Author: Jessica Wong

In a deal set to shake up the mortgage industry, Rocket Companies is making a "bombshell" acquisition, buying Mr. Cooper, the largest mortgage servicer in America.

The deal, worth $9.4 billion, will give Rocket a massive $2.1 trillion servicing portfolio, reaching nearly 10 million customers — that’s roughly one in six mortgages in the United States, according to Housing Wire.

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The Detroit-based fintech company, which will also be acquiring real estate giant Redfin for $1.75 billion, is making waves as a powerful force in the homeownership space.

Rocket’s combination of servicing, home search and mortgage origination puts it in a prime spot to dominate. CEO Varun Krishna sees this merger as a way to harness data and AI to build lasting relationships with customers by meeting their needs before they even arise.

But what could this mean for the future of the mortgage industry?

‘We will deliver the right products at the right time’

Founded in 1985, Rocket Companies covers everything from mortgages to real estate, title services and personal finance through brands like Rocket Mortgage, Rocket Homes, Rocket Close, Rocket Money and Rocket Loans.

With more than 65 million calls a year, 10 petabytes of data and a mission to “help everyone home,” Rocket aims to lead the way in AI-powered homeownership.

Mr. Cooper Group is a provider of mortgage servicing, origination and transaction services for single-family homes across the U.S. Operating under its key brands, Mr. Cooper, Xome and Rushmore Servicing, the company is known for offering a wide range of products, services and cutting-edge technologies that simplify the homeownership journey.

Under the acquisition, Mr. Cooper CEO Jay Bray will step into the role of president and CEO of Rocket Mortgage, reporting directly to Krishna. The deal is expected to boost Rocket’s bottom line, adding $100 million in pre-tax revenue.

Rocket also projects $400 million in pre-tax cost savings through streamlined operations and tech investments.

In a press release, Krishna stated, “Servicing is a critical pillar of homeownership – alongside home search and mortgage origination,” adding, “With the right data and AI infrastructure we will deliver the right products at the right time. That’s how we build lifelong relationships, by proactively unlocking benefits and meeting needs before they arise. We look forward to welcoming Mr. Cooper’s nearly 7 million clients.”

The deal is set to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, and Rocket has secured a nearly $5 billion bridge loan with JPMorgan Chase, though it’s not expected to draw on it unless needed.

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How does this impact consumers and the industry?

The deal is set to shake up the mortgage industry by building a tech-driven, vertically-integrated platform that aims to improve the homeownership experience. But massive consolidation without the involvement of banks can have different implications for consumers and the industry as a whole.

For consumers, this could mean less market choice — but it may also mean assuming more risk. The Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC) published a report last year that outlined concerns about the growing dominance of nonbank mortgage servicers, including potential risks to financial stability.

The report noted that because these servicers rely solely on mortgage-related revenue, any stress in the market will have a substantial effect on their income streams. For the nonbank sector as a whole, this would create liquidity vulnerabilities across the board.

If a servicer fails in this scenario, a borrower would potentially face a lapse in their mortgage servicing, which may put them at risk of financial loss if no loss-mitigation activities are put in place. This could ultimately “lead to a wave of avoidable foreclosures,” says the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

On the bright side, the deal brings millions of new customers into Rocket’s fold, giving existing clients access to a wider range of services, and Mr. Cooper’s client base could benefit from more personalized offerings.

But while the merger aims to trim client acquisition costs, there’s no guarantee these savings will mean lower fees or better rates for consumers.

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

Over a million Canadian “snowbirds” go south when it gets cold every year, and many of them choose to spend winters in Florida.

But the current political climate is changing that.

Gulf Coast News recently reported on “a mass exodus” of Canadians from Southwest Florida as new travel regulations are imposed and the trade war escalates.

CNN also recently reported on snowbirds considering alternative destinations or selling their properties. “Some of the clients I have been dealing with want to sell at any cost, even at a loss,” said Share Ross, a realtor based in southeast Florida.

“More home purchases in the U.S. are done by Canadians than any other country — 13% from April 2023 to March 2024,” reported CBC News. “Half of all Canadian purchases were vacation homes, and roughly 41% of sales were in Florida.”

This will likely have a ripple effect on the tourism industry and local businesses.

