DEAR SUN SPOTS: I recently received a new credit card. When I opened it, I noticed that my card number was clearly visible on the other papers, the part that you throw away, which also includes my name and mailing address. It looked like the imprints that used to be made using old credit card machines.

I called the issuer to complain, and they said that it was caused by the pressure on the postal sorters being too high.

This is really dangerous. If I wasn’t super detail-oriented, I wouldn’t have noticed that I was throwing away all of the information somebody would need to use my card. — H. via email

ANSWER: Thanks for writing and warning readers. There are far too many ways for crooks to get your credit card numbers. Shredding or burning any papers with your account numbers or any personal information is always a good idea. You can never be too careful.

However, Sun Spots learned recently that even being careful isn’t enough against determined thieves. Last month a mysterious charge of $29.95 showed up on her checking account statement. When she called to find out how it got there, it turned out it was an online subscription that neither she nor Mr. Sun Spots authorized. Plus, it appeared in the wee hours when they were sleeping.

She was told that it would be reversed, but after a week no credit. She went to her bank, where her banker told her that anyone with your account and routing number can do similar evil deeds. He pointed out how often checks, such as at the grocery store, are no longer put through as checks but as “electronic checks.” He said that often it doesn’t even matter if you sign the check; it will still go through.

There is less recourse with a bank account, so she may be out the $29.95. Since Sun Spots has no idea how they got her account number, she is in the process of transferring to a new checking account and updating all her passwords for online accounts.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Please help the Lewiston-Auburn CA$H Coalition spread the word. We are looking for volunteers to help low- and moderate-income and elderly taxpayers with federal and Maine tax preparation. We need:

* People to help make appointments and return phone calls.

* Greeters to help taxpayers at the Lewiston Armory site with organizing paperwork and filling in the intake questionnaires.

For those who want to become an IRS-certified volunteer tax preparer, training is available online through the IRS Link and Learn Program and through classes offered by AARP Tax Aide in early January.

All tax returns are reviewed by a qualified reviewer, and preparers will have plenty of on-site assistance and support.

For more information, please call K.C. Geiger at 207-513-3160 and leave a message. Thanks so much! — Dottie Perham-Whittier, community relations coordinator

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Your Nov. 1 column on MaineCare and Medicare was very good. Some people don’t buy the Sun Journal. Could this column be put in the Bethel, Norway and Rumford papers? I’m sure it would be nice. — John Kezal, Rumford

ANSWER: Sun Spots doesn’t make that type of decision, but she will pass it on to those who do. And thanks for your kind words!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am grateful for your column on Medicare (Nov. 1) clarifying the difference between original Medicare and the new Medicare Advantage. You (and Roland Bussiere from SeniorsPlus) have spelled out the differences more clearly than I was able to find elsewhere.

Therefore. because of age, I feel more comfortable now staying with my original Medicare policy, which has a payment due monthly but no other assessments. Thank you. — No Name via email

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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