SCAM ALERT: Palm Beach $60,000 Social Security Scam exposed

The screaming headline reads:  “Last Chance: Claim $60,000 in Social Security.”   Warning: it’s a fraud.   The notorious Palm Beach Letter has been targeting seniors for years, hawking questionable and complicated investment schemes.  Its formula is from the classic scam playbooks:  take a smidgen of truth and then exaggerate it to a point where … Read more

USAA Insurance Stole Money from a Customer’s Bank Account…and Got Caught

Can an insurance company conspire with its banking affiliate to remove money from a customer’s bank account?   That was the question presented to SDCAN by a consumer who was subject to that illegal tactic.   In a dispute over an auto accident settlement, USAA Insurance removed money from a consumer’s USAA Bank checking account without her … Read more

Credit Reports and Scores — for FREE

So many companies offer “FREE” credit reports on the Internet and in mailings but are they really free?   NO.   There are so many scams or offers with strings attached to most offers that even a puppet would get frustrated.     Only one website is authorized to fill orders for the free annual credit report you are … Read more

Diamonds are a Cartel’s Best Friend

Diamonds.   They sparkle.   They tantalize.   They lie.   Yes, that’s right.  Diamonds are the most guileful gem on the market. I don’t trust them and you shouldn’t either. Yes, this is a bold condemnation of a girl’s best friend, but I’m sharing the awful truth because diamonds are no friend at all.  They are costly only … Read more

Common Consumer Miscues Made by Millennials

The Huffington Post recently posted an article listing 9 frequent money mistakes made by people in their 20s or 30s.   It is entertaining and largely correct.  They include: Incurring too much education-loan debt Spent too much money fixing up a rented apartment Didn’t save enough or plan for retirement Over-relied upon Craigslist to make purchases … Read more