Category Archives: Uncategorized
California driving Internet privacy policy
by Michelle Quinn, Politico
With the federal government and technology policy shut down in Washington, California is steaming ahead with a series of online privacy laws that will have broad implications for Internet companies and consumers. Read More ›
New research reveals medical identity theft is up, affects 1.84 million U.S. victims
by Robin Slade, Medical Identity Fraud Alliance
According to the 2013 Survey on Medical Identity Theft, medical identity theft and “family fraud” are on the rise, with the number of victims affected by medical identity theft up nearly 20 percent within the last year. Read More ›
“Keeping Seniors Safe” AB 849, co-sponsored by CFC, protects victims of elder abuse (signed into law)
CFC, along with Legal Assistance to the Elderly, Inc., co-sponsored AB 849, which authorizes community-based assistance programs serving victims of elder and dependent adult abuse to help those victims apply to an address confidentiality program. Read More ›
American Airlines files lawsuit to stop vacation club postcard scam
by Editor, North Carolina Consumers Council
American Airlines has filed a lawsuit against several individuals and entities operating a nationwide scam that uses American’s trademarks and likeness of its logo on mass-mailed postcards and letters to lure people into sales presentations for vacation club memberships. Read More ›
Beware the student loan scam on Instagram
by Christine DiGangi, Credit.com
Consumers need to know how to spot an Internet scam, there are no shortcuts when it comes to loan repayment, and that cons will take every opportunity to ensnare consumers during a time of confusion. Read More ›
Toxic flame retardant reduction in building insulation signed by Governor Brown
Receiving bipartisan support in the Assembly and Senate, AB 127 was signed by Governor Brown on October 5. This is another important step toward reducing toxic chemicals when there are no added fire safety benefits. Read More ›
A new telemarketer tactic: Impersonating teachers
by Bob Sullivan, Credit.com
Caller ID isn’t always what it appears, and increasingly, criminal telemarketers are taking advantage of that. Aggressive phone sales operators have developed a new tactic recently — impersonating teachers, calling parents at home during the school day. Read More ›
Hackers recently stole 2.9 million Adobe users’ info
by Chris Morran, Consumerist
Adobe says the breach appears to have occurred in mid-August, with the digital thieves making off with encrypted credit/debit card and other personal data for around 2.9 million users and name/password combinations for a currently undetermined number of customers. Read More ›
Medical identity theft could cost you your life
by Herb Weisbaum, Today.com
Medical identity theft takes place when someone uses your name and personal identifying information to receive medical services, devices or prescription drugs. This crime is growing rapidly, but few know about it. Here’s how to protect yourself. Read More ›
New hope for Do Not Track as California enacts ad disclosure law
by Casey Newton, The Verge
California Gov. Jerry Brown has signed into law a bill requiring companies to disclose whether they abide by Do Not Track provisions, a move that could build momentum for privacy protections that have stalled at the national level. Read More ›
Debt collection via text message
by Herb Weisbaum, CNBC.com
The Federal Trade Commission has settled its first case against a California debt collector alleged to have used unlawful text messages. The FTC says fair debt collection rules apply to all forms of communication, including texts. Read More ›
Dump your big bank and save
by Editor, Consumer Reports
If you’re tired of your megabank’s sneaky fees, questionable investment tactics, and slippery mortgage-lending practices, now may be the time for you to consider alternatives. Read More ›
Assembly Bill 370 Amends CalOPPA
Governor Jerry Brown signed into law AB 370 (Muratsuchi), which passed unanimously (78-0) through the State Assembly on Aug. 26, 2013 and, earlier in the legislative session, passed unanimously (37-0) through the State Senate. This new online privacy law amends the California Online Privacy Protection Act (CalOPPA) … Read More ›