Complaint resolution service publishes case studies, recall information and consumer news.

Four “debt negotiation” companies have settled government charges that they acted improperly by promising consumers debt services they could not provide. The companies will cease operating and pay more than a quarter-million dollars in fines.

The companies involved are National Support Services LLC, Homeland Financial Services LLC, Financial Liberty Services LLC, and United Debt Recovery LLC.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) was the lead agency involved in reaching a resolution with the companies.  The settlement allows the companies and individuals to avoid trials or even an admission of guilt.  The government agency will also be permitted to monitor future actions from the accused.

We often warn consumers about aggressive “credit repair” specialists and others who claim to have more authority to help consumers with burdensome debt.  The federal government’s communications group, the FCIC, has great advice detailing your rights and suggestions for getting out of debt.

As consumers greet the continuing collapse of Wall Street and supposedly safe investments, in addition to bank failures, there is no shame and should be no fear in contacting your bank or other creditors.  The information at this site will show you how.

Posted under Finance

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is advising consumers that tainted baby formula traced to China is likely not being sold in mainstream stores within the U.S.

Baby formula from China reportedly includes a substance called melamine, the same substance found in tained pet food last year. More than 10,000 infants in Asia have become sick from contaminated formula, and officials report at least one case in Hong Kong.

The FDA, meanwhile, is urging U.S. residents who shop in Chinese or Asian markets to not purchase baby formula there.  The governement agency reported that inspections in 1,000 U.S. retail stores failed to detect a single case of tainted baby formula.

Posted under Health, Recalls, Safety

After every international disaster, we sadly have to convey warnings from government agencies.  The latest is from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) related to companies soliciting funds for relief efforts following Hurricanes Gustav and Ike.

The agency publishes a Charity Checklist online fhat all consumers should read before contributing.   With the U.S. at war in two countries and in the midst of a major election season, natural disasters can find fertile ground for consumers who are looking to help others.

This is especially true given today’s CNN report that Galveston (TX) City Manager Steve LeBlanc is telling residents to leave, saying that the storm’s aftermath is worse than the storm.

Posted under Finance

Edward Jones & Co has agreed to pay $7.5 million to settle a suit filed by the state.  The suit accused the financial services company of not disclosing its relationship with mutual fund companies.  The relationship reportedly allowed Edward Jones to be paid when referring a consumer to those companies.

The financial services company had settled similar charges at the federal level in 2004 and paid $75 million in fines and penalties.  California’s suit was independent of the 2004 federal case.

Posted under Finance

Market research company JD Power has released its report on residential consumer satisfaction with telephone companies, and the results may surprise you.

Power broke its results into 4 geographical areas.  Cablevision (East), Bright House (South), WideOpenWest, aka, WOW! (North Central) and Cox (West) were all top dogs.  Many were cited for customer service, billing and similar best of breed practices.

What might surpise folks:  traditional phone companies aren’t there.  As phone service becomes a commodity bundled with cable, Internet and other services, make sure to study reports like Powers’ to ensure you are not using your parent’s phone company, when your grandchildren’s phone company may have better service.

Posted under Customer Service

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is reminding consumers that September 15 is the last day to apply for refunds if they purchased Airborned Health products between 2001 and 2007.

Consumers who bought the Airborne-branded products Airborne Effervescent Health Formula, Airborne On-the-Go, Airborne Power Pixies, Airborne Nighttime, Airborne Jr., Airborne Gummis, and Airborne Seasonal Relief between May 1, 2001 and November 29, 2007 are eligible for refunds. Consumers who have receipts can apply for a refund for the full amount. Those without receipts can apply for refunds for up to six product purchases, and should visit the Web site for further details.

Find out if you’re eligible at the Airborne Health refund site.

Posted under Health, Products