Author: Danielle Antosz

Georgia State University professor David Maimon, head of the school’s evidence-based cybersecurity research group, says he’s found Social Security accounts for sale by scammers online.

“You can see the name, date and the balance,” he told Channel 2 Action News in a story published March 24. “The whole point of the scam is to try to take over those individuals’ Social Security payments.”

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Maimon shared a video with the local broadcaster, described as showing access to an account for sale and revealing a beneficiary’s personal data, including the amount of their monthly payment — in this case $1,855.30.

So, how exactly does this scam work, and what can Americans do to protect their benefits?

How does the scam work?

How can someone benefit from purchasing access to a stranger’s Social Security account? According to Maimon, it’s disturbingly simple.

"They will just go to the Social Security Administration website, will change the details there and funnel the money to the new — and fake — John Doe account," Maimon explained.

Scammers can gain access to online accounts through various means, including stolen login credentials and successful phishing attempts.

It’s the type of fraud the Trump administration says it’s been trying to prevent. A new Social Security Administration (SSA) policy was set to roll out April 14. It aimed to make identity theft harder by requiring in-person verification for those unable to apply for services online, while previously you could verify your identity by phone. But the agency backed down from these changes due to accessibility concerns.

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Protect your Social Security account

If you’re interested in protecting your Social Security account from fraud, here are some steps you can take.

Regularly check your account

If you have a “my Social Security” account, review your earnings history, personal information and payment status often. Any unfamiliar changes could be a sign your account has been compromised. Consider printing your benefits report so you can easily spot changes.

Don’t click on suspicious links

Phishing emails and text messages from people posing as the SSA may urge you to “verify” your identity by logging into your account using a supplied link. Don’t take the bait — always access your account through the official site and never enter personal details through a link given to you out of the blue.

Use two-factor authentication when possible

The SSA allows users to enable two-factor authentication (sometimes called multi-factor authentication) to access their accounts for added security. When turned on, you’ll need to enter a code sent to your phone or email address in addition to your username and password. This offers additional protection from account takeovers.

Don’t give cash to protect assets

Another common scam involves in-person visits from someone claiming to be law enforcement. Scammers pretending to be police or government agents may claim your assets are “at risk” and urge you to convert money into gold or gift cards for safekeeping. This is a classic scam. Real agencies will never ask for payment or offer protection this way.

Stay informed on new scams

Criminals thrive in times of change, and SSA-related scams are evolving. Sign up for fraud alerts, read SSA security updates and follow trusted consumer protection sources, such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

Talk to a trusted person before making changes

Some scammers count on urgency and isolation to pull off their fraud. If you’re being pressured to do something like change your direct deposit information or respond to an unexpected notice, talk to a friend or family member first.

Being careful and proactive is the best defense against Social Security scams, and it could mean the difference between a secure retirement and financial chaos.

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

Sweeping tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump are sparking concern among Tampa Bay lawmakers and small business owners who say the financial impact will be felt by consumers.

As of April 30, a baseline 10% tariff has been placed on imported goods from most countries, along with a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum products, a 25% tariff on many foreign-made vehicles and auto parts — which were partly rolled back — and a minimum 145% tariff on Chinese goods. There may also be more to come, as Trump put a 90-day pause on previously announced reciprocal tariffs.

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Local business leaders in the Tampa Bay area believe these tariffs will raise the cost of doing business — and ultimately it’s the customers who will pay.

Here’s what businesses and legislators are saying on the topic.

How could this impact Tampa Bay residents?

In St. Petersburg, Florida, Rubber City Tire & Auto Repair CEO Cesar Grajales expects prices to be impacted, as tires and replacement parts become more expensive due to the tariffs.

“Everything is going to go up. All the parts are going to go up — wheels, everything,” he told News Channel 8 in a story published April 1. “There’s a lot of stuff we get imported that we have no choice on.”

He noted the last time Trump was in power and imposed tariffs that the price of imported tires spiked. When asked who would carry the burden of added costs, according to the broadcaster, Grajales and other business owners pointed to consumers.

“We’re going to pay for it up front, but we’re going to be forced to raise our prices,” Grajales said.

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Tampa-area lawmakers are also expressing concern, warning the tariffs could increase prices on everyday items — from groceries to building suplies. Congresswoman Kathy Castor worries the tariffs will financially devastate Tampa Bay families and small businesses.

