ConsumerAffairs.Com Scam Alerts http://www.consumeraffairs.com/scam_alerts/scam_alerts.htm New scams, alerts, 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 Texas Charges Nexusmedia Deceived Web Users http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/news04/2008/05/tx_nexus.html Screensaver software was bundled with spyware, state charges. Despite Warnings, More Consumers Fall Victim to Cyber Scams http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/05/scam_sweeps.html Law enforcement barely makes a dent in crooks' efforts. Bogus 'Veterans Retreat' Appeal Canned http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/04/veterans_retreat.html Missouri sues California man promoting phony charities. Texas Stops Driver's License Scam Targeting Undocumented Workers http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/04/tx_undocumented.html Texas company sells worthless 'licenses' for $225. Mystery Shoppers Find Deceit, Incompetence Among Tax Preparers http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/04/irs_ral.html IRS urged to bar sale of refund anticipation loans. 419 Scams Never Go Away http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/04/nigeria_419.html Like cicadas, they come and go with the seasons. Midwest Storm Victims May be Victimized Again http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/03/storm_chasers.html 'Storm chasers' perform shoddy repair work, then skip town. Virginia Goes After Financing Alternatives Founder's Assets http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/03/fai2.html $7 million in consumer layaway payments may be missing. California Shuts Down Mortgage Scam Artists http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/03/ca_mortgage_scam.html 'Utterly brazen' tactics used to fleece homeowners, state charges. Feds Settle with BSG/ZPDI/Billing Concepts http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/03/ftc_bsg.html FTC trying to rein in massive 'cramming' operations. Phishing Scammers Turn To Text Messages http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/03/texting_scams.html Same scam, different medium. 'Girls Gone Wild' Producer Finishes Jail Term http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/03/ggw_free.html Joe Francis gets sprung just in time for Spring Break. Look Out for Prison Phone Scam http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/03/prison_scam.html Inmates use idle time to dial for dollars. Virginia Tightens Screws on Financing Alternatives Founder http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/03/fai.html State seeks to hold George Christian personally liable for consumers' losses. Consumers Say Medical 'Benefit' Pitch Misleading http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/03/consumer_health_benefits.html Discount plan is not insurance but confusion is common. WV Turns Up the Heat on Frozen Meat Company http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/03/wv_mr_meat.html Mr. Meats banned from doing business in the state. Hit-Man Scam: Your Money or Your Life http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/02/hit_man.html A virtual stick-up rattles recipients. Blue Hippo Pays $5 Million To Settle FTC Charges http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/02/ftc_blue_hippo.html Consumers complain computer layaway purchases went awry. 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'. Kevin Trudeau's 'Natural Cures' Agrees to Missouri Refunds http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/02/mo_trudeau.html Consumers complained they were billed for newsletters they didn't order. Scammer Targets Our Scam Reporter http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/02/boat_scam.html Money Transfer Scam doesn't float Mark's boat. Colorado Sues For-Profit 'Legal Aid' Firm http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/02/legal_aid.html Consumers thought they were getting competent legal help. Identity Theft Tops FTC Complaint List Again http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/02/id_theft.html Consumers report more than $1 billion in fraud losses. Debt Reduction Companies Settle with Feds http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/02/ftc_debt.html Companies falsely claimed they could reduce consumers' debt. 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. Ohio Shuts Down Charity Bingo Game http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/02/oh_bingo.html Trustees accused of stealing bingo proceeds. Feds Sue Weight-Loss Pill Pushers http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/02/ftc_zyladex.html 'No dieting, no exercise' claims challenged. Caution: Scam Warning Is A Scam http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/02/bank_scam.html 'Warning' asks bank customers to call a toll-free number. Regulators Warn of Securities Scams http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/01/securities_scams.html Stock market slide creates opportunity for con artists. Susquehanna Bank Cautions Against Suspicious Emails http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/01/susquehanna.html Bank is latest to be hit by phishing scams. Missouri Hits Debt Solutions for $152,000 http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/01/mo_debt_solutions.html Company agrees to honor state's Do Not Call law. New Jersey Seizes Wedding Photographer's Assets http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/01/nj_celebration.html Celebration Studios went out of business without delivering photos. Super Bowl Ticket Scams Flourish http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/01/super_bowl.html Scalping, online scams, bogus packages plague fans. Scam Artists Jump on Tax Rebate Plan http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/01/tax_rebate_scam.html Need Social Security number to issue check, callers tell victims. Watch Out for 'Free Offers' http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/01/free_offers.html Very few things are free, Iowa AG warns. EdebitPay Agrees to $2.2 Million Settlement http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/01/ftc_debit.html Unauthorized debits, deceptive marketing at issue. Seniors Should be Wary of Reverse Mortgage Scams http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/01/fl_reverse_mortgage.html Scams involving reverse mortgages becoming common. Florida Sues Two Website Marketers http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/01/fl_web_biz.html 'Business opportunities' promises were deceptive, suit charges. Social Security Scam Targets Seniors http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/01/ss_scam.html Callers try to get account numbers. 