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Author: Monique Danao

  • ‘Don’t blame that on the Holy Spirit’: Dave Ramsey urges Missouri woman to instantly liquidate her $60,000 crypto portfolio to pay off debts — but she says she’s waiting for a sign from God

    ‘Don’t blame that on the Holy Spirit’: Dave Ramsey urges Missouri woman to instantly liquidate her $60,000 crypto portfolio to pay off debts — but she says she’s waiting for a sign from God

    Arabella from Springfield, Missouri called into “The Ramsey Show” because she was facing a financial fork in the road.

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    With about $60,000 in cryptocurrency, $14,000 in student loans, and $37,000 in auto debt, she and her husband were preparing to close on their first home.

    Her question to financial guru Dave Ramsey: Should they liquidate their crypto holdings to become debt-free before taking on a mortgage, or hold out for a market upswing that many in the crypto world anticipate?

    “I wouldn’t try to time the market with it,” said co-host Jade Warshaw. “You guys are in debt today, and you’re closing on the house really quickly. So, I would liquidate this crypto, and I would pay off this debt. I would do that instantly.”

    Ramsey didn’t mince words about the risks. “It’s one of the most volatile, high-risk investments on the planet. And it’s not technically an investment, it’s actually called speculation.”

    ‘You’re in Vegas, and your car payment’s on the line’

    Arabella argued the digital coins they hold aren’t meme tokens, but admitted their portfolio was worth $30,000 more before President Trump’s tariff announcement.

    “And so what happens when Trump burps again? You’re screwed,” quipped Ramsey.

    Ramsey and Warshaw emphasized that investing in the cryptocurrency market is more like gambling than wealth building, especially when the assets are held instead of paying off loans.

    “It’s the roll of the dice. You’re in Vegas, and your car payment’s on the line,” Ramsey said, repeating Warshaw’s advice.

    He also used a sunk cost analysis to help Arabella reframe her thinking. He asked her that if had no debt, would she borrow on her car and credit cards to buy $60,000 worth of crypto. Arabella responded, “Absolutely not.”

    “It’s the same thing!” said Ramsey. “If you don’t sell it today, you’ve borrowed it again tomorrow.”

    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

    ‘It might’ve been a spirit, but it wasn’t the holy one’

    Arabella then revealed a different reasoning for the couple’s crypto holdings as the conversation turned spiritual.

    “We are Christian and we do not gamble,” she explained. “But we felt like God showed us these three specific coins that we’re invested in. And we have just been waiting for the right time for him to show us when to sell, which is why we’ve been holding for five years through two bull runs.”

    Arabella’s story struck a nerve with Ramsey. He drew a clear line between what he believes are scriptural principles of long-term investing and speculation.

    “Playing short-term games with money you don’t have, cause you’re broke … Please don’t blame that on the Holy Spirit,” he said. “It might’ve been a spirit, but it wasn’t the holy one.”

    Ramsey made his position crystal clear — for her and anyone else listening: when you’re deep in debt, hoping for a crypto miracle isn’t a plan. It’s a bet.

    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.

  • The typical US home seller is asking for $39,000 more than what buyers are willing to pay, Redfin data says. Here’s what homeowners can do to increase their odds of a sale in a cooling market

    The typical US home seller is asking for $39,000 more than what buyers are willing to pay, Redfin data says. Here’s what homeowners can do to increase their odds of a sale in a cooling market

    Frustrated homeowners across the U.S. are reluctantly slashing asking prices by tens of thousands of dollars as the real estate market shifts out of their favour.

    After years of soaring home values, today’s market tells a different story — buyers are cautious, mortgage rates are high and inventory is swelling.

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    According to a recent Redfin report, the median U.S. home seller is now asking for 9% more than what buyers are willing to pay. That amounts to a roughly $39,000 gap — a significant miss for those relying on their home sale to fund their next move.

    As sellers adjust to a slower pace and more selective buyers, they ask a critical question: Should I price high and wait, or price low to sell fast?

    Here’s what the data says about the risks of waiting, the rewards of pricing strategically and how to strike the right balance.

    The financial risks of delaying price cuts

    Holding out for top dollar may sound appealing, but it can cost you in today’s market. Homes that linger on the market accrue thousands in carrying costs, from mortgage payments and property taxes to maintenance and insurance.

    Take, for example, a $500,000 home with estimated monthly costs of $3,000. If it sits unsold for three extra months, that’s $9,000 in out-of-pocket expenses — not including price reductions or buyer concessions.

    There’s also market risk. Rising inventory is giving buyers more leverage. Realtor.com data show active listings were up 30% year-over-year in April. As more properties hit the market, sellers risk being edged out by newer, better-priced homes.

    And then there’s opportunity cost. MarketWatch reports sellers like Spencer Bauman in Utah, who had to cut $75,000 from his asking price after 72 days with no offers, face delays in moving forward with their next purchase or financial goals.

