ConsumerAffairs.Com Financial News http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news_index/financial.html Personal finance news, scams, lawsuits, prosecutions, company info and warnings from ConsumerAffairs.Com en-us Copyright 2004 ConsumerAffairs.Com info@consumeraffairs.com (Truman Lewis) jhood@consumeraffairs.com (Jim Hood) http://backend.userland.com/rss White House Threatens To Veto Anti-Foreclosure Bill http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/05/foreclosures_bush.html Rescue measure rewards lenders, speculators, Bush argues. Seniors Lose 51% of Buying Power Since 2000 http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/05/seniors_finances.html Cost-of-living adjustments don't keep up with inflation. Fed Chief Seeks Greater Effort To Stem Foreclosures http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/news04/2008/05/foreclosures_bernanke.html Eroding housing market affects overall economy, he warns. Sen. Kerry Seeks Increase In Small Business Loans http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/news04/2008/05/sba_kerry.html Feds need to do more for small businesses, he argues. Wachovia Penalized $144 Million for Telemarketing Abuses http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/04/wachovia_occ.html Telemarketers preyed on thousands of senior citizens. Bank of America Tightens Lending Rules http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/04/boa_lending.html New rules coincide with acquisition of Countrywide Financial. California Foreclosures Surge 327% http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/04/foreclosures_ca.html More than 500 foreclosures filed every day. Credit Card Bill Of Rights Advances In Congress http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/04/maloney_credit3.html House holds hearing on legislation to limit excessive fees. Debt Collectors Go After Expired Verizon Bills http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/04/afni.html Consumers told refusing to pay will hurt their credit rating. Inflation Takes a Breather but Bankruptcies Soar http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/04/inflation_bankruptcy.html Business bankruptcies were up 44% last year, new figures show. IRS Faulted for Lax Identity Theft Protection Efforts http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/04/irs_id_theft.html Taxpayer advocate wants improvement; Agency promises more action. Subprime Borrowers Gouged for Brokered Mortgages http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/04/subprime_borrowers.html Report finds costs of similar loans vary widely. Consumer Debt, Not Housing Bubble, May Be Root Of Economic Woes http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/04/bubble_credit.html Too much revolving debt makes recovery more difficult. Consumers Taking Out Fewer Instant Tax Loans http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/04/irs_ral_data.html But low-income taxpayers still lose hundreds of millions in unnecessary costs. Some Old Debts Never Die http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/03/luebke_baker.html Luebke Baker pursues old magazine subscription debts. Long-Term Mortgage Rates Plummet http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/03/mortgage_rates.html Short-term rates barely changed. Tiny Town Stands Up To Payday Lenders http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/03/payday_kilmarnock.html Town steps in when state legislature feared to tread. Floating Due Date Snags Chase, Citibank Customers http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/03/floating_due_dates.html Banks offer no explanation for the surprise switcheroo. Director Takes Aim at Banks in New Film, 'Overdrawn!' http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/03/overdrawn.html Debit card overdraft charges 'just didn't seem right.' Foreclosure Filings Up 57 Percent In February http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/03/foreclosure_states.html Credit crunch tightens; Highest foreclosure rate in Nevada. Bernanke Urges Banks To Forgive Some Mortgage Debt http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/03/bernanke_mortgages.html Lenders must share the pain, Fed chairman warns. Bankruptcy Filings Soared in February http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/03/bankruptcy_filings.html February filings the highest since new bankruptcy law enacted. Cuomo's Cure for Mortgage Malaise http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/03/ny_mortgages.html Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac play ball with NY's AG. Bank Fees Rise, Disclosure Sinks http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/03/gao_bank_fees.html Even trained investigators have trouble getting accurate fee info. Mortgage Applications Drop 20% in a Week http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/02/mortgage_refis.html Looming rate increases cause concern. FDIC Staffs Up to Handle Bank Failures http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/02/fdic_banks.html Agency trying to rehire retired staff. Prices Surging, Consumer Confidence Plunging http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/02/confidence.html Food, energy prices rising rapidly as economy