Credit and Money Matters

What are consumers complaining about? The Attorney General's Office and the Federal Trade Commission released their lists of top 2010 gripes.

It’s National Consumer Protection Week and in a short while, our office will release our list of industries that received the most consumer complaints in 2010. I’ll give you a hint – there’s a good reason why today’s tip focuses on dealing with collection agencies and debt.

A woman received a phone call from someone claiming to be from The College Board who wanted $129 for materials related to the S.A.T. that her grandson had supposedly ordered.

The Washington Attorney General’s Office wrapped up its case with a company accused of hawking pricey service contracts through deceptive junk mail, illegal robocalls and misleading TV ads. Our settlement bans Credexx and its former owner, David J. Tabb, from doing business in Washington again.

Nearly 12,000 Americans defrauded by an auto "extended warranty" robocall scheme are eligible for refunds. The Federal Trade Commission mailed out claim forms this week to consumers swindled by calls made by Voice Touch, Inc., on behalf of Transcontinental Warranty, Inc.

Something obnoxious is going on in the world of toll-free numbers and, if you aren't alert, "fat-finger dialing" can cost you dearly.

The federal government's new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has launched a new Web site and social media tools.

If you have a gift card for Anchor Blue, shop now. The clothing store chain is closing all of its stores and will honor gift cards, certificates and store credits as payment for purchases through Jan. 28.

All Consuming Blogger Kristin Alexander answers readers' questions about gift card and gift certificate laws. Can I return them? Do Groupons expire? What to do with the unwanted gift cards? When can I get money back? Any options when a store goes out of business?

It’s ugly. It’s tacky. You already have one. Whatever the reason for taking back your gift, be sure you bring a receipt with you to the return counter. While some stores have loosened up on their return policies, you’ll still find the process easiest if you bring a receipt and your ID and don’t dilly-dally.