“All of that is going to be passed on to the hard-working people in our community,” Castor said of increased costs. “A lot of experts say that this is going to throw the country into a recession, and we just cannot afford that.”

Indeed, institutions such as J.P. Morgan have raised their estimate of the probability of a recession up to the 60% mark.

In addition to the sweeping tariffs mentioned above, Trump previously imposed levies on certain goods from Mexico and Canada, the country’s largest trading partners. Further tariffs could place even greater pressure on key sectors.

How to protect your personal and business finances

With U.S. trade drama likely to continue, both households and small businesses can take steps to soften the blow:

• Budget for higher prices: Bake price increases into your budget and adjust accordingly — cut other areas as needed.
• Focus on efficiency: When prices go higher, look for ways to spend more efficiently. Plan ahead for what’s needed and limit waste. Streamline operations if possible. Small changes add up.
• Buy local when possible: Supporting local products can reduce exposure to tariff-driven price hikes and support the regional economy.
• Review recurring expenses: Cutting back on subscriptions or non-essential services can help individuals. For businesses, consider shipping, software, or vendor contracts for savings.
• Diversify suppliers: Small businesses may want to consider sourcing from multiple suppliers to avoid relying too heavily on imported goods.
• Increase self-sufficiency: You may be able to find some savings if you can grow or create things on your own.

While the full scope of the tariffs’ impact remains to be seen, experts and local leaders agree that now is the time to prepare. Even if the tariffs are revised later, the immediate financial hit could have lasting effects on families and businesses.

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

At a point when workplace expenses are closely scrutinized, universities cannot afford to have employees misusing funds earmarked for academic purposes only.

According to NBC, a University of Connecticut faculty member has been arrested by campus police for allegedly using university and grant money to fund lavish personal trips. A university spokesperson said Sherry Zane, a professor in the Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies program, is accused of misusing university resources.

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The university report claimed that Zane submitted edited handwritten and photoshopped receipts so she could be reimbursed for more than a dozen trips. Several were international trips — Ireland and Portugal — which she claimed were for research.

"The university conducts thorough investigations into potential policy violations and takes appropriate action as needed. That is what happened in this case, and it is also how we continually support a culture of compliance on our campuses," UConn President Rakenka Maric shared in a statement.

When it comes to expensing trips, especially in an academic setting, what is permissible and what is unacceptable? Here are the warning signs to watch for when managing your workplace budget.

How did misuse of funds occur?

Most employees expense work trips, but Zane isn’t accused of ordering lobster instead of chicken on the company’s dime.

University officials claim the professor-in-residence took more than 19 expensive trips between June 2021 and December 2023. Court records indicate she even took her children to Disney — and asked the university to pay for it.

According to police, Zane produced “little to no documented work product” from those travels. The arrest warrant affidavit stated there is evidence she “created false business justifications to go on personal trips”, which were used to expense lodging, transportation and meals. The expenses totaled more than $58,000.

According to the university, Zane has been placed on administrative leave. She turned herself into the UConn police on February 13th after a warrant was placed for her arrest. Zane faces first-degree larceny charges.

A lawyer representing Zane dismissed that his client did anything wrong.

"Dr. Zane has dedicated years of her life to UConn,” Zane’s attorney, Trent LaLima, told CT Insider. “She denies any allegations that she stole from the university, and she intends to plead not guilty to these charges."

NBC reported UConn is improving its reimbursement system and will add further steps to approve larger expenses.

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How to spot misuse of funds at work

Financial mismanagement in the workplace isn’t always as blatant as a faculty member billing their employer for a week at a Disney resort. However, expense fraud is common. A U.K. survey found that 85% of respondents admitted to lying on their expense reports.

Here are a few red flags to keep an eye out for:

• Unexplained or vague expenses: If an expense claim lacks clear business justification or is unusually expensive, it may not be legitimate.
• Receipts that lack branding: Watch for altered receipts. While a gas station receipt might be plain text, restaurants and hotels generally include their logo, addresses and other contact information.
• Repeated last-minute filings: If an employee often files their expenses at the last minute or only offers vague descriptions, it’s worth investigating.