softens. Survey: Americans Believe Savings Are Adequate http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/02/cfa_savings.html Optimism may be unfounded, experts fear. Senate To Debate Bankruptcy Law Changes http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/02/bankruptcy_senate.html Changes would help homeowners facing foreclosure. January Home Sales Down 23% from Last Year http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/02/home_sales2.html Sales at lowest point in at least nine years. Avoid Tax Rebate Direct Deposit Scam http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/02/tax_rebate_scam.html Callers claim to be with the 'tax refund department'. Conference Board Bullish on Economy http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/02/conference_board.html Little chance of a recession, report argues. Supreme Court Upholds Right To Sue 401(k) Administrators http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/02/scotus_401k.html Unanimous decision defends right of individuals to sue. Retirees May Face Unexpected Lifestyle Changes http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/02/retirement_lifestyle.html Rising cost of health care threatens seniors' financial security. Consumers Lobby Congress to End Credit Card Abuses http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/02/maloney_credit2.html Valentine's Day cards and candy kisses carry the messsage. Home Sales Plummet in 4th Quarter http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/02/home_sales.html Western states see biggest drop, south close behind. Kevin Trudeau Now Offering 'Debt Cures' http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/02/trudeau_debt.html Consumers find it hard to avoid buying more than just the book. Fewer Consumers Getting Mortgages http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/02/mortgage_apps.html Interest rates fall but so does loan activity. Foreclosures Up In Most Urban Metros Last Year http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/02/foreclosures_2007.html Detroit, Stockton, Las Vegas among the hardest hit. Payday Lenders Targeting Seniors http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/02/payday_seniors.html Report finds lenders clustering near senior housing. ACORN, Countrywide Tweak Subprime Relief Plan http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/02/acorn_countrywide.html Plan helps distressed homeowners avoid foreclosure. Foreclosure Prevention Efforts Falling Flat http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/02/foreclosure_states.html Multi-state task force finds little progress to date. House-Swapping Trend Emerges http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/01/house_swapping.html 'I'll buy yours if you'll buy mine.' Fed Cuts Key Interest Rate Again http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/01/fed_rate_cut2.html Second rate cut in as many weeks; Fed hopes to spur spending. Foreclosures Up 75 Percent In 2007 http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/01/foreclosures_2007.html 2.2 million filings reported; Nevada, Florida, California top list. Existing Home Sales, Prices Keep Falling http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/01/home_sales_prices.html Re-Fi's up, but potential buyers staying out of the market. Instant Tax Refund Always Carries a Price http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/01/irs_ral_price.html Nothing free about refund anticipation loans. Fed Rate Cut May Give Consumers Some Breathing Room http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/01/fed_rate_cut.html Fed wants consumers to keep spending, to stave off recession. Mortgage Rates Down for Third Consecutive Week http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/01/mortgage_rates.html Slowing economy pushes interest rates down. Housing Starts Plunge 25 Percent in 2007 http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/01/housing_starts.html December drop was biggest since 1991. Tax Breaks for Family Caregivers http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/01/tax_caregivers.html Elderly parents may qualify as dependents. Consumers May Face Lower Inflation Risk In 2008 http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/01/inflation_forecast.html One bright spot in a dismal economic picture. Credit Card Defaults On The Rise http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/01/credit_card_defaults.html Credit crisis may be spreading. Bank of America Buys Countrywide Financial http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/01/countrywide_slide2.html Deal may help slow the mortgage-default crisis. 