Resource Center

Stories

The IRE Resource Center is a major research library containing more than 23,250 investigative stories — both print and broadcast.

These stories are searchable online or by contacting the Resource Center directly (573-882-3364 or rescntr@ire.org) where a researcher can help you pinpoint what you need.

Browse or search the tipsheet section of our library below. Stories are not available for download but can be easily ordered by contacting the Resource Center:



Search results for "abusive sales tactics" ...

  • Dateline NBC: Tricks of the Trade

    In this investigation, Dateline exposed what experts call deceptive sales practices in the marketing of equity indexed annuities - especially to senior citizens. Hidden cameras captured the claims agents made and the critical disclosures they glossed over when they thought they were alone with retirees.

    Tags: fraud; abusive sales tactics; equity indexed annuities; marketing; sales methods; retirement planning seminars; scare tactics; insurance licenses;

    By Chris Hansen; Steve Eckert; Maite Amorebieta; Allan Maraynes; David Corvo

    NBC News Dateline

    2008

  • Meat Hook

    KWTV-TV investigation uncovered illegal tactics used by door-to-door sales representatives. The representatives suckered consumers into paying outrageous prices for sub par steaks, seafood and chicken. The investigation found a pattern of abused by the industry throughout the Midwest.

    Tags: TAPE; Heath department; City regulators

    By Chris Halsne;Kim Albro;Dave Weed

    KWTV-TV (Oklahoma City)

    1998

  • No title (id: 5486)

    WCVB-TV (Boston) looks at seven car dealerships owned by the Ristuccia family; details how they used bait and switch sales tactics, verbally abused customers into taking instant delivery, and forced them to stay until they bought a car, Oct. 28 and Dec. 30, 1986.

    Tags: Tape Lyons Pappas-Grabar Ristuccia bait and switch

    By None

    WCVB-TV (Boston)

    1986

  • No title (id: 5338)

    WSMV-TV (Nashville) airs two series documenting abuses in the sale of Medicare supplemental insurance to the elderly, including misrepresentation, scare tactics, high-pressure sales and use of celebrities, July 13 - 17 and Nov. 16 - 19, 1987.

    Tags: 2 TAPES; TN Nichols health insurance

    By None

    WSMV-TV (Nashville, Tenn.)

    1987