For many years I’ve written about the tactic some debt relief companies use to trick consumers into signing up for some form of debt relief. Consumers receive offers in the mail for a personal or debt consolidation loan and are told they don’t qualify, but “we have a better program.” Damon Day and I discuss … Read more
Question: Dear Steve, I had debt discharged back in 2017 in bankruptcya for TERI loan. This year they tried to garnish me after the fact. I won my motion for sanctions and now they are appealing the decision. Any recourse? Aren’t they private-educational loans? Any advice? Tiffanie Answer: Dear Tiffanie, The issue you describe is … Read more
Mardis Gras parades are an ancient tradition in New Orleans, going back to the eighteenth century. Social clubs called krewes sponsor these parades, and krewe members throw trinkets called throws at parade-goers. Typically, a throw is a necklace of plastic beads, but krew members also throw toys, small stuffed animals, and plastic souvenir cups. Every year, Louisianians … Read more
The Federal Trade Commission today took action against online home buying firm Opendoor Labs Inc., for cheating potential home sellers by tricking them into thinking that they could make more money selling their home to Opendoor than on the open market using the traditional sales process. The FTC alleged that Opendoor pitched potential sellers using … Read more
Flying is part of my DNA. Ever since I can remember, I’ve looked up at the sky and dreamt of airplanes. Flying has represented who I am. It has given me great joy and opportunities as a dog rescue pilot, Civil Air Patrol pilot, and public safety pilot helping to save lives. I am proud … Read more
The Federal Trade Commission today took action against payment processing company First American Payment Systems and two of its sales affiliates for trapping small businesses with hidden terms, surprise exit fees, and zombie charges. The FTC alleges that the defendants made false claims about fees and cost savings to lure merchants, many of whom had … Read more
Question: Dear Steve, I’ve been in the Whitestone Legal Group program for three years, and I paid them automatically till now, but my three major creditors haven’t been resolved. I turned down the last offer because the debt to pay was higher than I originally owed. Can I get out of the program? J Answer: … Read more
Question: Dear Steve, A while back, I contacted you regarding my living on disability and being unable to pay the increased interest rates on my cards. You recommended HELPS Nonprofit Legal Services. These people are fantastic. They contacted each creditor and let them know they represent me. The services are free for certain income levels. … Read more
Question: Dear Steve, I went to college and was offered PSLF loan forgiveness for ten years of public service, which I started in 2011 and still work for the Commonwealth. I have filled out paperwork since they have these new programs that I shouldn’t have to split for. I have already full filled 120 payments … Read more
A paper published in the Harvard Journal on Legislation presents some interesting data that will test your beliefs and assumptions regarding fraud and scams. James Toomey wrote The Age of Fraud, in which the data is educational and surprising. Toomey presents a common belief that people over 65 are more targeted for fraud and scams … Read more
