A nationwide firm that promised consumers legal help with debt relief has been temporarily shut down by federal authorities. The firm, which goes by the name World Law, took $67 million in illegal upfront fees from at least 21,000 people, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau alleges, while misleading consumers with [Keep reading]
If you’ve recently noticed the incessant advertisements for fantasy sports websites with cash prizes and wondered, “Why isn’t this gambling?” you aren’t alone. New Jersey Congressman Frank Pallone is wondering, too, and he’s called for Congressional hearings on the matter. Online gambling is illegal. Gambling on sporting events is illegal [Keep reading]
Expedia.com has asked me to warn consumers that the firm is getting complaints about a travel scam targeting Expedia consumers. In this scam, con artists call consumers claiming to be from Expedia, then tell listeners they’ve won a prize. After a bit more trickery, targets are asked to pay a fee in [Keep reading]
There’s a very hot place in Hell for people who steal money from the elderly, but I’m hoping there’s an even hotter place for criminals who pose as desperate grandchildren when they do so. I know many of you know about Facebook friend scams and the “grandparent scam” version of [Keep reading]
Two of the nation’s largest debt collectors must refund nearly $60 million to consumers and stop trying to collect on another $128 million in debts, after an action filed by federal regulators Wednesday. San Diego-based Encore Capital Group and Virginia-based Portfolio Recovery Associates are accused of pressuring consumers with false statements [Keep reading]
Big changes are coming to both credit scores and credit reports – some as soon as September. Thanks to a combination of state lawsuits, federal regulation, and old-fashioned competitive pressures, the way Americans are graded on their ability to pay back loans is about to enter a bit of a [Keep reading]
Get ready for your home Internet to feel like your smartphone — bound by data caps, a large overage fee waiting to happen. Comcast gave some users the bad news Thursday — not surprisingly before a long weekend. Consumers who exceed 300 GB in a month will have to pay for [Keep reading]
The next time you buy a cellphone, things will probably be very different. And better, for the most part. Nonetheless, phones have become a necessary part of our culture, with different types of phones to fit almost everyone in the world, for instance, phones for those who are busy and [Keep reading]
Used cars have always appealed to the budget-conscious shoppers because of their low prices, but there’s always been a drawback — used car loans. Until recently, bank loans for used cars were tricky to get, and were much more expensive than new car loans. If you find yourself wanting to [Keep reading]
A new computer, for as low as $24 a month! That might sound like a steal, but — as with any type of financing — make sure you do the math, and research your options. It may be tempting to buy a new PC in August, particularly with back-to-school sales. Even if [Keep reading]
Bob Sullivan