DEAR READERS: A recent reader's hint was to tear off address labels from magazines/catalogs and the inside order form to prevent identity theft. My comment was that a thief really can't do much with that information. Some readers commented on my remark. I had to edit down for space. Here are two:
C.M. in Wisconsin wrote: "You are incorrect in saying the only thing on the label is a name and address. There also is a customer code. One day, after providing my name to place an order, the person asked for the customer code on my catalog. Immediately I was asked if (xxxx) were the last four digits of my credit card. So, I recommend destroying the entire label."
C.M., yes, the customer code is on some labels, especially catalogs and magazine subscriptions. However, I still find it highly rare that someone may find that label, call the phone number, order something and have it sent to them, but billed to you. Maybe I'm wrong on this?
Linda B., via email, said: "My catalogs have boxes on the back by the name and address area for use in identifying the caller. Back when online shopping wasn't an option, this was used to pull up a client's account when placing an order."
Linda, yes, the customer code is used as an identifier and record of your business. Readers, help me here. Has anyone had something like this happen? I mean identity theft or items ordered without your knowledge?
DEAR HELOISE: My kids were eating fresh cherries in the car. I looked around for something they could put the pits into, and saw an empty cylindrical gum container with a flip lid. It worked wonderfully.
I keep a couple in the car for used gum and small pieces of garbage and coins.
-- Nicole G., Spokane, Wash.
DEAR HELOISE: I travel for work. I wear glasses, and it's hard to read the writing on tiny hotel shampoo/conditioner bottles. I put both bottles in the shower before I go to bed and pop the top on the shampoo. In the morning, I can tell which to use first.
-- Kellye Smith, via email
DEAR HELOISE: Many of us use dust mops and have difficulty getting the dust and dust "bunnies" off the mop. Instead of shaking the mop or hitting it against an outside post or wall, I use a small hand broom and sweep it clean. This will not work on large looped mops, but works like a charm on the others.
-- Pat D. in Nebraska
DEAR HELOISE: I needed wrapping for small candy mailings. Out of desperation, I used valentine cocktail napkins that I had on hand, which worked well. I would suggest that for special holiday wrappings, try cocktail or luncheon napkins. You can buy them in a dollar store, and you don't even have to cut them.
-- Diana D.,
Palm City, Fla.
Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email
Style on 04/21/2015