Consumer Forum is a collaboration of the Bangor Daily News and Northeast CONTACT, Maine’s membership-funded, nonprofit consumer organization. Recent columns are posted in the blog as well.
05-13-13 Thieves target children as easy victims of identity theft — Bangor Daily News
05-06-13 Free legal help can be a phone call, or library, away — Bangor Daily News
04-29-13 The story of a ‘bad’ check — Bangor Daily News
04-22-13 Case of spying computers sparks privacy concerns — Bangor Daily News
04-15-13 Financial literacy the key to living within your means — Bangor Daily News
04-08-13 Corporate Records Service scam targets, dupes small businesses — Bangor Daily News
04-01-13 Google Maps settlement reveals privacy concerns — Bangor Daily News
03-25-13 Microsoft error call is yet another scam — Bangor Daily News
03-18-13 Technology in libraries improves access to the legal system — Bangor Daily News
03-11-13 Protect yourself against Medicare/Medicaid fraud — Bangor Daily News
03-04-13 Watch out for the scammers poaching veterans’ pensions — Bangor Daily News
02-25-13 Stay on top of your credit history — Bangor Daily News
02-18-13 To prevent identity theft, guard your Social Security Number — Bangor Daily News
02-11-13 As tax time approaches, be wary of tax scams — Bangor Daily News
02-04-13 Sometimes free advice is the best kind — Bangor Daily News
01-28-13 The dodgy world of commemorative coins — Bangor Daily News
01-21-13 Take care to avoid student aid scams — Bangor Daily News
01-14-13 Get a check from the federal government? Watch out for scams — Bangor Daily News
01-07-13 Research reverse mortgages before applying — it’s the law — Bangor Daily News
12-31-12 Look out for phony charities — Bangor Daily News
12-24-12 Debt settlement firm settles with Maine for six figures — Bangor Daily News
12-17-12 What home and business owners need to know about insurance — Bangor Daily News
12-10-12 Beware of the fake Yellow Pages — Bangor Daily News
12-03-12 Library check-off can help smart consumers — Bangor Daily News
11-26-12 MoneyGram settlement could mean payout for scam victims — Bangor Daily News
11-19-12 Timely orders at holiday time — Bangor Daily News
11-12-12 Prepare for disasters — Bangor Daily News
11-05-12 Storm Insurance 101: Tips on filing claims for Sandy-related damages — Bangor Daily News
10-29-12 Beware the 911 scam — Bangor Daily News
10-22-12 Looking for financial security? Temporary credit cards may be an answer — Bangor Daily News
10-15-12 New guide helps Mainers navigate student loans — Bangor Daily News
10-08-12 State offers help to veterans seeking occupational licensing — Bangor Daily News
10-01-12 New law gives consumers recourse with businesses that don’t honor prepaid heating oil contracts — Bangor Daily News
09-24-12 Up-selling may offer valuable add-ons, but beware — Bangor Daily News
09-17-12 Businesses find value in providing reading glasses for customers — Bangor Daily News
09-10-12 Accident follow-up — Bangor Daily News
09-03-12 Elder Finance Seminars scheduled around Maine — Bangor Daily News
08-20-12 Never leave kids in hot cars — Bangor Daily News
08-13-12 A few simple steps to ensure your food is safe to eat — Bangor Daily News
08-06-12 Top 10 consumer complaints — Bangor Daily News
07-30-12 The dangers of playing with magnets — Bangor Daily News
07-23-12 Swipe fee settlement gives retailers more voice — Bangor Daily News
07-16-12 Loan modification problems with the wrong company can cost consumers money — Bangor Daily News
07-09-12 Beware of advance fee loan scams using fake Maine addresses — Bangor Daily News
07-02-12 Fireworks safety has many elements, including awareness of who is nearby — Bangor Daily News
06-25-12 Beware of check overpayment scam when selling goods online — Bangor Daily News
06-18-12 Consumers: Watch for fake check scams — Bangor Daily News
06-11-12 What to do when you lose your wallet — Bangor Daily News
06-04-12 Protect yourself from Internet pet scams — Bangor Daily News
05-28-12 Advance fee loan schemes target those who can least afford loss — Bangor Daily News
05-21-12 Ignoring auto recalls at our own peril — Bangor Daily News
05-14-12 Honda lawsuit ruling gives consumers pause — Bangor Daily News
05-07-12 Grandparents and accidental poisonings — Bangor Daily News
04-30-12 Tips for following portable pool safety practices this summer — Bangor Daily News
04-23-12 In-app purchases can rack up a bill quickly — Bangor Daily News
04-16-12 New home heating energy contract protections in place — Bangor Daily News
04-09-12 Helping young people navigate the real world — Bangor Daily News
04-02-12 Ads disguised as news provoke outrage — Bangor Daily News
03-26-12 Beware of scholarship scams — Bangor Daily News
03-19-12 Latest HUD information could help mortgage holders — Bangor Daily News