2008 Another Year of Record Profits for Insurers http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/01/insurance_profits.html Overpricing policies, underpaying claims pays off big. Recession In 2008? What Does That Mean For Consumers? http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/01/recession.html Slowing economic growth hurts those with high debt, scant savings. FreeCreditReport.com Can Get Expensive http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/01/freecredit.html Opt-out credit reports can run up big bills quickly. Countrywide Reports Ballooning Delinquencies http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/01/countrywide_slide.html Existing home sales drop as housing implosion worsens. Paulson Defends Mortgage Plan http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/01/paulson_mortgages.html Predicts 'slower growth' in markets due to housing turmoil. Food Prices Expected To Surge In 2008 http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/01/food_prices.html Think gas is expensive? Just wait. First National Card: Too Good to be True? http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/01/ccs.html Skipping the fine print can get expensive. IRS May Limit 'Instant Refund' Loans http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/01/irs_ral.html New regulations will also limit sharing of returns with third parties. Consumers Fall Behind In Third-Quarter Loan Payments http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/01/loan_payments.html Higher gas prices, slumping home values blamed. Home Values Plunge At Record Rate http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/12/home_prices2.html Biggest drop since 1991; Miami leads price decreases. Home Values Plunge At Record Rate http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/12/home_prices2.html Biggest drop since 1991; Miami leads price decreases. Credit Card Debt Climbs Worldwide http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/12/credit_card_debt.html Americans falling behind on payments; other nations' debt surging. As Credit Delinquency Rises, So Does Credit Relief Scrutiny http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/12/credit_relief.html States struggling to control credit counselors. TJX Settles with Banks over Data Breach http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/12/tjx_banks.html Nearly 100 million consumers may have been affected. Foreclosures Up 68 Percent In November http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/12/foreclosures_nov.html Another surge in defaults expected early next year. Nevada Leads In Foreclosures – and Rescue Scams http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/12/foreclosures_nevada.html Beware of strangers offering help with mortgage lenders. Fed Endorses Lending Protections http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/12/fed_lending.html New rules include better disclosures, income verification. Student Loan Company Agrees to End Kickbacks to Schools http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/12/ny_student_loans.html New code of conduct bars false, misleading marketing. Connecticut Derails Title Insurance Kickback Scheme http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/12/ct_title_insurance.html Companies agree to pay $700,000, customers to be reimbursed. Payday Lenders Trumpet False Claims, Critics Charge http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/12/payday_report.html Lenders claim working families worse off in states that ban payday loans. Report: Some Home Prices Could Fall 30 Percent http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/12/home_prices.html Prices likely to sink through at least 2009, Moody's warns. Delinquencies and Foreclosures Continue to Rise http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/12/foreclosure_rate.html More homeowners falling behind on their mortgage payments. Bush, Paulson Unveil Mortgage Rescue Plan http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/12/bubble_bailout.html Qualified borrowers could get five-year rate freeze. Congress Calls Out Credit Card Companies http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/12/congress_credit_cards.html Rate increases, universal default decried; legislation threatened. National Home Values Fall in Third Quarter http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/12/home_values.html Largest quarterly drop in 25 years; West Coast hardest hit. Feds Propose New Rules for Credit Bureaus http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/12/credit_reports.html Rules proposed for disputing bad information directly with lenders. Social Security Errors Common http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/11/ss_checkup.html Consumers should carefully review their annual statements. Dodd Announces Bankruptcy Reform Legislation http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/11/dodd_bankruptcy.html Bill would undo 2005 industry-sponsored changes. Mayors Warn Homes Could Lose $1.2 Trillion In Value http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/11/foreclosures_mayors.html Subprime meltdown has 'massive' effect on metro areas. Keeping Santa Solvent http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/11/holiday_shopping.html Tips to help you survive the holiday shopping season with finances intact. Gift Cards Include Hidden Costs http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/11/holiday_gift_cards.html Report picks best & worst of this year's batch. Chase to Stop Raising Interest Rates Based On Credit Reports http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/11/chase_rates.html 'Clear and simple' program debuts next year. Housing Woes Bring More Doom, Gloom http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/11/subprime_gloom.html Stocks tank after negative business, homebuilder