asked for the service, he says, plus a sample letter to use to find their own clients. The money-bac- k guarantee was barely worth the paper it was written on. Only a few people got a refund, and that was after repeated phone calls to the company, or complaints to their credit card companies or govern- Earn SSS helping Doctors. Process medical claims from home. potential. Computer & modem required. We train." The classified ad looked like the p for a Cloverdale, Ind., perfect man: He could earn good money working at home so he could care for his three children and sick wife. e He called a number and heard that for $377, he would get everything he needed to launch a e medical lucrative billing business, including the program and the names of doctors who wanted the service. If he completely satisfied, he could return the package within 30 days for a full refund. As it turned out, the Hoosier wasnt satisfied with the plan. And he wasnt alone. Nearly 300 people have complained to the Federal Trade Commission and other government agencies and consumer protection organizations about one such medical billing promoter. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the consumer victims paid from $325 to $495 for a program that advertised far more than it delivered. For example, the consumer protection agency said, although the ads claimed that users could make as much as $50,000 a year working from home, most didnt make a nickel. Stephen Gurwitz, an attorney $20-$40ho-ur set-u- out-of-da- te toll-fre- work-at-hom- comput- er-software ment agencies and consumer groups. e Gurwitz calls scams one of the oldest forms of classified advertising fraud. Often, he says, the scammers solicit consumers through classified ads in the Help Wanted section of local newspapers throughout the country, and in giveaway shoppers guides. But many of the fraud promoters are turning to the Internet to deceive consumers. Medical billing business opportunities are typical of the schemes touted in the classifieds. They promise that consumers can earn substantial inand come, either full or that no selling or experience is required. The ads direct consumers w'ork-at-hom- work-at-ho- part-tim- e, toll-fre- high-pressu- Manicures Acrylic Fiberglass Nail Art Air Brushing re t Peddicures Oil Treatments PINNACLE maintain good health and a quality life, he continued. Researchers in the Department of Sociology, Social Work and Anthropology at Utah State University, in conjunction with the Utah Division of Aging and Adults Services, mailed 6,000 surveys to Utah residents to identify the social service and health care needs of the states to Any Amount Available The Nail Shoppe 585 No. Main, Price 613-472- ing in metropolitan and rural areas will receive a survey. Completing the survey is completely voluntary, anonymous and confidential. The information will be used to assist state decision makers to plan how best to meet the needs of Utahs growing senior population cur BreaJfast - Lunch - Dinner Buy One Qet Om adult male cat is looking for a place to call home. Cost of adopting this cat will be $50, which covers neutering, Open from oon Restaurant - 685 N. 400 E. Huntington ' ology, Social Work and Anthropology, (435) ... 1 i 8. 'v ' . - -- 687-556- 6 , mof' , - - ttm . it f Utahs no more home- Ay adopt this cat by . stopping by Emery County Animal Health in Castle Dale 9 or call for more information on this pet or others in need of a home. gp '' A 667-939- 3 V - - rw m 9H. fr i - m.r. Green River officially in baseball season. Tuesday, May 1 200 was opening day for both Little League and Babe , Ruth. Opening ceremonies were at 3:30 with the teams being announced, the Pledge of Allegiance and the throwing out of the first ball. Connor Newland had the honor of throwing out that pitch, and it was his fast ball. We all had the honor of witnessing it! The sirens roared, then the umpire roared play ball. 1 Shop & Shop Huntington t ... is 361-253- 4 oyote less pets foundation," cost for adopting this pet is only $10. You may 381-549- 11-- 6 vaccinations and adoption fees. After a $20 voucher ifloral (435) for MoMi 12 off rently and into the future. This is an important opportunity and offers Utahs senior citizens a voice in planning and services, Mason said. He encourages all who receive a survey to participate. For additional information, contact Derek Mason, Department of Soci797-128- 7 35e- Thie QCeart 75 North Center St., Castle Dale A liv- Pet Of The April Showers bring Mothers Day Flowers Oxcart sample of Utahns 55 and older PeachVanilla GIFT CERTIFICATES work-at-ho- seniors, Mason announced. GIFT SETS Melon Cranberry Survey to help identify needs of seniors throughout state Many of Utahs seniors need help with a variety of daily activities, ranging from cooking to getting to doctors appointments, said Utah State University faculty member Derek Mason. Some are incapacitated by health issues or unable to pay for prescription medications. Still others are socially isolated and in need of activity in order to IW Full Service Nails e number for more hesitates or refuses to give the into call a formation in writing, walk away information. What they dont say is that the from the deal. Talk to other people who have information is part of a sales pitch that promises big bought into the program. Ask the bucks for a small investment, promoter to give you the names of Gurwitz says. But the chances of all or many previous purchasers so makingthe money claimed process- you can pick and choose whom to ing medical claims are slim to none, call. Interview these references in especially for a person with little person and ask for the names of or no medical experience and no their clients and about the details of their operations. If the promoter connection to any doctors. Since 1996, the FTC has brought wants to give you only a few refernine cases against medical billing ences, be wary. They may be shills" people paid to endorse scams, including four in 2000 alone. Yet, Gurwitz says, as quickly the program. Check out the company with the as these companies are put out of businesses, others appear to take state Attorney General's office, consumer protection agency and the their place. The FTC warns that few consumBetter Business Bureau in your area ers purchasing a medical billing and the area where the promoter is business opportunity are likely to based. These organizations can tell earn money, or even recoup their in- you whether there are any unresolved complaints about the comvestment. Newcomers to the medical billing market especially pany Be aware that the absence of those with no previous experience complaints doesn't necessarily and no contacts in the medical mean the company is legitimate. field face fierce competition. Consult with an attorney, acFor consumers considering buycountant or other business advisor ing into a medical billing business before you sign any agreement or make any payments up front. opportunity, the FTCs Gurwitz sugBecause there are so many gests these caveats: Get all earnings claims in waitfraudulent operators out there, it's critical that consumers interested ing. Be sure the information includes the number and percent of in opportunities keep past or current purchasers who their eyes wide open and their walhave earned at least as much as the lets shut tight, says Gurwitz. promoter claims. If the promoter