Q: A majority of scams follow similar types of fact patterns. This occurs because scammers know what works and what doesn't, and they try to scam you by doing what works best. First, scammers will use fear to try and get you to do something. For example, some scammers might say that a relative has been arrested and needs money. Second, scammers will try to rush you to make a decision quickly. The longer you think about what is happening, the more likely it is that you will not become a victim. Just as scammers use common practices like fear and panic, they will also use the same scams over and over again. If you can learn what types of common scams are out there, it will be easier to identify them and avoid them. Scams can take place online, over the phone, through the mail, and even in person. The most common scams include:  Advance fee scams, which occur when people tell you that you have won a lottery, or that you can invest in something, and all you have to do is pay a small fee upfront. Charity scams, which occur when people tell you they are collecting money for some charitable cause. In reality, once you make a "donation," the scammers keep the money for themselves. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) scams, which occur when people tell you that you owe money in taxes or that they need your personal information to make sure your taxes were filed properly. These people try to get money as well as personal information in order to steal your identity. Phantom debt scams, which occur when people contact you pretending to be debt collectors. They will threaten you and tell you that you owe money that you do not really owe. Phishing scams occur when individuals contact you claiming there is a problem with some account you might have (e.g., credit card accounts and loan accounts). They will tell you they can fix the problem, but they need to verify your personal information. Once they have your personal information, they use it to steal your identity. One of the best ways to keep up-to-date on recent scam schemes is to get government alerts. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) offers an alert that is sent to your email periodically. The alert will give you tips and advice on how to avoid scams. If you want to sign up, you can do so through the FTC's website.
A: Examine common practices. Identify popular scams involving money. Recognize possible phishing scams. Get scam alerts.

Article: Prepare the muffin tray by adding cupcake holders/cases. Put to one side. Alternatively, use a silicone cupcake baking sheet with molded holes. Stir this well and then put to one side. The mixture will now curdle and this is what should be happening. If you want chocolate cupcakes, add cocoa (about 1/2 cup) to this stage. Mix together.  Usually fill each paper cupcake holder with about 1/4 cup of batter. If you prefer larger cupcakes, then add a half a cup but make sure the muffin pan is larger and the cupcake holders are bigger. If you can smell the cupcakes earlier, check to make sure they aren't browning earlier (this means they're more than ready). If you aren't certain, turn off the oven earlier and let them sit for a few more minutes rather than bake them into rocks. Place cupcakes onto a wire rack to cool. The flavor of icing or frosting can be improved by adding a little of your favorite juice to it instead of soy milk or water.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Preheat the oven to 180ºC/350ºF. Put the cider vinegar into a small bowl and add the soy milk. Stir together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Stir the oil and vanilla extract into the bowl containing the soy milk and vinegar. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and beat together (by hand or with an electric hand-held mixer). Fill the muffin pan. Bake for 18 - 20 minutes. Wait for the pan to cool down. Ice the cupcakes. Finished.

Problem: Article: A box grater is four sided, with each side having differently sized teeth.  Because box grates tend to have larger teeth, they work well with softer cheeses such as mozzarella or havarti. Choose whichever grater plate suits the dish. The medium sized holes are great for garnishing tacos, but not so much for making crumb-like Parmesan to go on Spaghetti. This will prevent you from scraping your fingers before you have the desired amount of shredded cheese. For box graters without a handle, hold the cheese and grater over a large bowl. For graters with a handle, place the end of the grater on a cutting board.
Summary: Use a box grater to shred your cheese. Keep your cheese medium to large sized. Let your box grate decide how you'll use it.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Once you have applied, it is best to follow up with the waste management facility one to two weeks after your application. Dress professionally and ask if there is anything else you can do to help them during the hiring process. Showing up in person will show your dedication to the position and remind the company why you should be hired. When following up on your application, bring another copy of your resume to leave at the front desk. Calling the facility to follow up will remind them of your status as a potential employee and leave a good impression on management as they make their decision. When calling, say hello, introduce yourself, and make it clear that you are following up on a recent application as a garbage collector. A great way to remind the waste management headquarters of your application is to send the recruiter an email thanking them for considering you as an applicant. In the email, introduce yourself again and remind the waste management office which position you are applying for. Ask if there is anything else you can do to make the process easier, and thank them one more time before signing your name. Whether you are asked to interview for the position or not, it is important to be prepared if the time comes. Set out a business casual outfit and rehearse what you will say to the waste management recruiter when asked for an interview.  Research the company and prepare questions for your future employer.  Prepare a list of reasons why you are a good fit for the position and rehearse speaking about your job history out loud. Good questions to ask a potential employer include specifics about the position, including your expected salary and job requirements.

SUMMARY: Follow up with the waste management offices in person. Call the offices to follow up if they are too far away. Contact the facility to follow up by email to save time. Prepare for your interview.

Q: Let your friends and family know that you really want something by mentioning the item casually. Bring up the item you want several times over a period of days or weeks before Christmas.  ”I saw a new bike at the store and thought it would be really fun to ride.” ”My friend got a new bike and wants me to ride with him; I wish I had one to join him” ”Did you know that bikes were on sale this week at the sporting goods store? Maybe this is a good time to get one.” Make sure that your parents know exactly what you want by telling them the specific thing you want. Tell them that you’d be happy if that was the only item you got this year. Chances are you will still get other presents, but let them know that this one thing means a lot to you. Leave a note with a nice message for your parents that includes the item you want for Christmas. Make sure that you compliment or thank your parents in the note and aren’t just demanding a new toy. ”I’m really glad I have the best parents in the world! I hope I can get an XBox for Christmas!” Volunteer to help out around the house to show your parents how responsible you can be. Try to pitch in with extra chores so your parents want to reward your help with a special present. The more you are able to do, the more likely your parents will be willing to get you the things you want.  Offer to do the dishes. Clean your room really well. Offer to wash the windows. Clean the bathrooms. Take out the trash.
A:
Hint at what you want. Tell your family you only want one specific item. Leave a note saying what you want. Do extra chores.