assessments. Subprime Foreclosures Causing Ripple Effects http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/11/subprime_ripples.html Report finds major impacts on property values, tax revenues. College Students Warned Against Credit Card Trap http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/11/ia_credit_cards.html Cards promoted heavily to students but hazards outweigh benefits. Wells Fargo CEO Invokes Specter Of Great Depression http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/11/wf_ceo.html Many more foreclosures lie ahead as higher interest rates kick in. Consumer, Poverty Groups Oppose Predatory Mortgage Bill http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/11/pubcit_mortgage_bill.html Measure leaves homeowners worse off, they charge. Canadians Crushed By Credit Card Debt http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/11/canada_debt.html Loonie soars but so does unsecured debt. Foreclosures Spike in More Metro Areas http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/11/foreclosure_rates.html Stockton, Detroit, Riverside have highest foreclosure rates. Mortgage Crisis Deepens At Countrywide, E-Trade http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/11/countrywide_etrade.html Analysts warn E-Trade may not survive the subprime meltdown. Tweaking Bankruptcy Law Could Reduce Foreclosures http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/11/foreclosure_bankruptcy.html Homeowners missing protection now afforded boat owners. High-Fee, Low-Credit Charge Cards Prey Upon the Poor http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/11/predatory_card.html Feds override state consumer protection laws. House Committee Passes Mortgage Reform Bill http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/11/congress_mortgages.html Bill aims to save homeowners from foreclosure. Debt Collector Pays $1.3 Million to Settle FTC Charges http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/11/ftc_ltd.html LTD Financial Services abused, misled consumers. Maryland Shutters 'Investment Firm' Amid Fraud Charges http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/11/md_ponzi.html Victims lost more than $50 million in Ponzi scheme. New York Sues WaMu and its Appraisers http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/11/ny_wamu.html Companies conspired to inflate appraisals, suit charges. Consumer Energy Costs Skyrocketing http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/11/cfa_energy.html Poll shows strong support for Congressional action. Fed Votes To Cut Interest Rates Again http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/10/fed_cut.html Housing slump blamed for slow economic growth. Home Prices Sink Deeper http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/10/home_prices_august.html Twenty areas report lowest annual returns ever. Money Market Funds: No-Brainer, or No Brains? http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/10/safe_savings.html Be careful! Not all funds are insured. Existing Home Sales Crater In September http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/10/home_sales_september.html Sales plunged 8 percent as subprime meltdown worsened. Bill in Congress Takes Aim at Lenders http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/10/house_mortgages.html Barney Frank's bill would allow embattled homeowners to sue their mortgage lenders. Countrywide Tries to Stem Foreclosures http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/10/countrywide_mortgages.html Lender throws lifeline to homeowners facing rate boosts. New Hampshire Charges Ameriprise with Fraud http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/10/nh_ameriprise.html Company faces penalties, restitution of $10 million. Feds Gloomy as Mortgage Meltdown Continues http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/10/fed.html Big banks organize effort to contain the damage. September Foreclosures Double Year-Ago Levels http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/10/foreclosure_stats.html Defaults driven by higher payments on adjustable-rate loans. Connecticut Files Antitrust Suit Against Reinsurance Broker http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/10/ct_carpenter.html Illegal actions inflated consumers' premiums by 40%, state charges. Experian To Offer Credit Freezes To Consumers http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/10/experian_freezes.html It trails Trans Union; Cost is $10 to lock and unlock. Mortgage Rates Ease Slightly, Market Turmoil Continues http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/10/mortgage_rates.html New and existing home sales remain at near-record lows. What You Should Know Before Refinancing http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/10/refinancing.html Sometimes a lower mortgage payment carries a big price tag. Searching For Foreclosure Bargains Can Be Costly http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/10/foreclosure_bargains.html Web sites automatically renewed 'free' subscriptions, Maryland charges. FDIC Closes NetBank, ING Assumes Deposits http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/09/netbank.html Competition, mortgage slowdown, delinquent loans blamed. Home Prices Plunge In