Skip to main content
Consumer Alert

Car dealerships can’t charge you for add-ons you don’t want

Ari Lazarus
Car dealerships offer buyers lots of add-ons — like service or maintenance contracts, or special car paint coatings — that add up quickly. So, when buyers decline optional add-ons, they don’t expect to end up paying for those extra things. But that's exactly what the FTC says happened to many buyers when three dealerships in Texas owned by Asbury Automotive used (illegal) ways to sneak in add-ons.
Consumer Alert

Only scammers say they’ll remove all negative information from your credit report

Bridget Small
Is there information on your credit report that’s correct, but not so good? Don’t believe ads that promise an easy fix. There are ways to fix mistakes on your credit report, but you can’t legally remove information that’s correct and up to date — and no one else can either, no matter what their ads promise.
Consumer Alert

“When are you free for coffee?” Long lost friend or a scammer trying to get you to respond?

Terri Miller
You get a text message from a number you don’t know, asking when you’re free to catch up over a cup of coffee. Don’t perk up just yet. That invitation for a coffee date might sound like it’s from a friend you’ve lost touch with, but it’s probably just a scammer looking to start a conversation with you. Not sure how to respond? The short answer is: Don’t. Keep reading to find out why.
Consumer Alert

How to avoid getting burned by solar or clean energy scams

Larissa Bungo
When temperatures rise, utility costs do, too. While reputable companies can help you save money with clean or solar energy improvements, scammers offer more than they can deliver. The scams vary, but here’s the gist: someone claiming to be with the government or your utility company promises big savings on your utility bills from solar energy or other home improvements designed to increase energy efficiency. If you agree to the scammer’s offer, it could cost you tens of thousands of dollars.