'Slim Coffee' Promoters Settle False Advertising Charges http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/01/ftc_hoodia_coffee.html Weight-loss claims bogus, feds charged. Appeals Court Upholds Q-Ray Verdict http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/01/qray.html Judge: Arthritis-cure claims were 'blather ... bunk.' First National Card: Too Good to be True? http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/01/ccs.html Skipping the fine print can get expensive. Hackers Lurk In Many Holiday Emails http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/12/holiday_email.html Your computer could take up a life of crime. California Shuts Down Annuity Sales Scam http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/12/ca_annuity_scam.html Salesmen posed as lawyers, preyed on vulnerable seniors. Children Becoming Prime Identity Theft Targets http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/12/id_theft_kids.html Victims are often under six years old. Texas Reins in Santa.com http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/12/tx_santa.html Site agrees to protect children's privacy. Video Professor Drops Subpoena, Goes After Wikipedia Users http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/12/video_prof03.html Comcast protects its customers, Wikipedia surrenders. Car Warranty Scams Target Seniors http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/12/warranty_scams.html High-pressure tactics used to sign up unwary seniors. 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. A Bleak Holiday for Computer Layaway Victims http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/12/fai.html Restitution for Financing Alternatives victims is in doubt. Top Ten Scams of 2007 http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/12/top_ten_scams.html Old reliables and nervy newcomers fleece rich and poor alike. Hannah Montana Fans Skip the Scalpers http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/12/hannah.html Same-day tickets save the day for Kansas City fans. Indiana Sues Timeshare Marketers http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/12/in_timeshares.html Promoters allegedly failed to honor refunds, award prizes, deliver the goods. Latest Scam: Spoofed Credit Union E-Mails http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/12/credit_union_spoof.html Brazen new scheme takes 'phishing' one step further. TJX Settles Visa Suit over Data Breach http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/11/tjx_visa.html Nearly 100 million consumers may have been affected. 'Free Gifts' Weren't Free; Spammer Pays the Price http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/11/ftc_adteractive.html Adteractive lured consumers with phony offers, feds charge. FTC Finds 8 Million Identity Theft Cases http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/11/ftc_idtheft.html Costs, types of fraud vary widely. Canadian Lottery Scam Resurfaces http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/11/canadian_lottery.html Victims get phony check, lose real money. Scam Targets Elderly Seeking Tax Help http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/11/irs_scam.html Victims lose money and risk identity theft. Virginia Seeks Victims Of Computer Layaway Scam http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/11/va_financing.html State hopes to get restitution for Financing Alternatives customers. Charities Get Less from Phone Solicitors http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/11/ct_solicitors.html Solicitors keep two-thirds, study finds. Online Jobseeker Ensnared In Scam http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/11/cb_scam.html Careerbuilder listing leads to arrest and felony charges. Texas Sues Yellow Pages Directories http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/11/tx_yellow_pages.html Charges Ad Telamerica defrauds small businesses, charities nationwide. 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. California Gears Up For Fire Scammers http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/10/ca_fires2.html Stings set up to nab crooked contractors, phony charities, other scam artists. Email Scam Spoofs FTC http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/10/ftc_spoof.html Bogus email claims to be from FTC's 'Fraud Department.' Weight-Loss Schemes Top Feds' Scam List http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/10/ftc_scams.html 30 million U.S. fraud complaints last year. New Jersey Wants Banks to Help Fight Phishing Scams http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/10/nj_phishing.html Sexual predators not the only menace lurking on the Web. Study Draws New Conclusions About Identity Thieves http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/10/id_theft_study.html Strangers are most common victims; women often the offenders. Travel Scam Hits Southern Arizona http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/10/az_travel_scam.html Scammers sell card that supposedly reaps big travel benefits. Feds Squash Hoodia, Human Growth Hormone Scams http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/10/ftc_hoodia.html International scammers charged with peddling worthless potions. Feds Shut Down Business Card 'Opportunity' http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/10/ftc_bizopp.html Promoters settle charges they swindled consumers. Utility Bill Refund Email is a Scam http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/10/energy_scam.html Beware of email offering $480 home heating refund. FixWinReg Settles Washington Spyware Charges http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/10/wa_spyware.html Company sent bogus 'security alerts' to computer users. Consumers Continue To Fall For Phony Lottery Scam http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/10/lottery_scams.html Foreign scammers find U.S. consumers easy prey. Feds Sue Trudeau Marketers http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/10/ftc_trudeau.html Weight-loss book is misrepresented in infomercials, FTC charges. Missouri Sues Hannah Montana Scalpers http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/10/mo_scalpers.html Parents complained $26 tickets were going for $254. Postal Inspectors Seize Billions in Fake Checks http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/10/postal_scams.html International scams increasingly target U.S. citizens. Feds Shut Down Media Motor Spyware Scam http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/10/media_motor.html More than 15 million computers infected. 