Dec 31, 2010

Allegation: Firefighters' fake expense reports are double-dips

JSOnline
Thanks to the Milwaukee Journal for this investigation! Remember this when fire fighters call for donations.

Mercury Blues


I'm sure you've heard by now that the Ford Motor Company has permanently ended production of the Mercury.
I would like to cruise in that cool 1949 Mercury that James Dean drove in “Rebel Without A Cause” so many years ago.
Here's a close look at many models. The car not only starred in movies and hot rod shows--it also had songs written about it.

Consumer Reports Electronics Blog: 8 tips for returning electronics gifts

Consumer Reports Electronics Blog

10 Ways to Get the Most Out of Technology

NYTimes.com

Best Buy drops virtually all restocking fees

BBY.com

Online Dating - Apps and Laws Strive for Safer Matchmaking

NYTimes.com

Allegation: IPhone and Android Apps Breach Privacy

WSJ.com

Is Prepaid Cell Phone Right for You?

Moolanomy

FTC Charges Massive Internet Enterprise with Scamming Consumers Out of Millions Billing Month-After-Month for Products and Services They Never Ordered

FTC

FTC Settlement Prohibits Marketers of Children's Vitamins from Making Deceptive Health Claims about Brain and Eye Development

FTC

Dec 23, 2010

Consumer Reports Insights: Health clubs harbor hidden dangers

Consumer Reports Insights

Consumer World: 2010 Return Policies

Consumer World

Young people stealing and scamming prescription drugs



The Janesville Gazette has documented the problem of young people stealing and abusing prescription drugs in Rock County. Some kids steal from parents and grandparents, and burglars often target prescription drugs.

And now Milton police warn about a young man who allegedly infers he works with the department’s prescription drug collection program and offers to make pickups.

I learned about a similar incident at a law enforcement seminar for seniors where the statewide problem of prescription drug abuse was discussed.

Are you taking frugality too far?

Bankrate.com

Consumer Reports on snowblowers

New Poll: Americans Say 'No Thanks' to Online Tracking

Advertising Age - Digital

American Internet Use Catches Up With TV Use

NYTimes.com

Food Safety Act: 18 Changes To Food Safety The New Law Will Bring

huffingtonpost.com

Brooklyn Frauds Are Played Out in Polish, Police Say

NYTimes.com

Dec 17, 2010



It's good to see Sarah Carlson back anchoring on Madison TV.  During my appearances with her, she always made my consumer protection stories better with her insight and enthusiasm.  She is just as intelligent as she is beautiful. 

The same can be said of her former co-anchor Christine Bellport who I worked with for a long time.  Christine has a wonderful sense of humor and would tell of her rip-off experiences to help illustrate my consumer protection topics.  Her dad watches her every day on the internet at his California home.  He has a wonderful daughter.

Christine and Sarah were a great team and remain among the best of TV in Wisconsin.

Christmas Past

This week I enjoyed a Christmas concert and party at St John Vianney school in Janesville.
Seeing all the children took me back to Christmas parties that started 40 years ago when I was a consumer advocate in Green Bay. This is a half-hour TV program of kids having fun and opening presents.

Despite new laws, complaints against banks up

The Boston Globe

How to Avoid Tow Truck Scams

NYTimes.com

No More Kevin Trudeau Infomercials? Not So Fast...

WalletPop.

Nearly 17% of Americans suffer food poisoning each year, study shows

Washington Post

FTC: Dannon Agrees To Stop Selling Activia As Cure For Irregularity

The Consumerist

FCC: Two-Thirds Of Net Sub's Connections Aren't Up To Speed

Broadcasting & Cable

Discover Sued Over 'Deceptive' Marketing

WSJ.com

The True Cost of Your Wish List

SmartMoney.com

Dec 10, 2010

Mark Twain's Lake Tahoe Adventure


Two years ago, GM workers crowded around the last Chevy Tahoe rolling off the Janesville assembly line.
Although it was a sad and difficult day for these folks facing relocation or unemployment, they were proud of the work their families had done here for generations.
You still see a lot of those big, beautiful Tahoes in Janesville…the name itself is so appealing, reminding us of wonderful vacations.
Mark Twain was one of the first white men to vacation in Tahoe, taking a break from unsuccessful gold and silver mining.
Later he became the most celebrated author in the world and even visited Janesville on a lecture tour.
Twain wrote about Tahoe and traveling west by stagecoach in one of his finest books, “Roughing It.”

