Search results for "consumer credit" ...

• Uncovering Financial Traps

  Tiernen addresses the financial traps that are arising the the second wave of the financial crisis. He includes information on such traps as: foreclosure services; debt settlement; subprime credit cards; payday loans; uninsured overseas savings accounts; reverse mortgages and much more.

  Tags: foreclosure services; debt settlement; subprime credit cards; payday loans; uninsured overseas savings accounts; reverse mortgages; consumer credit; consumer affairs; consumer fraud

  By Robert Tiernan

  2010

• Consumer Investiagtions for Tough Times

  This incredibly extensive tipsheet is a must-have guide to consumer investigations during the economic downturn. From quick-hits to long-form investigations, they've included it here. The tipsheet goes on to detail other information on doing your investigation - from parsing out tips to details on testing. The last several pages are a list of resources (websites and phone lists) for covering the consumer beat.

  Tags: consumer investigation; better business bureau; debt consolidation; subprime mortgage scams; contractors; lottery; foreclosure; unemployment; credit counseling; consumer affairs

  By n/a

  2009

• Covering Private Companies

  Roush offers very comprehensive, detailed advice about covering private companies. He discusses some places to find informaton, including the Secretary of State, the courts, and UCC codes. Roush also discusses covering non-profits and financial institutions. Finally, he includes a long list of web resources that are helpful for the business beat.

  Tags: beat reporting; business; corporations; public records; banks; credit unions; small business administration; consumers

  By Chris Roush

  2007

• Banking on the Poor: Documenting the Big Business of Poverty

  This tipsheet serves as a guide for any reporter looking to delve into the "fringe financial industry." This industry serves people who lack access to banks and other mainstream financial institutions; it includes payday lenders, car title lenders, pawn shots and check cashing outlets. Nixon's tipsheet explains each of these institutions and offers advice on how and where to get the data to report on them.

  Tags: credit; rapid refund loans; rent-to-own; census data; UCC

  By Ron Nixon

  2005

• Story Ideas

  Leamy gives two sets of story ideas regarding consumer issues in this informative tipsheet. The first set deals with story ideas surrounding people or companies breaking laws or regulations. The second set concerns non-regulated areas and the stories you can find there. These story ideas are great for newspapers, magazines, and broadcast stations alike.

  Tags: story ideas; consumer issues; regulations; used cars; child exploitation; racial discrimination; home inspections; modeling; credit; pets; pharmacies; ADA; FDA; predatory lenders; FOIA; beauty salons; car repair; cemeteries; solicitation; pyramid schemes; charities; hospitals; headhunters; hazing; pay phones; fire engine chasing; roadside zoos; private schools; spam; lead poisoning; interior design

  By Elisabeth Leamy

  2003

• County of Los Angeles Department of Consumer Affairs

  This tipsheet gives examples of recent consumer scams. For example, one scam involved advertisements for a credit service that said it would give you a loan or a credit card -- regardless of credit history -- if you send in $50. The tipsheet recommends responding to the advertisement. It says you'll receive a credit card "with a limit of half the amount you place in a collateralized account". As for a loan, "you'll likely pay in advance for a loan you never receive." Other examples involve carpet cleaners and telemarketing.

  Tags: consumer affairs; fraud; scams

  By Pastor Herrera, Jr. and Tim Bissell

  1993