Introduction A con artist conducting a financial fraud scam through eBay sent Nina Kollars a free Nespresso machine. The scammer didn’t realize that Nina Kollars is an Associate Professor at the Naval War College with extensive experience in Strategic and Operational Research. Suspecting something was going on, Nina began conducting an elaborate research project on… Continue reading When Nina Kollars Received a free Nespresso machine.
Category: Consumer News
Promoting Alcohol and Tobacco by Advertising to High School Students
It’s getting more difficult for companies to advertise tobacco and alcohol products. Tobacco ads are no longer permitted on television.(1) On websites and YouTube, age verification is required to view content purportedly targeting an adult audience. The tobacco industry has a long history of marketing to young people. The goal is to get people addicted… Continue reading Promoting Alcohol and Tobacco by Advertising to High School Students
Briggs & Stratton Definitely Wants You to Buy/Not Buy the Snapper Cordless Lawn Mower
I was researching cordless electric lawn mowers recently and was very encouraged to see that Briggs & Stratton has rebranded themselves in a future-forward way by providing battery packs for Snapper cordless electric lawn mowers. So, in this way they are offering the ‘engine’ of the future. Still powering our lives, but now with a quieter,… Continue reading Briggs & Stratton Definitely Wants You to Buy/Not Buy the Snapper Cordless Lawn Mower
How to Unsubscribe from the Wall Street Journal and Cancel the Digital Access Subscription [SOLVED]
To unsubscribe and cancel digital access to the Wall Street Journal, follow these instructions: From the main Wall Street Journal website visit the Customer Care page (linked under your profile icon). You’ll find an automated chat system under Contact Us. Click on ‘Cancel’ and the toll free number is provided 1-800-JOURNAL or 609-514-0870. You must… Continue reading How to Unsubscribe from the Wall Street Journal and Cancel the Digital Access Subscription [SOLVED]
How to unsubscribe from the Los Angeles Times and Cancel the Digital Access Subscription [SOLVED]
UPDATE: 28 Mar 2023 The LA Times now provides a page with this concise description of how to unsubscribe: They have clarified that even if the payments stop being received, your subscription obligation continues until you formally request a cancellation of the subscription. You will be obligated to pay past-due subscription fees until you cancel.… Continue reading How to unsubscribe from the Los Angeles Times and Cancel the Digital Access Subscription [SOLVED]
Q: How is spam sent from my own email address? [SOLVED]
Have you ever wondered how or why spam seems to be sent from your own email address? Perhaps you’ve receive a notices of undeliverable messages that you’ve never sent, or a confirmation receipt for a message you never sent. This video with Greg Johnson explains these common issues. (10 Apr 2019) Learn more at ResourcesForLife.com/technology
Product Review Bias – It’s hard to criticize what we really like.
When creating reviews of products or services, it’s natural to praise the products we like and use. We tend to overlook their faults. This video with Greg Johnson explores this issue. (8 Apr 2019)
CONSUMER ALERT – Microsoft OneDrive PDF Phishing Shared Document Scam
This video describes a Microsoft OneDrive phishing scam that arrives as an email and appears to be from a known acquaintance sharing some PDF files. As the video explains, the process builds trust with the ultimate goal of getting the user to enter their Microsoft account login information.
Dark Patterns Attempt to Manipulate and Control Consumers
Dark Patterns are attempts by advertisers and content designers to manipulate consumers into taking actions that companies desire (like purchasing something) while making it difficult or confusing to take actions companies don’t want (such as canceling an account or opting out). Here are some resources to help you learn more about these deceptive practices. More can… Continue reading Dark Patterns Attempt to Manipulate and Control Consumers
Returning to the Town that Walmart Left Behind
When Walmart moves into rural towns, the impact on local small businesses can be devastating and often results in local stores closing down. Even more devastating is the wasteland left behind when a Walmart pulls out of a community after homogenizing the local economy. Educational preparedness and workforce readiness are hindered. In other words, the… Continue reading Returning to the Town that Walmart Left Behind
Here’s Why Sears Has 98% Negative Reviews and Over 13,000 Complaints
Summary The in-home appliance repair advertised by Sears Home Services appears to be a violation of the Federal Trade Commission regulations regarding honesty in advertising for the reasons explained below. This is likely the reason Sears has received over 13,000 customer complaints over 3 years with 98% negative customer reviews with the Better Business Bureau.… Continue reading Here’s Why Sears Has 98% Negative Reviews and Over 13,000 Complaints
The Time When 193 ‘Local New’ Stations Across the Country Were Given a Script to Read
Here’s a story about “The Time When 193 ‘Local New’ Stations Across the Country Were Given a Script to Read.” Viewers assumed the message was local. It wasn’t. It was centrally distributed propaganda. No. It didn’t happen in Soviet Russia or Mao’s China, it happened in the United States — recently. This is what happens… Continue reading The Time When 193 ‘Local New’ Stations Across the Country Were Given a Script to Read