Pennsylvania Suing Delta Auto to Get Money Back for Consumers in Repair Scam

HARRISBURG – Attorney General Josh Shapiro announced today that his Office has filed a civil lawsuit against extended automobile warranty company Delta Auto Protect to get money back for consumers and repair shops which fell victim to its car repair scam. Delta is operated by Omega Vehicle Services LLC and its managing member Charles Seruya.

The

lawsuit

alleges the company advertises and sells vehicle service and repair contracts to thousands of consumers in multiple states from a virtual office in Exton, PA, but refuses to honor the contracts it sells and, after accepting payment from consumers, refuses to cover the necessary repairs promised under contract.

“Many customers of Delta Auto Protect of Exton have complained to my Office, and they’re not happy,” AG Shapiro said. “From phone calls to emails and letters, consumers have let us know how unresponsive this defendant has been to them. This rude and illegal treatment of customers is unwarranted. We are listening, and we are taking action to get their money back.”

The Attorney General said he wants restitution for Delta customers who:

Paid for warranties and didn’t get the coverage they were promised,

Paid out-of-pocket costs to repair their vehicles, and

Tried to cancel their policies but didn’t receive refunds.

Shapiro said he is also seeking restitution for repair shops that didn’t get paid.

The lawsuit says Delta advertised “24/7 customer service” to entice sales, but when consumers and the repair shops called about missing payments, the company dodged them, re-routed their calls, left them endlessly “on hold.” They also failed to return messages.

In some instances, Delta placed a condition on payment that required a consumer to remove their negative reviews of the company. Multiple consumer complaints allege the company failed to pay refunds for contract cancellations.

“I’ve been calling this company almost every week for the past year and it has failed to pay for the repairs on my car,” said Carolyn Ames, a customer from Germansville, Lehigh County. “Delta is impossible to reach. If I do get through they hang up and they never return my calls. I’m so glad to know Attorney General Shapiro is standing up for consumers like me and is taking action to get my money back.”

AG Shapiro is urging any consumers who believe they were victimized by the defendants’ business practices to

submit a complaint

with the Office of Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, calling the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-441-2555 or emailing

scams@attorneygeneral.gov

This complaint has been filed in the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas by Senior Deputy Attorney General Karen C. McRory-Negrin.

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Seasonal Flu More Dangerous Than COVID-19

Gloucester Township, NJ) – While Coronavirus (COVID-19) is in the headlines and a prime topic with medical professionals, the County Department of Health and Human Services says it currently poses little risk to residents in the United States. While the outbreak continues throughout the 22 impacted countries, the county health department is maintaining constant contact with health care providers in the region and state and federal agencies. The department is maintaining contact with local universities and other institutions to monitor and report any new developments.

To date, there have not been any confirmed cases of COVID-19 in New Jersey, and there have been only a handful of cases across the United States. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) maintains that the threat of human-to-human transmission of the virus in the United States is low.

“For the vast majority of Americans, unless you have recently traveled to Hebei Province where the outbreak is believed to have started, you are not at risk of contracting the coronavirus,” said Camden County Health Officer Paschal Nwako. “Still, the dedicated professionals at the Health Department are receiving constant updates from the CDC and state Department of Health in order to monitor any changes in this assessment and to keep the public informed.”

COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus which is believed to have first emerged in Wuhan, China in December 2019. A novel coronavirus is a coronavirus which has not been previously identified. These are different from other coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans like the common cold.

Although it is considered a serious public health concern by the CDC, the agency maintains that based on the current information available, the immediate health risk from COVID-19 to the general public in the United States is considered low.

The New Jersey Department of Health is working with state and federal partner agencies to track and monitor any suspected cases of the virus and those who had been in contract with any ill persons. The Camden County Department of Health also has the ability to order quarantine for anyone suspected of having contracted the virus.

Anyone with questions about the novel coronavirus, symptoms, or their risk of exposure, can call the free, 24-hour public hotline at (800) 222-1222 where trained professionals are standing by to answer questions about COVID-19.

“It is still important to practice good hygiene, washing your hands regularly, covering coughs and sneezes with sleeves or tissues instead of your hands, avoiding sick people when possible,” said Freeholder Carmen Rodriguez. “We want to use this opportunity to stress to the public that while the coronavirus poses little threat at this time, the threat from the seasonal flu remains quite high throughout New Jersey.”

Rodriguez and health officials are stressing the deadly potential of the seasonal flu which currently poses a much greater risk to our community than COVID-19. There have not been any coronavirus-related deaths in the United States, meanwhile the CDC estimates that since October 2019, the seasonal flu has caused more than 10,000 deaths in the United States.

In New Jersey, flu activity remains high in all counties, and officials are reporting an increase in Type B influenza strains, which, like Type A, can cause serious respiratory illnesses and fast-spreading epidemics. The flu vaccine is generally more effective against Type B viruses.

