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.