The Consumer Toolbox

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=govdeliveryhttps://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~

We've been hearing about it more every day. It's the new way of shopping without paying for it with cash or a credit card. It's called Buy Now, Pay Later. But did you know that it's actually a loan that may or may not help your credit. There's no doubt that it is a convenient way for those are not prepared for the unexpected, such as when a home appliance breaks. However it comes with several implications, all of which consumers need to know about. In this episode I discuss the pros and cons, the good and the bad, and the facts that may leave you thinking whether this is the, "wisest way to shop!"Remember to rate and subscribe to this podcast on your favorite listening platform!~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 reportsFreeze your Experian credit fileFreeze your Equifax credit fileFreeze your TransUnion credit fileIf you have questions, please email them to TheConsumerToolbox@gmail.com.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~

Don't get duped by a scam when booking your next vacation or family trip!If you're anything like me, you're ready for a vacation or getaway! But with scams on the rise during the pandemic, you want to hear of the different ones taking consumers for a ride. In this episode, I will share with you the different types of vacation scams, as well as ways for you to protect yourself from them. So before you book your next trip, be sure to listen to this episode...you won't regret it!Please remember to subscribe so you don't miss any of the episodes. A review would also be appreciated. You can also send me an email at TheConsumerToolbox@gmail.com.Stay safe and be well...~Milagros~

This was a National Consumer Protection (NCPW) like no other. Why? Because we had to adapt to doing it virtually...and via The Consumer Toolbox podcast. Surprisingly enough, my colleague, Camille and I were just as productive, if not more than ever. We were able to reach more consumers than we thought possible. We tried new things, which you will hear about in this episode. It was an eventful week despite not being able to be physically out in the community.To our loyal subscribers, thank you for tuning in and listening! To the new listeners and subscribers, welcome and thank you!!I'll be back soon...just not tomorrow or the next day.Until next time...~Milagros~

I could not let National Consumer Protection Week come close to an end without my dedicating an episode to Older Americans who are learning to navigate the cyber world. To many of them, this is a new era and way of communicating with the outside world as they stay safe in their homes during the pandemic. In this episode, I am talking directly to those who have older parents, family members, friends or neighbors who deserve to know of the many risks and dangers that come when using the internet, whether its for email purposes, shopping, or socially connecting with their loved ones, medical providers, shopping. They too deserve to know how to safely and securely navigate the internet on their electronic devices. Please listen and share the podcast with them before you follow through with the advice, suggestions and tips I provide to help protect them, their devices, and personal and financial information. Remember to subscribe and share your new knowledge with others.~Milagros~

First and foremost, I want to thank my colleague, Camille Christian, a Case Specialist at the Mayor’s Office of Consumer Information for offering to host Episode 4 of the National Consumer Protection Week  series. Camille and I are equally passionate about our work, and know the importance of consumer advocacy and education. In this episode, Camille discusses the eviction and foreclosure moratorium. She also reads questions The Consumer Toolbox has received from consumers, and provides answers to each question. If you are facing eviction or foreclosure, or know someone who is, you're going to want to listen to this episode. One piece of advice Camille offers is that, "You are not alone...there is help for you, but you must seek it now." Don't forget to subscribe and rate this episode. Thank you for listening to The Consumer Toolbox!~Milagros~

With the pandemic affecting our finances, it seems that credit is a concern for many consumers. And there's nothing wrong with that! What is wrong though is the misconception on how to handle negative credit reporting, or when our credit scores take a plunge. In this episode of The Consumer Toolbox I give a simple and clear explanation on how to get a better grip on our credit scores by first understanding our credit reports. While they kind-of-sort of go hand-in-hand, one takes precedence over the other. Listen and you'll understand!Remember to subscribe to The Consumer Toolbox, and don't forget to subscribe and share it with others so they too can get empowered!~Milagros~

Spring is around the corner and so are home improvement scams!There is homework for you to do before you hire a home improvement contractor. Learn the steps you must take to avoid falling to a home improvement scam or you hire a fraudulent contractor or handyman. Be sure to subscribe and like this episode, and share it with your family members, friends, neighbors and co-workers. Remember that, "Education is the Best Prevention!"~Milagros~

It's my favorite week of the year! Today kicks off National Consumer Protection Week and I couldn't think of anything better to do than to bring to you an introduction to this year's event! This will be my first year not being out in my community but I am thrilled to use this platform to reach listeners of The Consumer Toolbox!I have one favor to ask of you...please subscribe and review this podcast and share it with your family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors! Why? Because they are all consumers too and deserve to be empowered this week, and every week! Join me and other state and federal authorities, agencies and consumer advocates on this year's Consumer Protection Week's mission!Oh, and be sure to listen to my daily podcast episodes this week...~Milagros~

If you want your complaint to be heard and resolved, there's a right way to address your concerns to a business or merchant. Whether you do it by phone, email or letter, using the right tone, choosing the right words and addressing your complaint to the right person may likely get you the resolution you are seeking. But before you do that, you must set aside your emotions.In this episode, I will share with you tips and suggestions to help you complain effectively...because your complaint matters! A gentle reminder, please remember to subscribe to my podcast and rate this episode!  Enjoy...Milagros

Due to a large number of requests from its listeners, this episode is a  sequel to Episode 1: Wait! Don't Buy a Lemon! Thank you all for your positive feedback, and of course, for listening to The Consumer Toolbox podcast! In this episode, Milagros provides additional tips on avoiding buying a lemon, and reinforces you using "Your Car Buying Power!"  Remember to subscribe to The Consumer Toolbox and submit your comments, feedback and questions via email to TheConsumerToolbox@gmail.com.

With the pandemic at its highest peak this holiday season, most of us have turned to online shopping over brick-and-mortar. However this is creating a perfect storm for cybercriminals to access and steal our financial and personal information, hack our computers, and do all they can to rob us of our holiday cheer and joy. "What you think may be a good deal, may be a good steal (for a scammer)!"In this episode, Milagros is joined by Camille Christian, a Case Specialist at the Mayor's Office of Consumer Information, a Local Consumer Program working in cooperation with the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office. Together they bring awareness to shopping safely online, and offer tips on protecting your electronic devices,  and some of the ways you can avert a scam or fraud.Wishing everyone a safe and healthy holiday season!

It goes without saying that scams, fraud and identity theft are part of our past, present and future. This is why we must learn to, "stop, breath, and take a step back to think" when we suspect it to be a scam when we get a telephone call, email or text. In Episode 2, Milagros talks candidly about how fraudsters target us each day, and what steps we must take to better protect our personal information and finances, as well as how to "manage the damage" done to us.