Camden County residents can still receive the influenza vaccination at Camden County’s Regional Health Centers in Bellmawr and Camden City.

To schedule an appointment or to inquire regarding walk-in hours, please contact the appropriate center:

Bellmawr Regional Health Center

35 E. Browning Road

Bellmawr, NJ 08031

(856) 931-2700

Board of Social Services Building

600 Market Street, Basement B-55

Camden, NJ 08102

856-756-2266

“While not 100 percent effective, the flu vaccination is still the best way to protect yourself and your family from getting sick,” Rodriguez said. “While we keep those affected by the coronavirus in our thoughts and prayers, we hope that our residents will take the initiative and use their elevated concern surrounding the virus and focus on the much more immediate risk which is the seasonal flu.”

For additional information about where and how to receive the flu vaccine residents can contact the county Department of Health and Human Services at (800) 999-9045, or visit

www.camdencounty.com

, or contact their primary physician.

Catholic Schools Still Different Where It Counts

Celebrate Catholic Schools Week came to a close on Saturday, Feb. 1. Throughout the Diocese of Camden, schools sponsored open houses; special liturgies and prayer services; academic competitions and showcases; meals for seniors, volunteers and other special people; events to celebrate diverse cultures;

activities to foster community spirit; and an onslaught of service projects.

Catholic schools are known for these activities and more throughout the year, so why the need for a concentrated week? For Sister Sheila Murphy, principal at Cape Trinity Catholic School in Wildwood, it’s all about tradition. She remembers the first Catholic Schools Week, 1974.

“‘Different Where It Counts.’ That was the first tagline and I’ve always loved it. It stayed with me,” said Sister Sheila. She said she thinks about the tagline at the opening Mass every year, a Mass that could not happen outside a Catholic school community, the perfect example of how Catholic schools are different where it counts. According to Sister Sheila, this year’s Mass was particularly special because it was also the conclusion of the parish mission at the school’s primary parish, Notre Dame de la Mer. Turnout from school families was high, and Mass was followed by a parish lunch.

Service is the other element of Catholic Schools Week Sister Sheila cherishes. Like many other schools, Cape Trinity Catholic honors local first responders during the week. Students bring items for gift baskets, which are hand-delivered by families to several police and fire stations. Toiletry bags are also assembled by students and delivered to The Branches, a center in Rio Grande that cares for individuals who are homeless.

“We do some things just for fun, too,” said Sister Sheila, citing the teacher-student volleyball game as a highlight.

For anyone who might have missed the chance to visit during Catholic Schools Week, no worries. The doors to South Jersey Catholic Schools are open for visits, and students are welcome to shadow and discover the difference in a Catholic school education. Find a school near you at

www.southjerseycatholicschools.org

3 Tips for Preventing Common Tree Accidents in Gloucester City

olive-wolverine-471793.hostingersite.com (February 17, 2020)–Homeowners in Gloucester City pay an average of $563 for tree planting services,

according to manta.com

. Trees add aesthetics to properties, keep yards fresh, and prevent flooding. However, as trees age and become large, they pose a danger to the surroundings, and if not mitigated, the accidents can be fatal. Tree hazards may result from storm-related or construction damages.

image courtesy of unsplash.com

While there are few reports where a

car crashes into a tree

in the area, when they occur, injuries are often difficult to remedy. If you have trees in your property, it is essential to know the potential risks and how to manage them.

Identify the Risks

Start by observing the trunk to find out if there is decay. You may notice multiple reproductive structures, which indicate that the decay has reached an advanced stage. Dead branch stubs, cracks, butt swell, and large-old wounds are signs the tree is rotting from the inside. Also, inspect the crown and roots.

If there is any damage to the root, the likelihood of failure is high. Understanding the

causes of tree failure

helps you take the necessary steps to prevent branches or the whole tree from falling on houses, vehicles, or people.

Hire Expert Tree Services

According to

Rich\’s Tree Service

, time is of the essence to ensure the safety of people and property when a tree begins to fall or decay. After identifying risks, contact a professional arborist immediately. An arborist will assess the tree’s health or level of damage caused by either disease, construction work, a car collision, or harsh weather. Depending on the extent of damage, tree service providers will recommend

various tree treatment methods

, including pruning and removal. However, you may require emergency services if the tree has fallen, landed on property, or lighting strikes cutting off branches.

Avoid Cutting or Trimming Trees

Cutting down trees involves many dangers, and without professional knowledge, you are likely to experience injuries and severe damages. Arborists are aware of the

risks involved in tree cutting and trimming

and follow strict safety measures to avoid falling and electrocution. They also use the right equipment and prepare before the hazards falling twigs and branches present.

Apart from knowledge and using advanced equipment, professional arborists offer many services. When you hire reliable tree service providers, you don’t have to worry about green waste. Experts know how to dispose of debris from large-scale tree cutting. Plus, they will remove stumps without causing damage to the environment.