Consumerist allegation: "At The Gap, "50% Off All Sweaters" Is Essentially Meaningless"

The Consumerist

Prius plug-in stutters in bitter cold

Consumer Reports Allegation: "The Fuel Doctor FD-47 Is More Of A Fuel-Savings Quack"

Consumer Reports cell-service ratings allege: "AT&T is the worst carrier"

Consumer Reports Electronics Blog:

Early 2010 Housing Stabilization Fizzles; U.S. Homes Set to Lose $1.7 Trillion This Year

Zillow News

The Tech Brands You Can Trust

PCWorld

Cash vs. gift cards

ShopSmart mag

A Bicycle Lane Built for Few in New York City?

NYTimes.com

Dec 4, 2010

Glen Loyd video posted on Wisconsin Arts News

My video--Mark Twain's Pompeii--was selected recently as "Video of the day" by Wisconsin Arts News, published by the Wisconsin's Arts Board:
http://artsboard.wisconsin.gov/docview.asp?docid=20706&locid=171
What would Mark Twain say?
"Whenever I enjoy anything in art it means that it is mighty poor. The private knowledge of this fact has saved me from going to pieces with enthusiasm in front of many and many a chromo."
Credit:    http://www.twainquotes.com/Art.html
More Mark Twain Videos at
http://marktwainvideos.blogspot.com/

Consumer Reports: Which companies will be naughty or nice this holiday season?

McAfee Warns of "The Twelve Scams of Christmas"

McAfee Newsroom

FTC Staff Issues Privacy Report; Offers Framework for Consumers, Businesses, and Policymakers

FTC

Online Health Sites Share Personal Data, Privacy Groups Say

NYTimes.com

The 10 Commandments of Wealth and Happiness

Money Talks News

S.C. Johnson Plans to Disclose All Product Ingredients

NYTimes.com

Gov't evaluating cell phone blocking tech in cars

msnbc.com

How I Saved $145 At Sears By Checking In-Store Computer Kiosk

The Consumerist

Study: Treatment mistakes for 1 in 7 hospitalized Medicare patients

CNN.com Blogs

Nov 27, 2010

10 gadgets that will be trash tomorrow

I think there is a lot of guessing and exaggeration in these predictions, but it is an interesting assessment.
MSN Money

Seven Smart Money Moves for the Holidays

WSJ.com

Pretty good advice except for Number 3: "Give cooking classes. A spa treatment. Tickets to a game."
After receiving consumer complaints for decades, I know that some of these kinds of gifts may not get used or they have time limits, or the company goes out of business.

Looking for a digital camera, TV, blow dryer, toaster, coffee machine, headphones,or fire extinguisher? Consumer Reports recommendations:

Only 9% Of Students At For-Profit Colleges Graduate Within 6 Years

The Consumerist

Don’t leave your spouse cashless

Bankrate.com

Allegation: Dealership Sells Car To Elderly Man With Dementia, Who Then Dies After High-Speed Chase

The Consumerist

Make retirement a time well spent: 5 ways to save money in retirement

bankrate.com

FTC Settlements Permanently Shut Down “Free Government Grants” Scam

FTC

19 Great Jobs Without A College Degree – And How To Get Them Fast

wealthpilgrim.com

Nov 25, 2010

Nov 19, 2010

Original Mark Twain letters in UW Memorial Library



Autobiography of Mark Twain flying off book store shelves.

