Homepage / Money

Hot Line Assists Troubled Consumers

3 On Your Side Looking For Volunteers

POSTED: 5:11 pm EST November 20, 2007
UPDATED: 6:48 pm EST November 20, 2007

With the holiday season approaching, many find their budgets stretched tight and the last thing needed is to get scammed out of money.

At Channel 3, we have a group of people that assists those who may fall victim to such scams -- the 3 On Your Side Hotline volunteers.

Dot Smith has been the driving force behind Channel 3's consumer hotline for more than 10 years.

"I don't like seeing the elderly, the ethnic groups or the disadvantaged getting taken advantage of," Smith said.

Smith helps consumers having problems with contractors or those who have been double-billed by a utility company.

"I try to isolate which the agency is that will be able to help us. If it's not an agency, if it's going to be a store -- I start trying to find out who the upper echelon is," she said.

Smith warned that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

If you have a consumer issue and would like Smith to handle your call, you can call the 3 On Your Side hot line Mondays and Wednesdays, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. by dialing 860-244-1750.

Helping viewers with their consumer conundrums is a lot of work, and Smith is looking for volunteers to join her. Call the hot line if you'd like to volunteer your time.

E-mail news tips to Eyewitness News, or dial: 866-289-0333.
Refresh WFSB.com often and watch Channel 3 Eyewitness News for the latest news updates.
Channel 3 Eyewitness News

Links We Like

Sponsored Content
If you have aspirations of becoming a millionaire, check out these five habits that may be worth emulating. More

To get the most out of your remodel, check out these 10 home updates that have the biggest payoffs when it comes time to sell your home. More

Do you have concerns about the recommended vaccines for your child? Get the facts to clear up any confusion about vaccinations. More

$4,000 scholarships are available to real people just like you! More

Credit Report

560? 675? 720? The average US Credit Score is 692. What is your score? See it online for FREE! More

Best Local Rates On...



LocalNational

30 Yr Fixed Mortgage4.96%5.02%

48 Mo New Car Loan6.40%6.79%

$30k Home Eq Loan6.89%8.33%

6 Month CD1.08%1.13%
Help! I don't understand!
More Rates


Sponsored Links

Stock Quotes

Get a Quote
Enter Symbol

Real Estate Information


Smart Savings

Do you catch yourself counting every penny these days? Find money-saving ideas big and small in our Smart Savings guide. More


E-Mail News Alerts
Get breaking news and daily headlines.
Browse all e-mail newsletters