“If we travel at all, it won’t be here”

Many Canadians are rethinking their plans to return to Florida, with some even considering putting their properties on the market.

"I’ve lived here six months. This is my home, but I’m leaving April 2," said Susan, a Canadian speaking with Gulf Coast News. She was not comfortable sharing her last name for fear of becoming a target amid the growing political divide between the U.S. and Canada.

For the Presement family — regular winter residents in Fort Myers — the political landscape has left them regretting their decision to visit Florida. “The truth of the matter is if I hadn’t prepaid everything and wasn’t here and your weather wasn’t so damn nice. I’d go home now,” Barry Presement told Gulf Coast News. He and his wife Ruth have no plans to return next winter. "If we travel at all, it won’t be here," Ruth said. "For sure, it won’t be here. We’ll go elsewhere."

Their son Brian had even considered retiring in Southwest Florida, but now says Mexico is looking like a better option. "We thought about buying a home in Florida, but now we might reconsider that," he said.

Local businesses are probably going to feel the strain of Canadians avoiding the U.S.

“It’s not only having a negative impact on the tourism market, but business as a whole,” said Cole Peacock, owner of cannabis cafe & CBD marketplace Seed and Bean, to Gulf Coast News. “You need those extra visits to kick that profit margins to another level.”

"Not only have Canadians been electing to divest from their vacation homes and investment properties in Florida, they have also been canceling their trips to the area which is having a negative impact on our vacation rental market," Robert Washington of Savvy Buyers Realty told Realtor.com. "We have heard from several of our vacation rental property owners that they have experienced multiple cancellations from Canadian guests due to the tariff battle. Hopefully the tariff situation is resolved soon, or it could have a lasting impact on our tourism industry."

What can Americans expect with Canadians fleeing their country and the levied tariffs?

While it has been documented how Trump’s tariffs would impact the Canadian economy, the pain will be equally felt by Americans as Canada imposes its own tariffs and residents retaliate through economic boycotts.

The U.S. Travel Association has said Florida is among the top five most visited states by Canadians and it “could see declines in retail and hospitality revenue, as shopping is the top leisure activity for Canadian visitors.”

In addition to losing economic opportunities afforded by Canadian visitors, Florida businesses and consumers are also facing another blow, the implementation of tariffs on imports from Canada and the rest of the world.

These tariffs are set to raise the costs of imported goods, raw materials and even locally produced items that rely on imported components.

The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta found that an additional 10% tariff on Chinese imports (that number has now shockingly risen to 125%), 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports, and 10% tariffs on other countries could raise consumer prices on everyday retail purchases such as food and beverage items, as well as general merchandise — covering about a quarter of the total consumption basket — by 0.81% to 1.63%, assuming the costs are fully passed to the consumer.

Americans react to Canadians exiting Florida

In a story published on Moneywise many Americans, especially Floridians, have been reacting to the news of Canadians leaving Florida and expressing a sense of relief:

Some were excited at the prospect of the housing market opening up due to Canadians selling their properties:

One commenter warned that this exodus is most likely temporary:

While others were more sympathetic to Canadians and the trade war waged against their country:

Sources

1. Gulf Coast News: Canadians exiting Florida and businesses feeling the exodus, by Dave Elias (Apr 8, 2025)

2. CNN: Canada’s snowbirds reconsider calling the US their second home, by Samantha Delouya (Mar 30, 2025)

3. CBC: London, Ont., snowbirds among Canadians saying so long to Sunshine State over Trump’s threats, by Matthew Trevithick (Mar 13, 2025)

4. Realtor: Canadian snowbirds are canceling their Florida trips and offloading properties amid tariff war, by Julie Gerstein (Mar 18, 2025)

5. U.S. Travel Association: Potential results of decline in Canadian travel to United States (Feb 3, 2025)

6. Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta: Tariffs and Consumer Prices: Insights from newly matched consumption-trade micro data (Feb 2025)

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

Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis has a bold proposal to give $1,000 rebates to homeowners as property tax relief.

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These rebates, which would cover state-mandated school property taxes, would benefit over 5 million homes statewide. Checks would roll out in December 2025 and aim to ease the financial burden on residents amid soaring property values and insurance premiums.