Are rebates all they are cracked up to be?

At FTC’s Request, Judge Imposes Ban on Marketers of Kinoki “Detox” Foot Pads

FTC
Ads for similar foot pads are running in at least one Wisconsin newspaper.
FTC: "The defendants falsely claimed to have scientific proof that the foot pads removed toxic materials from the body, according to the FTC complaint. The defendants also advertised that when applied to the soles of consumers’ feet at night, the food pads could remove toxins, metabolic wastes, heavy metals, and chemicals from the body; treat headaches, depression, parasites, fatigue, insomnia, diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, cellulite, and a weakened immune system; and cause weight loss."

Nearly One Million LifeLock Victims to Receive Refund Checks from FTC

FTC

FTC Bans Upfront ‘Foreclosure Rescue’ Fees

WSJ

Debt Collectors Exploit Facebook To Embarrass You To Friends And Family

The Consumerist

Digital camera advice from Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports

The New Bank Fees — Lenders' Latest Tricks

WSJ.com

Target alters how it handles coupons

Chicago Tribune

8 nearly worthless collectibles

MSN Money

Nov 13, 2010

Pompeii: Mark Twain's horror human-interest story still electrifies!



You may have read that an important ancient building in Pompeii just collapsed. This comes at a time when I have made seven Mark Twain videos and the one above deals with Pompeii.

Pompeii was destroyed and completely buried during an eruption of the volcano Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD which mummified many residents in stone. The city was lost for over 1,500 years before its accidental discovery in 1599.

Mark Twain visited Pompeii 143 years ago, but his horror human interest story still electrifies!

The Facts Behind 15 Black Friday Myths

dealnews.com

Keep your eye on contractors in your house (This warning appeared last summer, but it is still good advice)



In Wisconsin, ask contractors for proof that they are insured. If they aren't, they are questionable.

Robo-Signing at Companies That Buy Consumer Debts

NYTimes.com

Costco Tops List of Eyeglass Retailers: Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports

Report: Drowsy Driving Causes 17% Of Crashes

The Consumerist

7 Sales Pitches You Can't Resist

SmartMoney.com

Best of Everything: Best Personal-Finance Resources

Kiplinger

Organically grown potatoes and onions match conventionally grown antioxidant levels

www.foodnavigator

Pouring This Stuff In Your Car Is Money Down The Drain

autos.aol.com

3 free worthwhile software picks

Moneyville

Oct 23, 2010

Debt Relief Companies Prohibited From Collecting Advance Fees Under FTC Rule That Takes Effect October 27, 2010

Federal Trade Commission

Gadgets for older seniors

This is an interesting story, but trying to get some older seniors to deal with technology may be difficult.

Oct 16, 2010

Oct 2, 2010

How does your cell phone company rate in service?

J.D.Power and Associates

Safety features once found only in high-end, luxury models are trickling down faster than ever to economy cars

WSJ.com

Testing infomercial products

Would Your Kitchen Pass Inspection?

NYTimes.com

FDA Warns Five Companies Over E-Cigarette Claims

CBS News

FTC Complaint Charges Deceptive Advertising for Pomegranate Health Claims

FTC

Allegation: Netgear Tech Support: Pay Geek Squad $139 To Troubleshoot Your $79 Router

The Consumerist

5 Habits of Highly-Effective Credit Card Users

GetRichSlowly

FDA warns three companies to stop making unproven claims on mouth rinses

LA Times

Allegation: Roto-Rooter Drains $200 From My Bank Account For 3-Minute Visit

The Consumerist

How to Buy a Home at a $100,000 Discount

SmartMoney.com

New bank fees hit consumers

CNNMoney

New consumer protections take effect

Shorelineplus

Sep 24, 2010

Get your complaint heard


I respect Mouse Print, but I don't agree with this criticism of McDonald's charity advertising