First Seven Months Of 2007 http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/09/home_prices.html Fall-off in prices is the greatest since 1991. Economists Warn Debt Crisis Could Hammer Consumers http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/09/debt_consumers.html Shockwaves could spread from Wall Street to Main Street. Consumers in trouble should contact lenders before missing any payments. http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/09/foreclosure_avoid.html Foreclosure Not Inevitable but Fast Action Needed Scammer Claims To Be 'Verified By Visa' http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/09/visa_scam.html Phishing emails try to trick consumers into revealing passwords. Credit Card Theft Takes Many Forms http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/09/credit_card_theft.html Merchants often the big losers; consumer vigilance essential. Congress May Help Homeowners In Trouble http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/09/congress_mortgages.html Bills would raise limits on federal loans for homebuyers. August Foreclosures Up 115% Over Last Year http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/09/foreclosures_august.html Nevada, California, Florida the Foreclosure Big 3 Bank of America Takes Bigger Bite with $3 ATM Fee http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/09/atm_fees.html How can you avoid lining the pockets of big banks? Illinois Uses New Law to Sue Mortgage Rescue Company http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/09/il_mortgage_rescue.html First case under the state's new Mortgage Rescue Fraud Act. FTC Warns Many Mortgage Ads Are Deceptive http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/09/ftc_mortgages.html Claims about 'incredibly low rates and payments' are often false. Pending Home Sales Index Tumbles http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/09/pending_home_sales.html As mortgage market tightens, index of pending sales 16% below a year ago. Foreclosures Continue at Record Levels http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/09/foreclosure_rate.html One of every seven subprime borrowers is delinquent, report finds. Dodd Offers Legislation To Stop Predatory Lending http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/09/dodd_predatory.html Bill would tighten subprime lending guidelines, stop unscrupulous practices. Connecticut Sues Brokers, Realtors in Alleged Subprime Scam http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/09/ct_brokers.html 'Vast predatory lending scheme' targeted low-income homebuyers. Feds Urge Lenders To Help Stave Off Foreclosures http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/09/feds_foreclosures.html Interagency statement recommends "mitigation strategies" to avoid default. Bush, Bernanke Pledge To Stabilize Mortgage Meltdown http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/08/bush_bubble.html But no bail-outs for speculators; higher FHA limits possible. Nationwide Cancels 39,000 More Homeowner Policies http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/08/nationwide.html Insurers dumping policies in hurricane zones. Census Report Shows Increase In Uninsured http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/08/census_health.html Americans earning more but fewer have health insurance. Home Prices Drop Sharply; Unsold Homes Increase http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/08/home_sales02.html Prices hit 20-year low; inventory grows to nine months. Credit Crunch 'Bigger Threat Than Terrorism' http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/08/credit_terrorism.html Survey of economists finds rising fear of credit market collapse. Consumer Confidence At Lowest Point Since Katrina http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/08/confidence.html Stock market blues, eroding home values dampen consumers' optimism. Existing Home Sales Dip for Fifth Month http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/08/home_sales_ex.html Sales off in July, with biggest decline in the Midwest. Data Breaches Endanger NY, CA Retirees http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/08/breaches_retirees.html Consultant's bungling, printer's errors put retirees at risk. Foreclosures Surge 93 Percent In One Year http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/08/foreclosures_soar.html One foreclosure for every 693 households last month. New Jersey Man Cited For Exploiting Foreclosure Victims http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/08/nj_foreclosure.html Scam allegedly targeted consumers who had just lost their homes. Capital One Shuts Down Mortgage Unit, Will Cut 1,900 Jobs http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/08/capone_greenpoint.html Mortgage meltdown claims another victim. The Fed's Next Move: A Wall Street Bailout? http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/08/fed_rate.html Lending meltdown may force Fed to cut interest rates. Home Sales Take Another Hit http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/08/home_sales.html Sales, prices sink but some markets may have bottomed out. Fed Leaves Key Interest Rate Unchanged http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/08/fed_inflation.html