The Consumer Toolbox

"Scams and Shams" - A one-on-one candid “eye-opener” discussion with Harry Rock

Last month, I was invited to be a guest on the “Westfield Council on Aging (COA) Presents “television show with host Harry Rock to discuss "Scams and Shams." The segment is being described as an "eye opener" by many of its viewers and I was asked to include the audio on this podcast.  Harry digs deep with his questions on the types of scams consumers should be on the lookout for, and I do not hold back with my candid answers. As I said to Harry, "I don't sugar-coat!"  You're not going to want to miss this episode and you'll definitely want to share it with others. Why? Because education is the best prevention!  Follow this link to watch the YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=dXMgnREPYzg [https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=dXMgnREPYzg] Don't forget to subscribe and rate this podcast dedicated to you, the consumer. Feel free to send your questions, comments and feedback to theconsumertoolbox@gmail.com [theconsumertoolbox@gmail.com]. ~Milagros~

The Growing Trend of Buy Now Pay Later

Because the original episode recorded in 2022 has been the most listened to episode of The Consumer Toolbox podcast, and considering the growing trend of the Buy Now Pay Later plans, I thought to bring it back alive with some new comments for you to consider.  I'm still confident saying that Buy Now Pay Later plans are worthy of considering...but only if you are responsible with your finances, and have lots of discipline. If not, then you should, "Save Now, Buy (Pay) Later!"  Don't forget to subscribe and share this podcast. After all, you're a consumer every day and staying informed and empowered is the new trend as well. Remember that, "Education is the Best Prevention!"  ~Milagros~

NCPW 2024: Consumers Lost $10B to Fraud in 2023!

National Consumer Protection Week 2024 (March 3 to March 9) is a annual event dedicated to consumers by advocates and government entities.  With the Federal Trade Commission recent report of fraud in 2023, you will want to listen to this episode.  I’m not one to sugarcoat, ignore or undermine important and relevant information when it pertains to consumers and fraud. This time, I get even more candid when talking about the significant impact fraud had on consumers in 2023! Quite frankly, the numbers from the Federal Trade Commission are alarming!  Please take the time to read the FTC’s Sentinel Data Book of 2023 [https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/CSN-Annual-Data-Book-2023.pdf] to learn more. Also, be sure to join your local organization during NCPW to get empowered.  As always, I encourage you to subscribe to The Consumer Toolbox podcast, and to share it with those you want to protect from scams and fraud, and be sure not to forget those young and old! Stay safe my friends, ~Milagros~

When Debt Relief Becomes Yet Another Debt

Advertisements for Debt Relief are coming to us from every angle. We hear them on the radio, see them on television, and on posters and newspaper ads. In fact, they are becoming just as overwhelming as the debt ratio most consumers are now facing. This episode will explain how the debt relief and debt management companies work, the services they may offer, and the potential risks to your credit, if you don't understand what you may be getting yourself into. Know that what they claim they can do for you, you can do yourself. So before you sign up on their website or call their toll-free number, listen to this episode so that you can make an informed decision based on what is best for you, your finances and credit. And please, don't forget to subscribe and tell your family and friends about this informative podcast. Remember that "Education is the Best Prevention!" Here are the links I reference in this episode: https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2023/08/ftc-doj-send-more-9-million-refunds-people-who-lost-money-student-loan-debt-relief-scheme?utm_source=govdelivery [https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2023/08/ftc-doj-send-more-9-million-refunds-people-who-lost-money-student-loan-debt-relief-scheme?utm_source=govdelivery] https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/newsroom/cfpb-reaches-multibillion-dollar-settlement-with-credit-repair-conglomerate/ [https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/newsroom/cfpb-reaches-multibillion-dollar-settlement-with-credit-repair-conglomerate/] https://consumer.gov/sites/default/files/pdf-1020-make-budget-worksheet_form.pdf [https://consumer.gov/sites/default/files/pdf-1020-make-budget-worksheet_form.pdf] ~Milagros~

Smart Devices Pry on Your Privacy

Smart devices are good but your privacy is better. Why does this matter? Because smart devices pry on your privacy. However you have options, if you take the time to take action to protect it. It's all in the settings. So before you sit to watch tv, for instance, you're going to want to listen to this short but empowering episode. I suggest you take it one step further afterward, and check all of your smart devices to select the ones that best protect you and you privacy. ~Milagros~