Stanley C. Alcott Jr., of Bellmawr age 50

Stanley C. Alcott, Jr., on February 16, 2020, of Bellmawr. Age 50.

Beloved husband of Donna (nee Scaffidi). Devoted father of Damian Alcott and cherished step-father of John Gibson and Katie Gibson. Loving son of Joan (nee Carr) and her companion Lou Colavecchi and the late Stanley Alcott, Sr. Dear brother of Denise Fiore (Charles), Sandy Sherlock (Gerald) and Anthony Alcott (Jaci). Also survived by many loved ones and his pets Penny, Luigi and the predeceased Boss.

Mr. Alcott loved riding his Harley Davidson and socializing with friends.

There will be a visitation from 6 to 8pm Friday eve at GARDNER FUNERAL HOME, RUNNEMEDE.

Memorial Service 8pm at the funeral home.

Interment private.

Family requests in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Mr. Alcott’s memory to your favorite animal shelter.

WALLET HUB: Some New Jersey Cities Rank at the Bottom of Credit Score Analysis

By Bethany Blankley |

The Center Square

To coincide with the approaching tax season and to help taxpayers evaluate their spending and debt habits, the personal-finance website WalletHub published a ranking of residents’ credit scores in more than 2,500 cities nationwide.

WalletHub compared the median credit scores of residents in 2,572 U.S. cities “to give credit where credit is literally and figuratively due,” Adam McCann, financial writer at Wallethub says.

Its 2020\’s

Cities with the Highest & Lowest Credit Scores

ranked all cities according to TransUnion data as of September 2019.

Four New Jersey cities ranked in the bottom: Newark, with a median credit score of 587, followed by New Brunswick’s 577, East Orange’s 577, and Camden City\’s 552.

With 99 being the best percentile ranking, Camden’s ranked in the 1 percentile and tied for last place with East St. Louis, Ill., and Chester, Penn.

Ranking 10th-worst was East Orange, followed by 11th-worst New Brunswick, and 18th-worst Newark, all falling in the 1 percentile.

Trenton fared slightly better, with its residents holding a median credit score of 601, but also fell in the 1 percentile.

By comparison eight New Jersey cities ranked in the 91st to 97th percentile with scores of 752 and above. The highest New Jersey ranking was Westfield, where residents landed in the 98th percentile with a median credit score of 768. Ridgewood followed in the 97th percentile with a score of 764; Princeton in the 96th percentile with a score of 761; Paramus in the 95th percentile with a score of 760; Fair Lawn in the 92nd percentile with a score of 754; Summit in the 91st percentile with a score of 752; and Hoboken and Flemington in the 91st percentile, each with scores of 752.

Wallethub only included the city proper in its analysis, excluding the suburbs in each city’s surrounding metro area. Each city was categorized by population size with large cities having more than 300,000 people, mid-sized between 100,000 and 300,000 people, and small cities with less than 100,000 people.

republished here by olive-wolverine-471793.hostingersite.com with permission of

The Center Square

Michael G. DelGozzo, of Ocean City; Alumnus of Rhode Island U and Bishop Eustace HS

Ocean City, NJ – On February 15, 2020. Age 46. Formerly of Medford. Loving son of Anthony M. and Alice M. DelGozzo. Loving brother of Greg DelGozzo and his wife, Sheryl and Vinny DelGozzo and his wife, Laura. Cherished uncle of Trevin, Josh, Cooper, Alex and Brooklynn. Loving longtime companion of Julie Dash. Also survived by many loving aunts

, uncles, cousins and friends.

Mike was a graduate of Bishop Eustace High School class of 1992 and received his bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Rhode Island. His interests included music, literature, fishing and surfing. Michael had great appreciation for horses, horse racing and the jockeys. He loved trips to the racetrack and annual trips to Saratoga.

Relatives and friends are invited to his visitation on Thursday morning, February 20

, from 9:30 to 11:45 AM at St. Mary of the Lakes R.C. Church, 40 Jackson Rd, Medford, NJ 08055. Mass of Christian Burial 12 Noon in the church. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, P.O. Box 803, Elmhurst, IL 60126 or online at pdjf.org, a cause very important to Michael. Please memo: Michael G. DelGozzo.

Condolences and Memories may be shared at www.mccannhealey.com under the obituary of Michael G. DelGozzo. Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries through: McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME, Gloucester City Ph: 856-456-1142

Gloucester City Basketball Weekend

The Gloucester City Basketball League was in action this weekend, where the first place Grade 7/8 Senior Boys and Grade 3/4 Travel Girls took to the hardwood.

Teams pictured below are the Grade 7/8 Boys, Kindergarten and Grade 3/4 Girls

More Photos available at WWW.Darrowphotos.com

Photos Courtesy of Bruce Darrow

Pictured Kindergarten Action

Pictured below Kindergarten Shea Gorman

Pictured below Grade 7/8 Mike Light

Pictured below Corrine Kelly

Pictured below Audrey Rettig