Cites inflation fears amid arising volatility. Consumers Want Allstate Records Kept Public http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/08/allstate_katrina.html Insurer asks court to seal records relating to its Hurricane Katrina claims. Research Firm Rates Credit Cards On Security http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/08/credit_card_safety.html Which card is safest? Report says no card is yet as safe as it should be. Nelnet Agrees to End Payoffs to Alumni Associations http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/ny_nelnet.html Student loan consolidator reaches $2 million settlement with New York. Foreclosures Up 55% This Year http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/foreclosure_rate.html Nevada, Colorado, California have the highest rates, as fall-out from subprime implosion continues. Virginia Sues Financing Alternatives http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/va_financing.html Company allegedly took consumers' money but did not deliver the computers they ordered. Home Sales Slump Points To Bigger Market Troubles http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/home_sales_slump.html Dow Jones average falls 400 points as markets get jittery about widening problems. Consumers Dispute FTC Report on Insurance Credit Scoring http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/insurance_credit.html Use of credit scores to fix insurance premiums discriminates against minorities, consumer groups argue. The Hartford Settles Illegal Trading Charges http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/ct_hartford.html Company will pay $115 million to settle allegations by Connecticut, Illinois and New York that it faked bids and allowed illegal trading in some mutual funds. House Studies Credit Card Fees http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/house_interchange.html Retailers blame 'interchange fees' for high prices. Two Bear Stearns Hedge Funds Go Broke http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/bear_stearns.html Funds were heavily invested in subprime mortgages. Two Bear Stearns Hedge Funds Go Broke http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/bear_stearns.html Funds were heavily invested in subprime mortgages. Bernanke: Housing Slump, Subprime Collapse Will Slow Growth http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/bernanke_subprime.html New home construction likely to fall ever further, inflation a continuing concern. Iowa Probes Long-Term Care Insurance http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/ia_ltc.html Consumers complain of unexpected increases in premiums, denied benefits. Lower Insurance Rates for Some OnStar Customers http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/onstar_insure.html Onstar checks up on drivers' mileage claims. UBS Pays $23 Million to Settle NY Charges It Misled Clients http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/ny_ubs.html State charged UBS inappropriately steered customers into the fee-based accounts of its InsightOne brokerage program. North Carolina Shutters “We Buy Homes” Scheme http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/nc_home_scam.html Supposed foreclosure "solution" actually made things worse, state charges. Ameriquest to Pay $325 Million to Homeowners http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/ameriquest_states.html Company settles predatory lending charges filed by states. Consumers Bilked of $17.5 Billion in Overdraft Loans http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/crl_overdraft.html Fees often amount to more than the actual loans, report finds. Data Theft Leads To Breach of 2.3 Million Records http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/fidelity_breach.html Fidelity National employee allegedly stole and resold data on 2.3 million customers. NY Court Rules in Favor of Disabled Policyholders http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/ny_metlife.html Court rules insurers can't preclude existing conditions in long-term disability claims. Wedding Bill Blues http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/wedded_debt.html Newlyweds wind up wedded to debt after extravagant ceremonies. Fed Scraps Debit Card Receipts for Small Purchases http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/06/debit_receipts.html Receipts not required for purchases under $15, Fed decrees. Fed Issues Stricter Guidance For Subprime Lenders http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/06/fed_subprime.html Regulators want tougher terms under which borrowers can be offered "creative" mortgage products. ATM Firm Agrees To Improve Access For Blind Users http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/06/ma_blind_atm.html Cardtronics settlees Massachusetts suit, agrees to upgrade its machines. GAO: Feds Still Not Doing Enough To Protect Social Security Numbers http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/06/gao_ssn.html Americans still vulnerable to identity theft, report finds. May Home Sales Take A Dive http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/06/home_sales_may.html Sales of existing homes dropped to their lowest level in nearly four years. Supreme Court Deals Investors