Comments on: Five scams on the rise http://moremoney.blogs.money.cnn.com/2009/03/16/dont-fall-for-these-scams/ Money Magazine looks at a wide range of personal finance issues and asks for your feedback. Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:19:01 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: Arthur, Columbus, OH http://moremoney.blogs.money.cnn.com/2009/03/16/dont-fall-for-these-scams/#comment-14861 Arthur, Columbus, OH Wed, 15 Apr 2009 14:38:43 +0000 http://moneyfeatures.blogs.money.cnn.com/?p=444#comment-14861 People, people, people, give the writer a break. She's not saying all companies or individuals offering these services are scammers. She is just saying that if you aren't careful enough and let yourself get tricked by a scammer then you may as well do it yourself or get a second opinion before going through the process. The only people who should be mad or upset in any way are those who ARE scammers. All you honest business owners need to chill, she's actually telling people to seek you out or do it themselves; they might have a friend who can do this stuff for cheaper or for free or a friend who knows someone who can. If you think you might lose business then, hey, that's life....its hard times anyway so people will try to do stuff themselves or find cheaper alternatives. If you trust your skills and integrity then you'll get customers. For the stimulus grant scams, she pretty much called out every private business but, she's only helping people find this information for free; if the government offers this information for free then what better place to go than a government website? After all, they're the ones who made the stimulus package. And I just hate it when retailers lie about "going out of business" sales. One guy in Columbus, OH had a sign up for more than a year about his big going out of business sale. I know this because I bought stuff from his place when I first moved here in 2006 and last year his "going out of business" sale was still going on. His establishment actually still has some of the signs but he isn't there any more. He NEVER planned to move those signs. That's just the lowest of lows. People, people, people, give the writer a break. She's not saying all companies or individuals offering these services are scammers. She is just saying that if you aren't careful enough and let yourself get tricked by a scammer then you may as well do it yourself or get a second opinion before going through the process. The only people who should be mad or upset in any way are those who ARE scammers. All you honest business owners need to chill, she's actually telling people to seek you out or do it themselves; they might have a friend who can do this stuff for cheaper or for free or a friend who knows someone who can. If you think you might lose business then, hey, that's life….its hard times anyway so people will try to do stuff themselves or find cheaper alternatives. If you trust your skills and integrity then you'll get customers.
For the stimulus grant scams, she pretty much called out every private business but, she's only helping people find this information for free; if the government offers this information for free then what better place to go than a government website? After all, they're the ones who made the stimulus package.
And I just hate it when retailers lie about "going out of business" sales. One guy in Columbus, OH had a sign up for more than a year about his big going out of business sale. I know this because I bought stuff from his place when I first moved here in 2006 and last year his "going out of business" sale was still going on. His establishment actually still has some of the signs but he isn't there any more. He NEVER planned to move those signs. That's just the lowest of lows.

]]> By: Navier S., San mateo, CA http://moremoney.blogs.money.cnn.com/2009/03/16/dont-fall-for-these-scams/#comment-14080 Navier S., San mateo, CA Fri, 20 Mar 2009 21:30:34 +0000 http://moneyfeatures.blogs.money.cnn.com/?p=444#comment-14080 The "Property tax reassessment fraud" is more on the ad people send out. They deliberately make the ad look officially from the county, and make it sound like it can't be done by the home owners themselves. It's fraud against the "uninformed" people. Come on, with the high unemployment rate, who doesn't have time to DIY. The "Property tax reassessment fraud" is more on the ad people send out. They deliberately make the ad look officially from the county, and make it sound like it can't be done by the home owners themselves. It's fraud against the "uninformed" people. Come on, with the high unemployment rate, who doesn't have time to DIY.

]]> By: Ron Turner, Dallas, Texas http://moremoney.blogs.money.cnn.com/2009/03/16/dont-fall-for-these-scams/#comment-14075 Ron Turner, Dallas, Texas Thu, 19 Mar 2009 12:07:13 +0000 http://moneyfeatures.blogs.money.cnn.com/?p=444#comment-14075 At my last company a Property Tax Abatement company wanted $5K to fill out ONE FORM, a form I fill out every year in about two hours. Five thousand dollars for two hours work is ridiculous. I saved the company the $5K fee and $22K in taxes. You don't need an expert. At my last company a Property Tax Abatement company wanted $5K to fill out ONE FORM, a form I fill out every year in about two hours. Five thousand dollars for two hours work is ridiculous. I saved the company the $5K fee and $22K in taxes. You don't need an expert.