Misusing institutional funds, especially at a university, can quietly drain money from legitimate uses. While not all employees are in a position to prevent financial fraud, it’s important to recognize the warning signs. To reduce expense fraud in your workplace, advocate for a transparent expense report process. If you suspect fraud, consider filing an anonymous report to protect yourself from potential reprisals.

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

The familiar refrain from Semisonic’s hit “Closing Time” has long been a last-call anthem for bars, but in South Carolina, many establishments fear they’ll be closing for good.

Skyrocketing liquor liability insurance premiums, driven by a 2017 requiring businesses serving alcohol after 5 p.m. to carry $1 million in liability coverage are forcing some bars and restaurants to shut their doors permanently.

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The Brew Cellar, a beloved establishment in Charleston, announced its closure after 11 years in business, citing rising insurance costs as the primary reason.

"We made it through COVID, and we’re getting taken down by laws 11 years after being open. It’s like a death in the family, honestly," owner Ryan Hendrick told ABC 4 News.

State lawmakers are pushing for legislative changes to help restaurants and bars keep their doors open. State Senator Ed Sutton said he believes a solution can be found.

“We got insurance companies on one side fighting, and we got trial attorneys on the other side fighting with each other," he said. "In the middle, the person getting the short of the stick is that small business owner," he told ABC 4 News.

Laws and effect

Why are the rates soaring now? The issue stems from the 2017 law requiring all businesses that serve alcohol after 5:00 p.m. to carry at least $1 million in liquor liability coverage.

The legislation was intended to ensure that victims of alcohol-related incidents could receive compensation. However, it has also driven up insurance costs for business owners. Many insurance companies have either exited the South Carolina market or raised their rates, making it challenging for small establishments to afford the required coverage.

Why is the impact hitting businesses now? Most insurance policies renew annually, meaning rate hikes happen gradually, not all at once. As insurers reassessed risk and adjusted pricing over time, premiums steadily climbed — until they became unsustainable for many bars and restaurants.

Zach Dennis, owner of the bar Peacock and an insurance agent, has seen both sides of the issue.

"I have clients right now whose renewals are coming through that, for the first time, have to answer the question: Do I renew my insurance, or do I close my doors? Because I cannot continue to make money or operate in this economy." Dennis shared.

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Lawmakers and the fix

In response to this crisis, Sutton has introduced a bill to amend the current liquor liability laws. The proposed changes would refine liability standards and shift the burden of proof to focus on clear, observable signs of intoxication rather than imposing blanket liability. This could reduce financial risks for responsible establishments while still allowing victims to seek damages. Sutton said he hopes this will lead to lower insurance rates for businesses.

"We need to land in a spot where rates aren’t $100,000 for a liquor liability premium, but also allow for victims of operators that overserved, don’t check IDs, or don’t do the proper thing for those victims to be compensated,” Sutton said, emphasizing the need for balance. “And I absolutely believe we can get there."

Another proposal seeks to reduce the mandatory insurance coverage from $1 million to $250,000 for establishments that implement specific risk mitigation measures, such as comprehensive server training programs.

Sutton’s bill has gained support from the hospitality industry and business community, who see it as essential to preventing closures and preserving South Carolina’s vibrant culinary scene. He plans to have the legislation on the governor’s desk by May.

However, for some businesses, the changes may come too late. The Brew Cellar plans to close its doors on February 17, just two days after its 11th anniversary.

Hendrick urged patrons to support their local establishments before it’s too late, "We’re not going to beg for people to come through to keep our doors open, but go support your favorite places; they need it."

On March 5, the South Carolina House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill that would reform the state’s liquor liability law. However, the Senate is still addressing the liability problem along with auto insurance, medical malpractice and how fault is divvied up in civil lawsuits in a tort reform.

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

Retail theft is on the rise, leaving retailers grappling with how to protect their inventory without alienating customers. The problem has reached a tipping point.

According to the National Retail Federation, shoplifting incidents increased by 93% between 2019 and 2023, leading to more than $100 billion in losses.

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In response, many stores — including Walgreens, Target, and Dollar Tree — have introduced drastic measures by locking up frequently stolen items like toothpaste, shampoo and baby formula.

This tactic, once reserved for the most expensive items, now extends to essential items, frustrating shoppers who find entire aisles of goods behind clear security glass.

But the strategy is backfiring. Walgreens CEO Tim Wentworth admitted in a recent earnings call, "When you lock things up … you don’t sell as many of them. We’ve kind of proven that pretty conclusively."

