Getting a several hundred dollar cellular bill is something that can make anyone’s blood boil. Upon receiving my Verizon Wireless bill email, I noticed that my normal $50 charge had been replaced with $933.49. A call to Verizon confirmed what I suspected, that it was a mistake. Upon further inspection, it was not their mistake. Continue reading
Consumer Protection
Instant Tax Service Cited for Charging $1,000 for Simple Tax Returns
The nation’s fourth largest tax preparation firm has been targeted by federal regulators for pervasive fraud. Instant Tax Service (ITS) has allowed inflated consumer tax refunds in order to allow for “junk fees” and other charges that often total $1,000 for simple tax returns. Continue reading
Tribal Payday Lenders Are Not Exempt from Federal Regulations
While Western Sky Financial continues making sky-high interest rate loans, other payday lenders who claim tribal affiliation have been targeted by the Federal Trade Commission. The FTC’s latest action sends a message that lenders cannot skirt state usury limits by hiding behind the teepee. Continue reading
$195 Million Verdict Against TaxMasters for Defrauding Customers
A Texas jury has found TaxMasters and owner Patrick Cox liable for $195 million in damages. The jury decided that there was substantial evidence that TaxMasters defrauded thousands of customers for so-called tax relief services. Continue reading
Taxation with Representation: Tackling Tax Debt Relief
With the economy in the doldrums and lingering rates of high unemployment, a large number of Americans find themselves in trouble with the IRS. If you are among those who are seeking tax debt relief, there are a number that you should consider when selecting a good professional to work with. Whether you intend to take the IRS to court over your tax dispute or are simply seeking reassurance and the sage advice of a reliable expert, you should take care to avoid the pitfalls and scams that all too often await honest people. Continue reading
Mo’ Money Overcharged Customers and Filed Inaccurate Tax Returns According to Illinois AG
Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan sued Mo’ Money for overcharging customers $800,000 at its East St. Louis and Chicago locations. Madigan claims that the company submitted false tax returns without its customers’ consent. Additionally, customers were hit with hidden fees for services. Continue reading
Are you familiar with The Nigerian Advance Fee Scam?
The Nigerian Advance Fee Scam is one of the most common scams on the Internet right now and one that continues to draw in victims. The majority of the messages originally were said to be coming from people in Africa, specifically Nigeria, but now the emails seem to be coming from all over the world. There are a whole variety of these scams but in simple terms, someone basically tells you that an expensive prize or a lot of money can be made available to you. Continue reading
Avoiding Tax Relief Scams
If you owe back taxes but don’t know how you will pay the IRS, any company that “promises” to significantly reduce your tax bill may seem like the best option. However, don’t make this decision too fast. This may cause you to fall deeper in debt, rather than find your way out of it. Continue reading
Fake Payday Loan Collection Calls Stole $5 Million
Callers from India have been committing egregious violations of the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. After $5 million has already been taken in the scam, the Federal Trade Commission has finally tracked down the firms behind it and are shutting it down. Continue reading
Does LifeLock Takeover Fraud Protection Work for Bank Accounts?
Could criminals add themselves as authorized signers on your bank account? That is precisely what LifeLock claims they can prevent, advertising what they call Takeover Fraud Protection.
This bank account takeover fraud protection is not a new product, rather they are adding it as an additional feature to their LifeLock Ultimate plan. The cost of this plan is currently $25 a month or $275 a year. Continue reading
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