Rip-Off Alerts
Citigroup, Inc (NYSE: C) Sued by Investors over Toxic Mortgage Bonds
Citigroup, Inc (NYSE: C) is being sued by a number of major investors which purchased the bank’s toxic mortgage crisis before the onset of the financial crisis. Charles Schwab (NASDAQ: SCHW) Corp, Cambridge Place Investment Management, the Federal Home Loan Banks of Chicago and Indianapolis and a number of other investors have brought suits against [...]
Better Business Bureau Lottery Scam
Talk about a wolf in sheep’s clothing! A new lottery scam has spread across the country using the name of the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has built a solid reputation upon its eight foundation standards; Build Trust Advertise Honestly Tell the Truth Be Transparent Honor Promises Be Responsive Safeguard Privacy [...]
BBB Warning Public About Lotto Scam
Consumers turn to the Better Business Bureau when researching the legitimacy and reliability of a company but what happens when the BBB becomes part of a new scam? The Better Business Bureau organization is warning consumers about a new scam that has been showcasing the organization’s own name in order to steal thousands from unsuspecting [...]
Haiti Relief Brings About Scams
As with any big disaster, opportunities are presented for con artists to take advantage of those with generous hearts and open wallets. With the recent situation in Haiti, consumer groups are warning the donators to perform due diligence before handing over any monies. Unfortunately many so-called organizations are set up haphazardly and even fraudulently, leaving [...]
Consumers Warned Of The Dangers Of Malvertising
Just when you think you know everything you need there is to know about computer safety there is another threat that pops up. In this case, the FBI is warning consumers about the dangers of malvertising that appear literally as a pop-up on your computer screen. Malvertising is another word for malicious advertising. Criminals are [...]
Visa To Monitor Merchants With History Of Unauthorized Charges
Most consumers are unaware of the term “negative option” and it’s relation to credit card charges. While you might not recognize the technical name of this marketing practice, you more than likely have seen it in action. For many years consumers have been complaining about unauthorized charges to their account from merchants for products or [...]
More Scam Alerts – Top 10 Scams of 2009
Being sucked into a scam can have a demoralizing effect on your life and the lives of your family. Some of them, however, are pretty sophisticated and you can be drawn into the scam easily. Here is a list of the top five scams for 2009: H1N1 Scams Everyone has taken a moral responsibility to [...]
Consumers Beware – This is The Holiday Scam Season
This time of year with the pressure to indulge family and friends with extravagant gifts some people go out of their way to make it happen. Getting loans to buy presents is one way to do it. But be aware that the skimmers, scammers and scoundrels are out in full force. Loan Scam One young [...]
DIRECTV Leads Competition in Complaints
Consumers in the state of Washington do not exactly think that DIRECTV is all they are cracked up to be. Rob McKenna, the Attorney General of Washington stated that the national satelite television company has brought in more consumer complaints this year than any other company, bring a three year total to over 700 complaints. [...]
FBI Warns Consumes of Cyber Scam Robbing Bank Accounts
The FBI works to stay on top of the latest cyber-crimes that can seriously affect consumers and their private information, including finances. Earlier this month, the FBI issued a press release outlining a trend in online crimes against consumers and businesses. The FBI’s press releases states “Within the last several months, the FBI has seen [...]
Possible Regulations of Bank Overdraft Policies Upcoming
In a bill currently in front of congress for review, the Overdraft Protection Act of 2009 would “amend the Truth in Lending Act to establish fair and transparent practices related to the marketing and provision of overdraft coverage programs at depository institutions, and for other purposes.” (http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h111-3904) Did you know that many banks currently process [...]
How to Sell Unwanted Gold Jewelry Without Getting Ripped Off
We’ve all seen late night television ads for services that promise to turn you unwanted gold jewelry and turn it into cash. Some of us have even been invited to “gold parties” where we can bring our gold and trade them in for cash, but attending gold parties and using mail-in services the best way [...]
Consumers Beware- Worst Email Virus Ever
There is a vicious email virus going around that can drain your bank accounts if you incorrectly open the file contained in it or click on the link that sends you to a malicious webpage. All of this is done by sending out an email pretending to be from IRS. If you see a message [...]