The result? Walgreens reported a $245 million operating loss for the quarter — a steep increase from the previous quarter — and announced plans to close hundreds of stores nationwide.

Theft is rising — but is locking up merchandise the answer?

While theft remains a growing issue, locking up merchandise creates new problems for consumers. Shoppers accustomed to same-day delivery and instant convenience often balk at waiting for an employee to unlock cases, leading to frustration and lost sales.

A Numerator survey found that one in three consumers will either switch retailers or abandon the purchase altogether rather than wait for assistance to unlock merchandise.

The impact is evident in consumer stories. CBS8 News visited a Walgreens in La Mesa, where shoppers expressed irritation at long wait times for accessing basic items.

"They need to be more responsive to get there — you could wait 10 to 20 minutes," one shopper told CBS8 News San Diego reporter Jenny Day.

Corey Potter, a shopper from Echo Park, described a similar experience at her local Target, where she found entire shelves covered in security glass. “It’s all locked up. “I hate it,” she told the LA Times.

Potter once waited 15 minutes for an employee to unlock a case at another Target location. Now, when faced with long lines and understaffed stores, the 30-year-old often skips buying essential items in person. Instead, she resorts to a last-ditch solution she doesn’t particularly enjoy: turning to Amazon.

“Rather than go to Target and wait,” she said, “I’ll just give Daddy Bezos my hard-earned cash.”

Retailers, however, can’t afford to dismiss this frustration. As business attorney and analyst Parag Amin explained to CBS News, "You’ve gotta make it more convenient. You’ve gotta make people want to go there — when they can usually buy things for easier and cheaper off the internet.”

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What’s the solution?

As theft eats into billions of revenue, retailers now also risk losing millions more from frustrated shoppers taking their business elsewhere. Walgreens and others must find ways to address theft while keeping customer experience a priority.

During the earnings call, Wentworth admitted that locking items behind security glass hasn’t curbed losses effectively. He shared that the company’s asset protection team is now working on “creative” solutions to fight theft, as reported by Day.

For retailers like Walgreens, balancing security with shopper convenience is necessary. As theft continues to rise, the numbers suggest it’s time to rethink lock-and-key policies before customers turn away forever.

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

Megan Hunt has two jobs — one as a Nebraska state senator and another as the owner of a small art and stationery shop called Shop Five Nine in Omaha. The brightly painted store is filled with racks of cards, notepads, and art supplies. Some days, you might even spot the store’s resident tabby cat lounging in the window.

"What I really like about this work is sourcing," Hunt told KETV News. "Finding makers and designers from all over the world who have something unique that maybe people in this neighborhood haven’t seen before."

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But in mid-April, she was stunned to receive a $1,108 tariff bill for goods she imported from Japan — far higher than the $70 to $100 she typically pays for imports.

"It’s so frustrating," she said.

"So many Nebraskans can relate to this — just when you start to get ahead — you get hit with a big bill."

How Hunt is handling the tariffs

Since Hunt placed her order, the tariff situation has shifted. President Donald Trump initially announced 24% tariffs on Japanese imports, but that figure was later reduced to 10% amid a temporary 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs.

Still, the timing meant Hunt’s order fell into the higher bracket.

"This tariff bill was not something I planned for," she told KETV reporters. "It’s a surprise."

Hunt said she doesn’t plan to raise prices. Instead, she’s leaning into selling more merchandise to offset the added expense.

"To me, it’s the cost of doing business," she said. "I expect to pay duties on things I import from other countries. But I’ve never seen anything like this before."

Despite the setback, Hunt remains optimistic about global trade.

"I think global trade is a great thing," she told KETV.

"I’ll always support American manufacturing. I will always support anything that supports jobs here at home, but we have to look bigger than that and realize there’s a lot of beautiful things in this world and we shouldn’t be deprived of those things."

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 prepare your small business for tariffs

Tariffs can hit small businesses hard, and sudden shifts in trade policy only add to the challenge. Here are a few ways business owners can prepare for unpredictable tariff costs.

Adjust pricing, carefully

Raising prices can help cover increased costs, but it’s a balancing act. Higher prices can drive away customers, especially in competitive markets. Instead of blanket increases, consider small, strategic adjustments on select products where demand is strong.