    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

    Benefits of a strategically priced home

    Getting the price right from the start can lead to a faster sale, less stress and more money in your pocket.

    Most buyer activity happens in the first two to three weeks of a listing. If a home is overpriced during that crucial window, it can quickly become a “stale listing.”

    Buyers may assume something is wrong with it or use its time on the market to negotiate steep discounts.

    A well-priced home, by contrast, can generate more interest, leading to faster offers and fewer concessions. It also keeps your timeline predictable which is an essential factor if you rely on the proceeds for a down payment or avoid bridge financing.

    “The most important thing you can do as a seller is fairly price your home. If you overprice, chances are you’ll get no activity, and then it will become even harder to recoup your investment," Redfin Premier Real Estate Agent Chaley McVay said in the report.

    What’s the middle ground?

    You don’t have to underprice your home — just price it smartly. Start by getting a realistic valuation based on comparable sales in your area, not wishful thinking.

    In some markets, pricing slightly below the competition can spark buyer interest and lead to multiple offers. It also gives your listing a psychological edge.

    A home priced at $489,000 feels more approachable than one at $500,000, even if the difference is negligible.

    Finally, set a timeline. If your home hasn’t attracted serious interest within 21 days, be ready to reevaluate your price or make improvements that could boost appeal.

    In today’s market, the best strategy is to stay nimble. Sellers who understand buyer sentiment and act quickly, instead of clinging to yesterday’s prices, are likely to close the deal.

    What to read next

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

  • I’m 33 and I’ve hustled hard to make something of myself. Now my sister, 29, is asking to borrow money — again. I can afford to help, but I don’t want to this time. What do I do?

    I’m 33 and I’ve hustled hard to make something of myself. Now my sister, 29, is asking to borrow money — again. I can afford to help, but I don’t want to this time. What do I do?

    Is lending money to family always the right thing to do?

    Consider the case of Eric, a 33-year-old who is debt-free, owns his own business and lives comfortably after years of hard work and risk-taking. When his 29-year-old sister recently asked him to cover a few months of her rent, he said no.

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    It wasn’t because he couldn’t afford it. It was because he’d done it before.

    Still, Eric insists the decision isn’t about greed. It’s about boundaries.

    Lending money to family: What could go wrong?

    According to Lending Tree, 35% of Americans who lent money to family or friends reported negative consequences. These include hurt feelings (14%), decreased contact (11%) and resentment (10%).

    Lending to family can also blur emotional lines. It’s one thing to help someone in a crisis. But if there’s no plan for repayment or accountability, it can easily lead to resentment.

    A short-term favour can quickly shift the family dynamic and turn one sibling into a provider and the other into a dependent.

    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

    Financial help doesn’t equal financial handouts

    Saying no to lending money doesn’t mean saying no to helping. Some forms of support can be more beneficial in the long run. Here are a few alternatives that might empower your sibling more than a temporary bailout:

    • Offer to review their budget: Sometimes, all it takes is a fresh set of eyes to spot where money is going. Instead of offering cash, propose working together toward a goal like building an emergency fund.

    • Help them apply for jobs or update their resume: A part-time job might not cover everything. Offer to help update their resume, practice for interviews, search for better opportunities or tap into your network on their behalf.

    • Help them explore debt consolidation: If they’re overwhelmed by bills, consolidating the debt into a single, lower-interest payment might help them catch up.

    • Set boundaries with conditions: If you choose to help in the future, consider setting clear expectations, like one-time assistance, partial repayment, or proof of an action plan.

    • Connect them with a financial advisor or credit counsellor: If the situation is complex, a professional can offer tailored advice and help them build a sustainable plan to get back on track.

    There’s another often-overlooked cost: your peace of mind. Financial boundaries are just as important as emotional ones, especially when you’re working hard to maintain your own stability.

    Prioritize your financial stability

    Eric’s situation is a reminder that being financially stable doesn’t mean being responsible for fixing other people’s problems. Saying no to a loved one can be hard.

    But it can also be the first step toward healthier boundaries and long-term solutions.

    Whether his sister agrees is uncertain. But Eric’s stance is firm — not out of coldness, but out of care. He wants her to thrive on her own terms, not just get by on someone else’s dime.

    What to read next

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

  • Florida teens arrested for allegedly kidnapping Las Vegas man, stealing $4M in cryptocurrency and stranding him 70 miles away in the Mojave Desert — leaving him to hike for miles for help

    Florida teens arrested for allegedly kidnapping Las Vegas man, stealing $4M in cryptocurrency and stranding him 70 miles away in the Mojave Desert — leaving him to hike for miles for help

    Three Florida teenagers face serious charges after allegedly kidnapping a Las Vegas man at gunpoint and stealing $4 million in cryptocurrency and digital assets, according to KTSM 9 News.

    Belal Ashraf and Austin Fletcher, both 16, along with a third unidentified teen, are accused of orchestrating the scheme after the man hosted a crypto-related event in downtown Las Vegas last November.

