Author: Chris Clark

“You are suffocating. And that’s what’s going to kill you.”

That’s the bleak reality facing Virginia coal miners, retired miner John Robinson told ABC News, as he opened up about work underground while living with black lung disease.

Now federal cuts to safety programs raise the life-and-death stakes for miners like him even higher.

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Black lung disease, a severe respiratory illness, is on the rise as miners work deeper than ever beneath the Earth’s surface. At such depths, they’re exposed to silica — a naturally occurring compound 20 times more toxic than regular coal dust.

While Trump has promised to get coal booming again in the U.S., he is cutting funding to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

Since it was set up in 1970, this federal agency has enforced worker safety across the U.S., including maintaining health surveillance programs to monitor and protect miners from black lung disease and other job-related risks.

The Trump administration’s cuts have essentially shuttered the agency. As their layoffs loom in June, agency employees say that without adequate safety enforcement, there won’t be any people to extract coal. Miners agree.

"You don’t take care of the miners, you ain’t going to mine coal," said one. "The machine don’t run by itself, you know what I’m saying?"

Federal safety workers and politicians rally to protect miners

About 800 NIOSH employees placed on leave have set up a “war room” in West Virginia to keep campaigning for mining safety until they are officially let go.

One of them, epidemiologist Dr. Scott Laney was blunt about the impact of gutting of the agency.

“It’s going to lead to premature mortality and death in these miners,” he said. “There’s just no getting around it."

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Amanda Lawson, a West Virginia healthcare employee, is seeing the effects. Miners who come to her for care have “horrible” lung X-rays. She blames the Trump cuts, specifically the slashing of its right-to-transfer program, which shifts miners with high silica exposure to other locations.

"There’s nobody to send them to get them some protection and get them moved out of the dust," Lawson told ABC.

While Trump’s supporters on Capitol Hill have celebrated his efforts to cut government spending, some say he’s going too far, criticizing him and Robert F. Kennedy, Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, for slashing mining protections.

In April, West Virginia Senate Republican Shelley Moore Capito wrote a letter to Kennedy arguing that while she supported Trump’s efforts to ‘right-size government’ she did not feel the NIOSH coal programs and research should be cut as they are unique.

How can miners protect themselves?

Unions like the United Mine Workers of America and community-based health monitoring programs might have to step up to monitor X-ray scans and correctly enforce PPE standards.

Moreover, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration protections are still in place. Miners should aggressively report any unsafe working conditions — for their own sakes and their families.

“I got a wife and two kids and two grandbabies, you know, and I want to live,” Robinson said.

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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

Frustrated by chronic speeding and dangerous sideshows tearing through their neighborhood, residents of an Oakland neighborhood took matters into their own hands — installing DIY speed bumps after feeling ignored by city officials.

But their grassroots solution sparked controversy when city crews tore them out, reigniting debate over citizen-led traffic calming measures.

“We’ve had peace for the past eight months, a hard peace," Oakland man Michael Andemeskel told NBC Bay Area. "We paid for that peace with our labor and money and then the city overnight took it away without excuse and without notice.”

What prompted residents to come with their own plan and why did the city rip it away?

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Residents implement their own speedbump DIY solution

A 2023 AAA study found that nearly 60% of American drivers admit to engaging in risky driving behaviors, including speeding, distracted driving and aggressive maneuvers. These behaviors, AAA says, aren’t limited to highways but also occur in neighborhood settings, where they can be particularly disruptive and dangerous.

For months, residents of the Oakland neighborhood watched as their street became a hotspot for reckless driving and illegal sideshows — events where drivers perform dangerous stunts like donuts and drifts.

After multiple calls and complaints to city officials produced no concrete results, neighbors banded together. Pooling their own money, they collectively spent $3,000 building several speed bumps along their street in an effort to curtail dangerous driving.

Residents say their project was verbally approved by the city’s Department of Transportation Director. Confident in their community-backed solution, they believed this would finally end the dangerous driving. Besides, Andemeskel says, the residents were told a planned repaving years down the road would give the city and residents time to find a solution that works for everyone.

"So we’re like, ‘OK, we can work with that,’” Andemeskel told the news outlet. “Within eight years, we can figure out a solution that makes everyone happy, right?" Unfortunately, the residents’ relief was short-lived.

