RSSConsumer Affairs With Joseph Pellicciotti

CONSUMER AFFAIRS: Tips for traveling abroad

By Joseph Pellicciotti Times Business Columnist

U.S. Customs and Border Protection offers those travelling abroad tips to make re–entry into the United States go more smoothly ("CBP Reminds Travelers to 'Know Before You Go,'" www.cbp.gov ).

CONSUMER AFFAIRS: Look to yourself as a creditor

By Joseph Pellicciotti Times Correspondent

The Federal Trade Commission offers advice for consumers who want to save, but are having difficulty putting money aside.

CONSUMER AFFAIRS: Caregiving resources

By Joseph Pellicciotti Times Business Columnist

Caregiving can be challenging. The following are examples of online resources that may help:

CONSUMER AFFAIRS: Gift card text message scams

By Joseph Pellicciotti Times Business Columnist

The Indiana Attorney General's Office is warning consumers not to respond to text messages claiming you have won a free gift card ("Gift card text message scams," Fraud Alert, May 1).

CONSUMER AFFAIRS: Mortgage settlement–related scams

By Joseph Pellicciotti Times Business Columnist

Earlier this year, the federal government and nearly all states, including Indiana, reached a national mortgage settlement agreement with the five largest loan service providers in the country.

CONSUMER AFFAIRS: Money Smart Week can teach consumers

By Joseph Pellicciotti Times Business Columnist

April 21 to 28 is Money Smart Week in Indiana.

CONSUMER AFFAIRS: Tips for dealing with the high cost of gas

By Joseph Pellicciotti Times Business Columnist

If you are concerned about gas prices, you may find the Department of Energy's fuel economy Web site useful (www.fueleconomy.gov ).

CONSUMER AFFAIRS: Useful consumer education sites

By Joseph Pellicciotti Times Business Columnist

This column provides an eclectic list of consumer websites offering free educational opportunities for consumers wishing to enhance their consumer IQ.

CONSUMER AFFAIRS: Website offers product safety information

By Joseph Pellicciotti Times Business Columnist

In 2008, federal law was passed requiring the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to create by 2011 a database of reports of harm linked to the use of consumer or other products in the CPSC's jurisdiction.

CONSUMER AFFAIRS: Top consumer complaints for 2011

By Joseph Pellicciotti Times Business Columnist

In February, the Federal Trade Commission published its annual list of top consumer complaints ("Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book, January–December 2011").

CONSUMER AFFAIRS: Unclaimed property scams

By Joseph Pellicciotti Times Business Columnist

The Indiana attorney general's office is warning consumers to be cautious of those making sales pitches promising unclaimed property for an upfront fee ("Finding the truth in unclaimed property," Fraud Alert, Feb. 27).

CONSUMER AFFAIRS: Financial education tools available online

By Joseph Pellicciotti Times Business Columnist

Several online tools provide consumer–oriented information that may be useful in particular instances. The calculators only provide estimates or ballpark analyses, but they can serve as a start to becoming better financially informed.

CONSUMER AFFAIRS: New malware targets bank accounts

By Joseph Pellicciotti Times Business Columnist

In January, the FBI posted a story on its website discussing a powerful new malware that targets consumers' bank accounts.

CONSUMER AFFAIRS: SEC helps investors understand fees

By Joseph Pellicciotti Times Business Columnist

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission maintains Investor.gov as an online informational resource for investors.

CONSUMER AFFAIRS: It's never too early to start retirement planning

By Joseph Pellicciotti Times Business Columnist

Many people consider planning for their retirement, but some do not get around to doing so.

CONSUMER AFFAIRS: FTC website designed for businesses

Pellicciotti, Joseph M

Many government consumer–related websites focus on informing only consumers.

CONSUMER AFFAIRS: Social media and investing

Pellicciotti, Joseph M

The Security and Exchange Commission issued an investor alert on Jan. 4, cautioning investors to be better aware of fraudulent investments schemes that may involve social media.

CONSUMER AFFAIRS: Travel tips from the FTC

By Joseph Pellicciotti Times Business Columnist

If you are planning a spring break trip or other travel, consider tips found in the Federal Trade Commission's Consumer Alert, "Travel Tips: How to Gear Up for a Great Trip" (available at www.ftc.gov ).

CONSUMER AFFAIRS: Convert paper bonds into electronic bonds

By Joseph Pellicciotti Times Business Columnist

The U.S. Treasury Department's Bureau of Public Debt allows people holding paper savings bonds to convert those paper products into electronic bonds.

CONSUMER AFFAIRS: Safety issues for older consumers

By Joseph Pellicciotti

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission maintains an Internet site on safety for older consumers (http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/older.html ).

CONSUMER AFFAIRS: SEC site helps investors

By Joseph Pellicciotti Times Business Columnist

Individual investors, particularly those with limited investing experience, may find the Security and Exchange Commission's Investor.gov website useful.