Money

Scam artists are profiting from unsuspecting elderly North Dakotans during this time of social distancing and social isolation, warned Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem.

The North Dakota Public Service Commission (PSC) wants to make sure North Dakotans who need financial assistance with phone or internet service are aware of the Lifeline Program. Lifeline is a program that lowers the monthly cost of phone or internet service for those who qualify.

North Dakota homeowners could be eligible for property tax credits if they meat certain income requirements. Also, renters could also qualify for a refund program if they meet eligibility requirements.

Consumer fraud schemes escalate each year during the holidays, and a new research report, “Seasons Cheatings,” from the AARP Fraud Watch Network finds that a significant number of consumers are at risk of becoming victimized by common seasonal scams.

Roughly 30,000 North Dakota residents will no longer have to pay state income tax on their Social Security benefits thanks to an AARP-backed law.

Today, AARP announced the launch of ‘ Stop Rx Greed,’ a nationwide campaign aimed at lowering prescription drug prices. The goal of AARP’s sustained campaign is to help drive down drug prices for all Americans by advocating for a variety of legislative, executive, and regulatory actions at both the federal and state level.

AARP has a group of volunteers from across the state who are trained to be “Fraud Fighters,” and are willing to provide valuable presentations to help protect North Dakotans from fraud and scams. The Fraud Fighters are equipped with resources and up-to-date information to help safeguard against identity theft and other scams.

Life Reimagined is all about possibilities – envisioning them, evaluating them and making them reality. Life Reimagined is a first-of-its-kind series of online and offline experiences to help people reflect, evaluate priorities and take action to live their best life.

As the days and nights get colder, some low-income North Dakotans may find the increase in home heating costs beyond what their budget can handle. The North Dakota Department of Human Services is reminding low-income individuals, families, and seniors that help is available through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Applications are now being accepted at county social service offices in North Dakota.

In November, the North Dakota Public Service Commission finalized its ruling on a natural gas rate increase requested by Montana-Dakota Utilities.