City removes DIY speed bumps, chaos returns

Earlier this month, city workers abruptly removed the homemade speed bumps, citing safety concerns. Residents were outraged. Not only had their efforts been dismantled, but multiple neighbors reported the dangerous driving returned a day later.

The sudden reversal sparked confusion and frustration among residents who felt betrayed by the city’s apparent reversal of their earlier support. Oakland City Councilmember Charlene Wang, now representing their neighborhood, says residents and her staff weren’t warned before the city removed the bumps.

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"It is exactly these kinds of quick build, cheap, easy street treatments that I ran on, especially in face of a budget deficit, of being smart, being resourceful," Wang told NBC Bay Area. "The fact that the residents did that, I think that’s pretty remarkable."

Oakland’s response and residents’ next moves

Josh Rowan, Oakland’s transportation director, says city officials sympathize with residents’ woes but warned that makeshift deterrents can be dangerous. "The behaviors that frustrate everyone frustrate us too," Rowan told KTVU. "When it comes to solutions, their solutions are increasing risk on the street."

Rowan says cars have swerved out of traffic lanes because of the speed bumps, escalating the risks neighbors sought to reduce. "We want to get solutions that are solving these problems," Rowan says, adding the city was exploring additional measures to calm the activity. “But they keep getting out in front of us. And that’s not helping either us or them."

If you have similar challenges in your neighborhood, consider these steps before spending any money out of your — or your neighbors’ — pockets:

• Document the problems: Capture videos and photos to prove the extent of reckless driving.

• Petition the city: Organize and submit formal petitions demanding traffic calming measures.

• Engage local officials: Regularly attend city council meetings, engage representatives and keep pressure for official action.

• Request official traffic studies: Push local transportation departments to conduct traffic studies to officially document the issue and expedite solutions.

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Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. Subscribe for free.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

When Heather Elliott exited an express lane on Colorado’s Interstate 25 because a highway sign indicated the lane was closed, she thought she was following the law. But instead of a clear drive to work, she ended up with an unexpected ticket and a fight against government bureaucracy — a fight she ultimately won, not just for herself but for dozens of other drivers.

Elliott was headed to work on April 11 when she saw the closure sign, prompting her to exit the express lane. Despite this, authorities ticketed her for "toll weaving" — a citation typically given for unsafe or improper exits from express lanes. Confused and frustrated, she faced a difficult choice: simply pay the fine or dispute it.

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Believing firmly that she’d done nothing wrong, Elliott decided to challenge the ticket.

“I thought ‘no problem,’ all I would have to do is tell them that there was an accident and I made the right choice to get over.” she told KUSA 9News.

Her initial appeal, however, was swiftly rejected. Refusing to back down, she requested a hearing, determined to prove her case.

Ticketed for doing the ‘safe thing’

Unsure how to handle the dispute process alone, Elliott sought assistance from 9News. Reporter Steve Staeger looked into data from the spot where Elliott was caught exiting the lane and learned that she wasn’t the only driver ticketed.

Staeger discovered that 48 other drivers had been ticketed for toll weaving at the same spot, on the same day. It became clear there was a systemic problem, not individual negligence.

“I’d been warned twice now that the lane was closed, so I chose to get out of the lane because that was the smart and safe thing to do,” Elliott said of her decision to exit the toll lane.

When she crossed the double white line indicating no lane changing allowed, the move triggered the fine.

Just days before a scheduled hearing to review Elliott’s dispute, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) abruptly canceled it without explanation. This, after Staeger had pressed for answers about what happened and learned nearly 50 other drivers were also ticketed — more than four times the daily average for that stretch of highway.

CDOT told 9News that the red “X” signifying the lane closure, and prompting Elliott’s lane exit, had been mistakenly left on after an accident the night before. The “X” was never turned off, which likely explains the dozens of toll-weaving violations the next day. CDOT has since wiped away those violations and has promised refunds to any driver who paid a ticket without disputing it, returning a collective $3,600 to the affected motorists.

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Holding bureaucracy accountable

Elliott’s determination highlights how important it is for drivers to question seemingly unjust citations, especially when road conditions and signs cause confusion. Her willingness to push back not only cleared her name but also benefited many others who may have been unjustly penalized.

What should you do if you receive a questionable ticket?

• Document everything. Take clear pictures or videos, if safely possible, of the scene to capture confusing signs or road conditions.

