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Consumerpedia, Episode 95: CRYPTOCURRENCY: COINS, CONS & CHAOS – It’s a modern-day gold rush. Millions of Americans are buying digital currencies despite the known risks. Crypto is virtually unregulated, highly volatile, and not backed by any government or tangible asset. And, of course, digital money can be hacked.
SCAM ALERT: FAKE LOAN APPROVAL ROBOCALLS – Identity thieves have found a new way to steal our personal financial information: By calling with an “update” on a loan you never applied for. These scammers are aggressively targeting consumers nationwide.
Consumerpedia, Episode 94: OUR EDITORS’ FAVORITE WEBSITES & APPS – The editors and researchers at Checkbook use a variety of consumer-oriented websites and apps to get accurate and unbiased information. In this episode, we’ll highlight some of our favorites and why we find them to be valuable tools.
NEW ATTEMPT TO STOP ROBOCALL EPIDEMIC – Nomorobo, a robocall blocking service, has taken the unusual step of suing four companies—all debt collectors—it claims are “significant violators” of a federal law that bans most robocalls.
HOME INSURANCE CRISIS: SOARING PREMIUMS & INADEQUATE PAYOUTS – The skyrocketing cost of home insurance far exceeds the rate of inflation. As a result, millions of homeowners are cutting back on coverage or going without, putting their finances at risk. Some insurance companies are also “lowballing” claims.
FTC SECURES HISTORIC $2.5 BILLION SETTLEMENT FROM AMAZON – Amazon will pay a civil penalty of $1 billion and refund $1.5 billion to approximately 35 million customers harmed by what the FTC described as “deceptive Prime enrollment practices,” and make it easier for customers to cancel in the future.
DELTA’S BIZARRE CREDIT CARD POLICY NEARLY STRANDED ME IN LONDON – My wife and I were blindsided by a poorly disclosed Delta Airlines policy that nearly cost us thousands of dollars. And this is not an isolated case.
TRUMP ADMINISTRATION PLANS TO GUT AIRLINE PASSENGER PROTECTIONS – The Department of Transportation plans to scale back or eliminate some airline passenger protection rules that were enacted under the Biden administration. What’s on the chopping block?
Consumerpedia, Episode 92: THRIFT STORE SHOPPING ADVICE – Shopping at thrift stores can save you money and keep used stuff out of landfills. It’s also fun! In this episode: Tips on buying pre-owned furniture, clothing, and antiques, plus the scoop on how to find great deals on hidden treasures.
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WILL STOP ISSUING PAPER CHECKS – After September 30, all government benefits – including Social Security, VA payments, and tax refunds – will be distributed electronically via direct deposit to bank accounts, digital wallets, or government-issued prepaid debit cards. Here’s what to do if you still get paper checks.