Florida is home to three of the five major U.S. metros where property tax bills have increased the most since before the pandemic, according to a Redfin report published in October. Jacksonville’s median monthly property tax bill increased 59.6% to $228 since 2019, Tampa’s increased 56.7% to $250 and Miami’s increased 48.1% to $367.

“Property taxes effectively require homeowners to pay rent to the government,” DeSantis said in a news release, “Constitutional protections for Florida homeowners require approval of the voters in 2026. In the meantime, Floridians need relief.” He said his rebate would mark a major step toward his "long-term goal of eliminating property taxes through a future constitutional amendment."

But not everyone is on board with the idea.

The Florida House of Representatives has pushed back by approving a plan to permanently lower the state sales tax from 6% to 5.25%, which they are calling “the largest tax cut in state history." It would save Florida residents $5 billion annually.

DeSantis has criticized the sales tax reduction, stating, "I don’t want to reduce taxes on Canadian or Brazilian tourists. I’d rather them pay more and us pay less."

Senate President Ben Albritton has proposed permanently cutting sales tax on clothing and shoes that cost $75 or less, “where it can help the most number of Floridians.” He also wants a research study to be done on the effects of reducing or ending property taxes on homes.

The legislative session will end on May 2, so the House and Senate have less than a month to agree on a budget.

Property taxes vital in Florida

After federal transfers, Florida’s largest source of per capita revenue is property taxes, according to the Urban Institute. The state has no personal income taxes and its tax code is considered the most regressive in the nation. Currently, property taxes contribute about $50 billion a year to the state’s budget.

If property taxes were eliminated, local governments could face a massive revenue loss. According to the Florida Policy Institute, Florida’s property taxes make up 18% of county revenue, 17% of municipal revenue, and 50%-60% of school district revenue.

These funds help pay for vital services like fire and police services, education, and safety net programs, and without them, local governments would need to find alternative ways to cover those costs.

So how would the loss of funds be made up?

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“If policymakers were to eliminate property taxes and replace them with higher consumption taxes (i.e., sales taxes), they would have to double the state’s general sales tax rate. Doing so would generate roughly $40.2 billion in the unlikely case that consumer demand remains constant,” said the Florida Policy Institute. The state’s general sales tax is currently 6%.

Replacing property taxes with higher sales taxes could worsen Florida’s already regressive tax system. Right now, lower-income households bear a larger share of the tax burden, and increasing the sales tax could make matters worse by taking a bigger chunk out of their budgets. On the other hand, wealthier residents tend to spend a smaller percentage of their income on taxable goods, meaning they’d feel less of an impact.

Nearly seven in 10 Florida voters would prefer keeping property taxes the way they are over a sales tax increase to 12%, according to a poll.

While the idea of property tax relief sounds appealing, the trade-offs are significant.

Can there be tax relief for residents while making sure the state has enough funds to support vital public services? The debate is just getting started, and the outcome will shape Florida’s fiscal future.

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Chicago-area resident Mark Aiello hit the jackpot with a $389,000 March Madness win on BetMGM, only to have his dreams dashed when the payout vanished.

Aiello, a military vet and dad from Roselle, Illinois, placed $2,000 in bets that turned into a life-changing amount of almost $400,000.

But when he checked the app after the game, Aiello was devastated to see his bets were gone.

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"I looked at my BetMGM app, and I noticed that it looked weird," Aiello told CBS News Chicago, "like all of the bets were grayed out."

Aiello’s huge win turned into an even bigger headache for the suburban dad, and now he’s warning others to be careful when it comes to sports betting apps.

This has happened to other people

The American Gaming Association has predicted a jaw-dropping $3.1 billion in bets this year on men’s and women’s college basketball, so it’s safe to say there was a lot of money on the line.

In Aiello’s case, he thought he was about to score big during a March 2 Chicago Bulls vs. Indiana Pacers game.

He placed four $500 bets on specific player rebounds and assists, hoping that a mix of six outcomes would land in his favor.

"350 to 1 is definitely like hard odds to hit, so it’s unlikely," Aiello said. "Once the game was over, I was just, my heart was racing. I was incredibly excited."