]]> By: Jay, Miami, FL http://moremoney.blogs.money.cnn.com/2009/03/16/dont-fall-for-these-scams/#comment-14074 Jay, Miami, FL Thu, 19 Mar 2009 01:53:19 +0000 http://moneyfeatures.blogs.money.cnn.com/?p=444#comment-14074 does the state expect to collect taxes from houses to be foreclosed? how does the state go against these houses, banks and homeowners? why no news about this? does the state expect to collect taxes from houses to be foreclosed? how does the state go against these houses, banks and homeowners? why no news about this?

]]> By: J. Block Florida http://moremoney.blogs.money.cnn.com/2009/03/16/dont-fall-for-these-scams/#comment-14072 J. Block Florida Wed, 18 Mar 2009 17:57:21 +0000 http://moneyfeatures.blogs.money.cnn.com/?p=444#comment-14072 I own an auto repair shop and there is no scamming here. The facts are when the economy fails the customer fails to do what is routine to maintain their vehicle. The longer a problem is not corrected the more money it will cost for the repair. Squeaky brakes may only need pads today however consumers are waiting and that small repair may now damage the rotors requiring additional money for parts and labor. I own a transmission shop and in 2007 only 40% of the vehicles were towed in with no movement; that percentage has changed to 90% towed in with no movement. Automotive problems do not suddenly appear and avoiding the problems will cost more. I find it laughable that as an educated woman running a large small business it seems as though automotive is always under a microscope. I am honest and always will be; however when your vehicle breaks you will pay for the repair, it will be less expensive today than tomorrow. I own an auto repair shop and there is no scamming here. The facts are when the economy fails the customer fails to do what is routine to maintain their vehicle. The longer a problem is not corrected the more money it will cost for the repair. Squeaky brakes may only need pads today however consumers are waiting and that small repair may now damage the rotors requiring additional money for parts and labor. I own a transmission shop and in 2007 only 40% of the vehicles were towed in with no movement; that percentage has changed to 90% towed in with no movement. Automotive problems do not suddenly appear and avoiding the problems will cost more. I find it laughable that as an educated woman running a large small business it seems as though automotive is always under a microscope. I am honest and always will be; however when your vehicle breaks you will pay for the repair, it will be less expensive today than tomorrow.

]]> By: Miami Beach, FL http://moremoney.blogs.money.cnn.com/2009/03/16/dont-fall-for-these-scams/#comment-14069 Miami Beach, FL Wed, 18 Mar 2009 15:39:12 +0000 http://moneyfeatures.blogs.money.cnn.com/?p=444#comment-14069 Property tax abatement is NOT a fraud. I do property tax abatement in FLorida and charge about 25% of the property tax savings on commercial and residential properties. I own a Real Esatte Company in Miami Beach and also operate in Fort MYers, Florida. Most Home owners apear before the Magistrate ( like a court hearing) with no substantial evidence to lower their taxes. An expert is needed for this. Anyone can file a lawsuit without an attorney as well as many other services. We provide a servive and by the we, I do not get pais till the property owner receives their tax credit back from the county. No upfront fee other than a $15 application fee to the county. www.dkinternational.net All the best, Daniel Bajaroff Miami Beach Property tax abatement is NOT a fraud. I do property tax abatement in FLorida and charge about 25% of the property tax savings on commercial and residential properties. I own a Real Esatte Company in Miami Beach and also operate in Fort MYers, Florida. Most Home owners apear before the Magistrate ( like a court hearing) with no substantial evidence to lower their taxes. An expert is needed for this. Anyone can file a lawsuit without an attorney as well as many other services. We provide a servive and by the we, I do not get pais till the property owner receives their tax credit back from the county. No upfront fee other than a $15 application fee to the county. http://www.dkinternational.net All the best, Daniel Bajaroff Miami Beach

]]> By: Tom, Cincinnati, OH http://moremoney.blogs.money.cnn.com/2009/03/16/dont-fall-for-these-scams/#comment-14068 Tom, Cincinnati, OH Wed, 18 Mar 2009 13:46:44 +0000 http://moneyfeatures.blogs.money.cnn.com/?p=444#comment-14068 lets not forget about the proliferation of "tax preperation" scams we see around this time every year! You do not need to pay someone to file your taxes! Stop the scammers! I think I have made my point. This article is a scam. Just because you CAN do something yourself does not mean paying for professional help is a scam! lets not forget about the proliferation of "tax preperation" scams we see around this time every year! You do not need to pay someone to file your taxes! Stop the scammers!

I think I have made my point. This article is a scam. Just because you CAN do something yourself does not mean paying for professional help is a scam!

