Becoming a victim of credit card fraud can be a nasty shock. Nobody wants to learn they’ve just bought $2000 worth of furniture from a nice store three states away. To prevent fraud both in person and online, you can follow some simple recommendations from both the FBI and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Continue reading
Consumer Protection
How to cancel service with Time Warner Cable
Media reports of nightmarish interactions with Time Warner Cable representatives are common, yet just the tip of the iceberg. After completing my own 26-day crusade to terminate my service with TWC, I put together a simple way to make sure service is disconnected without having to endure the gauntlet of robot menus and retention agents who will do anything to keep you as a customer despite your pleas. Continue reading
A payday loan revival in NC
From a politically conservative standpoint, people should be able to make as much money as they can with little government interference. If there is a need for the product, somebody should be able to sell it and make a reasonable profit. This idea of a free market often protects the vendor, who may get predatory and leave the consumer with a big price to pay. Continue reading
An epic credit card fraud scheme
There are a lot of scams out there, and ordinary people fall prey to them every day. From fake Nigerian royalty to stolen passwords, these scams can burn holes in pockets and ruin lives. I myself have had the PIN to my debit card stolen, and it is not a pleasant experience. Elderly people are the first people we think of who are vulnerable to email scams, but it turns out even the most seasoned financial professionals can be duped. Continue reading
Should you fire your bank?
It is becoming more common for people to spend $25 in order to get $20 in cash from an ATM. Bank fees are being charged more than a professional bullfighter, and consumers are not happy. It may be time for you to fire your bank and find a new one! Continue reading
Auto Extended Warranty Scams
Don’t be fooled by the name “auto extended warranty.” An extended warranty is not actually an extension of the warranty given by your manufacturer. An extended warranty is actually a new service contract you purchase from a company or a car dealer after your warranty expires. If you’re not going to have the car long enough, you shouldn’t buy an extended warranty. If you are, then you need to be aware of possible scams. Continue reading
Debt Settlement Consumer Protection Act
Senators Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Claire McCaskill (D-MO) have introduced legislation to reign in a rogue industry of charlatans that has fleeced desperate debtors out of hundreds of millions of dollars; dollars that were intended to be paid to their creditors. The Debt Settlement Consumer Protection Act proposes upfront disclosures, fee limits and enhanced enforcement against false advertising.
How to dispute charges on your cell phone bill
Cell phones are increasingly an everyday—if not ever minute—part of our lives. Cell phone bills are often really complicated and the high costs and strange charges applied can often be very unexpected. Here are some tips to on how to dispute strange charges on your cell phone bill. Continue reading
Find debt relief with the National Foundation for Credit Counseling
In the world of debt relief, there are six options you may choose from: strategically making more than the minimum monthly payment on one or more of your credit cards, credit counseling, debt consolidation, debt settlement/negotiation, refinancing your mortgage, or filing for bankruptcy (Chapter 7 or Chapter 13). None of the options are easy, but they can be successful if you have the right attitude and the right people helping you. In this article, I want to focus on credit counseling, specifically those organizations who are accredited with the National Foundation for Credit Counseling. Continue reading
Scammers Pretend to Be Debt Collectors
The caller claims you owe on a debt. They know your social security number and one of your account numbers. Would you believe this could be a scam?
According to Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller, your next debt collection call could possibly be a scam. He is warning consumers to be mindful of what information they provide over the telephone, no matter how genuine the caller appears to be. Continue reading
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