The dog days of summer are upon us. As temperatures soar and we wilt, it’s easy to get careless, lethargic, even lackadaisical.

We maybe even do stuff that we know isn’t good for us. Like taking that silly IQ quiz on Facebook, even though it asks for our cell phone number. Or, when no one is looking, we jump for joy when we get a letter in the mail (sadly, no longer from Ed McMahon) informing us that we’ve just won a sweepstakes that we don’t remember entering. And, silly us, we don’t bother reading the fine print when we order info about ‘free” grants.

It might be summer, but it’s no reason to put common sense on autopilot.

First, about that Facebook IQ test. I’ve gotten several “messages” stating that “friends” have taken the test and challenge me to do better! I have gone so far as answer a couple of questions on the test but stopped when asked to input my cellphone number in order to have results texted back. A red flag went up and I quit the quiz not caring if I was going to best my Einstein friends.

Turns out that was a good thing to do. Those who play all the way — and not bother reading the fine print — soon learn that they’ve agreed to monthly mobile phone “content” that includes wallpaper, ringtones, etc., at $19.99 a month.

OK, now we all like to win something, even if it’s a white elephant at the holiday party. But when we get an authentic-looking cashier’s check for thousands of dollars with promises of millions — if we send in a small fee to cover taxes and handling — it’s easy to start mentally buying that new car, touring Greek islands, maybe starting a business.

Problem is, that check is almost always counterfeit. If you follow directions and deposit it in your own checking account and wire the fee, you’ll never see the winnings and you will be personally liable for any funds spent.

And speaking of “free,” “free grant” scams are proliferating, especially since the Economic Stimulus Package was signed in February. If you’re offered a “free grant” for personal use, business or education, you’ll end up paying big time because part of receiving the “grant” is providing your checking account number so it can be electronically deposited. Other times you might be asked to pay a free upfront to get the grant, or to pay a fee for information on how to obtain free grants.

Everything you need to know about grants — and the federal government does indeed give billions in grants — is available at www.grants.gov. 

Does any of this sound familiar? If so, we’d like to hear your stories!