• File a formal dispute, promptly. The complaint should include detailed explanations and your evidence. Early documentation can make or break your case.

• What if I’m rejected? Don’t stop there. Consider seeking help from local advocacy groups or media outlets known for investigating consumer issues. These groups often have resources and influence you may lack individually.

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Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. Subscribe for free.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

A fresh pair of Adidas kicks might leave you light on your feet. Your wallet may feel the same.

The German footwear giant, which makes the popular Samba, Stan Smiths and carbon-plated racing shoes setting running records across the globe, is warning customers that U.S. tariffs on imports from China and other Asian countries will drive the cost of its shoes higher.

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Even as the company announced better-than-expected first quarter earnings, CEO Bjørn Gulden said Adidas will cost more in the U.S.

“Although we had already reduced the China exports to the US to a minimum, we are somewhat exposed to those currently very high tariffs,” Gulden said. “What is even worse for us is the general increase in US tariffs from all other countries of origin.”

He added that Adidas cannot currently make its shoes in the U.S.

Adidas isn’t alone: Tariffs hit big brands everywhere

Tariff headaches aren’t exclusive to Adidas, which co-signed a letter with bitter rival Nike and other shoe brands asking President Trump for a tariff exemption.

“Many companies making affordable footwear for hardworking lower and middle-income families cannot absorb tariff rates this high, nor can they pass along these costs,” the letter stated.

“Without immediate relief from the reciprocal tariffs they will simply shutter.”

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Like Adidas, other industry leaders are making public-facing announcements that they are raising their retail prices due to the Trump administration’s tariffs.

Fashion-focused platforms Shein and Temu, which rely heavily on inexpensive Chinese imports, each posted statements on their websites about price hikes, directly citing increased operating costs from tariffs.

President Trump introduced tariffs to push back against perceived unfair trade practices from China and other nations — and to encourage multinationals to set up factories in the U.S.

“Bring your factory here,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a recent interview with Tucker Carlson.

“That’s the best solution for getting away from a tariff wall. So move your factory from China, from Mexico, from Vietnam – bring it here.”

But critics say it will be nearly impossible for companies to produce goods in the U.S. as cheaply as overseas — so for now, businesses and consumers will continue to pay more for imports.

Smart moves for savvy shoppers

With the looming reality of higher prices across multiple product categories, consumers should consider getting proactive about budgeting. Here are some ways to do that.

1. Cut unnecessary expenses. Review subscriptions (streaming services, gym memberships, unused apps) and cancel anything non-essential. Small trims add up quickly, providing breathing room for unavoidable price hikes.

2. Shop smarter. Like most footwear brands, Adidas or Nike discount older models to clear inventory. Some brands, like New Balance, have a dedicated used shoe store online where buyers can get gently used models at much lower prices.

3. Buy local. You can bypass tariff trouble with locally sourced products and as a bonus, support your local economy. Visit farmers markets, boutique shops and local artisans frequently offer competitive pricing without import tariffs eating into the final cost.

4. Keep an eye on tariff-impacted goods. Follow news about tariffs and if possible, delay big-ticket purchases until prices stabilize. For essentials, look into alternative or generic brands that deliver similar quality at a lower cost.

5. Leverage technology to stay ahead. Use price-tracking apps and browser extensions to spot deals and compare prices across online retailers. Alerts for price drops can help you pounce on savings, providing additional cushioning in your monthly budget.

Adidas’ warning is just one example of how economic policy decisions ripple through your daily spending. Staying informed, shopping smarter and adjusting your habits can help mitigate some of the pain — and maybe even uncover new ways to stretch your dollars further.

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Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. Subscribe for free.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

Parents spend nearly two decades preparing their children to grow up and leave the nest. But sometimes those little birds fly back, and they need financial help. But how much is too much, and when there’s multiple children involved, when does that help become unfair?

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Those questions are haunting plenty of parents these days.

It sounds like you and your husband can’t agree on whether to provide equal financial assistance to your three kids. Your husband may believe one child needs more support because of their circumstances or what they have done for you. You may think the other two deserve and need to be helped as well.

How can parents keep a healthy family dynamic when one or more of their adult kids need help?

Create a plan

Couples usually love their children and want to help, but their handouts may come at the expense of their own retirement planning. There’s no getting around the anxiety – and the money math – of just how much help their kids need.