But Aiello’s bets were canceled right before tipoff as if he had never gambled at all, leaving him with no winnings.

"It’s discouraging," he said. "It’s confusing and it makes you angry."

Aiello’s situation isn’t an isolated one.

Kris Benton from Virginia experienced something eerily similar in 2023.

Benton had placed a massive $214,000 bet through BetMGM, only to see his payout voided hours later.

"They just kept, you know, spamming me with their terms and conditions about the ‘obvious errors’ clause," Benton told CBS News.

In both cases, BetMGM sent the same message: “These wagers were voided due to an obvious error.” The reason? “Obvious error of incorrect or inflated odds per the house rules.”

But Aiello was baffled, since he says at least one of his bets had been reviewed by a BetMGM trader before being approved.

"They took a look and said, yes, this is good to go, and then they didn’t cancel them for seven hours," Aiello said. "So I’m wondering where the obvious error was."

Both Aiello and Benton say they never got a clear answer on what the correct odds should have been.

Benton went public with his story, speaking to Washington, D.C. CBS affiliate WUSA-TV, and just weeks later, a BetMGM lawyer reached out to him with an unexpected offer: the company would pay out his bets in full.

BetMGM didn’t provide a clear response when CBS News Chicago reached out, but they did confirm they submitted a report to regulators about Aiello’s complaint.

So, how do you ensure you’re not caught in the same unfortunate situation as Aiello?

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How to protect your winnings

Since sports betting and online gambling are regulated state-by-state, it’s critical that you navigate the rules and pick the right platform to protect your bets. Here are some best practices to follow:

Always use a licensed betting platform

Licensed sports betting apps are regulated by state authorities and must adhere to strict rules around fairness, transparency and accountability. States like New Jersey, with the Division of Gaming Enforcement, and Pennsylvania’s Gaming Control Board, have their own agencies that oversee gambling to make sure the platforms are legitimate.

Keep records of everything

This includes screenshots of your bets, transaction logs and confirmation emails for deposits or withdrawals. Most reputable platforms let you access your transaction history anytime. If things go sideways, this history is crucial for sorting things out. And, don’t forget to document any conversations with customer support.

Prioritize security

Set up two-factor authentication (2FA) on your account, use strong passwords and consider a password manager to keep your information secure. Stick to trusted payment methods like PayPal, bank transfers or credit cards, which typically offer fraud protection.

Understand the legal landscape

Sports betting is legal in almost 40 states, but the rules can vary. States like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Illinois and Michigan have embraced it, but be sure to check the regulations in your state, such as age limits or tax implications, before you bet.

Always gamble responsibly

Many betting platforms offer self-exclusion or deposit limit features. If you feel like you’re losing control, these can help you manage your activity. For anyone struggling, there are resources like the National Council on Problem Gambling to lend a hand.

The excitement of a big win can quickly turn into frustration, and in some cases, like for Aiello, disappointment. So, it’s best to be careful where you put your money.

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

Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr. are going all-in on the digital currency space with the launch of a new Bitcoin mining venture, American Bitcoin.

The Trump brothers, already known for their ventures in real estate and investments, are merging their company, American Data Centers, with crypto giant Hut 8 Mining Corp. to form the new entity.

The Trumps will own 20% of the company, with the remaining 80% controlled by Hut 8. For its part, the latter will contribute around 61,000 mining machines from its vast data centers, according to The Wall Street Journal.

The deal positions the Trumps at the intersection of two highly profitable industries, real estate and cryptocurrency.

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Trump family doubles down on crypto

Launched in February 2025, American Data Centers is the latest project from the Trump brothers, teaming up with Dominari, a boutique investment firm tied to the Trump Tower. This venture marks the third major crypto-related initiative from the family in less than a year, showing their growing presence in the digital currency space.

Earlier in 2024, the Trump brothers rolled out World Liberty Financial — a company offering two types of digital currency — followed by the $TRUMP meme coin just before President Trump’s swearing-in.

So, why Bitcoin?

Bitcoin remains the gold standard in the cryptocurrency world, despite other coins like Ethereum, Tether, and even Dogecoin gaining some attention.

