Category: Scams & Your Rights
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Settlement Checks: Why Yours Is Smaller Than Promised
The settlement made headlines in the millions, but your check is $11.94. Here’s the pro-rata math behind settlement payouts — and why you should cash it anyway.
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The Debt Validation Letter: Make Collectors Prove It
Dispute a debt in writing within 30 days and the collector must stop until they verify it. How validation notices work and how to write the letter.
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Recall Repairs Are Free: The Law Dealers Must Follow
Federal law makes safety recall repairs free on vehicles up to 15 years old. What dealers must do, the tire exception, and how to check your VIN tonight.
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Credit Freezes Are Free: How to Lock All Three Bureaus
A security freeze is free at all three credit bureaus, blocks new-account fraud, and takes about 15 minutes to set up. Here is how to place and thaw one.
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Billing Errors on Medical Bills: Your Dispute Rights
Medical bills are full of fixable errors. Your rights under the No Surprises Act — the $400 dispute rule, the 120-day clock, and how to push back.
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Small Claims Court: Suing Over a Bad Refund Yourself
When a company owes you money and won’t pay, small claims court is built for people without lawyers. What it costs, what you can win, and the steps.
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What a Class I Food Recall Means for Your Kitchen
Class I is the government’s most serious recall level. What the classes mean, which agency runs which recall, and exactly what to do at home.
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Data Breach Settlements: Cash or Credit Monitoring?
Data breach settlements often make you pick between a cash payment and free credit monitoring. Here is how to choose, using the Equifax case as the guide.
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Extended Warranties: When to Say No at the Register
Extended warranties often duplicate coverage you already have for free. Here is the FTC’s checklist for deciding at the register, and when to just say no.
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Gift Card Payment Scams: The One Rule to Remember
No real business or government agency will ever demand payment by gift card. Here are the scripts scammers use, and what to do in the first hour if you paid.