The creators of Slightly Creaky offer locational classes about Consumer Safety & Awareness. These are currently only available in New York's Mid-Hudson region, within 50 miles of Newburgh (not in New York City), generally including Rockland, Orange, Putnam, Dutchess, and Ulster Counties.

The lead instructor, Henry (Hal) Rosengarten, is a retired teacher (Kingston and Marlboro) and former AOL manager who has been involved in consumer affairs since the early 1980s. A consumer columnist and educator, he currently owns and operates SlightlyCreaky.com. He provides a weekly blog and monthly articles on medical, home, and consumer protection topics.

Mr. Rosengarten is not a security expert, although he has more than 20 years experience in consumer protection and awareness and does considerable research. He brings more than 40 years of teaching experience and 18 years of Internet research knowledge to these classes. His style is both humorous and informative, giving you considerable information while maintaining your interest. Handouts are prepared providing supporting documentation, such as web sites and telephone numbers for additional information and consumer protection.

If you live or participate in an organization or business in this area, consider Consumer Safety & Awareness for your next company, organization, or community group presentation. These topics also do well as fund raisers. For details and specifics see the information below.

Types of Presentations

Single sessions:
Sessions may be from 60 minutes to three hours in length, covering up to five topics. Any session of 90 minutes or longer will have a 10 minute break built in. We reserve the right to select material we deem appropriate for each situation although we accept suggestions from the organization or company sponsoring our presentation.

Two to ten sessions:
Due to the amount of information that consumer safety and awareness involves, we recommend multiple sessions with a minimum of 90 minutes each.

Fees:
Scams change daily, and our team's research never ends. We attempt to make all information as up-to-date as possible. Sample fees are listed below. We do have to add transportation charges if we travel more than 15 miles or to the east of the Hudson River.

Participants
Sessions will be presented to any size group, although between ten and thirty people is ideal (as space permits). Larger groups reduce the opportunity for interaction between speaker and audience, although, in cases of fund-raising sessions, increase the amount collected..

Sponsoring Organizations are responsible for (if applicable):
- Advertising (if desired)
- Obtaining location, permits, etc. (must have toilet facilities)
- Insurance (as needed)
- Refreshments(if desired)

At least two weeks notice is needed prior to changes in any schedule. Since each presentation is customized, please provide sufficient time between initial contact and the date of the actual class.

Categories

All sessions of 90 minutes or longer will have a 10 minute break built in. Sponsoring organization may request specific categories be included. Time will be set aside after each session for questions and, as possible, additional discussion.

(All times approximate. Modifications can be made for additional or lesser information.)       
       Standard Presentations

One Session     <90 to 120 minutes>
"Introduction to Consumer Safety & Awareness"

Five to Six Sessions     <90 to 120 minutes each>
Standard Presentation includes a detailed look at how misleading and improper advertising costs us money and how such practices can be spotted and avoided. We also look at common scams and deceptive insurance policies, guarantees, e-mail and similar schemes, as well as ways to protect yourself.

Ten Sessions     <90 to 120 minutes each>
Complete Class (including choice of optional topics)

      Sample topics may include:

Precautions and Resolutions
    Household and personal safety precautions, scam resolution procedures, Small Claims Court, special precautions for seniors, checking identification of visitors, etc.

Internet Scams
    Types of scams, secret shopper, "Nigerian" 419 scams, E-Mail scams (including actual samples), online auction fraud, gambling scams, online dating fraud and badger games.

Financial Scams
    Advanced fee scams, pyramid (Ponzi) schemes, "Costa Rican" land scams, payday lenders, identity theft, phony financial recovery, debit cards, using credit cards, unannounced credit card interest rate changes, consumer investment fraud.

Insurance Frauds
     How insurance works, warrantees, service and product guarantees, health insurance scams, service contracts and fraud, defining "Well Qualified," reverse mortgages, save your documentation.

Home, Telephone, and Other Scams
    In-home scams and invasions, cell phone and telephone scams, mailbox dangers, pet-related scams, deceptive home improvements, business badger games, work-at-home jobs, home alarms, pest control, lawn care, protecting your home and family.

Misleading Advertising
    The purpose of advertising, traditional pressure sales, bait and switch, " We Know What You Need," loss-leaders, coupons and rebates, size matters, using social trends, discounting, "The Gift That Keeps Taking," discount box stores: case sample, actual samples of misleading advertising, how to take advantage of advertising techniques.

Health Fraud
    Counterfeit drugs, quackery, choosing nursing homes, elder care

Miscellaneous Information
    Household heaters, sweepstakes and lotteries, food freshness guide

Informative Programs (may be combined with other selections)
    Automotive Scams
    Health Scams     (Includes: Health Insurance Scams and Health Fraud Topics)
    Education Related Scams
    Travel Scams
    Seniors as Targets 
    Testimonials in Advertising

    Additional Topics Frequently Added. We can create new topic upon request.

None scheduled at this time.

To contact us about these classes, send an e-mail to
consumers@slightlycreaky.com

NOTE: Fees are waved or severely reduced for most non-profit organizations. Contact us for details.

In general, presentations are at $50 an hour for up to 30 people. Longer sessions have reduced rates; larger audience size may cause a slight increase in fees.

Sponsoring Organizations are requested to pay a $30 reservation fee for programs up to $300 total cost and $100 for other presentations. The balance is due: 50% of remaining cost at first presentation, with the balance at the last presentation, unless other arrangements (by contract) have been made. Transportation and special charges (to be agreed on in advance) are to be included in total cost.