Hutchinson: Beware of credit-repair offers
If there’s an error in your credit report, you can do anything a credit repair company can do to fix it yourself at little to no cost. If you’re asked to pay an upfront fee for help, it’s likely a scam.
Randy Hutchinson
Columnist
Randy Hutchinson is the President and CEO of the BBB of the Mid-South, serving 28 counties in Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas. He graduated from Western Maryland College and has an MBA from Wilmington College. He can be reached at rhutchinson@bbbmidsouth.org
There are 66 articles by Randy Hutchinson :
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September 2023
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Guest Columnists
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August 2023
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Guest Columnists Hutchinson: Health apps may share sensitive information
The FTC recommends that users of health apps look for a privacy notice that explains in simple terms what information the app collects, how it’s used, and if it’s shared with third parties and how they use it.
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July 2023
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Business Hutchinson: Protect kids from ‘Frankenstein Fraud’
Synthetic identity fraud is harder to prevent or detect than other forms of identity theft. Children’s SSNs are particularly vulnerable because they often aren’t monitored and the theft may not be detected for years.
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June 2023
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Guest Columnists Advertisers being able to back up product claims is ‘bedrock principle’ of FTC law
The Better Business Bureau advises consumers to be skeptical of miracle health claims. Consult your doctor before trying any product that claims to prevent, treat, or cure a serious illness.
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May 2023
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Guest Columnists Hutchinson: Think carefully before cosigning a loan
Cosigning for a child with no credit record to buy a first car may be a good decision; cosigning a credit card for a delinquent brother-in-law not so much.
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April 2023
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Guest Columnists Hutchinson: FTC challenges more bogus COVID claims
“When there’s a medical breakthrough, you’re not going to hear about it first through an ad or sales pitch.”
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Guest Columnists Hutchinson: FBI warns about growing cryptocurrency scam
“Pig butchering” alludes to the practice of fattening up a hog before slaughter. The investment scam originated in Southeast Asia and spread worldwide during the pandemic.
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February 2023
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Guest Columnists Hutchinson: Made in the USA isn’t always true
If it’s important to you that a product is truly made in the United States, research the reputation of the manufacturer or marketer making the claim, including with the BBB, to be sure they’re trustworthy.
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January 2023
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Guest Columnists Hutchinson: Vet charitable crowdfunding requests
“It’s best to give to a campaign organized by someone you know. If you don’t know the organizer, check out the story as best you can and gauge the amount of your donation against the risk it may not be true.”
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December 2022
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Guest Columnists Hutchinson: Buy contact lenses from sellers who verify prescriptions
The FTC’s Contact Lens Rule requires prescribers to provide copies of prescriptions automatically — that is, the patient shouldn’t have to ask for it — and at no extra charge.
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Guest Columnists Hutchinson: Consider a credit freeze after data breach
The Identity Theft Resource Center recommends that data breach notices explicitly recommend that victims freeze their credit and that credit reporting agencies create a common system for people to do so.
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October 2022
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Business Hutchinson: Buyer beware when shopping for cars online
If you’re buying it from an online-only dealer, be sure you understand the return and refund policy and that the dealer’s reputation indicates it will stand behind the policy.
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September 2022
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Guest Columnists Guest column: Buying now and paying later isn’t risk-free
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has opened an inquiry into Buy Now, Pay Later loans to determine if they require additional regulation.
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August 2022
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Business Guest Column: Use caution before buying prescription drugs online
The FDA says you may be putting your personal and financial information at risk when you deal with unsafe online pharmacies.
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July 2022
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Premium
OpinionGuest column: Scams on the rise, with social media a heavy contributor
More than one in four people who reported to the Federal Trade Commission that they lost money in a scam in 2021 say it originated on social media, an 18-fold increase over 2017.
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May 2022
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Premium
OpinionGuest column: Use peer-to-peer mobile payment apps wisely
While the apps are a legitimate payment method, using them involves some risks that are greater than paying with a credit card.
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BusinessGuest Column: Regulators crack down on fake reviews
A recent survey found that 77% of consumers “always” or “regularly” read reviews from other consumers. That was up from 60% in the prior survey.
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April 2022
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Premium
OpinionGuest column: Amazon impersonation scams run rampant
From July 2020 to June 2021, 96,000 people reported an Amazon scam to the FTC. Only a small percentage of people report scams, so the actual numbers are much higher.
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March 2022
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Premium
BusinessGuest column: FTC cracks down on abusive debt-collection tactics
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act governs collection agencies and other third-party collectors.
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February 2022
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Opinion Guest Column: How to check out a contractor before hiring one
“Be cautious dealing with someone who knocks on your door offering to help repair damage after a storm, including removing trees or limbs.”
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January 2022
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Opinion Guest Column: FTC cracks down on CBD claims
In an initiative called Operation CBDeceit, the FTC reached settlements with seven more companies it alleged were making unsubstantiated claims about their CBD products.
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December 2021
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Opinion Guest column: Regulators shut down crooked charitable fundraisers
The fundraising companies kept as much as 90 cents of every dollar raised and, according to the FTC, very little of the money they actually delivered to the charities was used for the purposes they claimed.
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November 2021
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Business BBB: Reverse mortgages need thorough scrutiny
Opinion: Even Tom Selleck would agree it’s important to carefully consider all the pros and cons of a reverse mortgage.
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October 2021
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Opinion Opinion: Extended auto warranties aren’t all the same
‘I can’t say that every offer to buy an extended auto warranty that comes via a robocall is deceptive, but separating out the good ones would be a challenge. Postcard or letter solicitations are almost as problematic.’
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September 2021
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Premium
OpinionOpinion: Do your research when buying home security system
More than 6,900 people filed a complaint about home security companies in 2020, ranking them No. 32 among the thousands of types of businesses receiving complaints.
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