NASHVILLE – The Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) reminds Tennesseans to check their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors when setting their clocks back one hour Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018, at 2 a.m. (CDT) when daylight saving time ends.
NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI) reminds consumers that Open Enrollment for health insurance coverage on the Federally Facilitated Marketplace (FFM) begins Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018. Tennesseans have until December 15, 2018, to apply for or re-enroll in coverage for the 2019 calendar year.
NASHVILLE – Identity theft, fraud, and financial abuse are increasingly common ways for scammers to take advantage of Tennessee consumers of all ages. A recent Federal Trade Commission (FTC) report ranked Tennessee 10th nationally in reports of fraud. Additionally, Tennesseans filed over 43,000 fraud reports totaling over $13.7 million in losses in 2017. Of these reports, 5,586 of were for identity theft. Further, TDHS’ Adult Protective Services (APS) division received more than 4,000 complaints of financial exploitation in fiscal year 2017-2018. That’s more than the year prior and an increase of 33% from state fiscal year 2015-2016.
NASHVILLE – Jack-o’-lanterns, decorative candles, and so-called “haunted houses” are all Halloween traditions. Unfortunately, all those traditions carry risks that could result in injuries or a fatality. According to data from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), decorations are the first thing to ignite in 900 reported home fires each year. Two of every five of these fires were started by a candle. With Halloween fast approaching, the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) is encouraging Tennesseans to keep safety in mind to help avoid fire risks commonly associated with Halloween decorations and activities.
NASHVILLE –Automobile accidents can leave victims upset, disoriented, and unsettled. While consumers’ priorities after an accident should include recovering from any injuries and contacting the appropriate insurance providers, the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance’s (TDCI) Division of Consumer Affairs and the Tennessee Attorney General advises consumers to be aware of individuals who may prey upon victims in order to lure them into the “accident clinic” trap.
NASHVILLE – Hamilton County area residents can safely dispose of outdated medications or shred personal documents and records during the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (EDT) at locations throughout Hamilton County.
NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI) proudly announces that “Get Alarmed, Tennessee!” will continue into 2019 after Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials recently approved a $333,334 Fire Prevention and Safety Grant.
NASHVILLE – Sending and receiving money is easier than ever before thanks to electronic fund transfers, often called person-to-person (or P2P) payment systems. Person-to-person payment systems, like PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle, allow consumers to link bank accounts, debit cards, and/or credit cards in order to send and receive money to another party via mobile and desktop applications.
NASHVILLE – In honor of National Fire Prevention Week (Oct. 7-13), the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) congratulates Greenfield Fire Chief Bob Dudley for the 30th anniversary of Greenfield’s Fire Prevention Festival.
NASHVILLE – The Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) and volunteers from the Carroll County Fire Department will install free smoke alarms in homes throughout Carroll County on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018.
NASHVILLE – While technological advances have made everyday tasks easier, they’ve also increased the vulnerability of consumers’ most sensitive personal data. Electronic financial accounts, healthcare information, and social media profiles can be exposed in just a few clicks by enterprising scammers. In recognition of October as National Cyber Security Awareness Month, the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance’s (TDCI) Consumer Affairs and Securities divisions are providing tips to help keep your information safe online.
NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI) announces that TDCI Assistant Commissioner of Securities Frank Borger-Gilligan has been selected as President-Elect of the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) for the 2018-19 term. NASAA, which is the nation’s oldest investor protection agency, made the announcement during their annual meeting recently in Anchorage, Alaska.
NASHVILLE – In the wake of flooding from Hurricane Florence, consumers shopping for a vehicle should be aware that flood-damaged cars and trucks from the Carolinas will eventually surface in Tennessee. To raise awareness, the Tennessee Motor Vehicle Commission, which is part of the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance’s (TDCI) Regulatory Boards division, is warning consumers to be on alert for scammers who might disguise severely water-damaged vehicles as being perfectly good.
NASHVILLE – Over 90 newly certified officers will graduate from the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy (TLETA) on Friday, September 28, 2018. The graduation ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. (CT) at Al Menah Shrine Temple (1354 Brick Church Pike, Nashville, TN).
NASHVILLE – Does paying $150 to obtain a certificate of existence for a business seem pricey? It might seem reasonable but, in fact, that service and others are actually available free of charge or at minimal cost through governmental agencies.