Another Setback http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/06/scotus_investors2.html Court overturns ruling that allowed a fraud suit to proceed against Tellabs, Inc. Cuomo Corrals More Student Lenders http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/06/ny_student_lenders.html All six of the nation's largest student loan funders have agreed to New York's Code of Conduct. Wal-Mart Plans Its Own Debit Card http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/06/walmart_bank.html Blocked from opening its own bank, retail giant turns to prepaid cash cards. Congress Probes Delays in Enforcing Credit Report Law http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/06/congress_credit.html Too many agencies involved, witnesses argue. Bankruptcy's Early Warning Signs http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/06/bankruptcy_warning.html Bankruptcies on the rise once again. Supreme Court Rejects Investor Claims http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/06/scotus_investors.html Plaintiffs claimed Wall Street investment banks conspired to pump up IPO prices. Study Finds Investors Fare Poorly in Securities Arbitration http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/06/securities_arbitration.html Individual investors winning fewer claims, recovering less money. Pentagon's Predatory Lending Rules Faulted http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/06/pentagon_predatory.html Rules leave military families unprotected, consumer groups argue. Credit Counseling Not Helpful in Bankruptcy http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/06/bankruptcy_counseling.html Study finds little benefit from counseling required by 2005 bankruptcy law. Johns Hopkins Settles Student Loan Probe http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/06/ny_johns_hopkins.html University will pay $1 million and adopt new code of conduct for student loans. Foreclosures Surge 90% In May http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/06/foreclosures.html California, Nevada, Colorado, among the hardest-hit states. Consumer Groups Decry Debt Collection Horror Stories http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/06/debt_horror.html Thirty years after passage of Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, abuses remain. For Rent: Your Credit Score http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/06/credit_score.html Loophole in FICO enrages lenders, competitors lick their chops. ChoicePoint Settles With Attorneys General Over Data Breach http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/05/choicepoint_ags.html Data broker says it has become a "model citizen." Home Prices Fall Again, Sabotaging Recovery Hopes http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/05/home_prices_decline.html Prices may not return to previous levels til 2011, analyst warns. U.S. Men Falling Behind Their Fathers in Earning Power http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/05/men_income.html Study finds rising tide no longer lifting all boats. Fed Proposes Tighter Controls On Credit Card Rates http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/05/fed_credit_cards.html Congress also studying bills to curb abusive practices. Senate Bill Would Curb Abusive Credit Card Practices http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/05/credit_cards_senate.html Measure takes aim at sky-high interest rates, tricky fees, hidden charges. YouTube Video Purports To Show Discarded Bank Documents http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/05/chase_youtube.html Video was reportedly produced by Service Employees International Union. Massachusetts Warns Against Rising Mortgage Fraud http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/ma_mortgage_fraud.html Attorney general urges legislature to tighten regulations, require licensing of all loan originators. Predatory Lending Bill Back in Congress http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/congress_predatory.html Ohio's Stephanie Tubbs Jones reintroduces the previously-axed Predatory Lending Practice Reduction Act. Groups Seek To Roll Back Foreclosures http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/foreclosures_acorn.html ACORN wants moratorium on foreclosures and tougher laws against predatory lending. Subprime Auto Loans Hit $50 Billion in 2006 http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/jdpower_subprime_auto.html Wall Street worried car loans will wind up like subprime home mortgages. Buying a Home in Foreclosure: What You Need to Know http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/buying_foreclosure.html With foreclosures climbing, there is opportunity as well as tragedy. Seniors Bear Brunt Of Predatory Lending http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/seniors_predatory.html Seniors losing their homes to predatory refinance scams. H&R Block Sells Subprime Mortgage Unit http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/block_option_one.html Option One sold to hedge fund giant Cerberus. New York Sues Drexel Over Student Loans http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/ny_drexel.html California demands answers from Education Finance Partners, Student Loan Xpress. U.S. Foreclosure