Get consumer advice on product purchases, financial planning, recalls, scams, fraud and more. Take a look at our articles, blog posts, Q&As, videos and radio shows for consumer advice on a wide variety of topics.
Scam Speak
Crooks and scam artists who commit identity theft use some common phrases, also known as "Scam Speak." If you know what to listen for you can avoid getting ripped off, even if the scam speak is top notch.
Foreign Lottery Scams
Foreign lottery scams are becoming more popular with the growth of the Internet. Foreign lottery scams are another way that thieves try to steal your identity. If you are notified that you have won a foreign lottery, beware that this could lead to identity theft.
Magazine Scams Abound
Magazine scams are not what you'd consider traditional identity theft. In a magazine scam you pay for a subscription, but the publisher keeps sending you renewal notices. To avert a magazine scam, pay careful attention to who is selling you the subscription.
Medical Identity Theft
Medical identity theft happens when someone starts filing medical bills in your name and collecting the payments. It's identity theft on steriods, but there are ways to fight it.
Phishing
Identity theft is difficult and time-consuming to fix. If you don't protect your identity, it's easy to get scammed. Phishing is a type of identity theft that comes in your email.
Avoid Home Improvement Scams
Home improvement scams can be any homeowner's nightmare. Researching contractors on the internet and through references is the best way to avoid problems on home improvement projects.
A Move Is A Move, No Matter How Far Away The New House Is
Moving across the street isn't any easier than moving across the country. Hiring movers might seem like an extra expense, but moving on your own isn't an easy task. Whether you're moving down the street or across the country, spending a few minutes preparing for your move will save you time and money.
Homeowners Living Maintenance Free
Maintenance-free is a concept that sounds good, but doesn't quite pan out when it comes to most single family homes. All homes age and need ongoing maintenance and attention in order to stay in good shape. But, in the late 1980s, developers began to introduce the concept of a maintenance-free community, in which residents aren't responsible for mowing the grass, plowing the snow, fixing roof leaks or painting the exteriors of their homes.
Real Estate Minute: IRS Tax Scams
Real Estate Minute with Ilyce Glink
Countdown to tax day: IRS SCAMS
Original Air Date: April 9, 2007
Housewares Show 2007
New and innovating products designed to make your life easier at home were somewhat limited this year at the Housewares Show. Here are a few products from the Housewares Show you might enjoy.