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Author: Cory Santos

  • This Arizona man says just 2 days after getting his car’s oil changed, his engine seized up while driving on the freeway — but the auto shop refuses to take responsibility for the damage

    Regular oil changes should help your car run longer and perform better, but when Travis Brun’s engine seized up just days after stopping at a local Take 5 Oil Change, he was shocked to find his oil pan was bone dry.

    Brun made the discovery after the engine in his 2014 Acura sedan seized up while he was driving on the freeway.

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    “It just sounded like somebody put a cinder block in a blender and just let it go," Brun shared with AZFamily.

    Shortly after hearing that alarming sound, all of the dashboard warning lights started flashing in Brun’s car. Then, the car stopped, forcing Brun to call a tow truck.

    Now, Brun finds himself with an engine that’s been destroyed and an oil change shop that believes Brun’s story is all made up.

    Routine maintenance turns into a major headache

    Brun isn’t the type of person to put off his car’s maintenance. “I’m a big proponent of when the sticker says to get it in for an oil change, get it in for an oil change,” said Brun.

    Shortly after his car broke down, Brun had it towed to a repair center in Chandler, Arizona, where mechanics discovered the engine had completely seized. According to the mechanics, there’s only one way this can happen to an engine: running it without any oil. But when Travis and his wife, Ashley, contacted Take 5 about the situation, the Bruns were quickly stonewalled.

    Take 5 reportedly demanded video evidence showing a mechanic reproducing the oil leak in Brun’s Acura. However, that request was impossible to fulfil since the seized engine couldn’t even turn on, let alone pressurize to demonstrate an oil leak.

    Frustrated with the situation, the couple contacted AZFamily’s "On Your Side" investigative team. When reporter Gary Harper reached out to Take 5, the company stated it had reviewed its service footage and could confirm that everything was done correctly with Brun’s oil change.

    “After speaking with both the customer and their preferred auto body shop and thoroughly reviewing our service footage, we can confirm that the oil was properly filled and the chamber securely tightened during the customer’s visit,” Taylor Blanchard, Senior Director of Corporate Communications at Take 5, said in a statement shared with AZFamily. “There is no indication that Take 5 Oil Change is at fault.”

    But with conflicting claims, the Bruns are now stuck with a vehicle that won’t start. Making matters worse, the Bruns were forced to put the car in storage and are now paying storage fees.

    “Where did the oil go if there wasn’t a leak that you created, when everything was fine prior to the oil change?” asked Ashley.

    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

    How to fight back after questionable repairs

    While the Bruns’ situation is an extreme example, in most cases the federal government offers protections when dealing with negligent auto repairs:

    1. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act provides protection and establishes standards for warranties, holding service providers accountable for their obligations.
    2. The Federal Trade Commission oversees unfair and deceptive business practices and can take action against businesses that violate standard business practices.
    3. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau can help if financing (like a credit card) was involved in the vehicle repair transaction.

    Arizona residents also have several state-specific options that can provide more direct assistance:

    1. The Arizona Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division handles complaints against auto repair shops. The office can investigate cases, mediate disputes and, if necessary, take legal action against businesses that violate consumer protection laws.
    2. The Arizona Small Claims Court provides a straightforward path to compensation of up to $3,500, eliminating the need for an attorney.
    3. Filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau of Arizona creates a public record of the issue and sometimes helps resolve disputes through their mediation process.

    Furthermore, you should always check with your local authorities to better understand the consumer protections available in your state.

    What to read next

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

  • Ohio police warn drivers about new cellphone scam after Cleveland woman reports scary overnight incident — but the scenario’s drawing serious skepticism online. What you need to know

    As technology continues to evolve, so too do the techniques that scammers and criminals use to prey on innocent victims.

    Take what happened to this woman in Cleveland, for example. The woman, who was not identified for her own protection, was recently driving when she noticed something had struck her vehicle.

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    "I heard a loud noise hit my car, like a rock or brick or something," the woman told News 5 Cleveland in Ohio. She initially didn’t give it much thought, but later that evening she noticed something unusual at her home.

    “I heard a car pull up in front of my driveway, I looked out and it was a female and male approaching my porch," she said.

    When the woman opened her bedroom window to speak with the strange visitors, one of them reportedly told her that she was in possession of the female visitor’s cellphone. Then two more cars pulled up in front of the house.

    Scared and confused, the woman then called her brother, who is an officer with the Kirtland Police Department. Meanwhile, the mysterious visitors reportedly told the woman they had called the police, but then quickly left when she began dialing 911 for herself.

    The next day, the woman was outside investigating her vehicle when she discovered a cellphone attached to the roof of her car with a magnet. And according to local police, this woman’s disturbing experience may not be an isolated incident.

    Ohio police warn citizens of phone-magnet scheme

    According to police, scammers and criminals are reportedly using magnets to attach cellphones to cars in order to stake out homes and commit burglaries.

    “We were recently made aware of a scam that is being done,” wrote the Kirtland Police Department in a post shared on its Facebook page. “Criminals are attempting to attach a cellphone to newer model cars. They then use this cellphone to track where the person driving the vehicle lives.

    “They knock on the door claiming the homeowner has their cellphone. Once the door is opened, they force entry into the residence — other vehicles are positioned in the street to assist in the home invasion as lookouts and getaway cars. The criminals will also tell the homeowner they called the police to try and get the homeowner to open the door.”