]]> By: David Levy, McLean, VA http://moremoney.blogs.money.cnn.com/2009/03/16/dont-fall-for-these-scams/#comment-14067 David Levy, McLean, VA Wed, 18 Mar 2009 11:50:21 +0000 http://moneyfeatures.blogs.money.cnn.com/?p=444#comment-14067 property tax appeals are not a fraud, though you claim they are b/c homeowners can do themselves. what about value of time, expertise, system knowledge? using your flawed logic, lawn care and nail services are fraudulent as people can do themselves. ridiculous!! property tax appeals are not a fraud, though you claim they are b/c homeowners can do themselves. what about value of time, expertise, system knowledge? using your flawed logic, lawn care and nail services are fraudulent as people can do themselves. ridiculous!!

]]> By: Josh Blaine,mn (fundedbyjosh@hotmail.com) http://moremoney.blogs.money.cnn.com/2009/03/16/dont-fall-for-these-scams/#comment-14065 Josh Blaine,mn (fundedbyjosh@hotmail.com) Wed, 18 Mar 2009 02:16:45 +0000 http://moneyfeatures.blogs.money.cnn.com/?p=444#comment-14065 You all try to make these banks look like the good guys when they won't help out people falling behind on their mortgages. There are companys out there are helping homeowners get out of trouble and get lower payments they can now afford. When new companys come up that are helping the underdog going against the financial institutions you ridicule them and call them scams. Learn what you are talking about. When the last time a bank called you and said they will help you out? Never and never will happen.! I wish we the tax payer had a say in where our money goes. They banks are set up on nothing but greed and it's coming back to bite them. Anyone who thinks this bailout is a good idea is a fool. Everyone in congress is pulling the blinders on us and giving out our money. Why not they don't pay taxes. When companys fail from poor management new company rise up and benefit us the people. Henry Paulson you will have your judgment day. It's to bad we don't hang scum like that. Good job Paulson give money to failing comrades. YOU WANT TO TALK ABOUT SCAMS. Learn what you are talking about. There maybe a few bad apples out there just like any other industry. I don't know why we let people talk when they have no idea what they are talking about. Let me guess your not going to post this because it's radical just like helping people receive beneficial loan modification when their lenders try to stick it to them. I would love to have a chat with you. I've saved over 300 families from losing their homes and I'll give you references ! You all try to make these banks look like the good guys when they won't help out people falling behind on their mortgages. There are companys out there are helping homeowners get out of trouble and get lower payments they can now afford. When new companys come up that are helping the underdog going against the financial institutions you ridicule them and call them scams. Learn what you are talking about. When the last time a bank called you and said they will help you out? Never and never will happen.! I wish we the tax payer had a say in where our money goes. They banks are set up on nothing but greed and it's coming back to bite them. Anyone who thinks this bailout is a good idea is a fool. Everyone in congress is pulling the blinders on us and giving out our money. Why not they don't pay taxes. When companys fail from poor management new company rise up and benefit us the people. Henry Paulson you will have your judgment day. It's to bad we don't hang scum like that. Good job Paulson give money to failing comrades. YOU WANT TO TALK ABOUT SCAMS. Learn what you are talking about. There maybe a few bad apples out there just like any other industry. I don't know why we let people talk when they have no idea what they are talking about. Let me guess your not going to post this because it's radical just like helping people receive beneficial loan modification when their lenders try to stick it to them. I would love to have a chat with you. I've saved over 300 families from losing their homes and I'll give you references !

]]> By: M.T., Miami FL http://moremoney.blogs.money.cnn.com/2009/03/16/dont-fall-for-these-scams/#comment-14064 M.T., Miami FL Wed, 18 Mar 2009 02:15:24 +0000 http://moneyfeatures.blogs.money.cnn.com/?p=444#comment-14064 I went to a well-known car dealership for an oil and filter change. I asked them to check my tire pressure as I have with every oil change every 3 months. They checked off that they checked the tire pressure. I bought a tire guage and all the tires were dangerously low ie 18 in back and 22 for the other 3 tires (suppose to be 32 in front and 34 in back). They also offered to change my air filter for $95 and said my battery was 1/4 low and they could replace it for $105. I bought an air filter for $13 and did it myself (super easy). I checked the price of a battery $57. I am so disappointed being that I took it to a well-known dealership. If I can't trust them to do the job requested and then lie about it, how awful is that? Fraud and poor work ethics is unfortuately alive and well. I went to a well-known car dealership for an oil and filter change. I asked them to check my tire pressure as I have with every oil change every 3 months. They checked off that they checked the tire pressure. I bought a tire guage and all the tires were dangerously low ie 18 in back and 22 for the other 3 tires (suppose to be 32 in front and 34 in back). They also offered to change my air filter for $95 and said my battery was 1/4 low and they could replace it for $105. I bought an air filter for $13 and did it myself (super easy). I checked the price of a battery $57. I am so disappointed being that I took it to a well-known dealership. If I can't trust them to do the job requested and then lie about it, how awful is that? Fraud and poor work ethics is unfortuately alive and well.

