For over 35 years, Bercowetz, eventually revealed as Dear George, dedicated her column to help consumers solve problems including chain letter scams, disreputable contractors, bogus contests and identity theft. She wrote Don't Get Ripped Off! Get Help! Tell It to George, based on her experiences to educate consumers so they can avoid getting scammed.  

"Con artists are so slick that they get away with their crimes because they are charming," she warned.

Bercowetz empathized with readers, especially seniors, and understood many scams first-hand when she fell victim to slick unscrupulous predators on several occasions. She championed her readers when she investigated complaints and exposed truths. "Sometimes the readers who complained weren't always right," Bercowetz revealed as she referred to one consumer who had abused a store's return policy.

In her book, Bercowetz gives advice on how to avoid scams and who to contact to solve problems including how to investigate identity theft.

Due to extensive case loads, many companies and police departments don't have the time or resources to investigate non-violent crimes, like identity theft.

Then identity is stolen, people can spend years trying to straighten out their once-good credit record which took them years to establish. Identity theft takes only minutes for a crook to steal and destroy.

"Identity theft is raging," Bercowetz said. "People should be forewarned and forearmed to avoid this crime."

She also addresses celebrity endorsements, recalls, refunds, home improvements, counterfeiting, credit card debt, cell phones, charity checklist, plagiarism, funerals and funeral homes, and scams including auction, health and diet, vacation prize promotions, gadget quackery and prison inmates. On the lighter side, Bercowetz included a chapter which contains letters that are Good for a Laugh.

Bercowetz, who has a master's degree from Trinity College, dreamed of writing for a newspaper since childhood. She went from reporter to columnist in 1963 when the Hartford Times editor selected her to write a consumer column.

"I had never even heard the word consumer," Bercowetz said. "Back then people were called customers."

Editors picked the column's title from an Army expression which meant pass the buck. Until another newspaper uncovered Bercowetz' identity, people thought George was a man. After that her photograph was published with her column.

Bercowetz hosted radio shows, produces a TV show on public access channel in Connecticut, and speaks publicly to help educate consumers. She is married, has three children, six grandchildren and five great grandchildren. She divides her time between Naples and Connecticut. Bercowetz is working on her second book titled Eat 'N Learn which includes humor, history and recipes. She also has ideas for a third book.

Edison College placed her on their faculty. Bercowetz is developing a course based on her book for International College, Edison College and Barron Collier High School. She and her literary agent Dan Uitti are creating their own publishing company to publish the second printing of her book. Bercowetz has received honors including the BBB Media Consumer Education Award. Her book is recommended by professionals including Connecticut Governor's Consumer Council Chair Elsie Fetterman, Ph. D.

"Some scams may change from year to year," Bercowetz said. "Today identity theft is No. 1. Beware and be aware. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!."