How can a bad-faith -- a truly unscrupulous -- auto dealer fleece an innocent consumer?Let us count the ways. And don't be surprised, because there are many.For starters, consider this long-employed ruse that has unfairly -- and illegally -- stuffed the pockets of...
Consumer Protection
Myriad, recurring auto dealer scams target of federal regulators
Remember Jerry Lundegaard?If you haven't seen the movie Fargo, the name means nothing to you, of course. If you have, you'll likely never forget the character, for a host of reasons. One of those relates to Lundegaard's behavior and arm-bending strategies as a car...
A bit of relevant info on the U.S. product safety/recall system
Have you ever wondered how product recalls work with large American businesses?Some of our readers in Pennsylvania and elsewhere might reasonably assume that state and federal safety regulators are routinely on the ball and actively investigating products to determine...
Yes, you want the car you’re buying washed, but not the title
Con artists who make their livings on fraudulent enterprises that scam an unwitting public immediately qualify for a host of descriptive terms, of course.Like dishonest. Immoral. Reprehensible. And, oh yes, smart and enterprising.If there's a buck to be found, it...
Consumer bureau spotlights payday loan industry, proposes changes
It's small wonder that the payday loan industry thrives across the country.Lenders make loans that are generally targeted toward America's most cash-strapped individuals and families. Reportedly, about 70 percent of all borrowers desperately need the quick cash...
Flash to consumers: some dealers sell new cars with defects
You're really not shocked to your core by the above blog headline, are you? In fact, and as a seasoned Pennsylvania consumer used to being a bit skeptical regarding major purchases, you might have even stifled a yawn while reading it. Still, you have a right to be...
Tax retursn filed from Jan to April, but tax scams go all year
Taxes are a subject that most people in Philadelphia would likely prefer to avoid, but ignoring paying taxes can lead to big problems. The Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authorities are powerful collectors. Liens, levies, garnishment, high interest and...
Background information checks: there are rules for that
Here's a hypothetical -- and a sure reality that often plays out routinely in American workplaces, as well -- underscoring adverse worker-related outcomes.You've had your eye on that new position, which is attractive because of the challenges and higher pay it offers....
Consumer-targeting scams: no dearth of ideas, fleecing attempts
Caveat emptor.Perhaps some legislator on Capitol Hill should offer those words up as an official slogan adopted in the United States, given the sheer proliferation of fraudulent schemes aimed at consumers across the country. Buyer beware, indeed.A snapshot look at...
Thieves are always looking for new ways to defraud consumers
You certainly can't deny that thieves are predatory and unscrupulous characters who will often do just about anything it takes to deprive an honest person of his or her property.You also can't deny that many of them are creative, responding in novel -- and often quite...