    The KPD’s statement almost describes what happened to this unidentified Cleveland woman down to a T.

    That sound she heard could have been the cellphone being placed on the roof of her car with a magnet. Then the strange visitors showed up at her house demanding the return of the cellphone, with the “lookouts and getaway cars” showing up shortly after.

    The visitors even told the unidentified woman that they had called the police.

    "The couple told her, well, we called the police. The police are enroute. You need to give us the cellphone,” said Joseph Gibson, the unidentified woman’s brother.

    "The couple didn’t put up an argument about the phone. They weren’t really concerned anymore,” added Gibson, referring to the unwanted visitors taking off when his sister started dialing 911. “They just said, let’s just go. And they got in the car. All three vehicles left, left the house.”

    And while this woman’s experience is disturbing, many who saw the KPD’s warning on Facebook appear to be incredulous.

    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

    Public response raises questions

    The warning issued by the KPD seems to have generated substantial skepticism online.

    Many commenters have questioned several aspects of the phone-magnet scenario — such as why criminals would use expensive phones for a high-risk, low-guarantee strategy, and how the criminals would know that they followed the target to their home and not someone else’s.

    These commenters are also skeptical that documented cases of this scheme exist beyond this single alleged incident with the unidentified woman.

    Others, however, saw the threat mentioned in the KPD’s warning as credible. In fact, several residents requested more specific information, including whether verified incidents have occurred locally and what evidence supports the KPD’s warning.

    Safety precautions regardless of threat level

    The easiest way to stay safe from a threat such as this is likely also the most obvious: never open your door to strangers.

    This is especially true in a time when video doorbells are more affordable than ever. Instead of opening doors for strangers, try to use security features like peepholes, cameras or speaking through the window.

    Secondly, if someone at your door claims police are on the way, call 911 yourself to verify before engaging.

    Authorities also advise being cautious when leaving restaurants, events or other public spaces. If you can, take a second to inspect your vehicle before driving home. And if you happen to find a tracking device on your car, avoid handling it and contact the police immediately.

    What to read next

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

  • Oklahoma man arrested after allegedly coordinating theft, sale of $2M worth of oil field equipment — going so far as to hire a trucking company to transport the stolen gear for him overnight

    Last October, Jonathan Stamper — owner of the now-defunct Stampede Lift Solutions — hired a trucking company to transport pumpjacks from oil fields in New Mexico to a business in Texas.

    Little did the owners of that Texas business know that they were about to become unwitting accomplices in a brazen heist.

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    Now, two companies are out more than $800,000 and caught in the middle of a multi-million dollar alleged theft that sees Stamper facing more than a dozen criminal charges.

    The midnight heist

    What seemed like a legitimate transport job was actually part of a carefully orchestrated theft, according to police.

    Stamper “was able to get everything lined out to where the majority of the people that were involved thought it was a legit business,” Lea County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy J.W. Grady told KRQE.

    Unbeknownst to Triple Express Trucking — the trucking company Stamper hired through 7C Logistic Services, LLC — the pumpjacks, valued at $2 million, had been stolen from two Texas-based businesses with operations in the Permian Basin oil fields of Lea and Eddy Counties in New Mexico, according to First Alert 7.

    “They brought in trucks in the middle of the night and disassembled them [the pumpjacks], loaded them on trucks, and drove out,” said Grady.

    Perhaps the most audacious aspect of the scheme is that Stamper had reportedly sold the pumpjacks before orchestrating the theft.

    The business owner in Texas who received the pumpjacks told investigators he had no idea the equipment was stolen. He believed he had legally purchased the pumpjacks from Stamper’s company, which is located in Oklahoma, making the Texas business owner another victim in this elaborate scheme.

    For Triple Express Trucking, what should have been a profitable job turned into a financial nightmare. Both Triple Express Trucking and 7C Logistic Services, LLC are now out more than $800,000 combined as the two companies join a growing list of businesses affected by equipment theft in the oil industry.

    Stamper, meanwhile, is facing a slew of charges, including six counts of criminal damage to property, six counts of larceny and one conspiracy charge.

    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

    Protecting your business

    The oil industry has long been a target for thieves. With oil field equipment often located in remote areas with minimal security, criminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their operations.

    For businesses in the transport industry, this case serves as a stark warning about the importance of verifying the legitimacy of clients and cargo. Here are a few tips for transporting high-value items that could protect you from unwillingly participating in a crime.

    1. Verify ownership documentation before transporting high-value equipment.
    2. Conduct background checks on new clients, especially for high-value jobs.
    3. Be wary of urgent jobs requiring night transportation of valuable equipment.
    4. Document all aspects of unusual transportation requests.
    5. Check with local authorities when transporting regulated equipment across state lines.

    Additionally, businesses would be well advised to trust their instincts. If something seems unusual about a job, it’s worth taking extra steps to verify the legitimacy of the client and the cargo.

    What to read next

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

  • I spent my 20s just pouring money down the drain — now I’m scared I’ll be stuck spending my entire 30s shelling out over $1,100/month to pay off my debt. How do I get out of this mess?

    If you’re handing over $1,100 each month to service maxed-out credit cards, you’re not alone.

    The average credit card balance hit $6,371 as of the first quarter of 2025, according to a May TransUnion report, while interest rates now hover around 24.33% for new cards.