Mouse Print

Let me give you the other side of the story. Visit a Ronald McDonald House and you will know that McDonalds means what it says about helping children.  There are great human interest stories there, too. It's one of the best charities I know and helps people in our communities.
Here is a summary from McDonalds: We provide families stability and resources so they can keep their child healthy and happy.
Whether those problems involve how to stay near and support a hospitalized child, how to afford staying together in another city while a child is undergoing treatment, or even getting basic medical and dental care in a vulnerable community.
We not only help families address these problems, we provide solutions for these and other issues related to the health and well being of children through:
•Our 276 local Chapters in 53 countries and regions
•298 Ronald McDonald Houses
• 151 Ronald McDonald Family Rooms
•39 Ronald McDonald Care Mobiles
•Grants to non-profit organizations that also focus on the needs of children
•Scholarships to students across the United States
•Chapters around the world creating country-specific programs
Thirty-five years of experience help us address these needs every day, as do 30,000 volunteers and staff members, our connections with medical communities around the world, partnerships with respected companies and our generous donors. We couldn’t do it without all of you.

Best price comparison engines

Consumer Reports

Holiday Travel Sticker-Shock Hitting Home

CBS News

Good Housekeeping Seal: Tried and True Products

ABC News

Consumer Reports Money & Shopping Blog: Car maintenance the right way, part 2: Dealing with the shop

Consumer Reports Money

Protect your pet: Toxic Plants by Scientific Name

ASPCA

Saving money: The cost of clutter - Liz Pulliam Weston

MSN Money

Allegation: Verizon Talks Elderly Parents Into Pricey Phones They Can't Use

The Consumerist

Should You Buy an E-Book?

 WSJ.com

Sep 18, 2010

Checking out the new fall fashions? I like the classic fashions. What fashion era suits you?



Wisconsin Weight and Measures inspectors can be reached at 1-800-422-7128.

How To Shrink The Cost Of A Divorce by 85%

wealthpilgrim

No Reason to Change the Oil Every 3,000 Miles

NYTimes.com

Internet Business Scams – 7 Steps To Keep You Safe

wealthpilgrim

How Retirement Planning Shortchanges Women

WSJ

The Intelligent Investor: It's All About 'Meflation'

WSJ.com

Cablevision and Time Warner Agree to Fines for Late Service Calls in New York

NYTimes.com

Consumer Reports Cars Blog: Can tires improve fuel economy?

Consumer Reports

Scott Toilet Paper: Here We Shrink Again

Mouse Print

Insurers Pin Rate Hikes on Health Law

WSJ.com

10 Fees You Shouldn't Be Paying

Kiplinger

Publishers Clearing House to pay out $3.5 million -- but it's no prize

WallerPop

Sep 11, 2010

Wisconsin Dells: When Bessie the Cow isn't enough


To get in the proper frame of reference, a travel writer recommends that Illinoisans going to Wisconsin Dells stop in Janesville to see the giant statue of Bessie the Cow.

My Janesville family loves Bessie ... so it isn't surprising that we headed for the Dells this summer. My granddaughter said her favorite attraction was Ripley’s Believe Or Not where she saw a snake slithering up a man's nose and out his ear.

Some of us preferred the boat trip.

Sep 10, 2010

Savings Duel: Research vs. Haggling

Investigative Shortfall  

American Journalism Review

Fabulous Freebies 2010 - Kiplinger

 Kiplinger

FDA Warns Canada Dry, Lipton Against Making Health Claims On Green Tea Drinks - The Consumerist

 The Consumerist

AMEX, Visa, MasterCard All Give Thumbs Up To $10 Credit Card Minimums - The Consumerist

 The Consumerist

Food Brands: Consumer Reports Taste Tests

Food Brands: Consumer Reports Taste Tests

The Best Credit Cards for Retirees

SmartMoney.com

Retire South of the Border

Kiplinger

Poynter Online - What Do Potential Employers Really Want to Know When They Ask You...?