03-12-12 Decline free service offers — Bangor Daily News
03-05-12 The true price of credit card convenience checks — Bangor Daily News
02-27-12 Dirty dozen tax schemes of 2012 — Bangor Daily News
02-20-12 America Saves Week gets us thinking about our financial future — Bangor Daily News
02-13-12 Are Bumbo child seats safe? — Bangor Daily News
02-06-12 California Honda law suit could be model for other Civic Hybrid Owners — Bangor Daily News
01-30-12 Recent ruling: Suit can be brought against telemarketers in federal court — Bangor Daily News
01-23-12 Identity theft not always worth the cost — Bangor Daily News
01-16-12 Beware of work-at-home scams — Bangor Daily News
01-09-12 Calculators help with financial planning — Bangor Daily News
01-02-12 Chimney cleaning scam earns raspberry — Bangor Daily News
12-26-11 The ins and outs of using gift cards safely — Bangor Daily News
12-19-11 Ten “hacks” you never suspected — Bangor Daily News
12-12-11 Check insurance around the holidays — Bangor Daily News
12-05-11 Health care providers can detect financial abuse — Bangor Daily News
11-28-11 Protect your credit during holiday shopping — Bangor Daily News
11-21-11 Overpriced smoke alarms aren’t necessary to do the job — Bangor Daily News
11-14-11 Elder financial and investment abuse — Bangor Daily News
11-07-11 Confusion surrounding credit scores — Bangor Daily News
10-31-11 Halloween safety tips from Northeast CONTACT — Bangor Daily News
10-24-11 Oil dependence is a hard habit to break — Bangor Daily News
10-17-11 Looking at oil tanks before failure could save money — Bangor Daily News
10-10-11 A Lesson for consumers of information — Bangor Daily News
10-03-11 Drop-side crib recall update — Bangor Daily News
09-27-11 The Trickiness of Tracking Children Online – Bangor Daily News
09-20-11 Refund anticipation loans are risky business – Bangor Daily News
09-12-11 ID Theft website launched — Bangor Daily News
09-05-11 Identity theft with a twist — Bangor Daily News
08-22-11 Website merger gives consumers edge — Bangor Daily News
08-15-11 Question extended vehicle warranties offered through mailings — Bangor Daily News
08-08-11 When all else fails, complain — Bangor Daily News
08-01-11 Beware of offers to lower interest rates – Bangor Daily News
07-25-11 With phone-based service, the customer isn’t always right – Bangor Daily News
07-18-11 Buy-back programs for electronics a great deal-for the seller —Bangor Daily News
07-11-11 Drawbacks to TV set-top boxes – Bangor Daily News
07-04-11 The dangers of drop-side cribs — Bangor Daily News
06-27-11 Avoid cramming of fake phone charges — Bangor Daily News
06-20-11 Consumers: Watch for fake check scams — Bangor Daily News
06-13-11 Investigators looking into unlicensed investment sales — Bangor Daily News
06-06-11 Thieves raise the bar on ATM theft — Bangor Daily News
05-30-11 Government regulations soon to change — Bangor Daily News
05-23-11 Taking a look at unemployment debit cards — Bangor Daily News
05-16-11 Ethanol and small engines — Bangor Daily News
05-09-11 Youth Financial Literacy – Bangor Daily News
05-02-11 Toro recalls lawn mowers and snow blowers — Bangor Daily News
04-25-11 Manufactured Demand – Bangor Daily News
04-18-11 On Earth Day think globally act locally – Bangor Daily News
04-11-11 Travel insurance worth a hard look – Bangor Daily News
04-04-11 Airline PR seldom covers flight delays – Bangor Daily News
03-28-11 Hidden transaction fees boosting costs for consumers – Bangor Daily News
03-21-11 Wire scams all too common– Bangor Daily News
03-14-11 U.S. Postal Service delivers trust in National Consumer Protection Week — Bangor Daily News
03-07-11 Consumer Protection Week raises awareness of good credit practices — Bangor Daily News
02-28-11 Consumer complaint website available —Bangor Daily News
02-21-11 Data breach a reminder to watch credit, debit cards—Bangor Daily News
02-14-11 Reduce availability of your personal information—Bangor Daily News
02-07-11 Teens should think critically about Internet use —Bangor Daily News
01-31-11 Wanting what’s good for the marketplace — Bangor Daily News
01-24-11 Maine schools can compete, fight hunger – Bangor Daily News.
01-17-11 Report aims to protect consumer privacy online — Bangor Daily News
01-10-11 Reverse mortgage agreements can be complex — Bangor Daily News
01/03/11 Consumer top 10 tips for 2010 reviewed — Bangor Daily News.
12/27/10 Businesses, government work to convert nonbankers — Bangor Daily News.
12/20/10 Fake charities can be a Grinch at holidays – Bangor Daily News.
12/13/10 Brewer trash a case study – Bangor Daily News
12/6/10 Tips for Brewers new Pay-As-You-Throw program – Bangor Daily News
11/29/10 ‘Buyer beware’ of gift cards until next year – Bangor Daily News.