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    That’s significantly higher than the average rates we were seeing only a few years ago. And with inflation rearing its ugly head, that debt burden can seem overwhelming (to say the least).

    But there’s good news: you can escape this debt trap with the right strategy.

    Let’s be clear — those wild experiences in your 20s happened. They’re part of who you are. But now it’s time to rebuild your financial life with the same energy you brought to your adventures.

    Balance transfer credit cards offer a simple approach

    The most basic advice for someone looking to pay down credit card debt is to consider getting a balance transfer credit card.

    Balance transfer cards offer a low interest rate or interest-free way to pay off debt and re-start your financial life, helping you significantly pay down your debt — fast.

    How much could you save with a balance transfer? Let’s check out a real-world example based on your particular situation.

    Let’s say you transferred $6,371 to a balance transfer card with an 18-month 0% intro APR offer. Your total cost could breakdown as follows:

    • One-time balance transfer fee: $6,371 × 5% = $318.55
    • New starting balance: $6,371 + $318.55 = $6,689.55
    • Monthly payment needed to pay off balance in 18 months: $6,689.55 ÷ 18 = $371.64
    • Total interest: $0 (thanks to the 0% APR offer)
    • Total cost: $6,689.55 (original debt + fee)

    If you used a card with a 21.00% APR on transfers you’d have paid approximately $1,404 in interest over the same period — and that cost could rise significantly should you add to that outstanding card balance.

    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

    What if you don’t qualify for a balance transfer card?

    Of course, not everyone will qualify for a balance transfer card (and especially so if you’re dealing with maxed out credit cards and soaring credit utilization). But don’t worry — you still have options. Here’s what you can do if you’re struggling with a big credit card bill.

    Contact your issuer about potential options

    Your first move should be to contact your current credit card companies directly. While it might seem unlikely, credit card companies are sometimes willing to negotiate an existing debt burden. After all, most credit card debt is unsecured, meaning there’s no collateral for the bank to claim should you default on your credit card.

    Speaking with your issuer offers a couple of options that might help your situation, which include:

    • Requesting a lower interest rate: Many issuers will reduce your rate rather than risk you defaulting, especially if you’ve been making regular payments despite the struggle. It’s not a sure thing, but it’s worth a shot.
    • Asking about hardship programs: Most major card issuers offer temporary hardship programs that can lower your interest rate, reduce minimum payments or waive certain fees. These programs aren’t widely advertised but exist specifically for situations like yours, so it’s worth asking.

    Consider debt consolidation or a personal loan

    Debt consolidation is another option for those with maxed out cards. A debt consolidation loan is typically easier to qualify for than a balance transfer card, with options for credit profiles ranging from excellent to poor. However, consolidation and personal loans for bad credit tend to carry significantly higher interest rates.

    That doesn’t mean they’re bad options you should avoid. You may just need to be very careful and stick to a solid budget that reduces your spending and eliminates new debt.

    These loans offer a few benefits, including:

    • The potential to qualify for rates significantly lower than your current 20%-plus credit card rates — even with less-than-perfect credit
    • Fixed payment schedules, which provide a clear path to becoming debt-free

    If you have damaged credit (but at least a fair credit score), a local credit union might be your best bet. Credit unions are owned by their members, meaning they exist to offer the best terms and accessibility possible. Because of this, you may have higher approval odds — and get a lower rate — with your local lender instead of a high-street bank.

    Credit counseling can reduce your monthly payments — even with bad credit

    Another option is credit counseling — especially if you’re having issues managing this process on your own.

    Credit counselling makes a lot of sense if:

    • You’re making only minimum payments, but your balances keep growing
    • Your credit cards are maxed out
    • You’re starting to miss payments or fall behind
    • You’re receiving collection calls and are afraid of more aggressive debt collection actions
    • You still have enough income to make payments, just not at the current high interest rates
    • Your credit score has declined, making other options like balance transfers difficult

    The counselling process is straightforward, but you’ll need to make sure to have details about your income, expenses and debts. After an initial consultation, the credit counsellor will determine if you qualify for a debt management plan (DMP).

    If you do, the counsellor will reach out to your creditors to negotiate terms and set up the payment arrangement. Then, you’ll make one payment to the agency each month, which they distribute to your creditors.

    Most DMPs are designed to eliminate your debt within three to five years, giving you a clear end date to your financial struggles. That’s obviously longer than if you used a balance transfer card, but again, you might not qualify.

    Not all credit counseling agencies are created equal.

    Make sure your credit counsellor is an accredited, nonprofit organization (look for 501(c)(3) status), is a member of either the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) or the Financial Counseling Association of America (FCAA) and is transparent about their processes and fees.

    What if you want to settle the debt on your own?

    Is it possible? Absolutely.

    If you’re tackling this on your own, the debt snowball approach works exceptionally well. The debt snowball method is a great way to keep your debt-repayment motivation high, as you pay off balances from smallest to largest.

    Here’s how it works:

    • Make minimum payments on all debts
    • Put any extra money toward your smallest balance
    • Once that’s paid off, roll that payment into tackling the next smallest debt

    This method provides quick wins that build momentum and confidence as you see debts disappear one by one.

