The Savvy Consumer
Senator tries to close loophole in title-loan law
Ten years ago, Missouri legislators crafted some meaningful consumer protections for title loans, those high-interest financial products of last resort that, if not paid, can lead to borrowers' cars getting repossessed.
Feb 05, 2011 | 12:20 am
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Illinois AG sues duct-cleaning crew for bait-and-switch
Diana Likely hired a duct-cleaning company for its $49.95 special, but she ended up paying more than 80 times that much.
Jan 29, 2011 | 12:10 am
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With few consumer protections, service-contract firms here grew unchecked
When condemning the way extended auto-service contracts are sold over the phone, regulators and consumer advocates often refer to a pattern of deceptive — even fraudulent — business practices.
Jan 22, 2011 | 12:00 am
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AG Koster: State should license service-contract sellers
Missouri legislators should eliminate "a frenzy of telemarketing fraud and deception" by requiring companies selling extended auto-service contracts to be licensed by the state, according to a report released Tuesday by Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster.
Jan 18, 2011 | 4:02 pm
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Beware the 'refund anticipation check'
It's tax-filing season, which means taxpayers nationwide need to beware of the one of the most unnecessary financial products: the refund-anticipation loan.
Jan 15, 2011 | 12:20 am
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Car shoppers should find out about add-on fees before making offer
Jim Goodwin doesn't take car shopping lightly.
Jan 08, 2011 | 12:00 am
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BBB: Area service-contract seller continues bad practices, got 200 complaints last year
According to the BBB, Stop Repair Bills is showing a complaint pattern similar to that of Wentzville-based US Fidelis.
Jan 06, 2011 | 12:00 pm
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Consumer abuses flourish in tough economic times
Reports of scams and swindles usually jump during a crummy economy. Last year in St. Louis seemed to be no exception.
Jan 01, 2011 | 12:20 am
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A good year for BBB, except for 2 lawsuits
This year, the St. Louis Better Business Bureau was honored for its consumer advocacy work with awards from the Missouri attorney general's office and the BBB's national council.
Dec 25, 2010 | 12:15 am
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Koster announces "worst" charities soliciting in Missouri
Charitable consumers should do their homework before making holiday donations to groups that spend excessively on telemarketing and administrative fees, Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster warned today.
Dec 21, 2010 | 2:10 pm
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Tips to avoid having holiday packages stolen off your doorstep
Christmas comes early for thieves who steal packages off doorsteps. In fact, it's already started.
Dec 21, 2010 | 11:43 am
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Beware the consumer pitfalls on used-car lots
Perhaps it's not a big surprise that some used car dealers seem to skirt consumer protection laws and sell vehicles that can't pass inspections or last 30 days on the road.
Dec 18, 2010 | 12:05 am
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Consumer groups praise ban on drop-side cribs
Consumers groups applauded the Consumer Product Safety Commission's vote today to adopt the world's toughest crib-safety standards.
Dec 15, 2010 | 12:21 pm
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Service-contract executives plead guilty to federal felony charges
Florida company used deluged consumers with 'robo-calls' designed to confuse, say federal prosecutors in Metro East area. Savvy Consumer Matthew Hathaway discusses the case.
Dec 13, 2010 | 7:34 pm
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When shopping for gifts, try to ensure happy returns
There's only one thing worse than a present you don't want — an unwanted gift you can't return, Savvy Consumer Matthew Hathaway says.
Dec 11, 2010 | 12:20 am
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Federal prosecutors in Metro East to announce action against service-contract seller
They haven't yet said which company is involved, but allege illegal robo-calling.
Dec 09, 2010 | 11:29 am
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Sports agent Harold Lewis is man who tried to buy Atkinson home anonymously
Judge signs off on deal to sell house that US Fidelis built
Dec 08, 2010 | 3:45 pm
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After being slammed by Consumer Reports, AT&T finds comfort in fewer BBB complaints
It's been a down-and-up week for AT&T Mobility, Savvy Consumer Matthew Hathaway writes.
Dec 07, 2010 | 4:04 pm
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Sold! Atkinson mansion in Lake Saint Louis goes for $4.75 million
No higher bids came in so the massive house will be sold to an anonymous bidder, pending court approval.
Dec 07, 2010 | 12:40 pm
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Atkinson vacation homes could reap $3.1M for US Fidelis creditors
Offers made on resort properties at Lake Tahoe and Lake of the Ozarks.
Dec 06, 2010 | 2:05 pm
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Savvy: Funeral homes remain on hook even when preneed seller goes under
There's often a big problem with prepaid funeral arrangements: When it's time for undertakers to deliver services, the consumer most familiar with the preneed contract isn't in a position to provide much oversight.
Dec 04, 2010 | 12:00 am
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Cory Atkinson's car fleet may be bought by his wife
The vehicles were turned over to US Fidelis to settle a suit accusing Atkinson brothers of plundering the Wentzville firm
Dec 02, 2010 | 11:31 am
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New prepaid debit cards use cartoons to appeal to teen consumers
(UPDATED to include comments from Brian Newberry, president and founder of Plastic Cash International.)
Dec 01, 2010 | 12:59 pm
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Bank kills Kardashian Kard after criticism over high fees
Savvy Consumer Matthew Hathaway says consumers had to pay a minimum of $59.95 just to use pre-paid debit card.
Nov 30, 2010 | 3:35 pm
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Subscription seller will pay Missouri $75K over alleged no-call violations
A Florida magazine-subscription seller will pay $75,000 to settle a suit alleging it violated Missouri telemarketing laws, the office of Attorney General Chris Koster announced today.
Nov 22, 2010 | 1:02 pm
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blog roll
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advocacy group blogs
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complaints sites
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consumer news blogs
- Caveat Emptor
- Consumer Action Line
- Consumer Reports blogs
- Consumer Talk
- ConsumerWorld.org" href= "http://www.mrconsumer.com/">Mr. Consumer
- The Checkout
- The Consumerist
- The Red Tape Chronicles
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government blogs
