Friday, April 23, 2010

Credit Card Interest Rate Scams: FTC Warns Consumers

In a new consumer alert, Credit Card Interest Rate Reduction Scams, the FTC says consumers have just as much clout with their credit card issuers as these companies do.  It urges consumers to avoid paying middlemen, and negotiate directly with the credit card companies.  Credit Card Interest Rate Scams: FTC Warns Consumers

Thursday, April 22, 2010

IRS Reaches Out to Millions of Employers on Benefits of New Health Care Tax Credit

The Internal Revenue Service this week began mailing postcards to more than four million small businesses and tax-exempt organizations to make them aware of the benefits of the recently-enacted small business health care tax credit. IRS Reaches Out to Millions of Employers on Benefits of New Health Care Tax Credit

Credit Repair and Mortgage Relief Service: Marketers Banned from Selling Services

The court order prohibits the credit repair companies and their owners from selling credit repair services, and it bans the loan modification companies and their individual owners from selling mortgage loan modification and foreclosure relief services. Credit Repair and Mortgage Relief Service: Marketers Banned from Sellings

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

More Women are Graduate Degree Holders than Men, Ages 25-29

The U.S. Census Bureau reported today more women than men are expected to occupy professions such as doctors, lawyers and college professors as they represent approximately 58 percent of young adults, Ages 25 to 29, More Women are Graduate Degree Holders than Men, Ages 25-29

Monday, April 19, 2010

Toyota to Pay $16.375 Million Civil Fine

Toyota Motor Corporation agreed to pay a $16.375 million fine - the largest fine permitted by law - for failing to notify the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of a dangerous pedal defect for almost four months:Toyota to Pay $16.375 Million Civil Fine

Monday, April 05, 2010

Government Jobs Wanted? Don't Get Swindled

In a new consumer publication, 2010 Census Job Scams, the FTC provides detailed information about applying to become a U.S. Census taker, and it tells consumers how to access all federal job announcements. Government Jobs Wanted: Don't Get Swindled

Friday, April 02, 2010

Hacking Smart Phones - Can Clever Hackers Target Smart Phones?

Two computer scientists explored how smart phones can be hacked, hijacked and exploited without their owner's knowledge. Hacking Smart Phones - Can Clever Hackers Target Smart Phones?

Friday, March 26, 2010

The New World of Mobile Phones: There are Basically Two Types

There are two basic types of mobile phones: conventional cell phones and smart phones. The conventional cell phone is suitable if you only want to make and receive calls and send text messages on your phone. The New World of Mobile Phones: There are two basic types

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Starting a Home-Based Business? Make Sure You're Properly Insured

With the national unemployment rate lingering around 10 percent, millions of Americans may be tempted to start a home-based businesses. But studies show that less than half of them have any type of insurance coverage for their new endeavor, and others wrongly believe a homeowners insurance policy is sufficient. Starting a Home-Based Business? Make Sure You're Properly Insured

Credit Card Security: Dave & Buster's Settles FTC Charges it Failed to Protect Consumers' Credit & Debit Card Information

Entertainment operation Dave & Buster's, Inc. has agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that the company left consumers' credit and debit card information vulnerable to hackers, resulting in several hundred thousand dollars in fraudulent charges. Credit Card Security: Dave & Buster's Settles FTC Charges it Failed to Protect Consumers' Credit & Debit Card Information

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Beware of IRS' 2010 "Dirty Dozen" Tax Scams

The Internal Revenue Service today issued its 2010 "dirty dozen" list of tax scams, including schemes involving return preparer fraud, hiding income offshore and phishing. Beware of IRS' 2010 "Dirty Dozen" Tax Scams

Monday, March 15, 2010

IRS: Nine Things You Should Know about Penalties

The tax filing deadline is approaching. If you don't file your return and pay your tax by the due date you may have to pay a penalty. Here are nine things the IRS wants you to know about the two different penalties you may face if you do not pay or file on time. IRS: Nine Things You Should Know about Penalties

Friday, March 12, 2010

National Sleep Awareness Week Is March 7-13

Chronic, long-term sleep disorders affect millions of Americans each year. These disorders and the sleep deprivation they cause can interfere with work, driving, social activities, and overall quality of life, and can have serious health implications. National Sleep Awareness Week Is March 7-13

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Texting While Driving: Wyoming Becomes the 20th State to Ban Texting While Driving

Texting while driving, like talking on cell phones while driving, is dangerous to the driver doing it and all of those around them. Texting While Driving: Wyoming Becomes the 20th State to Ban Texting While Driving

Friday, March 05, 2010

IRS Tax Refunds: IRS Has $1.3 Billion for People Who Have Not Filed a 2006 Tax Return

Unclaimed tax refunds totaling more than $1.3 billion are awaiting nearly 1.4 million people who did not file a federal income tax return for 2006, the Internal Revenue Service announced today. IRS Has $1.3 Billion for People Who Have Not Filed a 2006 Tax Return

Thursday, March 04, 2010

Mortgage Debt Forgiveness : Ten Facts about Mortgage Debt Forgiveness

If your mortgage debt is partly or entirely forgiven during tax years 2007 through 2012, you may be able to claim special tax relief and exclude the debt forgiven from your income.  Mortgage Debt Forgiveness : Ten Facts about Mortgage Debt Forgiveness

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Evenflo Recalls 66,000 Children's Activity Centers Cake Toys on Centers Due to Choking Hazard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the Evenflo ExerSaucer 1-2-3 Tea for Me Activity Learning Centers. Evenflo Recalls 66,000 Children's Activity Centers Cake Toys on Centers Due to Choking Hazard

Cash for College Workshops Offered Until March 2

Cash for College workshops provide free hands-on assistance for students and their families filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) which is required to receive a Cal Grant. Cash for College Workshops Offered Until March 2

Toyota Third Recall: U.S. Department of Transportation Responds to Third Toyota Recall

The U.S. Department of Transportation learned today of a third Toyota recall involving 2010 Prius hybrids and Lexus HS 250h vehicles experiencing brake system problems. Some 2010 Camrys prone to brake fluid leaks have also been recalled, Toyota Third Recall: U.S. Department of Transportation Responds to Third Toyota Recall

Tuesday, February 09, 2010

Credit and Gift Cards in 2010: Changes Take Effect Feb 22

The Credit CARD Act is intended to help protect consumers from abusive fees, penalties, interest rate increases and other unwarranted changes in account terms. Companies will be required to make more disclosures and they face new limits on certain credit card practices. Credit and Gift Cards in 2010: Changes Take Effect Feb 22