Rate Surges 47 Percent http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/foreclosures_us.html Banks started 149,000 foreclosures in March, the highest number on record. TurboTax Suffers Meltdown, IRS Extends Deadline http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/turbotax.html Server problems cause dismay for last-minute filers. Pennsylvania Class Action Challenges Payday Lender http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/pa_payday.html Suit seeks millions in restitution from Utah company operating in Pennsylvania. Bankruptcy Laws Contributing to Foreclosure Epidemic http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/bankruptcy_foreclosures.html Consumer groups press Congress to amend bankruptcy code to protect families' primary residence. Sallie Mae Settles Student Lending Probe http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/ny_sallie_mae.html Agrees to pay $2 million and adopt a new code of conduct to settle New York investigation. Financial Aid Probe Focuses On Johns Hopkins Official http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/jhu_student_aid.html New York attorney general probing allegations of kickbacks to college officials by lending companies. Civil Rights Groups Want Foreclosure Moratorium http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/subprime_foreclosures.html "Payment shock" decimating black, Latino neighborhoods, groups assert. Congress: Wall Street to Blame For Predatory Lending http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/subprime_congress.html Bipartisan duo considers legislation to make mortgage bond holders share the pain. Subprime Loans Led To Decreased Homeownership http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/subprime_bust.html Study finds no net increase in home ownership despite lending bonanza. Feds Sue Jackson Hewitt, Claiming "Pervasive" Tax Fraud http://www.consumeraffairs.com/04/irs_jackson_hewitt.html Preparers claimed bogus deductions, took kickbacks from clients, government charges. Subprime Woes Contribute To Dip In Pending Home Sales http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/pending_home_sales.html Wall Street finds news not as bad as expected. Downsize to Survive http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/downsize_to_survive.html In a financial bind? Take a cue from big business: Cut your costs now, before it's too late. Colleges Agree to Clean Up Student Lending Practices http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/ny_student_finance.html Under pressure from New York Attorney General Cuomo, schools pledge reimbursements, Citibank funds education effort. New Century Lending Files for Bankruptcy http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/new_century_bankrupt.html Large subprime lender's collapse may be the tip of the iceberg. GAO: IRS Still Not Doing Enough to Secure Data http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/gao_irs.html Agency needs to do more to safeguard taxpayers' personal data, government report finds. Senate Bill Would Regulate Mortgage Brokers http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/03/senate_mortgage_brokers.html Illinois schedules statewide "summits" to fight foreclosure crisis. TJX Data Breach Called "Biggest Ever" http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/03/tjx_biggest_ever.html Company says 46 million customers' data exposed to identity thieves. FTC Stops 'Reduce Debt Now' Scheme http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/03/ftc_debt_reduction.html Venture led consumers even more deeply into debt. New York Sues Student Loan Lender http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/03/ny_efp.html Education Finance Partners used kickbacks to entice major universities to steer students its way, state charges. Data From T.J. Maxx Breach Connected To Florida Fraud http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/03/tjx_florida.html Personal info from TJX data breach was used to make $8 million in purchases from Wal-Mart stores in Florida. Credit Card Climate Change May Come Too Late http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/03/credit_card_debt.html Time to get control of what you owe. FHA Loan Makes Comeback as Sub-Primes Sink http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/03/fha_loans.html Congress may make adjustments to federally-insured loan program to bring it up to date. NY's Cuomo Blasts "Unholy Alliance" of Colleges, Lenders http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/03/ny_student_loans.html Nationwide probe shows conflicts of interest in student financial aid programs. Wal-Mart Gives Up Bank Plans http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/03/walmart_bank.html Pressure from Congress, consumers was creating a distraction, giant retailer says. Ohio Moves to Shut Down New Century Financial http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/03/oh_new_century.html Attorney general vows to hold the company "accountable for ... its misdeeds." Congressman Challenges Wal-Mart Banking Plans http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/03/walmart_congress.html Says retail giant is moving ahead despite freeze by FDIC and objections of consumer groups.