It's National Consumer Protection Week. So I've come up with a list of our stories and columns that will help you learn what your rights are as a consumer and how to protect yourself. The Federal Trade commission also has consumer-protection resources you might want to check out.
Credit cards and banking
FAQs on the New Credit-Card Rules: Sweeping changes shift the game in consumers' favor.
A New Ban on Overdraft Fees: The Federal Reserve is providing more protections for consumers.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Investing
Our Man Goes Undercover and Tells All: The free trading-education seminars he attended turned out to be short on wisdom and long on hard sell.
Why It's Hard to Fight Brokers: Mad as hell over losses? You can go to arbitration, but the deck will be stacked against you.
Loans
This Pitch Is Legit: Reverse loans let seniors convert equity to cash, but at a price.
beware refund-anticipation loans: there are other ways to get cash fast without the high interest rates and fees.
scams
Protect Your Identity During the 2010 Census: Here's what you should expect when the government starts collecting information about your household next month.
Protect Your Identity Every Day: Follow these tips so that you never become a victim of ID theft.
Services
Resources to Help You Check Out a Company: Here's how to learn about the reputation of a business before you sign on the dotted line.
Complain and Get Results: If you're unhappy with a product or service you received, here's how to effectively lodge a complaint.
Shopping
Showing ID When Paying With a Card: Here's why you should think twice about handing over identification when paying with a credit card -- and what to do if the merchant won't accept your card if you refuse to show ID.
Get Your Fair Share When a Company Goes Broke: Here's what happens if you buy a gift card or make a down payment with a retailer that files for bankruptcy.
-
What the Comcast Cable Spinoff Means for InvestorsComcast has announced plans to spin off select cable networks and digital assets into a separate publicly traded company. Here's what you need to know.
-
TJX Stock: Wall Street Stays Bullish After EarningsTJX stock is trading lower Wednesday despite the TJ Maxx owner's beat-and-raise quarter, but analysts aren't worried. Here's why.
-
Social Media Scams Cost Consumers $2.7B, Study ShowsScams related to online shopping, investment schemes and romance top the FTC's social media list this year.
-
Five Ways to Save on Vacation Rental PropertiesTravel Use these strategies to pay less for an apartment, condo or house when you travel.
-
How to Avoid Annoying Hotel Fees: Per Person, Parking and MoreTravel Here's how to avoid extra charges and make sure you don't get stuck paying for amenities that you don't use.
-
Tired of Scam Text Messages? The FCC Cracks DownNew scam text message rules from the FCC require carriers to block texts from bad numbers and protect consumers.
-
Tax Scam: IRS Warns Taxpayers Against Filing False W-2 InfoScams A new tax scam on social media advises lying on your W-2 to falsely claim credits and bigger refunds.
-
Scams Cost Consumers $8.8 Billion in 2022 — The Top Five FraudsScams and frauds jumped to shocking new highs last year. Learn the top five types, and use our tips to protect yourself.
-
Beware Fake Disney Plus Emails That Steal Your Bank InformationFake Disney Plus billing messages enable scammers to access your bank account and drain your funds.
-
Romance Scams to Beware — Signs of a Scammer at WorkPeople seeking love and connection are attractive targets for fraudsters. Avoid these romance scams that prey on your best intentions.