It is the oldest and largest crypto, and it’s mined through energy-intensive computing to unlock new tokens. Eric Trump, Chief Strategy Officer at American Bitcoin, sees it as a hedge against the family’s real estate holdings. He’s even hinted at the potential for a “Bitcoin reserve” and possibly going public with the company in the future.

Donald Trump Jr. also called the new venture a “major opportunity,” in a press release, emphasizing the family’s “conviction in Bitcoin” and the potential for profits if mining operations are done right. Despite the connection to their real estate empire, the brothers are trying to separate American Bitcoin from the Trump Organization, though concerns over conflicts of interest remain.

The volatility of crypto has been a big topic, especially with the market’s roller-coaster ride tied to regulatory shifts, so this move by the Trump family is attracting attention.

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What does high-profile interest in crypto mean for your investments?

With Eric Trump serving as Chief Strategy Officer, the venture gains instant recognition, possibly paving the way for more celebrity-backed investments in Bitcoin mining. This move could signal a rise in institutional interest in mining, key to validating Bitcoin transactions and securing blockchain networks.

For individual investors, this development could bring several changes.

To start, the launch of a major mining operation like American Bitcoin could impact Bitcoin’s supply and influence its price volatility, because public perception can influence short-term pricing.

From a regulatory perspective, as crypto mining gains more spotlight, it could prompt new regulations, especially surrounding its environmental footprint and energy use. The EPA has already stated it plans to review the climate effects of crypto mining.

In terms of investment opportunities, the venture may open up fresh investment products tied to Bitcoin mining, giving investors a chance to diversify their portfolios.

Given these developments, here are a few tips for adjusting your investment strategies.

Think about adding exposure to Bitcoin mining to diversify, either by investing directly in mining companies like American Bitcoin or through financial products that track mining performance.

It’s important to stay alert to regulatory updates. Crypto mining’s increasing visibility could lead to new regulations, particularly on taxes and environmental issues. For example, the IRS requires taxpayers to report all digital asset transactions, including mining income.

As always with any investment, be aware of the risks. Keep an eye on the environmental and energy costs associated with mining operations.

These factors, among others, could influence future regulations and the profitability of mining ventures. Check legitimate resources such as Internal Revenue Services Digital Assets, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Financial Crimes Enforcement Network and talk to your advisor.

The Trump brothers’ push into Bitcoin mining shows their ongoing search for wealth-building opportunities. While we don’t yet know whether American Bitcoin will be the next big hit in the crypto world, it sure is one investors should keep an eye on.

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Recent changes to Social Security are leaving many recipients scratching their heads, as unexpected lump sum payments and overpayments are showing up in bank accounts — all without much explanation.

Brooklyn resident Elizabeth Miller, 65, was shocked and confused when she noticed a large amount of money in her account. “I didn’t know what it was. I had no idea who sent me this,” Miller told News 5 Cleveland “I thought they’d take it back right away. It’s not mine. It was a mistake,” Miller added.

Miller’s situation comes at a time when significant changes to Social Security are affecting people’s payments and she’s not the only one.

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Mixed messaging baffles recipients

Different Social Security reps gave her conflicting explanations about why her account balance had suddenly increased. But things didn’t stop there. As more payments and letters arrived, Miller was told the extra funds were actually overpayments she was owed.

Still, Miller remains baffled by the large amounts showing up in her account. “I don’t understand why you would put that much money in my account,” Miller said.

The Social Security Fairness Act was recently passed and aims to eliminate two rules that cut Social Security benefits for certain retirees: The Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) reduced benefits for individuals who worked in jobs not covered by Social Security, like many state and local government workers. In addition, the Social Security Fairness Act ensures these workers receive the full Social Security benefits they’ve earned.

This means that people like Jeff Olds, who received a lump sum payment for his wife, are now eligible for the benefits they missed out on originally.

Olds, a 72-year-old from Brunswick Hills, said after 10 years of normal payments of about $1,600 a month, he received a lump sum of more than $14,000 from Social Security. “I was shocked at first… this never happened before,” he told News 5 Cleveland.

“It’s pretty scary for somebody who doesn’t deal with this every day,” April Roberts, a Social Security expert and CEO of AARIA, told News 5 Cleveland. She noted that lump sum payments will start arriving on March 27. Thereafter, in instances where there was an error, Social Security will recoup legitimate overpayments by withholding 100% of subsequent checks until the balance is repaid.