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. Working at Home: An Impossible Dream? http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/09/work_at_home.html Work-at-home jobs exist but finding them's not easy. 'Job Offer' Is Nothing But Phony Check Scam http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/09/job_offer.html A chance to help the world's orphans? Don't bet on it. Arkansas AG Probes Concert Ticket Scalping http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/09/ar_ticketmaster.html Do scalpers get first call on tickets? 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. Kentucky Targets Bogus Business Opportunities http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/09/ky_biz.html Consumers often duped by get-rich-quick schemes. Feds Sue Infomercial Maestro Kevin Trudeau Again http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/09/ftc_trudeau.html 'Natural Cures' weight-loss book misleads consumers, agency charges. Movieland Defendants Settle FTC Charges http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/09/ftc_movieland.html Pop-ups sought payment, claiming consumers had used up their 'free trial' 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. Phishing Scam Targets Xbox Live Users http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/09/xbox_scam.html Email claims to be about changes in the target's account. Scam Probe Uncovers 'Startling' Evidence In Nigeria http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/09/nigeria.html Investigators recover more than 15,000 counterfeit checks. eBay Ignores Scam Victim http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/08/ebay_skis.html Arkansas Attorney General intervenes, prevents loss of $9,500. Craftmatic Settles Florida Charges http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/08/fl_craftmatic.html Agrees to reform sales practices, pay restitution to consumers. Seniors Targeted by Bogus 'Census' http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/08/census_scam.html Mailer asks for information ... and credit card numbers. Florida Lottery Warns of Bogus Check Scam http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/08/fl_lottery_scam.html 'Winners' are asked to wire money to cover 'fees'. 866 Calls Pushing Phony Health Insurance http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/08/866_scam.html Caller claims to offer Medicare Plus plans. Online Job Postings May Lead To Phone Scam http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/08/monster_scams.html Job-seekers need to be careful when listing contact info. Scammer Pretends To Be Oklahoma Attorney General http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/08/okag_scam.html 'Just calling to confirm your lottery winnings,' scammer claims. Feds Freeze Negative Option Telemarketer's Operations http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/ftc_suntasia.html Suntasia lured consumers into "free" buyers and travel clubs. Lottery Scam Uses Fake State Checks http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/state_lottery_scam.html Recipients are told they have won a state lottery but states warn the letters are fraudulent. Oregon Sues LA Weight Loss http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/or_la_weight.html Suit charges company makes "false and misleading" repesentations about its program. Consumers Warned about Foreign Timeshares http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/fl_timeshares.html Exaggerated claims, shady business practices can make a deal go sour. Missouri Launches 'Know MO' Web Site http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/mo_knowmo.html Consumers can get info on local businesses. 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. Skepticism The Key To Avoiding Locksmith Scam http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/locksmith_scam.html Rip-off artists posing as reputable locksmiths victimize consumers coast-to-coast. No 'Free' Lunch on Credit Report Sites http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/credit_reports.html 'Free' credit report sites charge consumers for services they don't need, while luring them away from free reports required by law, study finds. Virus Lurks In Bogus E-Card Greeting http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/ecard.html It looks innocent enough but phony ecard can mean big trouble for the unwary. Inside The Mind Of A Spam Scammer http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/06/spam_scammers.html Study examines the surprising success of spam scams. Embarq Agreement Protects Florida Consumers from Cramming http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/06/fl_embarq.html Local telephone company agrees to crack down on crammers. Sweepstakes Scam Uses Phony Insurance Checks http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/06/nh_sweepstakes.html Consumers pay 'processing fee' to cash counterfeit check. Beware of Email from the FTC http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/06/ftc_email.html Scammers send spyware attached to bogus FTC email. Consumers Find It Hard To Leave Columbia House http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/06/columbia_house.html Consumers complain about billing discrepancies, difficulty canceling, bogus subscriptions. Fake Check Scam Targets Thrifty Nickel Advertisers http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/06/thrifty_nickel.html Canadian buyer offers cashier's check and asks for "change." Texas Sues NorVergence Debt Collector http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/06/tx_norvergence.html Company tries to collect debts for bankrupt telecommunications swindler, state charges. Vacation Scams Spike In Summer http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/06/vacation_scams.html Unofficial start of summer marks travel scam kick-off. Feds Close Greeting Card Scheme http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/06/ftc_greetings.html Company misrepresented the potential earnings that consumers could make, FTC charged. IRS Warns Of Virus Email Scam http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/05/irs_phishing.html Nasty collection warning is even nastier than it looks. New Scam Targets Military Spouses http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/05/military_spouse_scam.html Caller claims to be from the Red Cross, tries to get personal information. African Puppy Scam Bites Victims http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/05/puppy_scam.html Gullible consumers bite on 'stranded puppy' bait. Feds Shut Down 'Asset Protection' Scam http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/05/ftc_asset_protection.html Scam artist promised consumers could earn a 'six-figure income.' Only one did. Tech School Swindled Students, California Charges http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/05/ca_tech_school.html State charges MicroSkills, took students' money but didn't deliver. 