Poynter Online

Family Value: The Risks of Retirement Communities

 WSJ.com

7 strategies to avoid the college debt trap

Washington Post

Digital Domain - A Strong Password Isn’t the Strongest Security

NYTimes.com

How Much of Your Finances Should You Automate?

NYTimes.com

Sep 4, 2010

Enjoy the kids


My wife and I took our grand daughter to Van Buren School in Janesville this week and enjoyed seeing all the children and their teachers. If you get a kick out of kids, take a look at this old newsreel from the 1950s.

Student Loans, Gateway Drug To Debt Slavery

Student Loans, Gateway Drug To Debt Slavery

When Will The College Tuition Bubble Burst?

The Consumerist

Payday Loan Defendant Settles FTC Charges; Illegally Tried to Garnish Borrowers' Wages

FTC

FTC Obtains Court Order Requiring Credit Repair Operation To Stop False Claims; Family-Run Scam Surrenders Cars, Houses and Real Estate in Florida and South America

FTC

Consumer Reports on Safety: Back-to-School: Clothing safety—The hidden hazards of school outfits

Consumer Reports

Be skeptical of health-care credit cards

Washington Post

Florida Consumers Can Now Check Businesses’ Complaint History Online

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Protection

Why Doesn't USDA Regulate E. Coli Strain Linked to Beef Recall?

AOL News

Breaking Up Without Breaking the Bank

WSJ.com

Aug 27, 2010

Paddle Boarding on Lake Wingra, WI

Last Minute Car Renters Benefit from Hidden Price Drops

Mouse Print

Is your child's backpack load too heavy?

Google Earth Tracking Down Illegal Activities

Is there a Treasury bond bubble?

Bankrate.com

Auto Warranty Robocaller To Pay $2.3 Million, Sell Mercedes For Consumer Redress

FTC

Public Relations Firm to Settle FTC Charges that It Advertised Clients' Gaming Apps Through Misleading Online Endorsements

FTC

Allegation: It Could Take 20 Bottles Of Tea To Get Health Benefits Of 1 Home-Brewed Cup - The Consumerist

 The Consumerist

3 alternatives to texting and driving

Bankrate.com

Ready, Set…Sue! Forced Arbitration Fading

Money Talks News

2 car safety features worth the money

Bankrate.com

How to Replace Six Vital Documents

Get Rich Slowly

Fake check scams getting better

Akron Ohio News
At one time, Cynthia Sich, the consumer protection official quoted in this article, was a consumer protection manager with Wisconsin Consumer Protection. 

SOS: This "free sample" had a high cost

Madison.com

Aug 13, 2010

Phone bill scams

Don't Fall For Green Millionaire's 'Free Trial' Offer

The Consumerist

What They Know - WSJ

WSJ  "Marketers are spying on Internet users -- observing and remembering people's clicks, and building and selling detailed dossiers of their activities and interests. The Wall Street Journal's What They Know series documents the new, cutting-edge uses of this Internet-tracking technology. The Journal analyzed the tracking files installed on people's computers by the 50 most popular U.S. websites, plus WSJ.com. The Journal also built an "exposure index" -- to determine the degree to which each site exposes visitors to monitoring -- by studying the tracking technologies they install and the privacy policies that guide their use. "

Secrets to Maximizing Social Security

Kiplinger

Red flag raised again over door-to-door magazine sales

Walletpop

New ID theft targets kids' Social Security numbers

Washington Examiner

Where Not to Use Your Debit Card

NYTimes.com

» The Five Minute Rule

Bargaineering

10 Investment Traps to Avoid

 Kiplinger

Aug 7, 2010

Personal Health - Skin Infections Can Spread Like Wildfire at the Gym

NYTimes.com

DIY Danger: Linseed Oil That Can Self-Combust

I Can't Afford Cable Anymore. How Can I Revive My Analog TV?