In this case, Mom and Dad are also a house divided.

If you’re a parent and this scenario sounds familiar, you may already know that supporting your adult children financially is hard work. But your marriage and relationships with your kids can benefit greatly from some advance planning. Have a long discussion with your partner on these points. Getting on the same page with your spouse is the first step before giving your adult children any significant sum of money and can help avoid future arguments.

Don’t overextend yourself: Budget just how much you can afford to give without jeopardizing your own financial health. While being able to help our kids at any age seems like the right thing to do, a new study from Savings.com found nearly 50% of parents who financially support at least one adult child say they have sacrificed their financial security to help their grown kids financially. Will you provide just the essentials? Pay off credit debt? Finance their future financial dreams or goals? Such questions are worth resolving first before anyone’s asked for a dime.

Decide on fairness: Decide if you’re going to give each child an equal amount or if you will adjust based on their situation. Does one deserve more help than the other two? “Maybe one kid lost their job, or maybe they’re having a harder time getting a business off the ground,” said Leslie Tayne, a financial attorney and author of the book Life & Debt, to Synchrony Bank. “These are all OK times to help out one child more than another.”

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The blog post added: "But all financial professionals caution against allowing an adult child’s short-term financial need to become long-term financial dependency."

There’s no easy answer, but it’s time to think carefully about your reasons and what impact your actions have. Determine if your help is based on your child’s financial behavior. If the money is helping with discretionary spending or anything other than the everyday basics, it’s fair to scrutinize the help and ask if feeding a child’s poor spending habits is doing more harm than good. Consider if your support for one child is affecting their motivation or drive. Is your eldest really in more need of help than the other two or is she making a choice to rely on you more?

Setting financial boundaries with your children

If you’ve decided to set limits on how much you can give to each child, you need to communicate that to them. Be clear on your own financial goals and retirement plans so your kids know what you can afford.

Being firm on what you’re willing to fund and for how long is critical, so your children know you haven’t morphed into a 24-7 ATM. Communicate your support boundaries, and expect pushback. But now that you’re aligned as parents, you’re ready to stand your ground.

Be specific, too. For instance, for your first child, consider calculating their exact monthly rent and for how many months you’re willing to pay it. If you can’t give lots of money to your adult children, you can still support them emotionally and encourage success. Offer help on their resumes, interview skills, money-saving tips, and offer to help them find a life or financial coach if needed.

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• How much cash do you plan to keep on hand after you retire? Here are 3 of the biggest reasons you’ll need a substantial stash of savings in retirement

Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. Subscribe for free.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

When Bill Stewart bought his home in Houston’s upscale Walden neighborhood, he expected peace and quiet alongside an idyllic lake.

What he didn’t expect was a battle of signs, arguments with neighbors and a cease-and-desist letter.

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His neighbor, he says, turned a suburban home into a revolving door of short-term renters — and Stewart isn’t having it.

“It just seemed like we’d moved into a mob neighborhood of scum,” Stewart told Houston news station KPRC. “You’re concerned for your safety. You go to bed at night and there’s 20 people out there. Who are they?”

But the property owner, through their attorney, argues they and other short-term renters in the area are well within their rights, and that it’s Stewart who’s harassing paying guests.

Who’s right?

One neighborhood, two stories — and a legal minefield

At the heart of the dispute is whether Stewart’s actions crossed a line. Stewart received a cease-and-desist letter alleging that he has harassed guests, recorded them without consent and intimidated them with menacing signage — including signs on his fence that say:

• ‘AIRBNB GO HOME’
• ‘You are DESPISED’ and
• ‘You are INTRUDERS in a RESIDENTIAL NEGHBORHOOD’

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For passersby, the scene now resembles something out of a bitter political campaign rather than dispute among neighbors in an enviable Houston suburb.

For his part, Stewart insists he’s simply protecting his home and community. He says the rental has brought strangers into the neighborhood who act as if they’re on vacation — not in someone else’s backyard.

What the law says about short-term rentals in Texas

Short-term rentals, typically defined as properties rented for fewer than 30 consecutive days, have exploded in popularity. In the U.S., the short-term vacation rental market was valued at nearly $70 billion in 2024, with an expected growth rate of 7.4% through 2030.

