Foreclosure “Rescue” Scams on the Rise
Are you facing the threat of losing your home? Be wary of individuals and companies that offer to “help” you out of your difficult financial situation. Consumer advocates from across the country have noticed an increase in complaints about foreclosure “rescue” scams. These scams come in many shapes and varieties and target people whose home mortgages are in trouble. Scam operators advertise over the Internet and in local publications, distribute flyers, or contact people whose homes are listed in the foreclosure notices. Sometimes they direct their appeals to specific religious or ethnic groups.

Looking for the Best Hotel Rate this Summer?
When you go on vacation you want to leave your worries behind. And, saving money on your hotel rate can help ease your worries. Whether you are planning a budget vacation or want to splurge, there are ways to save money on your hotel bill. What can you do to find the best rate? Look for group discounts, such as corporate and senior discounts and discounts to affinity groups, like alumni associations and churches.

If you need to check your credit and you live in the West, Midwest or South you can now obtain a free copy of your credit report. The Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003 (FACTA) requires the nationwide credit bureaus to provide consumers, at their request, a free copy of their credit report once every 12 months.

A recent study indicates that consumers lack a realistic understanding of what they need to do to secure a worry-free retirement. The report, conduct by LIMRA International, the Society of Actuaries and Matthew Greenwald & Associates, states that many workers and retirees have an incomplete or misleading picture of how much they need to save, how to invest such savings effectively and how to make their money last a lifetime.

Disposal Rule Goes into Effect This Month
As of June 1, 2005, a new federal rule will require businesses and individuals to take appropriate measures to dispose of sensitive information derived from consumer reports.

Flood, Hurricane and Other Natural Disaster Appeals
The tragic plight of floods, massive fires, hurricanes, earthquakes and other disasters always triggers an outpouring of public support and concern.

Bogus Fuel-Saving Device Sellers Settle FTC Charges
Operators who sent illegal spam and made deceptive claims for a bogus fuel-saving product that doesn’t save fuel have settled Federal Trade Commission charges that their e-mail and Web sites violated federal laws.