11/15/10 Smart consumers benefit from knowledge of law — Bangor Daily News.
11/08/10 Pass on e-mail offers of ‘free press passes’ – Bangor Daily News.
11/01/10 Resources to help seniors in need – Bangor Daily News.
10/25/10 Teaching students financial literacy – Bangor Daily News.
10/18/10 Be mindful of many types of fraud schemes — Bangor Daily News.
10/11/10 Be aware of several scams aimed at stealing identity — Bangor Daily News
10/04/10 Personal data request from state ill-advised – Bangor Daily News.
09/27/10 Research companies before buying services – Bangor Daily News.
09/20/10 Volunteers to spread word about energy efficiency – Bangor Daily News.
09/13/10 Homework a must for smart consumers – Bangor Daily News.
09/06/10 Time used preparing for storms well spent – Bangor DailyNews.
08/30/10 Law protects teenage banking – Bangor Daily News
08/16/10 Consumers can get aid now to avoid foreclosure – Bangor Daily News.
08/09/10 If wary of chemicals, make own cleaners-Bangor Daily News
07/26/10 Low-income Mainers get cell phone access — Bangor Daily News
07/19/10 Financial plans key to enjoying retirement — Bangor Daily News.
07/12/10 Magazine renewals often are not a favor — Bangor Daily News.
07/05/10 Reusable shopping bags need monthly bath – Bangor Daily News.
06/28/10 Recall prompts reminder on drop-side crib safety – Bangor Daily News.
06/21/10 Know when to seek help on consumer issues – Bangor Daily News.
06/14/10 Internet offers wealth of advice on finances – Bangor Daily News.
06/07/10 US students failing in financial literacy – Bangor Daily News.
05/31/10 Safety on the road is important this Memorial Day — Bangor Daily News.
05/24/10 Agency focuses on vehicle complaints – Bangor Daily News.
05/17/10 Cyber thieves getting more sophisticated – Bangor Daily News
05/10/10 Polite seniors need to be wary of ‘spoofs’—Bangor Daily News
05/03/10 Ask ‘gypsy pavers’ for contracts, IDs – Bangor Daily News
04/26/10 Stay informed about electronics recycling – Bangor Daily News.
04/19/10 Maine gains Silver Alert option for dementia — Bangor Daily News.
04/12/10 Millions get cards describing lawn mower settlement — Bangor Daily News
04/05/10 Defeat would-be thieves by keeping sharp — Bangor Daily News.
03/29/10 Guards on table saws are there for a reason – Bangor Daily News.
03/22/10 Keep in mind the real cost of refund anticipation loan – Bangor Daily News.
03/15/10 Consumer protection week lessons applicable year-round
03/08/10 When Web “florists in Bangor” lead to Vancouver – Bangor Daily News.
03/01/10 New credit card rules protecting consumers – Bangor Daily News.
02/22/10 State considers bill to license contractors — Bangor Daily News.
02/15/10 Tips to avoid phony e-cards, find real deal – Bangor Daily News.
02/08/10 HelpMeLaw.org offers smart help on legal matters – Bangor Daily News.
02/01/10 Hot line helps seniors make smart choices – Bangor Daily News.
01/25/10 Air travel still bumpy, but DOT offers relief – Bangor Daily News.
01/18/10 Return to classes a smart choice, wise investment — Bangor Daily News.
01/11/10 Good time to check your debit, credit bills — Bangor Daily News.
01/04/10 Foreclosure ‘consultants’ won’t give help you want — Bangor Daily News.
12/28/09 Stay informed when making gifts to charity – Bangor Daily News.
12/21/09 The gift of a pet requires thought, research – Bangor Daily News.
12/14/09 Check the fees, other fine print behind gift cards – Bangor Daily News.
12/07/09 Risk to babies still high after recall of cribs – Bangor Daily News.
11/23/09 Bite-sized facts would improve truth in labeling – Bangor Daily News.
11/16/09 Fraudulent e-mails try to steal info – Bangor Daily News.
11/09/09 Businesses: Be wary of every keystroke – Bangor Daily News.
11/02/09 Fake calls, e-mail from ‘FDIC’ can lead to ID theft – Bangor Daily News.
10/19/09 Cold snap serves as reminder for fire prevention – Bangor Daily News.
10/05/09 Youth no bar to racking up terrible credit – Bangor Daily News.
09/28/09 If it’s an emergency, would you be ready? – Bangor Daily News.
08/31/09 You have rights in dealing with collectors of old debts – Bangor Daily News.
08/24/09 Bite-sized facts would improve truth in labeling – Bangor Daily News.
08/17/09 Top 10 list helps protect buyers – Bangor Daily News.
08/10/09 Some ‘free offers’ come attached to pricey strings – Bangor Daily News.
05/25/09 Wireless nets may draw unwelcome users – Bangor Daily News.