In some cases, changes to benefits may also follow new income thresholds or changes in the beneficiary’s work status. The problem? Social Security has been sending lump sums before recipients receive letters explaining the amounts. This lack of communication can leave people confused about why they received a deposit, or whether it’s even theirs to keep.

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What to do if you spot changes to your Social Security payments

With all the confusion, navigating the changes can be frustrating, so here’s what you can do.

To start, regularly review your statements and make sure your personal information is up-to-date. Set reminders if you need them. If you notice an unexpected deposit from Social Security, call your local office for clarification, but be prepared to wait. “They have access to more detailed information about your specific situation,” Roberts explained.

If you feel that the explanation or payment amount is incorrect, you can file an appeal. If you owe money, you can file a waiver form or arrange a payment plan.

While changes roll out, stay informed and proactive to ensure your Social Security payments are accurate and handled correctly. You can set up alerts to be notified about any new updates to Social Security.

As for Miller, she is still waiting for confirmation letters to explain the lump sum payments in her account. “I think the letters should come before the check to explain that you’re going to be receiving something… for sure, so you don’t have to panic when that much money is placed into your bank account,” she said.

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Just when people are more worried than ever about their investments, even to the point of cashing them out, BlackRock Inc. CEO Larry Fink says it’s time to go all in.

But he has a specific investment in mind: private equity, also known as alternative investments.

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BlackRock (BLK) has long been known for its low-cost stock index funds, or ETFs, but Fink sees a big future in higher-fee private assets that aren’t listed on the stock markets.

“The solution isn’t to abandon markets,” he wrote in his annual letter to investors.

“It’s to expand them, to finish the market democratization that began 400 years ago and let more people own a meaningful stake in the growth happening around them.”

Fink has overseen BlackRock’s rise to the world’s largest money management firm with more than $10 trillion in assets. He also serves on the board of the World Economic Forum, and believes opening up private-equity markets will help reduce the gap between rich and poor..

More asset management firms offering private equity

Fink notes that up until recently, only wealthy people could invest in infrastructure projects like data centers, ports and power grids — let alone real estate or private credit. That’s because they aren’t publicly traded on stock exchanges. That’s where private equity comes in.

His firm is among a growing number of asset management companies — including Blackstone (BX), Apollo (APO) and KKR (KKR) — offering regular investors access to private equity,

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To take the lead, last year, BlackRock acquired Global Infrastructure Partners for $12.5 billion and data firm Prequin for $3.3 billion. The firm is also wrapping up a $12-billion deal for private credit company HPS Investment Partners.

Together, these investments will help BlackRock manage $600 billion in alternative assets.

What do these developments mean for your portfolio?

Weighing benefits and risks of private equity in your portfolio

Fink suggested that the traditional 60/40 portfolio of stocks and bonds may no longer be enough to diversify effectively. Going forward, he sees a new standard: 50% in stocks, 30% in bonds, and 20% in private assets like real estate, private credit, and infrastructure.

To help retail investors tap into these markets, BlackRock has started rolling out model portfolios that include private equity and credit funds alongside traditional assets like stocks and bonds.

These portfolios, which average 15% exposure to private assets, are now available to U.S. investors.

While these new investment opportunities are exciting, it’s important to stay mindful of the risks.

Private assets can come with higher fees, less liquidity, and more complexity compared to traditional investments. That means you might not be able to access your money quickly, so consider your financial goals before diving in.

To keep up with changes in private-market investments and diversification, check out trusted government and financial resources on the subject.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) offers valuable insights on investment products, risk management, and market regulations.

For retirement planning, the U.S. Department of Labor provides guidance on 401(k) diversification. FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority) offers educational tools to help you understand risk and diversify your portfolio effectively.

Before you make any moves, it’s always a good idea to chat with a financial advisor who can help you figure out whether private-equity investment fits with your risk tolerance and long-term goals.

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An Eastpointe, Michigan, woman shared her story of being defrauded for thousands of dollars, hoping to help others avoid the same devastating experience.

Destiny Smith, a single mother in desperate need of a home, thought she had found the perfect place on Facebook. But it turns out the property was already occupied, and she had lost her deposit money in a scam.