Car Insurance Scams on the Rise
Many people who over-leveraged themselves are finding themselves in tough financial situations because of pay-offs and the lack of good financing for people who don’t have good credit. Many people have had to get an extra job, others have sold some of their possessions and some others commit insurance fraud by starting their vehicles on [...]
Watch for Fake Check Schemes that Cost You Money
There is a check scheme going around that is snaring people into owing thousands of dollars on fake checks that look real. The offers that come for these checks look and sound so real that they are snagging victims at an alarming rate. And those who are caught up in them can be on the [...]
5 Reasons to be Wary of Debt Settlement Companies
We know that there are many companies out there that are offering debt settlement services that should be avoided. While there are questionable companies and practices in any industry, these are particularly concerning since these companies are supposed to be helping consumers, not hurting. But, they exist nonetheless, so here are five reasons to be [...]
Two Debt Settlement Companies Defendants in New Illinois Lawsuits
As many consumers are busting their hump to get out of credit card debt, there are still companies out there who are happy to take advantage of an unfortunate situation. Two so-called debt settlement firms are under the microscope for alleged deceptive practices in the state of Illinois. Aliso Viejo, CA’s SDS West Corporation and [...]
Too Good To Be True- Beware Of Online Job Scams
Growing up I recall hearing stories from adults about standing in the unemployment line. Times have changed and instead of standing in the unemployment line people who have lost their jobs have a new line to worry about; the scams and frauds targeting them from online. As with so many other things it is truly [...]
Protecting The Elderly From Telephone And Mail Fraud
Part 1 in a series about protecting the elderly from different forms of fraud. It is not just the lonely or isolated individuals that fall victim to fraudulent attempts to part them from their money. Many victims of fraud are actually active individuals who are tempted by savvy criminals who offer great-sounding deals. It is important to [...]
Vicious Circle Hits Us All in the Wallet
That infamous saying “desperate times call for desperate measures” is as true now as it was in the 1600′s. (The phrase is said to have been originated by Shakespeare in Hamlet but it is still not confirmed to my findings.) More Downside to Current Economy The damaged economy and price of family wages not keeping [...]
How to Thoroughly Check Lenders on the Web
If you have been considering a loan and have been bombarded with online advertisements that make it seem “just that easy” to get a loan, you may want to think twice and be sure you do your research. There are several ways to assess the reliability of an online loan provider. What you may think [...]
When a Bargain isn’t Really a Bargain
You’ve heard the saying, “If it’s too good to be true, it probably is”, right? There are a number of bargains that don’t actually end up saving you money. There is an actual field of economics that studies the behaviors of consumers and why they buy what they do (behavioral economists), and it’s been found [...]
Prevent Being Scammed During a Move
Moving to a new house or relocating to a entirely different state can be a stressful time, full of crisis and confusion. It can be all too easy to be taken for a ride, ending up as a victim of a scam. Many people opt to hire a professional moving company to help assist with [...]
Vehicle Scam: Don’t Fall For This Trade-In Trick
It may already be hard enough to make ends meet and consumers certainly do not need to deal with the headaches and credit nightmares perpetuated by scam artists. A recent controversy in the car industry as sparked troubles across the nation and has left consumers scratching their heads. The controversy involves car dealerships scamming the [...]
ING DIRECT Offers Increased Consumer Protection Free
Consumers have enough to worry about with the economy and making ends meet, the last thing they need is to worry about invasion of privacy and the damaging effects of identity theft. ING DIRECT, the nation’s largest direct bank dedicated to inspiring Americans to become savers, has been recently ranked as America’s “safest bank”. In [...]
Speak Up to Get A Deal
There are several businesses that like to offer special deals. The only trick of it is – these special deals are on the down-low and you won’t get them unless you ask for them. Businesses will be happy to oblige you with their special offers but take advantage of the fact that many consumers will [...]
To Fight or Not to Fight: The Ridiculous Fee
Companies and industries across the board have had to become more and more creative to stay competitive and still offer the lower price. The lowest price tag usually wins so the companies need to find inventive ways to make a profit. This innovative method that is now employed by many places is known as “the [...]
I agree. If a local business is the one offering the sale price I will buy it from them. ...
We are retired and live on a grocery budget of $200 a month for 2 people in the Midwest. That ...