The Consumerist

FTC Issues Final Rule to Protect Consumers in Credit Card Debt

FTC

2 charged in first-of-its-kind credit fraud case

Washington Post

Silence Can Be A Great Negotiating Tactic

Sweating The Big Stuff

As Finances Tighten, Furloughs Give Way to Pay Cuts

NYTimes.com

Some for-profit schools allegedly mislead students

New York Times

Dish Network: #1 in Customer Satisfaction?

Read the fine print in Mouseprint

top 100 free Windows software downloads

 Butterscotch

10 Things Home-Security Firms Won't Tell You

Wall Street Journal

Allegation: "Taco Bell eyed as CDC looks into salmonella outbreak "

Courier-Journal

A related article mentions Wisconsin.

Jul 31, 2010

Madison locksmith business owner charged with deceiving customers in Internet scheme

WI State Journal

When Mark Twain came to Janesville, WI


Against the assault of laughter nothing can stand.

Facts are stubborn, but statistics are more pliable.

Good breeding consists in concealing how much we think of ourselves and how little we think of the other person.
--Mark Twain

125 years ago, the Statue of Liberty arrived in New York, the Washington Monument was dedicated, and Ulysses S. Grant died after winning the Civil War as military commander and serving as President of the United States.

It was also the year that Mark Twain came to Janesville and lectured at Myers Opera House (which later become a movie theater and was torn down in 1977).

Mark Twain is as relevant today as he was 100 years ago. Like many of us, he loved the latest gadgets and inventions. For example, he was one of the first adopters of the typewriter and telephone. And like us, he had the feeling that life was getting too complicated when he wrote: “Civilization is the limitless multiplication of unnecessary necessities.”

Twain could be gently humorous and uproariously funny. But as the Chicago Sun Times noted he also could be “raw, jeering, and pulverizing.” The New York Times added: “the attitude is that of Swift, the intellectual contempt is that of Voltaire, and the imagination is that of one of the great masters of American writing.”

Jul 30, 2010



Having worked in Consumer Protection for many years and hearing horror stories, I feel that lawnmower safety information is important to keep your family safe.

Is Reiki's hands on healing "nonsense?"

Steven Barrett, M.D.

 
Last March, The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee College of Health Science Outreach Office sponsored a Reiki class for health care professionals, saying Reiki "...promotes healing on all levels of mind, body and spirit...and it is currently in use in hospitals, hospice, schools, mental health clinics, nursing homes, psychotherapy and home health care settings across the United States."

 
But Reiki is called "nonsense" by Stephen Barrett, M.D. who keeps an eye out for questionable practices at his website. "Reiki has no substantiated health value and lacks a scientifically plausible rationale," says Barrett.  " Science-based healthcare settings should not tolerate its use.  In a traditional reiki session, the client lies down or sits fully clothed. The practitioner's hands are placed lightly on or just above the client's body, palms down, using a series of 12-15 positions. Each position is held for about 2 to 5 minutes, or until the practitioner feels that the flow of energy—said to be experienced as sensations such as heat or tingling in the hands—has slowed or stopped. Typically, the practitioner delivers at least four sessions of 30 to 90 minutes each. Reiki can also be self-administered or administered to others at distant locations. Some practitioners say that "spirit guides" help them produce the proper flow of energy."

 
Dr. Barrett received an FDA Commissioner's Special Citation Award for Public Service in fighting nutrition quackery. In 1986, he was awarded honorary membership in the American Dietetic Association. From 1987 through 1989, he taught health education at The Pennsylvania State University and received the 2001 Distinguished Service to Health Education Award from the American Association for Health Education.

Here's what the National Institutes of Health says, "If you are thinking about using Reiki:
  • Do not use Reiki as a replacement for proven conventional care or to postpone seeing a doctor about a medical problem.
  • Find out about the Reiki practitioner's background, including training and experience treating clients.
  • Be aware that Reiki has not been well studied scientifically, but research on whether and how Reiki may work is under way."
 Milwaukee Journal article entitled:  "Reiki causes Catholic unease."