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"I really wanted to pass out," she told Local 4 Detroit News in a story published March 21. "I was just, like, ‘No way I’ve just been scammed.’"

Here are the details behind Smith’s story, plus tips on how to avoid rental scams.

Scammers use fake listing

Smith’s ordeal started when she saw what seemed like the ideal rental property. The ad featured a video showcasing what appeared to be an updated interior, and it seemed too good to pass up.

Rental scammers often prey on people who are looking for immediate housing, especially those who are vulnerable, including single parents like Smith and seniors. They promote fake listings on platforms like Facebook and Craigslist and ask for immediate cash deposits to lock in a deal.

Smith agreed to hand over a $2,500 security deposit, according to the local broadcaster, and she was handed a set of keys. Things took a strange turn when she arrived at the property.

“[There] was a white truck in the driveway, so I was, like, okay, maybe this is the guy that was coming to fix the stuff I requested,” Smith explained.

But when she asked the man what he was doing there, she was shocked to find out he was there to change the locks. That’s when Smith realized she had been the victim of a scam.

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Tips to avoid rental fraud

If you’re worried about how to protect yourself as a renter, here’s what you can do to protect yourself from rental and housing scams:

• When looking for listings, stick to well-known platforms that have verification processes and user reviews.
• Beware of listings with lower-than-normal prices. If it looks too good to be true, it may very well be.
• Always check out a property in person before making any commitments. Don’t settle for a video tour. It’s a red flag if the landlord won’t allow you to visit.
• Be suspicious if you’re asked to pay through unconventional methods, such as wire transfers or prepaid gift cards.
• Do your research on listings and look up the address to spot potential duplicate listings or inconsistencies.
• You may also be able to verify property ownership by checking local records to ensure a landlord’s legitimacy.

Most of all, trust your instincts. If something feels off, it’s best not to ignore it. Performing due diligence is always a good thing when it comes to finding a new home.

If you think you’ve been the victim of a rental scam, authorities urge you to file a police report and provide as much evidence as possible to help with any investigation.

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A shocking crash involving a rookie Minnesota state trooper has left a family reeling.

The incident happened last June along Highway 23, near Marshall, Minnesota.

Jamie Krueger was driving behind a State Patrol trooper when, without warning or flashing lights, the officer attempted a sudden U-turn to chase a speeding driver. He hit Krueger’s car and the impact sent the vehicle swerving off the road.

While the Kruegers were treated for minor injuries, their car was deemed a total loss and Krueger was left to cover the $1,000 deductible.

The shocker? The Minnesota Department of Administration refused to cover the costs, citing “immunity” — a legal shield protecting government workers from liability.

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“We see that a lot with immunity cases”

After months of back-and-forth, the state refused to pay, sending Krueger a letter saying, “We are unable to consider your claim for payment,” and citing “immunity.”

Dashcam footage from the crash shows the moment of impact, followed by a senior trooper admitting the rookie officer, "didn’t see you." That statement and the accident report’s mention of an “improper turn or merge” seemed to confirm that the trooper was at fault.

Legal experts like Alicia Granse, an attorney with the ACLU of Minnesota, are worried that this could set a dangerous precedent. Granse argues that while immunity shields government workers, it shouldn’t prevent them from acknowledging harm and making things right.

“We see that a lot with immunity cases,” she said. “It’s very difficult to hold government agents accountable in any sphere.

In recent years, the ACLU has made it a priority to challenge immunity laws, hoping to reduce how often the government uses these legal defenses.

She added, “We don’t want to penalize, necessarily, government agents who make a mistake, but they should at least acknowledge the harm and try to make things right.”

According to ABC News, the Minnesota Department of Administration declined to comment and the State Patrol, which confirmed the rookie officer left the force just two weeks after the crash, also refused to provide further details. The records show that the officer was not cited.

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What to do if your insurance claim is denied

Dealing with a denied insurance claim can be frustrating, but here are some steps you can take to navigate the tricky situation.

To begin with, it’s important to understand your policy, keep good documentation and stay current on payments to avoid any issues in the first place.

Each state has its own rules for handling insurance claim denials and appeals. Reach out to your state’s insurance department for advice.

