Consumer Protection

Safe Finances Online (part 3): Passable Passwords

Password protection is not an unbeatable system when it comes to Internet security, but it’s extremely common. Oftentimes it’s the only barrier between your sensitive data and the outside world. Continue reading

Safe Finances Online (part 2): What Should Be Kept Confidential?

Anyone old enough to be enrolled in elementary school knows that you shouldn’t leave certain possessions sitting around in public— they could be stolen. Purses, wallets, computers, iPods, and cell phones are very tempting to thieves, and if you leave them unattended, they likely won’t be there when you return. Continue reading

How to Protect Your Identity Online

Though you could physically have your personal information stolen, we are more likely to experience online identification theft now that the majority of us participate in internet shopping and social networking websites. Because the theft is virtual, detection is tricky and fraud can happen at a blink of an eye: unauthorized electronic transfers using stolen information could potentially empty your bank account(s) or someone could establish new credit lines with your personal information. Continue reading

Fake Insurance, Real Problems

Many rumors and accusations have been passed around about healthcare reform, but one of the most upsetting effects of the legislation is the rise in fake health insurance.

Here’s how the scam works: Door-to-door salesmen claim that health insurance is now mandatory, and then pitch “limited-enrollment” insurance with a time sensitive offer. They claim that their policy is exempt from Obamacare restrictions, and thus will be grandfathered into the new law. Continue reading

Safe Finances Online (part 1): Is ID Protection Necessary?

The Internet can appear to be a private place— we Facebook, watch YouTube, and even do banking in seeming seclusion. In reality, the Net is as public as Times Square, and as dangerous as the shadiest parts of any city in the world.

This the first realization in becoming a wise Netizen: if you wouldn’t share it with Jerry on a Central Park bench, then don’t share it online. Continue reading

“DEBT RELIEF” SCAMS RELIEVE YOU OF YOUR CASH

Debt relief scams are quickly becoming the straw that “broke” the camel’s back. After a steady stream of reports from severely swindled consumers, state attorney generals and the FTC are taking legal action against these sham outfits (Allegro, Hess Kennedy). Here’s how to avoid joining the ranks of the disenfranchised. Continue reading