30 Day Risk Free Trials and Lowball Prices

Mouse Print

Here is a scam e-mail I received from some skunk

Apologies for having to reach out to you like this, but I made a quick trip to the UK and had my bag stolen from me with my passport and credit cards in it. The embassy is willing to help by letting me fly without my passport, I just have to pay for a ticket and settle Hotel bills. Unfortunately for me, I can't have access to funds without my credit card, I've made contact with my bank but the best they could do was to send me a new card in the mail which will take 2-3 working days to arrive here.I was thinking of asking you to lend me some quick funds that I can give back as soon as I get in. I really need to be on a last minute flight that leaves in a few hours.
I can forward you details on how you can get the funds to me. You can reach me via....

Mortgage Relief Marketer Will Return $2.4 Million to Consumers to Settle FTC Charges

Federal Trade Commission

Personal Health - What Do You Lack? Probably Vitamin D

NYTimes.com

High CD rate sounds too good to be true

Bankrate

A List Of 18 "Free Credit Report" Websites Warned By The FTC

The Consumerist

National Do Not Call Registry Tops 200 Million Phone Numbers

Federal Trade Commission

Jul 24, 2010

The steam airplane

(From my video blog on the Janesville Gazette web page)
What really blows me away is that natives of Wisconsin and neighboring Iowa were responsible for the first steam-powered, self-propelled vehicle in the United States and the first practical steam airplane!
In 1873, according to the Wisconsin Historical Society, the car was designed and operated by John W. Carhart of Racine.
And down river from Rock County at the turn of the century, a Davenport, Iowa couple had little George and William, the Besler brothers who grew up to power an airplane with steam.
They developed the airplane in California and demonstrated it for Popular Science magazine and a large gathering of newspaper reporters and newsreelers. Popular Science noted the plane made little noise and you could hear pilot William Besler shout a greeting from the sky.

Jul 23, 2010

Marketers of "Rapid Debt Reduction" Program To Pay $1.5 Million for Falsely Claiming They Could Lower Consumers' Interest Rates

FTC

Parents stealing kids' Identities (for things like credit) in alarming trend


Adult children steal the indentities of parents and grandparents, too.

New York City Adds to Oversight of Asbestos Inspectors

NYTimes.com

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Amazon Customers Targeted In New Scam

Scambusters

Attorney general's office warns of Internet scam that uses bad checks to retain lawyers

Canadian Business Online

Automated Debt-Collection Lawsuits Engulf Courts

NYTimes.com

Two women arrested for stealing dresses at East Towne

Wisconsin State Journal

Congress moves to crack down on prison cell phones

Washington Post

The latest in sneaky credit card fees

WallerPop

Air-duct firm applies the pressure in sales pitch

JSOnline

Jul 9, 2010

FTC Warns of Gulf Oil Spill Job Scams

FTC

21 Things You Should Never Buy New

usnews.com

7 Things Geek Squad Employee Wishes Every Computer Moron Knew

The Consumerist

Money in the Bank? No, Sandwich in a Can

Is putting a sandwich in a can and calling it a “Candwich” the next can’t-miss billion-dollar idea?
NYTimes.com

Health coverage available to you if you have been denied health insurance by private insurance companies because of a pre-existing condition

Read about the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP); then use the PCIP Map to learn more about how the program works in your state.

In the D.C. area and across the U.S., scams against senior citizens are on the rise

Washington Post

Bully Landlord?

The Consumerist
Failure to return security deposits is a common problem in Wisconsin. If you are having trouble getting your security deposit back in Wisconsin, fill out this complaint form.