    Comparing debt repayment methods

    How do the repayment options mentioned stack up? Here’s a quick overview:

    Balance transfer card

    • Best for: People with good-to-excellent credit
    • How long to pay off debt: 12 to 21 months
    • Drawbacks: Balance transfer fees may apply (3% on average), then high interest after promotional period

    Negotiating with your card issuer

    • Best for: Current cardholders in good standing or experiencing hardship
    • How long to pay off debt: Varies
    • Drawbacks: Only a temporary solution; success isn’t guaranteed

    Debt consolidation

    • Best for: Those with fair-to-good credit and multiple debts
    • How long to pay off debt: Two to seven years
    • Drawbacks: Might require collateral; origination fees may apply

    Credit counseling

    • Best for: Those with damaged credit or struggling to manage payments
    • How long to pay off debt: Three to five years
    • Drawbacks: Monthly fees may apply, limited flexibility and possible account closure

    Debt snowball method

    • Best for: Self-disciplined individuals with multiple debts
    • How long to pay off debt: Varies
    • Drawbacks: Requires extreme discipline and reduced spending going forward

    What’s the best strategy? That really depends on your situation and your motivation. The best strategy is one you can consistently follow through to completion.

    What should you do next?

    Overspending happens, but staying in debt doesn’t have to be your reality forever. What matters now is the disciplined financial foundation you’re about to build.

    Keep your travel memories, but build your financial future with these steps:

    • This week: Calculate your total debt and interest rates. Knowledge is power.
    • Within 15 days: Choose your strategy based on your credit score. Good credit? Consider balance transfers. Damaged credit? Consult a nonprofit credit counselor.
    • Within 30 days: Create a realistic budget that frees up extra cash for debt payments.
    • Monthly: Track progress visually and celebrate each victory, no matter how small.

    The discipline you develop isn’t just about eliminating debt. It will build you a financial mindset that will serve you for decades. Your $1,100 monthly payment could soon fund new adventures without the financial hangover.

    It just takes time, patience and the right plan.

    What to read next

    Stay in the know. Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise sent straight to your inbox every week for free. Subscribe now.

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

  • NY seniors left scrambling after looming facility closure gives them days to find new housing — or face being placed in a shelter. How this 1 troubling case reveals a national crisis

    Several residents of a nursing home in upstate New York are reeling as the countdown to find a new home ticks closer to zero.

    Approximately 15 remaining residents at The Northfield, a senior living facility in Fairport, face a July 25 deadline to either find a new place to live or risk being placed in a homeless shelter, News10NBC reports.

    “Isn’t that awful to give you that kind of an option, shelters. Oh my God,” said Colleen Dooley, a resident who has yet to find a new place to live.

    The heartbreaking news came as residents learned that Family Service of Rochester, the company that runs The Northfield, is shutting down all of its nursing homes and senior facilities due to financial difficulties. The company reportedly gave The Northfield’s residents 30 days to vacate and find a new home.

    Now, with the deadline looming, remaining residents and their loved ones are sounding the alarm as they hope for a miracle.

    Residents left scrambling with little notice

    Windsor Wade, whose sister Sharon is among those residents seeking housing, shared the human impact of The Northfield’s closure with News10NBC. Sharon suffers from dementia with schizophrenia-like symptoms, though she remains stable with proper medication.

    “She’s got very limited income,” said Wade. “She’s got Social Security and two very small pensions.”

    Wade’s sister falls into a common financial gap where she’s earning too much to qualify for Medicaid but too little for most private facilities. This financial reality makes the 30-day timeline to vacate The Northfield particularly challenging.

    According to News10NBC, Family Service of Rochester has recently been plagued by financial troubles. IRS documents reportedly reveal years of spending that exceeded income, resulting in the company accumulating more than $650,000 in debt by the end of 2024.

    The company’s financial issues has led to the closure of the Enriched Housing Program, a Family Service of Rochester project that was set up to assist older and disabled New Yorkers with living independently in apartments.

    The closure of the Enriched Housing Program forced residents in two Rochester housing complexes — Hudson Ridge and Danforth Towers — to vacate their apartments, with Family Service of Rochester giving residents just 10 days to do so.

    Making matters worse, some residents of these towers were left without housing or access to their Social Security checks, as the Enriched Housing Program reportedly managed residents’s Social Security and disability benefits in exchange for providing support and paying rent on their behalf.

    But it gets worse. According to the Rochester Housing Authority, Family Service of Rochester owes more than $400,000 in back rent. Meanwhile, the New York State Department of Health (DOH) said the care provided by Family Service of Rochester had gotten so bad that it posed health and safety risks to residents.

    Health Department’s response raises questions

    When questioned by News10NBC about whether placing seniors in homeless shelters constitutes as safe discharge, the DOH provided a carefully-worded statement:

    “Family Service of Rochester must remain open until the last resident is safely discharged, consistent with state regulation, their approved voluntary closure plan and licensure requirements.

    “Pursuant to Family Service of Rochester’s approved voluntary closure plan, Family Service of Rochester must work with residents to identify appropriate housing solutions that align with each resident’s preferences and individual needs, ensuring residents have sufficient time and support to make informed decisions about their next home and the services they choose.”

    When pressed further on whether shelter placement meets the definition of safe discharge, the DOH reportedly sent the same statement.

    America’s burgeoning senior care crisis

    In August, 2024, The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living released a troubling report on the state of nursing homes and long term care facilities throughout the country.

    “The 2024 Access to Care report highlights the intense economic and government pressures providers have faced since the pandemic, resulting in fewer care options and delays in care for our nation’s most vulnerable,” the report states.

