CONSUMER AFFAIRSSheryl Harris on consumer affairs
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Consumer Affairs
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- UNCLAIMED FUNDS
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More than 1,400 people in Cuyahoga County have inheritance money they've never collected. Are you one of them? - • Full story
- • Database: Search for unclaimed inheritances
- HELP WITH DEBT
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- • How to pay down card debt step by step
- • Collectors can't hound you for a debt that's not yours
- • Free help available managing money, reading credit reports and dealing with debt
- • What to do when a debt collector calls
- • Letter requesting debt collection activities stop [PDF]
- • Consumer law gives debtors some shelter
- SCAM FINDER
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An interactive guide to common scams and ways The Plain Dealer can help you identify, fight and report them.
- IDENTITY THEFT
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- • Tips for fighting identity theft
- • If you are an ID theft victim
- • Steps that can protect a deceased loved one's files from identity theft
- • Personal information exposed or stolen? Find out how to get a credit freeze in Ohio
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IC3 and FBI warn of malware scam that holds computers hostage
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December 05, 2012, 5:23PM
Victims are told they can pay a fine in lieu of prosecution, but when they click the link in the email, they're taken to a 'drive-by download' website, a site that installs malware on any computer that visits. Full story »
Cash America refunding 14,000 Ohio customers it sued for payday debts
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December 05, 2012, 1:55PM
Cash America's decision to reimburse defendants in debt collection suits dating back to 2008 omes on the heels of Monday's decision by the Ninth District Court of Appeals that Cash America's Ohio division, which does business here as Cashland, improperly made payday loans under the state's mortgage lending act. Full story »
That free gift card text? It's probably a scam: Plain Dealing
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December 04, 2012, 4:27PM
Consumer news roundup: The BBB reports holiday-related smishing scams are on the rise, and the FTC shuts down a robocaller that took the agency's name in vain. Full story »
State appeals court restricts payday lenders' interest rates
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December 03, 2012, 1:37PM
In a case watched by courts and lenders across the state, the Ninth District Court of Appeals agreed with a Lorain magistrate that Cashland had used a mortgage lending license to evade a 2008 state law that capped interest rates on short-term loans at 28 percent. Full story »
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Study hints at why some people get scammed and some don't: Plain Dealing
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December 01, 2012, 12:00PM
Why do some people fall for grandparent scams or Facebook scams while others don't? New brain research sheds light on an old mystery. Full story »
Puppy scam targets dog lovers: Plain Dealing
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November 28, 2012, 12:34PM
How much is the puppy in Windows? Lots more than you guess. The BBB warns holiday shoppers to watch out for the classic puppy scam, because it's everywhere. Full story »
Study finds consumers want choice in where to air disputes: Plain Dealing
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November 27, 2012, 5:52PM
Even consumers who are OK with the idea of arbitration don't like the way its carried out, a new study by Pew Charitable Trusts finds. Full story »
Many in Cleveland struggle with no bank account: Plain Dealing
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November 24, 2012, 12:00PM
Nationwide, roughly 28 percent of all households operate outside the traditional banking system or rely on more expensive bank alternatives like check cashers. Cleveland Saves is hoping to change that in one of the most "unbanked" cities in the country. Full story »
Ohio attorney general sues Wadsworth builder
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November 20, 2012, 2:55PM
The lawsuit alleges that Wadsworth-based Unmistakably Premier Homes violated the state's Consumer Sales Practices Act by failing to honor warranties and complete homes. Full story »
'Faux, faux faux.' Dodge counterfeits as you shop for the holidays: Plain Dealing
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November 17, 2012, 12:00PM
Is Santa's new catchphrase "Faux, Faux, Faux"? Why avoiding counterfeit products matters. Full story »
Move over, Rachel. Sabrina's making the robocalls now: Plain Dealing
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November 13, 2012, 5:50PM
A new robocall makes it sound like you've got legal troubles brewing .... and a consumer group warns about flood-damaged cars in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. Full story »
In showrooming, consumers try here and buy it there: Plain Dealing
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November 10, 2012, 12:00PM
Local retailers try to deal with the pressures of showrooming, but consumers may want to ask themselves if it's fair to try and learn about products at a local store and but then buy it from an online retailer. Full story »
Stay on budget, avoid scams as you shop for holidays: Plain Dealing
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November 09, 2012, 4:00PM
Navigate your way past layaway snags, restocking fees and scam websites as you stock up for the holidays. Full story »
BBB warns consumers to check before hiring plow service: Plain Dealing
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November 06, 2012, 4:00PM
The BBB says homeowners who don't check before they sign a plow service are asking to be snowed in ... plus, a warning to veterans about "free" burial sites from the Funeral Consumers Alliance. Full story »
Debt settlement not as simple as ads make it seem: Plain Dealing
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November 03, 2012, 12:00PM
Debt settlement ads make ditching debts seem easy. But this real-life game of chicken has plenty of pitfalls, including fees and a battered credit report. What to watch for -- and where to find free alternatives. Full story »
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