MakeUseOf: How to Protect Yourself From Fraudulent Stores on Shopify. “A recent Fakespot report found roughly 20 percent of stores on Shopify are ‘related to fraudulent practices.’ This analysis found further startling information: of the nearly 26,000 stores found to be fraudulent, 39 percent percent had counterfeit issues, brand infringements, or a poor reputation; 28 […]
New York Times: Some people are already experiencing delays getting their second stimulus payments.. “Many payments have been sent to inactive or temporary accounts that taxpayers don’t have access to. It’s not clear how many people are affected, but the tax preparation company Jackson Hewitt said the Internal Revenue Service had sent payments to more […]
News-Medical: Study: Words should match the pictures when broadcasting social media safety messages. “When using social media to nudge people toward safe and healthy behaviors, it’s critical to make sure the words match the pictures, according to a new study. After looking at social media posts, parents of young children were better able to recall […]
CBS 46: Latest data estimates 19.5% of homes in several metro Atlanta cities are in a mortgage forbearance program. “The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta has released a new tool that will help local agencies determine which areas have had the most financial impact from COVID-19. The new website provides maps and graphs of mortgage […]
SC Magazine: Breach alerts dismissed as junk? New guide for sending vital emails may help. “Bulk emails sent en masse to recipients can easily appear suspicious, but they may actually be legally required alerts informing customers about data breaches, privacy policy changes or product recalls. Some may instruct recipients to change their passwords or subscribe […]
EurekAlert: Public cameras provide valuable insights on pandemic, consumers. “Technology similar to massive search engines used to scour the web may soon be used to provide new insights into consumer behavior and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on economies across the world. The technology also may be a useful tool for reducing misinformation in […]
ABC News: How to watch out for scams as a coronavirus vaccine nears. “Homeland Security Investigations officials are preparing for a crush of new scams when the coronavirus vaccine is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which could come in a few weeks.”
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Launches Refreshed Website with a New Interactive Enforcement Database. “The updated website will feature additional user functionality, an improved layout, more content, and easier access to information. Notably, the refresh will also include a new interactive enforcement database to help the public track the Bureau’s enforcement actions. […]
MakeUseOf: How to Spot Mail Fraud and Online Scams This Holiday Season. “Studies suggest Americans will spend over $400 billion in total on holiday gifts, goodies, and travel, making it a big target for scammers. So, here’s how to spot mailing scams during the holidays and keep yourself safe.”
Country-specific in this case. Scotland Daily Record: Citizens Advice Scotland launches online ‘Money Map’ to help people access immediate support. “The unique tool… brings together all the options on how people can improve their incomes and cut their living costs through issues such as housing, benefits and energy bills and directs them to online sites […]
From Sitejabber: Coronavirus Consumer Resource Center. “This time of uncertainty and alarm has brought out both the best and worst in businesses. While some aim to help with donations and discounts, others offer false information and scams to make more money. As a leading platform of authentic consumer resources, we are providing this consumer-centric guide […]
WKRN: Credit card fraud rising amid COVID-19 pandemic, how to avoid it. “As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, concerns over credit card fraud worsen. News 2 spoke with Robyn Householder, President/CEO of Better Business Bureau in Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky, about the recent increase in this type of crime.”
New York Times: Recession’s Silver Lining: American Households Are Doing Better Than Expected. “Since April, consumer savings have increased, credit scores have surged to a record high and household debt has dropped. The billions of dollars that banks set aside at the start of the crisis to cover anticipated losses on loans to customers have […]
Federal Trade Commission: FTC Announces New Fraud Reporting Platform for Consumers: ReportFraud. ftc. gov. “At ReportFraud.ftc.gov, consumers will find a streamlined and user-friendly way to submit reports to the FTC about scams, frauds, and bad business practices. The FTC has long encouraged consumers to report these issues to the FTC when they encounter them—whether or […]
BuzzFeed News: People Have Nothing Left — Literally $0 — Because Of The Pandemic. “When 2020 began, C. Adams started a new job at an engineering firm that paid $65,000. He had already downsized to a three-bedroom home in Georgia to help save for his two teenage daughters’ college funds. Expenses were manageable. When the […]