The Consumer Toolbox

Last month, I was invited to be a guest on the “Westfield Council on Aging (COA) Presents “television show with host Harry Rock to discuss "Scams and Shams." The segment is being described as an "eye opener" by many of its viewers and I was asked to include the audio on this podcast. 

Harry digs deep with his questions on the types of scams consumers should be on the lookout for, and I do not hold back with my candid answers. As I said to Harry, "I don't sugar-coat!" 

You're not going to want to miss this episode and you'll definitely want to share it with others. Why? Because education is the best prevention! 

Follow this link to watch the YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=dXMgnREPYzg

Don't forget to subscribe and rate this podcast dedicated to you, the consumer. Feel free to send your questions, comments and feedback to [email protected].

~Milagros~

Because the original episode recorded in 2022 has been the most listened to episode of The Consumer Toolbox podcast, and considering the growing trend of the Buy Now Pay Later plans, I thought to bring it back alive with some new comments for you to consider. 

I'm still confident saying that Buy Now Pay Later plans are worthy of considering...but only if you are responsible with your finances, and have lots of discipline. If not, then you should, "Save Now, Buy (Pay) Later!" 

Don't forget to subscribe and share this podcast. After all, you're a consumer every day and staying informed and empowered is the new trend as well. Remember that, "Education is the Best Prevention!" 

~Milagros~

National Consumer Protection Week 2024 (March 3 to March 9) is a annual event dedicated to consumers by advocates and government entities. 

With the Federal Trade Commission recent report of fraud in 2023, you will want to listen to this episode. 

I’m not one to sugarcoat, ignore or undermine important and relevant information when it pertains to consumers and fraud. This time, I get even more candid when talking about the significant impact fraud had on consumers in 2023! Quite frankly, the numbers from the Federal Trade Commission are alarming!

 Please take the time to read the FTC’s Sentinel Data Book of 2023 to learn more. Also, be sure to join your local organization during NCPW to get empowered. 

As always, I encourage you to subscribe to The Consumer Toolbox podcast, and to share it with those you want to protect from scams and fraud, and be sure not to forget those young and old!

Stay safe my friends,

~Milagros~

Advertisements for Debt Relief are coming to us from every angle. We hear them on the radio, see them on television, and on posters and newspaper ads. In fact, they are becoming just as overwhelming as the debt ratio most consumers are now facing.

This episode will explain how the debt relief and debt management companies work, the services they may offer, and the potential risks to your credit, if you don't understand what you may be getting yourself into. Know that what they claim they can do for you, you can do yourself.

So before you sign up on their website or call their toll-free number, listen to this episode so that you can make an informed decision based on what is best for you, your finances and credit.

And please, don't forget to subscribe and tell your family and friends about this informative podcast. Remember that "Education is the Best Prevention!"

Here are the links I reference in this episode:

https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2023/08/ftc-doj-send-more-9-million-refunds-people-who-lost-money-student-loan-debt-relief-scheme?utm_source=govdelivery

https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/newsroom/cfpb-reaches-multibillion-dollar-settlement-with-credit-repair-conglomerate/

https://consumer.gov/sites/default/files/pdf-1020-make-budget-worksheet_form.pdf

~Milagros~

Smart devices are good but your privacy is better. Why does this matter? Because smart devices pry on your privacy.

However you have options, if you take the time to take action to protect it. It's all in the settings.

So before you sit to watch tv, for instance, you're going to want to listen to this short but empowering episode. I suggest you take it one step further afterward, and check all of your smart devices to select the ones that best protect you and you privacy.

~Milagros~

Medical data breaches are on the rise. This is a major concern because it impacts our medical records and could potentially put our health, not just our personal and financial information at risk. What most consumers don't know is that medical identity theft can have long-term effects on our medical history and our medical conditions. 

In a case of financial identity theft we can dispute the fraudulent charges, but in a case of medical identity theft, it's not as easy as you think, especially because it goes undetected for that much longer.

In this episode, I encourage all consumers to be vigilant and proactive and provide the steps for you to take, if and when your medical information is compromised. Remember that, "Education is the Best Prevention," and in this case, when it applies to your health.

~Milagros~

This week I will join the Federal Trade Commission to help promote Identity Theft Awareness Week. I invite you to participate!

With identity theft continuing to be on the uptick, there are two important and free steps for you to take to protect yourself from becoming a victim of identity theft. 

The first is to monitor your request three free credit report. The second is to freeze your three credit reports. That's it...it's that simple! Follow these links to do just that:

• Request your three free credit reports
• Freeze your Experian credit file
• Freeze your Equifax credit file
• Freeze your TransUnion credit file

If you have questions, please email them to [email protected].
Remember to rate and subscribe to this podcast. Thank you for listening!

~Milagros~

This week is Data Privacy Week. It's a new year and it's time for consumers to take control of their data and own their privacy!

As consumers, our lives are intertwined each and every day from online shopping to using social media to engage with others. While the digital world affords us much convenience and entertainment, it also poses risks to our personal information and data. 

We have an obligation to ourselves of taking control our privacy and how our data is collected, processed, stored, shared and used. Too often, we are quick to choose convenience over privacy. 

In this episode, Milagros speaks candidly to bring awareness of how you can “Own and Take Control of our Privacy." That's right! Own it and Control it! You owe it to yourself. 

To learn more, visit StaySafeOnline.org. 

Be sure to subscribe to this podcast and rate this episode. Thank you for listening!

~Milagros~

Hi Listeners!

I'm back. Sorry for the long hiatus. 

Listen to this episode to hear of the "not-so-welcomed" issues I was dealing with these past few months. You will soon discover that I, although a well-versed consumer advocate, can have consumer disputes and issues. I will share with you my own personal stories, and will describe how I was able to resolve them...even weeks or months later. 

Happy listening! Remember to subscribe and rate this episode. It's you, the listeners of The Consumer Toolbox that keep me wanting to come back.

~Milagros~

If you own a car, you're probably familiar with the expenses and headaches associated with auto repair.  Too often consumers either pay too much for a repair, or are dissatisfied with the quality of the work performed.

In this episode, Camille and I provide you with the tools you need to know before you bring your car in for maintenance or repair. There are questions for you to ask, and documents to be signed before the mechanic begins to work on your vehicle.

Remember that a well-maintained vehicle will take you the extra miles, so don't ignore the warning signs (lights on the dashboard).

If you haven't already, be sure to rate and subscribe to this podcast, and tell your family and friends as well. After all, we're all consumers!

Stay safe and be well,

~Milagros~