Q: Is there a phone number we can call to get free numbers from information? I heard you have to listen to advertising messages for the free listing request.

That is a small price to pay for the trade-off -- usually we now call 411 or such number and are charged on our phone bill.

KATHY ZIEGLER
Pittsburgh

A: The phone number is 1-800-FREE-411. That's 1-800-373-3411. You listen to a couple of ads and then get your number for free.

According to Snopes.com, this free directory assistance service is called Jingle Networks and is funded by businesses who want you to hear their messages. This isn't the first time a service like this has been available. There's certainly a need for it. In spite of high information charges, Snopes.com reports that we call directory assistance numbers to the tune of about $6 billion a year.

Q: I got a census form in the mail. It says it's from the U.S. Department of Commerce. I am supposed to fill this out and send it in. The letter says it's required by law for me to participate, but how do I know this is legitimate?

AGNUS DUBNICAY
Tarentum

A: It sounds like the real thing, Agnus. The question is, how would you know for sure?

Terry Spisak of the U.S. Census Bureau, Philadelphia Regional Office, suggests you visit the Web site at www.census.gov. You'll find lots of information there about the different surveys the government is sending to citizens. If you don't have a computer, you can call this toll-free number, 1-800-354-7271.

There you will find out that your form, Agnus, is the American Community Survey. Call that number and a representative will tell you that, in this case, you do not have to identify yourself by name.

Is it against the law not to answer the questions? Mr. Spisak says in some cases, yes. If your participation is required by law, the form will make that clear.

There are fines for not participating in the census.

Mr. Spisak says that a legitimate census form will never ask for Social Security numbers, bank account numbers or credit card information that could put your identity or financial health at risk. If you have any questions about the legitimacy of any kind of census or survey, call and ask. Information is a hot commodity these days.

Update

Remember DineChecks, the restaurant gift certificates so many of you purchased only to find out that the company had gone out of business? If you are one of the 1,477 consumers who filed valid complaints, you should be getting a settlement check by the end of the month.

Nils Frederiksen of the Pennsylvania attorney general's Bureau of Consumer Protection said the average payment is 35 cents on the dollar. If you bought a $20 gift certificate, you can expect a settlement check of about $7.

Correction

About last week's answer to Ed Bradley, who wanted to know about better natural gas rates, I tried to tell him his rates hadn't gone up, but I was wrong.

Nevertheless, my advice is the same. Now is not the time to shop for gas suppliers. Prices are high.

It could be time to switch back to Equitable Gas. Check the commodity or supply charge on your bill.

Prices vary, but I have heard from some people who are still paying more than $15 per mcf to Dominion Peoples Plus.