Q.&A.: Reporting E-Mail Scams and Spoofs

NYTimes.com

Woman mugged after taking money from ATM

madison.com

6 tips for avoiding a staged accident

bankrate.com

FTC Mails Redress Checks to Borrowers Misled By Chase Financial Funding, Inc.'s Allegedly Deceptive Mortgage Ads

FTC

Jul 3, 2010



On the Fourth of July in Janesville 165 years ago a Mississippi steamboat arrived on the Rock River. But the dream of explosive growth of navigation to the Mississippi fizzled out because of shallow water, dams and railroads.

Ponzi Scheme Wipes Out Author Jacquelyn Mitchard

AOL News

New Company Helps Fraud Victims For Free

Have you ever been ripped off by a business? When you become a victim of fraud, where do you go for help? A private company has been formed to help assist victims of consumer fraud recover their losses for free.

This new company, Eye To Eye Detective Agency, was created by David Tatar, a former Consumer Protection Manager. Mr. Tatar recently retired from state service where he managed investigators in Wisconsin’s State Consumer Protection Agency. Tatar, a former police officer, has over 30 years experience in enforcing Wisconsin laws.

Many private attorneys often hire investigation firms to gather evidence and compile consumer cases for legal action. Tatar’s goal is to provide consumers that fall victim to fraud with that bridge to the legal services they so desperately need to recover their losses.

“Unknown to many, some private law firms will represent victims for free, Tatar says. If I can present them with a solid case of fraud provable in court, they may consider pursuing recovery on behalf of the victim free of charge. And since I also do not charge consumers for my services,” Tatar says, “people may be able to get all of their money back without bearing the extra costs.”

If you are a victim of fraud and would like assistance in recovering your losses, you can contact Mr. Tatar at 608-635-8831 or by email at eyetoeye@centurytel.net. All consultations are confidential.

Avoid this Credit Card Scam

CBS MoneyWatch.com

Reusable bags may present health risk

www.azcentral.com

Public worker retirement system sputters with market

madison.com

Is that arbitration clause unfair? Ask the arbitrator.

Consumer Reports Money

Mother-daughter team accused of scamming seniors through obits

www.wndu.com

Inmates Get Homebuyer Tax Credits: Gov't Report

CNBC

10 things your funeral director won't tell you

smartmoney,com

How nutritious is Vitaminwater?

Jennifer LaRue Huget

Work-At-Home Scams On The Rise; Here's How To Spot Them

The Consumerist

Smart Phone Smackdown: Droid X vs. iPhone 4

Look out for this at outlet stores!

WalletPop

Jun 25, 2010

Taboo topic among spouses

Bankrate.com

Detergents: Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports

From Card Fees to Mortgages, a New Day for Consumers

New York Times

U-Haul and its Parent Company Settle FTC Charges That They Invited Competitors to Fix Prices on Truck Rentals

FTC

Salmonella Recall Notices No Match For Hungry, Oblivious Consumers

The Consumerist

New York Firm's Property Transfer Fee Plan Stirs Controversy

WSJ.com

HP And Yahoo Want To Put Ads On Your Printouts

The Consumerist

Car-buying mistakes; financing, leasing and trade-ins

MSN Money

Sharing credit card accounts as joint account holder or authorized user

Bankrate.com

10 Things 401(k) Providers Won't Tell You

SmartMoney.com

Older Americans fall prey to money scams

MarketWatch

Verizon Sued By Wisconsin AG For Billing Non-Verizon Customers

The Consumerist

FTC Settlement Orders Ban More Than A Dozen Marketers from Selling Mortgage Relief Services; Repeat Offender Ordered to Pay $11.4 Million for Contempt

FTC

Jun 12, 2010

WKOW-TV keeps pounding away at WI Consumer Protection

WKOW-TV keeps pounding away at WI Consumer Protection.  The premise seems to be: Everyone who contacts CP is supposed to be helped. If they are not, CP isn't doing it's job.

Is this fair?  Does everyone contacting WKOW's own Call for Action Helpline receive help?  Of course not!

Having worked at CP, I know it helps a lot of people...just as WKOW-TV is helping consumers.