    “Specifically, the report looks at the cumulative effect of continued nationwide labor shortages, record inflation and increasing operational costs, and chronic government underfunding. These recent challenges have severely impacted seniors’s ability to access skilled care as nursing homes are forced to limit admissions, downsize, or close altogether.”

    According to the report, at least 774 nursing homes have closed nationwide since 2020, with the closures displacing more than 28,000 residents. Meanwhile, despite the increasing demand for nursing homes due to a rapidly aging population, the creation of new nursing homes is in decline.

    “In 2023, only 37 new facilities opened their doors,” the report states. “This is compared to 73 new facilities that opened in 2020; 71 in 2021; and 55 in 2022. So far in 2024, only seven new facilities have opened.”

    While the DOH’s statement indicates that Family Service of Rochester must remain open until all residents are safely placed in a new home, the continued uncertainty about what constitutes “safe placement” leaves residents in limbo.

    As for Wade, he’ll keep fighting for his sister.

    “I will not allow her to be destitute,” he said. “It will not happen.”

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

  • Canadian man livid after finding $35K in fraudulent charges from all over the world on his business card — and his bank says he’s on the hook. What to do to protect your accounts from fraud

    Your credit card can be a lifeline in tough financial times, but it can also turn into a nightmare in the blink of an eye.

    Just ask Andrew St. Hilaire, a small business owner who recently discovered his credit card had been compromised. The damage? A staggering $35,000 in unauthorized charges spanning multiple countries and continents — a spending spree that somehow bulldozed past his $23,000 credit limit.

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    “It was charges after charges for jewelry, perfume, pharmacy stuff, but big ticket items, and then they’d stop for a steak and dinner somewhere,” St. Hilaire shared with CityNews from his home in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

    But the real shock came when his bank, The Bank of Montreal (BMO), looked at this international shopping bonanza and determined that everything looked legitimate, refusing to classify the transactions as fraud despite the extremely unusual pattern of spending.

    Fraud claim gets denied

    It all began in January when St. Hilaire discovered the fraudulent shopping spree that racked up a $34,447 bill and overshot his credit limit by more than 50%. While BMO hasn’t explained why it approved $12,000 beyond Hilaire’s credit limit, this isn’t uncommon with business credit cards.

    Banks often allow transactions to exceed stated limits, especially for business accounts. When fraud occurs, multiple transactions can be processed simultaneously before the system flags suspicious activity, pushing the total well past the ceiling without triggering immediate blocks.

    When he contacted BMO, St. Hilaire was told his fraud claim was invalid and that he didn’t do enough to protect his card. BMO told St. Hilaire that it had sent a one-time passcode to his email for two-step verification, and that passcode was reportedly used to gain access to his account.

    “I didn’t get that email,” St. Hilaire stated. “If I had seen it, I probably would have looked into it and found the fraud sooner.”

    St. Hilaire also notified BMO about a fraudulent $5,000 payment to his credit card from his bank account that he says he didn’t make. According to BMO, that payment allegedly came from a device that St. Hilaire used in the past.

    After exhausting most of his options, St. Hilaire has filed a police report, as well as a claim with the Canadian ombudsman for banking services and investments.

    Read more: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

    Why credit card companies deny legitimate claims

    It’s a scenario that plays out worldwide, and while this might seem rare, the numbers tell a different story. Approximately 7% of legitimate fraud claims end up denied, according to Security.org, leaving cardholders to shoulder the financial burden themselves.

    Here are some common reasons why credit card issuers might reject your fraud claim:

    1. The “familiar fraud” flag: If the fraudulent purchase fits your spending pattern or location, your card issuer might assume you made the purchase and you’re just having buyer’s remorse and trying to pull a fast one.
    2. Reporting delays: Credit card companies are skeptical of claims made weeks or months after the charge. Even though federal law gives you 60 days, many issuers start looking sideways at reports made after just a few days.
    3. Shared account access: If you’ve ever given your card or PIN to a family member or friend, the issuer might argue you authorized that person to use your account, making all their purchases “authorized.”
    4. Cardholder negligence: If the card company believes you failed to protect your card information, it might hold you responsible.
    5. Transaction verification methods: For large transactions, if there’s evidence of a signature, PIN entry or two-factor authentication, card issuers will often conclude that it must have been you who approved the purchase.

    How to fight back if your claim is denied

    When your credit card company plays hardball with a fraud claim, it’s time to switch from defense to offense:

    1. Escalate within the company: Ask to speak with a fraud department supervisor or manager who might have more authority to overturn decisions.
    2. Request all evidence and documentation from your credit card issuer.
    3. File complaints with regulatory authorities like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
    4. Contact your state attorney general’s office.

    St. Hilaire is taking many of the necessary steps. But with his fraud claims shot down and BMO ending its business relationship with him because of his “fraud risk,” St. Hilaire is left wondering how any of this happened in the first place.

    “Passwords, virus protection. I don’t know how things were compromised,” said St. Hilaire. “I’ve never lost a card, and I have the virus protection and the safeguards on my computer, which is what a reasonable person would have.”