Lean into marketing

Boosting marketing efforts can help grow your customer base and drive more sales — offsetting the pinch from higher costs. Focus on telling your brand story, highlighting unique products and building customer loyalty through email campaigns, social media promotions and in-store events.

Look for local sources, where possible

Sourcing products closer to home can reduce exposure to international tariffs. While not every product can be swapped for a domestic equivalent, even partial shifts in your inventory can soften the financial impact.

Get creative

Now might be the time to introduce new product lines, bundle items into themed gift baskets or experiment with subscription boxes to increase revenue. Innovation can not only drive sales but also keeps customers excited about your offerings. For example:

• A stationery store could offer curated ‘Mother’s Day Writing Kits.’
• A home goods shop might create ‘Seasonal Decor Bundles.’
• A specialty food store could build ‘Gourmet Snack Subscriptions.’

With trade negotiations in flux and tariffs changing quickly, it’s wise to build flexibility into your business plan. Watch trade news closely, talk to your suppliers about potential risks and consider setting aside a small financial cushion for unexpected import fees.

What to read next

• Don’t have the cash to pay Uncle Sam in 2025? You may already be eligible for a ‘streamlined’ handshake with the IRS — here’s how it works and how it can potentially save you thousands
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• Robert Kiyosaki warns of a ‘Greater Depression’ coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 ‘easy-money’ assets will bring in great wealth. How to get in now

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

A scammer pretending to be a construction vendor tricked the Citrus County School Board in Inverness, Florida, into sending more than $800,000 to the wrong bank account. The fraud wasn’t discovered until the real vendor called to say they hadn’t received their payment.

According to the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, $846,864.86 was intended for a trusted vendor who was working on a construction project for the school district. However, the money was wired to a fraudster’s account after they sent a fake—but convincing—email that resembled the vendor’s usual messages.

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“This was an email from someone pretending to be the vendor that looked exactly like what the vendor would’ve sent,” said Dr. Scott Hebert, Superintendent of Schools, in an interview with WFLA.

How the scam worked

According to the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, the fraudster copied the vendor’s email address and made it look nearly identical to the real one. They also included a fake bank account number for payment. The scam worked because the email was so well-crafted that it didn’t raise immediate red flags.

“A malicious actor will come in and change one or two characteristics of a URL address or an email link—something that doesn’t totally appear correct,” said Detective Cutlip with the CCSO High-Tech Crimes Unit. “At first glance, if you’re having correspondence, you wouldn’t pick up all those changes.”

Once school officials realized what had happened, they immediately contacted law enforcement. The sheriff’s office worked with the U.S. Secret Service to track the money, which had already been split between two bank accounts outside of Florida.

Thanks to that quick response, investigators were able to freeze and recover about 92% of the funds—roughly $779,600. More than $67,000 was still missing, and the investigation remains ongoing.

In the wake of the scam, the Citrus County School District is implementing new safety measures. Dr. Hebert said all district employees are getting extra cybersecurity training, and new protocols are being developed to help staff detect and respond to cyber threats in the future.

“Disciplinary action will occur,” Hebert told WFLA. “Those folks that were involved… will be held accountable for not following any of the procedures that we had in place.”

Depending on the findings of an internal investigation, that discipline could range from further training to suspension or termination.

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 protect yourself or your business from phishing scams

This type of scam, often called business email compromise or phishing, is becoming increasingly common. To avoid falling victim to these scams, here are a few steps you can take:

Double-check email addresses

Scammers often change just one character in an email to make it look real. For example, "gadams[at]adamsconstruction.com" might become "gadams[at]adamsconstructi0n.com."

Verify payment information before you hit ‘send’

If a vendor emails new bank details or says their payment info has changed, call them using a known phone number—not one listed in the email—to confirm.

Be cautious about any last-minute changes

If someone suddenly requests changes to a scheduled payment, closing date, or account number, take extra steps to verify that the changes are legitimate. It’s always better to take a few extra minutes to verify then to fall victim to a scam.

Train your team

Make sure everyone who handles money or emails with vendors knows what phishing scams look like and how to report them. This includes following the steps listed here and knowing not to click on links or download files from unknown sources.

Contact law enforcement immediately if you suspect fraud

One reason the school board was able to get most of the money back was because they reported the scam right away. The sooner you act, the better your chances of recovering lost funds.

