Mortgage Fraud: FBI Creates Southern Nevada Mortgage Fraud Task Force

Mortgage fraud is a significant crime problem in Nevada. Mortgage fraud has likely accelerated the recent decline in the Las Vegas housing market. As of February 2008, Nevada was the top state in the nation for investor-owned mortgage defaults. Mortgage Fraud: FBI Creates Southern Nevada Mortgage Fraud Task Force

IRS issued its 2008 list of the 12 most egregious tax schemes

The Internal Revenue Service today issued its 2008 list of the 12 most egregious tax schemes and scams, highlighted by Internet phishing scams and several frivolous tax arguments. IRS Update: Phishing Scams, Frivolous Arguments Top the 2008 "Dirty Dozen" Tax Scams

New Cell Phone Laws - Effective July 1, 2008

Two new laws dealing with the use of wireless telephones while driving go into effect July 1, 2008. Below is a list of CHP's Frequently Asked Questions concerning these new laws. New Cell Phone Laws - Frequently Asked Questions

Major Child Porn Ring Busted: The FBI Reports

Thanks to a global law enforcement operation spanning five countries, three continents, and 11 U.S. states. As part of the continuing investigation, a total of 22 men have been arrested, including 14 in America, four in Germany, and two each in Australia and the U.K. Major Child Porn Ring Busted: The FBI Reports

FAA Statement on Southwest Airlines

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Acting Administrator of the FAA Robert A. Sturgell met today with the senior leadership of Southwest Airlines. Gary Kelly, Southwest's Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairman of the Board, briefed the Administrator and his top safety executives on the steps the airline is taking to ensure its aircraft comply with all airworthiness directives. FAA Statement on Southwest Airlines

Crack Cocaine: Federal Courts Handling New Sentences for Crack Cocaine

As of March 3, 2008, more than 21,000 inmates serving time for federal crimes involving crack cocaine became eligible to have their sentences reduced. Federal courts had been preparing for that eventuality...  Crack Cocaine: Federal Courts Handling New Sentences for Crack Cocaine

Spyware Scammer: Judgment Entered Against Spyware Scammer

A federal judge has granted the Federal Trade Commission's request for a default judgment against a software developer who helped scammers infect millions of computers with destructive and intrusive spyware. The judgment bars the defendant from distributing software that interferes with consumers' computers and requires that he give up his ill-gotten gains. Spyware Scammer: Judgment Entered Against Spyware Scammer

IRS Free File Now Available for Nonfilers Who Must File a Return to Receive Economic Stimulus Payment

IRS Free File Now Available for Nonfilers Who Must File a Return to Receive Economic Stimulus Payment
The Internal Revenue Service announced today that individuals who normally do not file a tax return but must do so this year in order to receive their 2008 economic stimulus payment can now use the IRS Free File program to help them file returns for 2007.

Tax Season 2007: Important Changes for Tax Year 2007

Following are just some of the most important changes for tax year 2007 . For more specific information, consult a tax professional.Tax Season 2007: Important Changes for Tax Year 2007

Cyber Alert: Java Sun Updates for Multiple Vulnerabilities in Java

If you have Sun Java installed, then you should apply updates from Sun to remedy these vulnerabilities. Follow these instructions to update your version of Java. Cyber Alert: Java Sun Updates for Multiple Vulnerabilities in Java

Tax and Rebate Scams: FTC Cautions Consumers

The Federal Trade Commission is cautioning consumers looking forward to rebate checks from the government that they may be targets of scammers out to steal their identity. The agency has issued an alert to help consumers avoid this situation. FTC Cautions Consumers About Tax and Rebate Scams

IRS Update: Special Economic Stimulus Letters Reach Mailboxes in March

More than 130 million American households will begin receiving Internal Revenue Service letters next week reminding them to file a 2007 tax return in order to receive a 2008 economic stimulus payment.

IRS Update: Special Economic Stimulus Letters Reach Mailboxes in March

Appraisal Fraud: Fannie Mae And Freddie Mac Sign Agreements To Combat Appraisal Fraud

Accurate, independent appraisals are very important to ensuring the safety and soundness of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the mortgage market," said Director Lockhart. "These agreements build upon existing federal and state laws and regulations to further strengthen the single-family home appraisal process. The agreements should help restore confidence in the mortgage market by enhancing underwriting practices, reducing mortgage fraud and making home valuations more reliable. I thank the Attorney General, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for their strong roles in this important effort.

Appraisal Fraud: Fannie Mae And Freddie Mac Sign Agreements To Combat Appraisal Fraud

Crack/Powder Cocaine Sentences: Judiciary Backs Reducing Disparity

Crack/Powder Cocaine Sentences: Judiciary Backs Reducing Disparity
A federal judge told a House subcommittee that the policy-making Judicial Conference of the United States "strongly supports legislation to reduce the unsupportable sentencing disparity between crack and powder cocaine."

FCC Approves Transfer of Control of Direct TV to Liberty Media Subject to Conditions

FCC Approves Transfer of Control of Direct TV to Liberty Media Subject to Conditions
Four years ago, I strenuously dissented to the Commission's decision to allow News Corp. to acquire DirectTV.  At the time, I said that the consolidation of so many media properties under News Corp.'s control could not be good for localism, diversity and competition.

Preventing Foreclosure: Consumer Workshops on Preventing Foreclosures

Preventing Foreclosure: Consumer Workshops on Preventing Foreclosures
The State and Consumer Services Agency and Business, Transportation and Housing Agencies are pleased to present a series of Consumer Workshops Focusing on Preventing Foreclosures. Credit counselors, loan servicers and lenders will offer on-site assistance and information on available options with your mortgage.

Going Green: FTC Announces Workshop on Green Guides and Packaging

Going Green: FTC Announces Workshop on Green Guides and Packaging

The Green Guides and Packaging workshop will provide a forum for the discussion of topics such as: 1) trends in packaging and the resulting environmental packaging claims; 2) packaging terms currently covered by the Green Guides and whether the perception of these terms has changed over the past decade; 3) new green packaging terms not currently addressed in the Green Guides; 4) claims based on third-party certification and consumer perception of such claims; 5) the impact of scientific and technological changes, including the use of new packaging materials and their impact on the environment; 6) the current state of substantiation for green packaging claims; and 7) the need for new or updated FTC guidance in these areas.

Online Extortion: The FBI Reports

Online Extortion: The FBI Reports

Learn about the "hit-man" e-mail scam that continues to circulate. The scam e-mail, which first appeared in December, threatens to kill recipients if they do not pay thousands of dollars to the sender, who purports to be a hired assassin.

New crash tests of SUVs: Nissan Murano is Top Safety Pick

New crash tests of SUVs: Nissan Murano is Top Safety Pick
The best overall performer in front, side, and rear tests of nine 4-door midsize SUV models is the redesigned 2009 Nissan Murano, which earns the Top Safety Pick award. The tests were recently conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Home Evacuation Plan: When Is the Time for You and Your Family to Prepare a Home Evacuation Plan? Now!

Home Evacuation Plan: When Is the Time for You and Your Family to Prepare a Home Evacuation Plan? Now!
There is no time like the present when it comes to sitting down with your family and preparing for the day when you may be forced to evacuate your home, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.).