    5 tips to protect yourself from credit card fraud

    Of course, the best protection against fraud is prevention. Here are a handful of practical tips to protect you from fraudulent charges on your bank accounts:

    1. Set up instant alerts on your phone for all transactions: This single step catches most fraud within minutes, letting you shut it down before thieves can rack up multiple charges.
    2. Inspect before you swipe: Give card readers at gas stations and ATMs a quick wiggle, as skimmers often feel loose. Stick to bank ATMs when possible, as most card skimming happens at convenience stores.
    3. Use virtual card numbers for online shopping: Most major card issuers now offer this feature that creates temporary numbers for online purchases, keeping your real card number protected.
    4. Don’t store your card info on websites.
    5. Check your accounts weekly, not monthly.

    Credit card fraud is a global problem, with billions of dollars being scammed from unsuspecting cardholders. And since the next scammer tactics are constantly being developed, vigilance (and a little bit of knowledge) is essential for staying safe.

    What to read next

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

  • This Philadelphia man took a special offer from T-Mobile that seemed ‘too good to be true’ — and his next bill proved that gut feeling right. But that was just the start of his troubles

    Joe Dipiero was a happy T-Mobile customer for more than two decades when the company offered him an incredible deal — though perhaps a little too incredible.

    When Dipiero decided to set up a separate internet connection for his plumbing business, he naturally decided to go with his trusted carrier. After all, the Dipiero family had been on the T-Mobile family plan for a long time.

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    A few months after that internet connection was set up, a T-Mobile sales rep called Dipiero offering what sounded like an incredible deal if he migrated the family’s phone plan over to the business account. According to the sales rep, for just $170 a month, the Dipiero family would get four free iPhones — three iPhone 16 Pros and one iPhone 15 — as well as upgrades to the family’s modems.

    “I thought it was too good to be true,” Dipiero told NBC10 Responds.

    Despite Joe’s reservations, the Dipieros made the switch. But about a month later, Joe logged into his T-Mobile account and found a bill for $515.90 — more than three times the amount that he agreed to.

    ‘There’s just no way this is happening’

    Dipiero went on to spend several months locked in a battle with T-Mobile over his bill. After struggling to get in touch with the rep who sold him the plan, the rep eventually told Dipiero that the $515.90 bill was an error and that T-Mobile was “looking into it.”

    However, Dipiero was shocked when the next month’s bill came with a $821.59 charge.

    “I was like, ‘There’s just no way this is happening,’” he said.

    When he told the sales rep he was ready to send back the phones and cancel the plan, the rep told him not to pay the bill, assuring Dipiero that T-Mobile was “taking care of it.’” But the rep was wrong. Dipiero then started receiving repeated text messages from T-Mobile threatening to shut off his phone for non-payment, which the carrier eventually did.

    “And at that point, I lost it,” Dipiero recalled.

    Sick of getting the runaround, the Dipieros reached out to NBC10 Responds for help. When the investigative team reached out to T-Mobile for comment, the company once again said it was “looking into it.”

    Two weeks later, T-Mobile said the matter had been forwarded to the company’s Care Team. A senior manager then reached out to Dipiero and said T-Mobile would take care of everything.

    Dipiero’s next bill, coming in at -$334.45, reflected that promise. That negative balance was the result of T-Mobile clearing the previous bills and crediting the Dipieros’s account for fees paid during the ordeal.

    While T-Mobile told NBC10 Responds that it could not share customer details, the company did provide a statement.

    “If customers make changes to their account after their initial account setup without working with our Care Team, there could be impacts to their promo eligibility,” T-Mobile said in its statement.

    The Dipieros, however, only worked with the sales rep that sold the plan to the family and were never advised to speak with the Care Team.

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    T-Mobile’s alleged overbilling is well documented

    This is not the first time T-Mobile has been in the news over accusations of overcharging customers.

    In 2024, a T-Mobile customer was overcharged $5,704 over 23 months after he canceled six business lines, according to the U.S. Sun. When the customer raised the issue with T-Mobile, the company said it would only give the customer a refund from the last 90 days.

    Now, nearly two dozen frustrated customers have launched a class-action lawsuit in California against T-Mobile, claiming the company has been charging customers a hidden fee disguised as a government-mandated charge.

    The fee in question is called the "Regulatory Programs and Telco Recovery Fee," which the company introduced in 2004 and costs $3.49 per line each month. T-Mobile allegedly bundled this charge in the "Government Taxes and Fees" section of its customer’s bills.

    How to fight back against overbilling

    When facing unexpected charges, consumers aren’t without recourse. Several federal and state regulations provide specific protections against deceptive telecom billing practices.

    The FCC’s Truth-in-Billing rules require carriers to describe all charges in plain language and refrain from providing misleading descriptions of charges. State consumer protection laws often provide additional safeguards, as many state attorneys general actively investigate telecom billing complaints, with the power to secure refunds and penalties for violations.

    If you find yourself in a similar situation as the Dipiero family, here are a few steps you can take to address the issue:

    • Contact the company responsible for overbilling and let them know about your issue
    • Document all communications with the company’s representatives
    • Request written confirmation of any promised promotions or rates
    • If the company isn’t helpful, file complaints with the FCC or your state’s attorney general
    • If all else fails, contact your local news outlet to expose the company’s overbilling

    As the Dipieros discovered, media pressure can be effective when consumer complaints fail.

    "I think you guys did an awesome job," said Dipiero of NBC10 Responds’s assistance.

    What to read next

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

  • This North Carolina woman says she narrowly avoided ‘unimaginable tragedy’ when her car burst into flames after getting repairs done at the dealership — briefly trapping her daughter inside

    When Tina Betterson picked up her 2019 Kia Optima from the dealership following engine repairs, she expected to drive home with some peace of mind.