]]> By: John, Richmond Texas http://moremoney.blogs.money.cnn.com/2009/03/16/dont-fall-for-these-scams/#comment-14060 John, Richmond Texas Tue, 17 Mar 2009 23:17:10 +0000 http://moneyfeatures.blogs.money.cnn.com/?p=444#comment-14060 The Property Tax Reassessment is definitely NOT a fraud. While consumers CAN file this themselves (I did so myself 2 years ago), many times they do not know what to do. So, instead of taking the time to run the proper comps and taking time off from work, they let someone else do the leg work. This is a SERVICE rendered for a fee. If it is valuable to you, pay for it. If it is not valuable to you, do it yourself. It is no different than going to a car wash. Sure I CAN do it myself, I just choose to pay someone else to do it for me. The Property Tax Reassessment is definitely NOT a fraud. While consumers CAN file this themselves (I did so myself 2 years ago), many times they do not know what to do. So, instead of taking the time to run the proper comps and taking time off from work, they let someone else do the leg work. This is a SERVICE rendered for a fee. If it is valuable to you, pay for it. If it is not valuable to you, do it yourself. It is no different than going to a car wash. Sure I CAN do it myself, I just choose to pay someone else to do it for me.

]]> By: Angelique, Los Angeles CA http://moremoney.blogs.money.cnn.com/2009/03/16/dont-fall-for-these-scams/#comment-14059 Angelique, Los Angeles CA Tue, 17 Mar 2009 23:03:25 +0000 http://moneyfeatures.blogs.money.cnn.com/?p=444#comment-14059 These people proliferate like maggots in rotten meat. I wish there was a way to let people know about scammers like this before they end up learning the hard way. These people proliferate like maggots in rotten meat.

I wish there was a way to let people know about scammers like this before they end up learning the hard way.

]]> By: B. Simmerman, Peachtree City, GA http://moremoney.blogs.money.cnn.com/2009/03/16/dont-fall-for-these-scams/#comment-14057 B. Simmerman, Peachtree City, GA Tue, 17 Mar 2009 22:47:26 +0000 http://moneyfeatures.blogs.money.cnn.com/?p=444#comment-14057 You know the funny but sad part? I saw one of the Stimulus grant scams advertised on CNNMoney.com below an article about Madoff. Way to go CNNMoney! You know the funny but sad part? I saw one of the Stimulus grant scams advertised on CNNMoney.com below an article about Madoff. Way to go CNNMoney!

]]> By: Ravi, Morrisville NC http://moremoney.blogs.money.cnn.com/2009/03/16/dont-fall-for-these-scams/#comment-14056 Ravi, Morrisville NC Tue, 17 Mar 2009 22:26:21 +0000 http://moneyfeatures.blogs.money.cnn.com/?p=444#comment-14056 The third point is very valid. I had an oil change done and the guy asked me to get something else repaired and billed me $700. The next time I was there for an oil change after 3 months, he asked me to get more or less the same repairs for another $700. I refused and went to my trusted car dealership and all those things checked out ok and I didn't pay a dollar. Be careful! The third point is very valid. I had an oil change done and the guy asked me to get something else repaired and billed me $700. The next time I was there for an oil change after 3 months, he asked me to get more or less the same repairs for another $700. I refused and went to my trusted car dealership and all those things checked out ok and I didn't pay a dollar. Be careful!

]]> By: C. Carroll- Hastings,MN http://moremoney.blogs.money.cnn.com/2009/03/16/dont-fall-for-these-scams/#comment-14047 C. Carroll- Hastings,MN Tue, 17 Mar 2009 20:13:16 +0000 http://moneyfeatures.blogs.money.cnn.com/?p=444#comment-14047 Article is spot on. I am inundated with phony offers all the time. Fortunately my e-mail sends them straight to "Junk" and I delete them from there without even opening them. Article is spot on. I am inundated with phony offers all the time. Fortunately my e-mail sends them straight to "Junk" and I delete them from there without even opening them.

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