News in August 2009

MEGA Life & Health Pays $17 Million In Consumer Relief

Massachusetts says firm used deceptive marketing

Foreclosures Continue To Mount

Homeowners get the run-around when they seek mortgage modifications

"Dollars For Dishwashers" Encourages Buying Energy-Efficient Appliances

Program expected to benefit every U.S. state and territory

Low Credit Utilization Can Drive Up Your Credit Score

Harder to keep credit use low in new environment

Some Robocalls Set to Become Illegal

Amended FTC regulations take effect Sept. 1

Gas Prices Hover In $2.60 Range

Market looking for clues on direction of economy

New York Class Action Alleges Subaru Odometers Inflate Mileage

Judge allows lawsuit to proceed

New Jersey Expands Travel Service Lawsuit

Companies allegedly provided no services

FCC Launches Probe Of Wireless Industry

Commission votes unanimously to investigate billing, "innovation"

Do Not Call List Doesn't Stop All Telemarketing Calls

But list will screen the most annoying calls

Toys 'R' Us Launches Unsafe Baby Products Awareness Program

'Great Trade-In' event encourages parents to exchange used cribs, other products

FCC Chair Vows To Enforce Net Neutrality

Comcast continues challenge to ruling on blocking content

Supplement Marketers To Pay Nearly $70 Million In Consumer Refunds

Products made range of unsupported claims

"Operation Tele-PHONEY" Shuts Down Deceptive Telemarketing Schemes

Court orders bar all illegal telemarketing activities

Oregon Sues Electronic Cigarette Maker

Charges firm is targeting kids

Scam Targets Would-Be Class Action Winners

Official-looking letter solicits payment, delivers little in return

Cash for Clunkers Gets Yet Another Extension

Dealers have until tonight to file their paperwork

Why Weight Watchers Succeeds

Meetings provide a blend of spirituality and therapy; Not everyone agrees

Kids' Menus Fall Behind The Times

Offerings are still considered too unhealthy

CashCall To Pay California $1 Million Over "Loan Shark" Debt Tactics

Fast money lender accused of abusive, illegal collection practices

How To Survive The New Credit Card Rules

Even good customers will feel the impact

Florida Sues Foreclosure "Rescuer" Targeting Hispanics for Fraud

Part of nationwide crackdown on abusive practices

Consumer Groups Warn of Dealer Double-Dipping In Cash For Clunkers

Dealers should not be getting paid twice

Feds Exonerate ExpressJet In Minnesota Tarmac Delay

"Complete lack of common sense" responsible for incident

Court Halts Job Placement Scam

'Guaranteed' jobs never materialized

Class Action Proceeds Against Debt-Relief Scam

Follows ringleaders' indictments and guilty pleas

Cash for Clunkers Ends Monday Night, Feds Decree

Sales up but dealers frustrated by delays in payment, complex paperwork

Judge Upholds Dismissal of Relacore Suit

Plaintiffs allege fraudulent, misleading statements by manufacturer

Oprah Sues Acai Berry Promoters

Joins Illinois Attorney General in warning consumers about scam

Telltale Signs You're Dealing With A Scammer

When a salesman uses a "fake voice," he just might be a scammer

Texas Seeks Restitution From Bankrupt Debt Settlement Firm

2,500 consumers left hanging by bankruptcy

IRS Alerts Public To New Identity Theft Scams

Scam e-mails look authentic

Felt Cyclocross Bicycles Recalled

Budget Cuts Forcing Consumer Agencies To Do More With Less

The new reality for consumer advocates

Litton Loan Complaints Continue Following Settlement

Distressed homeowners target Goldman Sachs subsidiary

Qwest To Exit Wireless Business In October

Customers have two months to switch to Verizon Wireless

New York Sues Debt Collector For Threats, Harassment

Attorney General alleges threats of sexual violence against consumers

New Survey Rates Job Search Methods

Job fairs, newspaper help wanted ads rank as least effective

Alleged Hackers Indicted For Theft Of 130 Million Credit, Debit Cards

Hannaford, Heartland breaches may be largest of all time

Beware Health Clinics Pushing Credit Cards

Some consumers signed up without their knowledge

Florida Business Opportunity Scammer Sentenced

200 investors taken for more than $4 million

Attorneys General Can Be Powerful Consumer Ally

Many consumers forget they have elected official to help them

New Credit Card Law Not A Cure-All

Consumers advised not to let down their guard

Building A Medical Family Tree

The Healthy Geezer

Class Action Alleges iPhone Still Incapable of Sending Advanced Texts

Apple kicks MMS can down the road

New York Sues Loan Modification Company

Cuomo charges firm with deceptive business practices

Survey Suggests Improvement In Jobs Outlook

More managers expect to hire in the months ahead

Homelite, Husky, Black Max Generators Recalled

California Puts Foreclosure Consultants On Notice

Attorney general threatens to prosecute 386 unregistered consultants

Kentucky Couple Facing Investment Scam Charges

Scheme allegedly bilked consumers out of more than $500,000

Do You Really Need A Bank?

Consumers who want to fire their bank have alternatives

Colorado, Florida Stop Deceptive Mortgage Mailings

Marketing pitch designed to look like it was from federal agency

Mystery, Science Fiction Writers Expose Publishing Scams

Anti-scam program adds muscle

Public Citizen Proposes Basic Patient Safety Reforms

Group says changes would save 85,000 lives and $35 billion a year

Flea & Tick Products Often Backfire

Pet owners horrified by adverse reactions; EPA counsels cautionSergeant's, Sentry don't respond to questions

Bank of America, Wells Fargo Hit With Class Action

Accuses companies of defrauding subprime consumers

Texas Charges Travel Club Used Illegal Sale Tactics

Travel deals not such a bargain

People To People Leaders Allegedly Drank Beer While Student Was Dying

Allegations made by family of deceased student Tyler Hill

Prepaid Calling Card Distributor Sued For Deceiving Consumers

Consumers got fewer calling minutes, were charged hidden fees

Phony Debt Collectors Calling Consumers Nationwide

Scamsters loaded with personal info

GM, Chrysler Personal Injury Victims Left Stranded

Bankruptcies exempt automakers from liability

Bumpers On 4 Of 6 Midsize Sedans Improve

None earns good rating in low-speed tests

Increasing Foreclosures Swallow Modest Gains In Mortgage Repairs

Rate in rise of delinquencies outpaces rescues

Oregon Halts Sale Of Electronic Cigarettes

First in the nation to ban new tobacco substitute

States Step Up Pressure On Internet Payday Loans

Online lenders called "today's loan sharks"

Pennsylvania Targets Deception In Green Marketing

Consumers need to investigate claims closely

Ohio Sues Mortgage Servicer Over Lack Of Modifications

Company cited for foot-dragging, incompetence

Feds Bar Teva Animal Health From Selling Veterinary Drugs

Agreement comes after inspections reveal "significant" violations

SEC Fines Bank Of America $33 Million Over Bonuses

New York probe remains active, however

Massachusetts Man Sentenced For Nationwide Internet Prescription Drug Scheme

Drugs were sold for body-building

Cash For Clunkers Success A Positive Economic Sign

Consumers willing to buy cars when it's a deal

California Wins $1.2 Million Ruling Against Scam Artists

Attorney General busts Georgia brothers for shaking down local businesses

Illinois Sues Wells Fargo Over Subprime Loans

Claims lender discriminated against African-American and Hispanic borrowers

House Introduces "Internet Freedom Preservation Act"

Bill would amend Communications Act to protect net neutrality