    But instead, she found herself recording a terrifying video just hours later as her car had burst in flames in her driveway. Betterson’s daughter, who was initially trapped inside the car when the fire began, was able to escape before the car was engulfed in flames.

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    "She’s like ‘Oh my god, I can’t get out," Betterson told WFMY News 2, describing the terrifying moment when her daughter was briefly trapped in the burning car. “She then said she heard a click and the door opened and she jumped out.”

    The harrowing incident left the family without a vehicle, thousands of dollars in debt and locked in a dispute with the dealership over who’s responsible for a car repair gone horribly wrong.

    Major repair turns into a fiery nightmare

    Betterson had reportedly taken her car to a local Kia dealership in Greensboro, North Carolina weeks earlier due to an issue with oil consumption. The mechanics at Kia wound up replacing the engine in Betterson’s car before she picked it up and drove it 10 miles back to her home.

    That’s when the fire broke out, giving Betterson and her daughter the scare of a lifetime. Thankfully, Betterson’s daughter managed to free herself before the car was completely engulfed in flames, and Greensboro firefighters responded quickly and managed to get the blaze under control.

    When Betterson contacted the dealership’s service manager about the incident, he couldn’t provide an explanation for what happened to Betterson’s car.

    “The service manager… he didn’t know what to say, truthfully,” said Betterson.

    Making matters worse, it took Kia four months to complete its investigation, which eventually found that an “improperly routed wiring harness contacted hot AC lines, melting insulation and leading to the electrical event which ignited nearby combustibles."

    WFMY News 2 reporters spoke with several car dealerships about standard protocols for replacing an engine, and every one reportedly said a car should be test-driven for at least 50 miles following major engine work. Betterson’s car, however, was reportedly test-driven for just five miles before it was returned to her.

    "You [the dealership] told me you test drove it, and it literally caught fire within 10 miles of me driving home," said Betterson. “This could have been an unimaginable tragedy. Thank God this is not a personal injury case that I’m sitting here talking about today.”

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    Taking legal action

    While the dealership provided Betterson with a rental car and covered approximately $6,000 in rental fees during the investigation, this situation has put Betterson in a tough financial position.

    “I finally said to my insurance, go ahead and pay it off so this doesn’t appear on my credit,” said Betterson, who filed a claim with her insurance company after months of back-and-forth with Kia.

    After WFMY News 2 reporters contacted Betterson’s dealership, its insurance agreed to cover the remaining $3,500 balance on Betterson’s car loan. But Betterson has refused the offer as she believes the dealership hasn’t done enough to fix the situation. Betterson has also indicated that she plans to pursue legal action against the dealership for negligence.

    For now, she joins the ranks of drivers fighting for accountability after repairs gone wrong, warning others about the potential dangers lurking under the hood even after professional work has been done.

    How to protect yourself from a similar nightmare

    Betterson’s experience highlights how vehicle repairs can sometimes turn into a disaster. While rare, post-repair vehicle fires are particularly concerning because they often occur when drivers believe their vehicles have just been made safer.

    For drivers worried about finding themselves in a similar situation, here are a few precautions you can take before agreeing to major car repairs:

    1. Get a written estimate before any work is done on your car
    2. Ask about post-repair inspection protocols, including test-driving distances
    3. Request documentation of all work performed, including parts replaced
    4. Consider having a second opinion from an independent mechanic for major repairs
    5. Understand your auto insurance coverage for post-repair incidents

    What to read next

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

  • This New Yorker accepted a local grant to fill her yard with native plants, but officials have branded it ‘hideous’ — threatening a $2,000 fine

    This New Yorker accepted a local grant to fill her yard with native plants, but officials have branded it ‘hideous’ — threatening a $2,000 fine

    A Long Island homeowner has found herself in hot water after letting her yard go au natural.

    Xilin Zhang of New Hyde Park, New York, transformed her front yard by replacing her traditional lawn with environmentally friendly native plants, using a $350 local grant that was designed for this purpose.

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    “It’s a very natural look,” Zhang shared with CBS News. “There’s tons of butterflies and bees and birds coming. It’s not just some grass doing nothing.”

    But local officials who’ve said Zhang’s landscaping looks “hideous” and violates local code have reportedly given her a summons with a fine of up to $2,000.

    “When ugly is that overwhelming, you have to call it what it is," Mayor Christopher Devane told CBS News. “That front yard looks hideous.”

    Fortunately, after four trips to the court, a compromise was reached between Zhang and local officials: the summons would be dismissed if the garden was kept below four feet. And while the mayor is happy that the situation has been resolved, he believes these kind of gardens need to look more aesthetically pleasing for this idea to catch on.

    “There should be a happy medium," said Mayor Devane. "That, in my opinion, is not it."

    Going au natural is a growing trend

    Thanks to the non-profit organization Rewild Long Island, Zhang is part of a movement that encourages homeowners to transform traditional lawns into native plant gardens that require fewer resources and provide greater ecological benefits.

    "There are lots of towns on Long Island which are encouraging people to put in wild flowers because they don’t want all that pollution going into the bay," said Raju Rajan, president of Rewild Long Island.

    Natural gardens are beneficial because they offer a deeper root system than traditional grass lawns. While turf grass has a root system that’s about two inches deep, the roots from native plants can grow up to 15 feet in depth, allowing them to absorb ten times more rainwater than a typical lawn.