But in Texas, such properties remain a legal gray area. Texas has no statewide law banning or comprehensively regulating such rentals. Instead, regulation of the short-term rental industry is left to local governments, resulting in a patchwork of rules across cities.

A 2022 Texas Supreme Court ruling found that a homeowners association (HOA) could not use standard “residential use only” deed restrictions to prohibit short-term rentals.

The court found that unless deed restrictions specifically ban short-term rentals, simply requiring “residential use” does not bar owners from renting their properties for short periods.

Attorney Mahsa Monshizadegan told KPRC that disputes arise over short-term rental properties and otherwise “when one neighbor tries to enforce their own standard of a neighborhood on everyone else” — particularly in large cities like Houston.

“How you resolve the issue matters,” she added. “All disputes should be resolved through good faith and not like unilateral enforcement of their own demands.”

She added that it would have been better if Stewart had approached the owner of the property directly rather than expressing his frustration with the short-term rental guests.

What both sides need to know

Operating a short-term rental may be legal, but it comes with responsibilities. Hosts must be aware of local zoning codes, occupancy limits, noise regulations and tax requirements.

Cities like Houston, Austin and San Antonio have passed ordinances to regulate or restrict short-term rentals. In Houston, short-term rental owners must respect the city’s rules around noise and sound, neighborhood protection, waste and litter and fire codes.

Houston is also launching a hotline people can call with complaints about short-term rentals to have the appropriate city department follow up.

Short-term rental hosts in Texas are often responsible for collecting hotel occupancy taxes and registering with the state. Violating those rules could open owners up to fines or lawsuits, but the rules stop short of outright bans.

Even with evidence of rule-breaking, the better path may be cooperation rather than conflict. Hosts can ease tension by screening guests carefully, enforcing strict house rules and communicating openly with nearby residents.

Sharing a phone number in case of problems or limiting large gatherings can go a long way toward keeping the peace.

Meanwhile, neighbors who feel blindsided can try engaging in a civil conversation before turning to lawyers or public protest. If both parties come to the table with goodwill, they may find common ground.

Mediation through an HOA or neighborhood group can also provide a neutral space for resolution.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

In February 2025, nearly 9 million Americans held multiple jobs. What’s more surprising? Many of these moonlighters aren’t just scraping by — they have college degrees and stable careers.

A new report from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis highlights this striking shift, revealing that even educated professionals now juggle multiple gigs just to keep pace financially.

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The Fed also notes an interesting dilemma in the data: Moonlighting workers contribute to the tight labor market by working more total hours across different jobs.

Because these over-employed individuals are already the gaps in the workforce, their extra hours may reduce opportunities for unemployed people seeking traditional full-time positions.

“Overemployed workers demonstrate a clear willingness to trade higher hourly wages for increased total earnings,” the report states. ”By working significantly more hours, they effectively increase their annual compensation. This behavior might be attributed to a desire to keep pace with recent inflation, as individuals actively seek ways to supplement their income and counteract the erosion of purchasing power.”

Gone are the days when multiple-job holders were primarily low-wage earners trying to make ends meet. Today, even those with diplomas proudly hanging on their walls are pulling double duty. But what’s driving educated Americans to hustle harder than ever?

The economic squeeze

First, let’s talk inflation. It’s relentless and unforgiving, with prices for groceries and other everyday items remaining high. For many younger workers, student loan debt is a significant burden on their cash flow. As of March 202, about 4 million borrowers were behind on their student loan payments, making a substantial increase in delinquency rates since the resumption of payments after the pandemic pause.

But economics isn’t the only factor behind the trend.

A cultural shift in how Americans perceive work also plays a significant role. Millennials and Gen Z, in particular, are more accepting of multiple income streams as a strategy for achieving financial independence and career flexibility.

For them, holding several jobs can be as much about autonomy, skills diversification and creating financial resilience as much as simple survival.

The pandemic accelerated this shift dramatically, normalizing remote and hybrid work arrangements. Digital platforms like Fiverr, Uber, and Upwork have made securing supplemental income opportunities easier than ever.

Now, educated professionals effortlessly toggle between primary jobs and side hustles, exploiting digital tools and remote work to maximize their earning potential.

