Better Business Bureau of Metropolitan Houston Educational Foundation

THE Texas SENIOR MEDICARE PATROL Program (SMP) IS FUNDED THROUGH A FEDERAL GRANT FROM THE ADMINISTRATION ON AGING. THIS PROGRAM USES VOLUNTEERS TO TRAIN MEDICARE BENEFICIARIES ABOUT MEDICARE FRAUD, ABUSE AND WASTE AND THE IMPORTANCE OF REPORTING INCIDENTS TO MEDICARE. 913 PRESENTATIONS WERE MADE TO MEDICARE BENEFICIARIES AND PROFESSIONALS REACHING 42,700 PEOPLE.

The bbb awards for excellence recognizes businesses and non profits for their achievements and commitment to overall excellence and quality in the workplace. Proceeds from the event help fund the bbb Educational Foundation which educates consumers about scams and fraudulent Business practices in the greater Houston area. Fundraising expenses of $82,448 were incurred in connection with the event, of which $9,312 were in-kind donations.

Silver sleuth program - educating older adults about schemes and scams targeting this vulnerable population and providing information on how to protect themselves and providing one-on-one assistance in resolving problems due to fraudulent Business activities. 32 presentations were made reaching more than 806 older adults. Young consumer advocate program (ycap) - youth aged 16 to 22 are educated on their consumer rights, obligations and fraudulent schemes, with an emphasis on gaining the skills necessary to become contributing members of the community. 11 presentations were made to young consumers reaching over 587 students.

CONSUMER AWARENESS 101: CONSUMERS LIVING ON LOWER INCOMES ARE AT HIGHER RISK FOR BEING TRAPPED IN A CYCLE OF DEBT DUE TO THEIR LACK OF CONSUMER SOCIALIZATION SKILLS. THROUGH A SERIES OF PRESENTATIONS, INDIVIDUALS LEARN: A) HOW TO AVOID SCAMS AND FRAUDULENT BUSINESS PRACTICES; B) CONSUMER RIGHTS AND MISCONCEPTIONS; C) HOW TO HANDLE debt problems; and D) THE REAL COST OF DOING BUSINESS THROUGH CASH-ADVANCE LOANS OR RENT-TO-OWN COMPANIIES. 25 PRESENTATIONS WERE MADE TO LOW INCOME ADULTS REACHING 1,183 PEOPLE.