Category: Fraud & Consumer Protection
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Selling an Old Phone? Wipe It Like You Mean It
Before you sell or trade in an old phone, back it up, unlink your accounts, pull the SIM, and factory reset. The FTC’s checklist, explained step by step.
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Canceled Flight? When Airlines Owe You Cash, Not Credit
Federal rules require airlines to refund canceled or significantly changed flights in cash, automatically. What triggers a refund and when the money is due.
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Recalled Food in Your Fridge: Toss, Return or Refund
A recall notice names your groceries. How to match lot codes, when to return food for a refund, when to throw it out, and how to clean up after.
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No Warranty Card? You Still Have Warranty Rights
Even without a written warranty, implied warranties in every state say products must work. What those unspoken promises cover and how to use them.
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Two-Factor Logins: Which Accounts to Lock Down First
Multifactor authentication blocks hackers even when your password leaks. The federal cyber agency’s advice on which accounts to protect first.
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Fake Check Scams: Deposited Does Not Mean Cleared
Banks must release deposited funds within days, but a forged check can bounce weeks later, and you repay every cent. How the fake check scam works.
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Pet Food Recalls: Where the FDA Posts Them First
The FDA lists every pet food recall on one page and will email you new ones. Here is where to look, how to read lot codes, and how to report a bad batch.
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Canceling a Gym Membership: The Rules on Your Side
The federal click-to-cancel rule was struck down, but gyms still face FTC lawsuits, state health-club laws, and billing rules. How to cancel and make it stick.
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Medicare Card Calls: What Real Reps Never Ask For
Callers claiming Medicare needs to send you a new card are after your Medicare number. What real representatives never ask for, and where to report the call.
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Freezing a Child’s Credit: Why It Matters and How
A child’s clean credit file is a prize for identity thieves. Federal law lets parents freeze a minor’s credit for free at all three bureaus.
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Register Your Appliances: The Recall Notice You Want
Most recalled products never get fixed because companies cannot find their owners. Registering your appliances puts the safety notice in your mailbox.
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Package Never Came? The Refund Rules on Your Side
An online order that never arrives triggers real federal rights: the FTC’s 30-day shipping rule, a seven-day refund clock and card dispute protections.