DoDLive | Tag Archive | Carol A. Kando-Pineda

Hang Up on ‘Robocalls’

Filed under DoD News by Administrator on May 28, 2010 at 8:15 am {no comments}

By Carol A. Kando-Pineda, guest blogger

You may have noticed that you’re getting fewer prerecorded phone calls offering to get you a reduced credit card interest rate. Did you know that the Federal Trade Commission’s recent law enforcement actions have stopped many of the companies behind these calls. And, if you do get a “robocall” from a company that says it can reduce your credit card interest rate, don’t call back. Hang up and report the call to the FTC.

The companies behind the sales pitches claim to have special relationships with credit card issuers. They guarantee that the interest rates they can get you will help you save thousands of dollars in interest and finance charges and that you’ll be able to pay off your credit card debt three to five times faster. They urge you to sign up for their service immediately because the “lower interest rates” are available for a limited time. Some of these companies even use money-back guarantees to get business. (more…)

Protect Yourself from Job Scams

Filed under DoD News by Administrator on May 16, 2010 at 9:11 pm {no comments}

By Carol A. Kando-Pineda, guest blogger

ftc Military spouses may need to pick up and move on a regular basis – which can make job-hunting a challenge. If you’re looking for work, you may see ads for firms that promise results. Unfortunately, some firms may misrepresent their services, promote outdated or fictitious job offerings, or charge high fees in advance for services that may not lead to a job.

The Federal Trade Commission says scammers advertise jobs exactly where legitimate employers do—on popular websites, in the classifieds and even on TV. The ads sound promising, whether it’s for hourly work or an executive-level job. But ads placed by scammers come with a twist: You have to pay—and then, there’s no job. Many con artists are good at what they do. They can sound very convincing, especially when your defenses are down. They may say they have a job waiting for you…or they might guarantee to place you in a job. But you can’t believe the promises—even when you want to. Legitimate companies won’t guarantee you a job.

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Layaway: Another Way to Buy

Filed under DoD News by on December 3, 2009 at 12:04 pm {no comments}

By Carol A. Kando-Pineda, guest blogger

If you don’t want to pay with plastic and you don’t have the necessary cash on hand, you may want to ask a merchant about a layaway plan.

The Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s consumer protection agency, recommends doing some research up front before using a layaway plan. Get the merchant’s layaway policy in writing, especially the details: how much time you have to pay for the goods and when your payments are due. Find out the minimum payment required and whether there are any service fees or charges if you miss a payment or pay late. Will they cancel your contract? Will the merchandise be returned to inventory? Check on the refund policy.

If you decide you don’t want the merchandise after you’ve made some or all the payments, can you get your money back? Retailers’ policies may vary on what you get back and if there’s a fee. It’s always a good idea to keep good records of the payments you make on layaway. They may come in handy if you have a problem with the seller.

Finally, check out the business. Do some research with your state Attorney General’s Office (www.naag.org), local consumer protection agency (www.consumeraction.gov), and your local Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org). They can tell you if consumers have filed complaints against the retailer or online service. If you run into a problem, you may be able to file a complaint with these organizations, too. You always can file a complaint with the FTC at ftc.gov.

Listen to an interview with Carol A. Kando-Pineda, counsel for the commission’s consumer and business education commission.