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. Feds Slam InPhonic/WireFly, Soyo for Deceptive Rebate Practices http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/ftc_rebates.html Companies ordered to reimburse consumers for overdue rebates. 419 Scammer Claims To Be U.S. Soldier http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/419_soldier.html He's trying to smuggle Saddam Hussein's fortune out of Iraq. So he says. Minnesota Sues Another Annuity Insurer http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/mn_annuity_suit.html American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company accused of permitting agents to sell inappropriate annuities to seniors. New York Settles First Security Breach Case http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/ny_disclosure.html Company took months to tell 450,000 New Yorkers it had lost their data. California Prepaid Funeral Scam Targets Seniors http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/ca_funerals.html Southern California funeral home operator sold "pre-need" plans but allegedly pocketed the money. Michigan Alleges $70 Million Missing from Cemetery Funds http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/mi_funeral_homes.html Oklahoma man charged with embezzlement and racketeering in alleged looting of Detroit-area cemeteries. Seniors Bear Brunt Of Predatory Lending http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/seniors_predatory.html Seniors losing their homes to predatory refinance scams. eBay Scams Remain A Menace http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/ebay_scams.html "Bots" create positive reviews for bogus sellers. Survey Scam Uses Wal-Mart Logo http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/walmart_survey_scam.html It's the latest in a long series of bogus online, direct mail and telemarketing surveys. Consumers Warned of Oprah Scam http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/oprah_scam.html Look out! Victims get a check and a letter telling them they're big winners. Phony Fraud Settlement Scam Surfaces http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/ok_fraud_scam.html Targets are told they're "big winners" in a class action settlement. Feds Get Judgment Against Cross-Border Con Artist http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/ftc_bonds.html Scam targeted senior citizens with bogus bond pitches, unfilled promises of quick profits. Feds: Most Web Scams Originate in U.S. http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/us_scams.html Secret Service finds vast majority of Web scams are home-grown. 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. Feds Charge Mystery Shopping Promoters http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/03/ftc_mystery.html FTC seeks court order, contempt charges against defendants. Canadian Bogus Biller Settles FTC Charges http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/03/ftc_bogus_biller.html Company falsely billed businesses, municipalities for advertising, feds charge. Ohio Sues Courts Online http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/03/oh_courts_online.html State says company doesn't deliver what it promises. Advance Fee Scammers Move Into Real Estate http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/03/advance_fee_real_estate.html Tried and true scam adapted to the for-sale-by-owner market. Singapore Woman Sentenced In Online Love Scam http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/03/love_scam.html Indian man living in U.S. swindled out of $45,000. Identity Theft Supports a Vast Underground Economy http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/03/symantec_underground.html Study finds cybercriminals taking a much more professional approach to their "business." FTC Charges Invention Promotion Swindlers with Contempt http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/03/ftc_invention_swindle.html Consumers swindled out of $60 million, feds charged. Florida Company Agrees to Repay 'Cramming' Charges http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/03/fl_internet_scam.html Consumers didn't know they had "bought" anything, state alleged. West Virginia Sues Blue Hippo http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/03/wv_blue_hippo.html Company violates state telemarketing laws, suit charges. Carmakers Want to Exclude Public From Tailpipe Standards Trial http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/03/automakers_emissions_trial.html Auto manufacturers are challenging adoption of California standards by other states. "Free Medicine" Marketer Settles FTC Charges http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/03/ftc_my_free_medicine.html My Free Medicine targeted low-income consumers, charged $199 for information they could have gotten for free. TracFone Pays $50,000 for Violating Missouri's Do Not Call Law http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/03/mo_tracfone.html Company called consumers on the Do Not Call list, left recorded messages. Treatment Can Ease Bladder Control Problems http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/03/geezer010_bladder.html Seniors should consult their physician about urination problems. Many treatment options are available. Florida Warns Consumers about Homeward Bound http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/03/fl_homeward_bound.html Company doesn't pay for home-care services it promises seniors, attorney general warns. Washington State Settles with Mortgage "Rescuers" http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/03/wa_mortgage_rescue.html Investors targeted consumers faced with tax foreclosure on their properties. Texas Sues "Credit Insurance" Companies http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/03/tx_credit_insurance.html Policies supposedly protected news cars' financing. Refunds may total $6 million.