If your claim does get denied, make sure you understand why by reviewing the insurer’s Explanation of Benefits (EOB). Common reasons for denial include missing documentation, failure to meet policy terms, or expired policies. If you believe the denial was incorrect, you can file an appeal with the insurer and be sure to submit all necessary documentation and stick to deadlines.

If your appeal isn’t successful, consider mediation or arbitration to resolve the issue more quickly and affordably. You also have legal rights, with each state offering regulations for handling claims disputes. Federal protections like ERISA apply to employer-sponsored health plans.

If necessary, you can consider escalating the issue to a regulatory body such as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or seeking legal action. Seek professional advice to help guide you through the appeals process and ensure your claims are handled correctly.

Krueger, for his part, is just looking for one thing: “I’m not looking for a lottery ticket here. I’m looking for accountability. I’m looking for the right thing to be done,” he said.

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California wineries, which produce about 80% of American wine, are being slammed by tariffs.

Canada has issued retaliatory tariffs of 25% in response to U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods, and a number of the country’s provinces have pulled U.S. liquor off the shelves.

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Wilson Creek Winery & Vineyards is one of the impacted California wineries. They import the blue glass bottles that their wine is bottled in from China, which is currently subject to a 20% tariff.

Although California’s wine industry hasn’t fully felt the impact of the tariffs yet, it’s already facing major struggles. When asked by ABC News, the owner of the winery shared that they don’t want to have to raise the prices to their consumers, even though their costs are increasing.

Additionally, the U.S. government’s proposed 200% tariff on European wines, Champagnes, and spirits has sent shockwaves through the beverage industry, affecting both importers and domestic producers.

Industry-wide concerns

When the tariffs were first announced in February, Robert P. Koch, the president and CEO of Wine Institute issued a press statement, highlighting the importance of the Canadian market for his industry.

“Canada is the single-most important export market for U.S. wines with retail sales in excess of $1.1 billion annually,” he said. He went on to describe wine as the “most highly value-added agricultural export” in the U.S.

“Any loss of access to the Canadian market will damage the entire U.S. wine sector,” he stated.

Wine and alcohol sales are already down, partly because trends show younger generations like Gen Z are drinking less. With alcohol consumption being questioned, especially moderate drinking, demand has continued to drop.

On top of that, production costs are on the rise. Raw materials, labor and environmental regulations are pushing costs higher, and the tariffs on imports only make things worse.

Wildfires, droughts and other climate change effects are also taking a toll on grape yields and quality.

For wineries like Wilson Creek, these tariffs are affecting everything from production to distribution. Their Italian-made stainless steel bottling equipment and aluminum bottle toppers are all getting hit by the tariffs, putting extra strain on their bottom line.

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When it comes to the proposed tariffs on European wines, the higher costs could lead to less spending, impacting jobs in bars, restaurants, and other sectors.

On a bigger scale, these tariffs are adding to global economic uncertainty. Analysts are worried that rising trade tensions could spark a global recession, putting economies around the world at risk.

A golden opportunity?

While there is uncertainty and concern about potential chaos in the industry, some see the looming tariffs as a golden opportunity for U.S. producers.

Natalie Collins, president of the California Association of Winegrape Growers, says it’s time to “reframe” the “narrative” that reciprocal tariffs would hurt the American wine industry.

Collins argues that tariffs could help level the playing field, giving domestic companies a fair chance to compete in their own markets.

Jeff Bitter, president of the Fresno-based Allied Grape Growers, echoed his cautious support in a conversation with reporters at the Unified Wine and Grape Symposium in Sacramento.

“You have to be careful with it, but you can at least explore the option,” Bitter said. “We are up against imports and we’re losing that battle.”

As tariffs continue to shake up the wine industry, California winemakers are getting creative to stay competitive. Some are looking to diversify beyond traditional markets, reportedly eyeing regions like Eastern Europe and Africa as potential growth areas.

Many wineries have also already been investing in new technologies and more efficient production methods in recent years. Some hope by cutting costs and boosting productivity, they’ll be able to maintain profitability without passing on hefty price hikes to consumers.

But in the meantime, businesses like Wilson Creek continue to be hit from all angles by the rising costs.

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