As this case shows, even experienced professionals can fall for a scam when the attack is sophisticated. But by staying alert and putting clear procedures in place, businesses and individuals can better protect themselves from financial fraud.

What to read next

• Don’t have the cash to pay Uncle Sam in 2025? You may already be eligible for a ‘streamlined’ handshake with the IRS — here’s how it works and how it can potentially save you thousands
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

President Donald Trump’s first round of auto tariffs took effect on April 3, and a New Jersey car dealership says customers are now scrambling to buy now before prices soar. Sales consultant Olivia DeMattio at Maplecrest Ford in Mendham told CBS News that everything on the lot has been moving fast in recent weeks.

“I survived the pandemic, the car shortage, people panicking over that. And now we have tariff panic,” she told reporters.

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With prices already elevated due to years of supply chain issues, many in the industry say the new tariffs could push costs even higher — leaving car dealerships and consumers bracing for impact.

What do tariffs mean for car prices — and dealerships?

Industry experts expect the tariffs to send prices climbing — quickly. The 25% tariffs currently only apply to imported vehicles, but they’re already rippling through the entire market. Trump has since floated the idea of giving some temporary exceptions to allow auto companies more time to set up their manufacturing arms within the U.S. but he didn’t specify which temporary exceptions he might put in place.

However, Erin Keating, executive analyst with Cox Automotive, told ABC7 she anticipates vehicles that are impacted by the tariffs will likely see a 15% to 20% increase in price. Even those that aren’t directly impacted may still see increases of 5% off the bat simply from rising demand. Keating adds that increased demand for used cars will likely drive prices up on the preowned market as well.

That means both dealers and consumers will be navigating a tougher automotive landscape. And it’s not just complete vehicles: by May 3, the U.S. is expected to impose a second round of tariffs — this time, targeting foreign-made auto parts.

“If that goes through, that’s going to have a much greater impact on us just because every vehicle, regardless of where they’re manufactured, has parts from all over the place,” Tom Giordano, president of Maplecrest Ford, told CBS.

Giordano said dealerships will have little choice but to pass the added costs along to buyers.

“So I think the prices are going to go up,” he said. “And that’s unfortunate because the prices are already elevated since COVID.”

The tariffs will likely force dealerships to rethink business strategies. Some dealers may focus on moving existing inventory quickly before costs increase further. Some may consider renegotiating with suppliers to prioritize vehicles built in North America, which may be less affected by the new tariffs.

Highlighting where a car is assembled — especially if it avoids tariff costs — could also become a bigger part of how dealerships market their inventory.

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What should car buyers expect?

Buyers hoping to dodge higher prices may need to act fast. Some experts warn that sticker prices could jump by thousands, leading to significantly higher monthly payments as interest rates remain elevated.

“Especially mixed with the high interest rates that we have right now, a $10,000 to $20,000 jump is going to raise your payment $400 to $500 a month,” DeMattio told CBS News.

To avoid the steepest price hikes, look for models built in the U.S. or in countries not impacted by the tariffs. Dealership websites and manufacturer VIN decoders can help confirm a car’s country of origin. As the market shifts, don’t hesitate to shop around — some dealers may still have pre-tariff inventory they’re eager to move.

It’s also worth exploring certified pre-owned options. Though used car prices are expected to climb, the increases are likely to be more modest. Purchasing cars already in the U.S. may help you avoid the largest price hikes.

Finally, shop around to find lower interest rates on car financing. Local credit unions often offer more favorable rates. In the future, dealerships may be willing to work out better finance deals once prices increase and fewer buyers are in the market for a new vehicle.

If you’re not quite ready to buy, look to save more. A larger down payment can help limit your interest payments, saving you money in the long term.

For now, the sense of urgency is clear. Between global supply chain issues, high interest rates and now tariffs, buying a car in 2025 may require more planning — and a bit more luck — than ever before.

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

When Jeff Klein and his wife, Rachel Shuler, envisioned their new basement accessory dwelling unit (ADU), they pictured a space that could generate rental income or comfortably accommodate their aging parents during visits.

They didn’t foresee living indefinitely with open framing, exposed pipes and a large pile of dirt Klein jokes would serve as a coffee table while watching television.

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Klein and Shuler were enthusiastic when they first learned about a city of Boston program offering $50,000 in interest-free loans for ADU construction.