    Native plants also attract birds, butterflies and bees by providing food, shelter and breeding sites that are essential for their survival.

    "Sustainable gardens are not just beautiful for the eye," said Mindy Germain, the water commissioner in Port Washington, New York. “They protect our drinking water. We’re trying to move away from these big green lawns that are sucking up too much water from our aquifer."

    And the movement is growing. Many communities outside of New York state — including Green Bay, WI, Cincinnati, OH, and Bellevue, WA — have recognized the benefits of natural lawns by adopting ordinances that promote native plant landscaping.

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    How to plant a native garden without the backlash

    If you’re thinking about converting your grass lawn into a native garden but want to avoid the headaches that Zhang experienced, the best way to do so is to be proactive:

    • Consult with local officials and neighbors to understand potential concerns
    • Focus on aesthetics that match community standards
    • Create clear borders to show intentional design rather than neglect

    Natural lawns offer significant environmental benefits, but local regulations vary by location. Because of this, it’s critical to communicate with neighbors and authorities to understand not only legal concerns but also the aesthetic concerns that neighbors might have.

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

  • Connecticut couple issued $111 fine for allegedly using a toll road in a state they hadn’t even visited in 5 years — what you need to know about the ‘ghost car fraud’ scam plaguing US drivers

    Cruising in their classic 1966 Ford Mustang was one of the joys of retired life for Mary and Dan Smith, but that joy took an unexpected turn when they received a fine for an alleged toll they never paid.

    That fine was for the New Jersey Turnpike, a toll road that the Enfield, Connecticut couple hadn’t driven on in years, let alone in the very specific car that authorities had flagged.

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    "Our Mustang was never there," Mary told WBTV. "We never drove that far with that old car to begin with."

    Now the couple is sounding the alarm on so-called "ghost car fraud," a scam that is quickly becoming a growing problem for American drivers and state governments.

    ‘We haven’t been to New Jersey in at least 5 years’

    It all started when Mary found a letter from the New Jersey Turnpike Authority in the mail. In it, the authority stated the Smiths’s license plates were recorded traveling through one of the state’s E-ZPass toll booths without paying. The fine? $11.50.

    "We haven’t been to New Jersey in at least 5 years," said Mary.

    The Smiths appealed the fine, but the couple was shocked when the appeal was denied. Making matters worse, their $11.50 fine had skyrocketed to $111.50 thanks to administrative fees. From then on, the bills just kept coming, almost daily.

    Finally, a letter arrived with visual evidence of the supposed offense, showing a car distinctly different from the Smiths’s classic yellow Mustang. While unclear, the photo showed a vehicle with modern taillights that featured the same license plate as the Smiths’s Mustang. The couple sent replies to the New Jersey Turnpike Authority stating that while the plates seemed to match, the car captured in the photo was in no way theirs.

    "We’re giving you all the information, the pictures, what more can we do?" asked Mary.

    It was only after WBTV inquired on behalf of the Smiths that the error was rectified, with the couple no longer on the hook for the charges.

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    What is ‘ghost car fraud’?

    Ghost car fraud is a type of scam where criminals steal or duplicate license plates and put them on different vehicles, causing the legitimate plate owners to receive toll violations and fines for roads they never traveled.

    License plate theft scams typically involve criminals stealing plate numbers in a few common ways:

    • Physically removing plates from vehicles
    • Creating duplicate plates to mask stolen vehicles
    • Using stolen plate information for identity theft or toll evasion
    • Capturing plate images to create fraudulent registrations

    The Smiths’s story is similar to those of other Americans who also found they had become victims of ghost car fraud. Joanne Barbara from New Jersey once discovered her temporary Audi SUV plates were duplicated on a black Audi sedan, racking up over $600 in tolls and fines, according to WABC. Similarly, Walter Gursky discovered his truck’s temporary license plates were also duplicated on a white Tesla, resulting in $167 in toll violations.

    The states of New York and New Jersey have since taken steps to alert residents about this scam.

    "Ghost plates and toll evasion cost our state millions each year," New York Governor Kathy Hochul said in a statement on NYC’s official website. "Working in partnership with Mayor Adams and law enforcement, we are prioritizing the safety of all New Yorkers by removing these vehicles from our streets and ensuring these brazen actions do not go unchecked any longer."

    How to protect your license plates

    While there might not be much you can do to thwart criminals from stealing the numbers and duplicating your license plates, there are a few things you can do to prevent your plates from being stolen from your car.

    For starters, parking your car in the garage and keeping it off the street as much as possible can make it more challenging for criminals to steal your plates. You could also protect your plates by installing an anti-theft license plate cover, or replacing the screws on your plates with tamper-proof screws. These screws can only be installed or removed using a special wrench that comes with the screws.

    If you’ve received a letter from a toll authority claiming that you owe money for tolls that were wrongfully applied to your license plate, you can follow the same steps the Smiths took to rectify their situation:

    • Contact the toll authority to both verify and dispute the charge(s)
    • Request photographic evidence of the supposed offense, as this could prove that your plates were duplicated and you did not incur the toll charges
    • If you hit a wall in dealing with the toll authority, consider alerting your local news outlet about your situation, as Mary Smith had done. Bringing local news into the situation could apply enough pressure to encourage the toll authority to recognize the fraud and clear the charges from your records

    What to read next

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