Dear Heloise: Debt collection scams have become very popular with the scammers, but here are some things to look out for:

— If you are contacted by a “debt collection agency,” get the name of the person calling, their phone number, address and anything else you can. Ask them to give you their license number to do business in your state, and then verify that number by contacting the secretary of state for your state.

— Do not give in to threats of arrest or violence. They cannot call your employer, report you to immigration or take away your driver’s license. They cannot garish your wages or call you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. They should never use profanity or shout at you over the phone.

— Report the call to the Federal Trade Commission at www.reportfraud.ftc.gov.

— Many states have a time limit on debts. If there has been no activity for a certain period of time, the debt must be written off. But check with an attorney to make sure your state has such a law and what that time limit happens to be.

— But, most of all, do NOT send them any money, gift cards or money wire transfers. If you want additional information, you can go to www.usa.gov/stop-scams-frauds. — Josh H., Boston, Mass.

LITTLE FAMILY TREASURES

Dear Heloise: While dusting my china cabinet, I decided to let my four daughters, who are all married, have some of my lead crystal collection. They would have inherited these items after I pass away, so rather than wait, I’ve started to give them to my girls at birthdays and Christmas. From time to time, they have expressed a desire to have a certain piece, and I usually give it to them. This way there will be less to go through when I’m gone and no fighting over who gets what. — Joan B., Rutland, Vt.

INSECT BITES AND MORE

Dear Heloise: What do you recommend for homemade remedies for insect bites and poison ivy? — Diana V., Rockingham, N.C.

Diana, for insect bites, poison ivy, poison sumac and poison oak, you can fill a bathtub with water and add a generous amount of baking soda. If the spot itches terribly, you can make a paste of baking soda and water (or baking soda and witch hazel) and apply it to the area to help lessen the irritation.

There are so many uses for baking soda that I couldn’t list them all here, but you can get those ideas in my pamphlet “Heloise’s Baking Soda Hints and Recipes.” With summer here, there are a number of helpful hints to make life a little easier and chores a little shorter. To get a copy, go to www.Heloise.com, or send $5, along with a stamped (75 cents), self-addressed long envelope to: Heloise/Baking Soda, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. You’ll be glad to have this handy information at your fingertips. This also makes a nice little gift for any new homemaker. — Heloise

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Hints from Heloise run occasionally in Lifestyles. Readers may send a hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE, or email: Heloise@Heloise.com. Letters won’t be answered personally.