“Con artists have come up with another devious way to steal your money. Their bait: cute little puppies. It starts with an e-mail or a classified ad, and it ends with disappointment and a drained bank...
The Federal Trade Commission, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois halted an illegal operation that sold lists of consumers to Canadian telemarketers...
Feelings of embarrassment keep many fraud victims from ever coming forward. However, cons will continue to prey on unsuspecting victims as long as there are people who have yet to hear the warnings. Your...
Yet another reminder why you must be cautious when downloading software: We announced a settlement today with an Internet affiliate advertiser who sent anonymous “Net Send” messages to consumers’ computers....
On Feb. 17, 2009, all television broadcasts will switch from analog to digital signals. If you subscribe to cable or satellite service, you shouldn't have to worry. But if you still have an analog TV,...
We love snappy consumer protection campaigns. And the New York Public Interest Research Group's new CyberStreetSmart.org Web site hits the mark. The site advises consumers on how to protect themselves...
If your kid suddenly starts talking like W.M. Kiplinger – striking up dinner conversations about wants verses needs, budgeting, credit and investing – you can thank state government. The Department of...
Doug Walsh, chief of our Consumer Protection Division, and other experts were interviewed by KING 5 TV for “Secrets of the Contractor Trade Uncovered." If you missed Monday’s broadcast, you can watch online....
U.S. Postal Inspectors unveiled a new consumer education campaign aimed at reducing fraud involving fake checks and wire scams -- a growing problem in Washington state. You can test your ability to detect...
We recently announced on this blog that Trans Union plans to allow consumers to freeze access to their credit reports starting Oct. 15. Now Experian says it will do the same beginning Nov. 1. Equifax is...
Should you close out old credit card accounts? When it comes to your oldest account, the answer is no. Closing old accounts could harm your credit score. That's because your credit history is based on...
Are you getting more phone calls and mailings about donating to charities? Today’s News Tribune has a good reminder for anyone, especially seniors, considering where to donate. You should always ask how...
Simon ffitch, division chief of the Attorney General's Public Counsel Section, was appointed to serve as a consumer representative on the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service. ffitch -- who spells...
Avista customers in Eastern Washington will be able to tell state regulators on Tuesday, Oct. 2, what they think about the company’s request to increase electric and natural-gas rates. If the proposed...
A reminder for everyone who signed up for the national Do Not Call Registry back in 2003 when it was created: It’s time to renew your spot on the list. Numbers are flushed after five years. About half...