Asa Aarons’ Answers

Escrow Scam Steals Thousands from Potential Car Buyers

It’s an enticing offer: a late model, low mileage car for a fraction of its retail value. But the offer is not what it seems-and consumers who respond can potentially lose far more than they hoped to gain. Larry Heenan is one of many potential car buyers who stumbled onto the questionable ad in the past few months. “They always feature a mint condition car for a price that’s a lot lower than Blue Book value,” the Pennsylvania man said. “The problem is the car is never located in the same city where you live. Read more…

13 Ways Home Buyers Can Protect Themselves

Before you buy real estate, make sure you’re getting the most for your money. For instance, chose mortgage bankers or mortgage brokers carefully. Get recommendations from neighbors and friends. Talk to experienced real estate services professionals as well, but keep in mind that their advice may not be objective. Read more…

Risk Scores: Bankruptcy, Loan Numbers Can Cut Credit

Think you have all the information you need because you know your credit score? Think again. Those three-digit scores are important, but they’re just one of several numbers that can have a big impact on your future credit. Just last month, TransUnion launched a Payment Behaviour Score, which “analyzes every stage of the customer lifecycle” and predicts payment behavior.” Read more…

Invention Promotion is Full of Pitfalls

Inventors can become so enthusiastic about their products that they trust too easily and end up burned. With dreams of their invention finally on the market, they may turn to the services of an invention or patent promotion firm. But the Federal Trade Commission warns that many inventors pay thousands of dollars to firms that promise to evaluate, develop, patent, and market inventions… and then do little or nothing for their fees. Read Asa Aarons’ answer…

NYS Orders Gas Stations to End Credit Surcharges

New York State is cracking down on gas stations that charge consumers higher prices to pay with credit. Under state law in New York and nine other states, retailers are prohibited from surcharging credit card customers. But many are anyway. There’s no dispute both station owners and motorists are suffering because of high gas prices. However, there’s no excuse for misleading practices. Read Asa Aarons’ answer…