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

The dark side of moonlighting

Despite the benefits, working multiple comes at a cost. The harsh reality? Chronic stress, burnout and diminished work-life balance. Constantly juggling competing priorities, deadlines and employer expectations is an exhausting endeavor, placing workers at risk for mental and physical health issues.

Financially, the juggling act can also get messy. Multiple income streams complicate tax filing and financial planning, requiring careful tracking and strategic management. Without proper oversight, extra earnings could be swallowed by taxes and financial inefficiencies.

Then there’s the lack of labor protections. Many side gigs don’t offer essential worker benefits such as health insurance, retirement contributions or paid leave, leaving educated workers exposed and vulnerable. If economic conditions worsen or personal crises arise, these workers could face rough financial setbacks.

Will the trend become permanent?

Experts increasingly believe that multi-job holding, especially among educated workers, is shifting from a temporary trend to the new norm. With ongoing economic volatility, student debt, inflation and changing workforce expectations, this pattern seems likely to stick around.

So, what does this mean for the future?

Employers may have to adapt quickly. To retain top talent, they’ll need to offer more flexibility, competitive compensation and incentives that acknowledge their employees’ changing economic realities.

“Lifetime employment at a single job is largely a thing of the past,” entrepreneurship expert Caroline Castrillon recently wrote in a recent Forbes article examining the rise of non-linear career paths. “While some employers may frown upon non-linear careers, those attitudes are quickly changing.”

The bottom line is clear: Even a college degree no longer guarantees financial security. As educated Americans hustle harder than ever, the very structure of the workforce is transforming. Multi-job holding isn’t just about extra pocket money anymore — it’s rapidly becoming essential for survival in today’s unpredictable economy.

What to read next

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Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. Subscribe for free.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

It was a scheme too good to be true — and now, the bank wants its money back.

A number of fresh lawsuits have been filed against JPMorgan Chase customers nationwide accused of exploiting what became known on social media as the “infinite money glitch,” according to CNBC. The scam briefly let users withdraw phantom funds out of their bank accounts.

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"We’re still investigating cases of fraud and cooperating with law enforcement — and we’ll do that for as long as it takes to hold fraudsters accountable," Drew Pusateri, a spokesperson for the bank, told the broadcaster in story published April 16.

CNBC says a source familiar with the company’s actions revealed the bank is now targeting customers who allegedly stole amounts below $75,000, and letters were sent to over 1,000 customers demanding they repay funds.

How the glitch worked

The "infinite money glitch" involved depositing fake checks into an ATM and withdrawing the money before the checks bounced. It’s a form of check fraud.

This scheme became widely known in August after spreading quickly on social media. The core exploit was that the bank’s system temporarily made funds from deposited checks available before the bank had time to verify and clear the check.

JPMorgan Chase has filed new lawsuits in multiple states, including Georgia, New York, Texas and Florida, against individuals accused of exploiting the glitch, per CNBC. The bank previously focused on larger cases in federal court but is now pursuing smaller cases in state courts.

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

"On August 29, 2024, a masked man deposited a check in Defendant’s Chase bank account in the amount of $73,000," the bank said in a suit filed in Georgia on April 15, according to CNBC. The bank further claimed a series of cash withdrawals at two Chase branches in the state totaling $82,500 had been made before the check bounced after six days.

CNBC withheld the defendant’s name, but says the lawsuit claims they owe the bank $57,8847.69 and have yet to comply with requests to return the funds.

A warning about social media-fueled fraud

This isn’t the first time a financial hack has gained popularity online, and it may not be the last. If there’s one lesson here, it’s this: taking advantage of a "glitch" doesn’t make it legal, and companies will come after you.

This case also highlights a broader truth in today’s finance world: viral "hacks" that promise fast cash almost always come with strings attached — whether legal, financial or ethical. If something seems like it breaks the rules, it probably does.

And if you’re ever tempted by a so-called infinite money trick, remember: the banks have lawyers. Lots of them.

It’s always best to stay on the cautious side.

What to read next

• JPMorgan sees gold soaring to $6,000/ounce — use this 1 simple IRA trick to lock in those potential shiny gains (before it’s too late)
• This is how American car dealers use the ‘4-square method’ to make big profits off you — and how you can ensure you pay a fair price for all your vehicle costs
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• How much cash do you plan to keep on hand after you retire? Here are 3 of the biggest reasons you’ll need a substantial stash of savings in retirement

Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. Subscribe for free.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.