"[Fifty thousand dollars] goes a long way on a project like this … it was really exciting" Klein told NBC 10.

The initiative is meant to address the affordable housing crisis in the city. After having an architect draw up the plans, they hired Derek Thomas of Incremental Developers LLC, after viewing his portfolio on his website. Construction began in January 2024 and went well for a while but abruptly halted after Klein and Shuler made a significant progress payment.

“It just stopped, I mean, it was so abrupt,” said Klein.

What went wrong with the project?

After paying $78,000 towards the $132,000 project, Klein and Shuler refused to pay more without seeing further progress. Thomas submitted an invoice to the city of Boston, but city officials withheld payment until specific tasks were completed. Then, in December 2024, a plumbing subcontractor arrived to reclaim tools and equipment, saying Thomas never paid for his work.

Realizing something was wrong, Klein reached out to NBC 10. The couple quickly discovered they weren’t alone. Nil Silva and Sarah Fisher of Dorchester had a similar experience. Their ADU project stalled despite them spending over $100,000, leaving them angry and without resolution.

"Just ghosted," Fisher told NBC 10. "I feel overall angry and defeated that we still have no resolution to this at all."

Retired public school teacher Rosalba Solis faced similar frustrations. She described her experience with Thomas as "horrible," marked by lengthy delays and a complete breakdown in communication.

Court and property records might offer insights into why these projects stalled. NBC 10 reporters found that in April 2023, Incremental Developers purchased a Salem property for $520,000 and secured a $527,000 mortgage. The property was renovated and converted into a multi-family residence featuring its own basement ADU. Thomas and his wife also purchased another Salem property for $715,000 in early 2023.

NBC 10 recently spoke to subcontractors who said Thomas’s projects with customers stalled when their efforts were redirected to his first investment property in Salem. They say they are also owed money.

"It’s really frustrating to know that he’s just investing in his own properties, and we’re just sitting here trying to pay out of our own pocket to scrape enough together to finish our project downstairs," said Fisher.

Thomas disputed these claims. In an email, he blamed the government for the slowdown.

"The permitting process in Boston is widely known to be unpredictable and slow, which often creates project delays, unexpected costs and frustrated clients," Thomas wrote in an email in NBC 10. "Unfortunately, when city employees interfere with private contracts, rather than sticking to their intended role, it only makes these challenges worse."

He also told the news outlet Klein still owes him money on his project and he is prepared to begin the process of a mechanic’s lien to secure collection of the debt.

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The city of Boston has taken action.

"Based on the performance of this contractor, we would not approve him for funding in future projects," a city spokesperson told NBC 10.

Several homeowners have also filed complaints against Thomas with the Massachusetts Attorney General and the state’s Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation. The outcome of those cases is pending.

Now, Klein and Shuler are paying additional funds to another contractor to finally complete their ADU, and they’re hoping no one else loses money.

"We’re just really grateful that you are doing these kinds of stories," Shuler said. "We don’t want anybody taken advantage of the same way we were taken advantage of."

Smart strategies for home renovations

Home renovations can be stressful — and worrying about shady contractors can make the process even more challenging. To avoid similar financial pitfalls, follow these tips.

Get multiple quotes

Always get detailed quotes from at least three different contractors. Compare not just pricing, but also timelines, reputation and transparency about potential hidden costs. Asking for recommendations from friends or neighbors can be a good place to find trustworthy contractors.

Set aside a contingency fund

Unexpected costs and delays are typical in home renovations, especially in older homes. Experts recommend setting aside at least 5-10% of the total budget as a safety net for unexpected expenses.

Prioritize “must haves” over “nice to haves”

Focus your initial budget on essential items necessary to complete the project and ensure livability. If finances are tight, be flexible on luxury upgrades — these can always be added later when finances permit.

Explore your funding options — and make sure you understand them

Beyond personal savings, consider other financing options and how they will impact your financial situation. Home equity loans or renovation-specific mortgages can offer access to credit, but make sure you understand the terms and have the means to pay them back.

Look for local grant or loan programs, like Boston’s ADU initiative. Some contractors may offer their own financing — but pay close attention to the terms, conditions, and interest rates to avoid surprises.

By taking these steps, homeowners can protect themselves from financial loss and ensure their renovation dreams become a reality. A little extra diligence upfront can prevent months — or even years — of frustration.

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