    When he returned to his apartment after the event, the teens allegedly ambushed him, forced him into a vehicle, drove him 70 miles to a remote area in the Mojave Desert, placed a towel over his head and threatened his life while demanding passwords to his accounts.

    “[The victim] was told if he complied, he would live to see another day, and if he did not comply, they had his dad and would kill him,” police documents state.

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    The man was left stranded in the desert. He walked five miles to a gas station and called for help.

    Surveillance footage and a vehicle stop in Mississippi later helped investigators link the suspects to the crime.

    Victim stranded in desert, police identify suspects on video

    Law enforcement matched a gun linked to one teen’s family with images from social media, revealing that all three teens were connected with the same Florida high school.

    Authorities charged Ashraf and Fletcher as adults with kidnapping, robbery and extortion.

    Fletcher’s bail is set at $4 million, while Ashraf awaits release under electronic monitoring. KTSM 9 News reports that the third suspect may have left the country. The FBI is assisting with the investigation.

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

    The suspects are accused of stealing millions in cryptocurrency and NFTs from the victim’s accounts.

    The $4-million heist in Las Vegas underscores a stark reality: holding large amounts of cryptocurrency can make you a target for violent criminals.

    Crypto theft on the rise

    Digital assets like bitcoins are designed for fast and anonymous transfers. That means they’re hard to trace if stolen.

    And unlike money in a traditional bank, most crypto holdings are not federally insured — leaving victims with limited recourse to recover their digital assets if stolen.

    Storing cryptocurrency private keys offline in a physical device, or cold wallet — as opposed to online in a device with an internet connection — can reduce the risk of cryptocurrency theft.

    But even that cold storage option is not foolproof. Unless backups are carefully stored, a lost or damaged cold wallet can result in catastrophic loss.

    Moreover, a thief can steal a “cold wallet,” or force a user to hand over passwords.

    According to the FTC, Americans lost over $12.5 billion to crypto-related fraud in 2024. As digital assets become mainstream, experts warn that casual investors and high-net-worth holders are vulnerable.

    Some exchanges have begun rolling out stronger authentication and wallet recovery tools. For now, users shoulder much of the responsibility.

    Experts recommend enabling multi-factor authentication and storing recovery keys in multiple secure locations.

    As this case shows, theft doesn’t always happen behind a keyboard in the world of digital currency. Sometimes, it’s face-to-face, and at gunpoint — where the physical and psychological risks are of greater concern than cryptocurrency losses.

    What to read next

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

  • Job hopping was a quick path to a better salary just a few years ago — but could send your career off a cliff today. Here’s what changed

    Job hopping was a quick path to a better salary just a few years ago — but could send your career off a cliff today. Here’s what changed

    Changing jobs can feel like the fastest route to better pay and a fresh start.

    For many, this was true during the “Great Resignation” of 2021. According to the Society for Human Resources Management, that year a staggering 47.8 million workers (or 4 million a month) left their jobs in search of higher wages or remote work opportunities.

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    Fast-forward to 2025, and the path to success isn’t as straightforward.

    While job hopping can help you build skills and grow your network, they don’t always lead to more enormous salaries in this cooling job market.

    Why job hopping doesn’t always pay off

    Changing jobs is a fact of life for most of us. In fact, according to the World Economic Forum, by 55, the average American will have switched jobs 12 times.

    In a strong market, switching roles every year or two might lead to a 10% to 20% salary boost. That may sound appealing, given the median American salary is $61,984 per year.

    But with inflation and slow wage growth, job hopping may not stretch your paycheck as far as you’d hoped.

    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

    It can also make future employers think that you’re a flight risk, especially if you’ve never stayed at a company more than a year. That might cost you a dream role, even if your resume looks impressive on paper.

    And there are long-term financial tradeoffs. Retirement contributions may come with a vesting period for up to three years — meaning you might not get to keep all of your employer’s 401(k) match if you leave too soon.

    Health-care benefits like extended parental leave, fertility treatment coverage or mental health coverage may also have waiting periods or eligibility conditions tied to your tenure.

    On the bright side, staying with an employer long enough to build trust can also lead to internal promotions, mentorship or participation in high-impact projects. If you’re starting over, these opportunities are hard to come by.

    Things to think about before you make a jump

    Here are a few things to consider before jumping into a new job.

    • Make sure it aligns with your career goals: Ask yourself if this move will help you grow. Will you build new skills, expand your leadership potential or take on greater responsibilities?
    • Research salary trends in your industry: Check if your pay expectations align with the market. Resources like Glassdoor and Payscale will reveal whether the new role is a financial upgrade or if you’re better off negotiating a raise in your current position.
    • Think beyond the paycheck: A higher salary may not be worth it if you face burnout, poor leadership, or a toxic environment. A good tip is to read reviews and talk to current employees about the work culture.
    • Consider the benefits you’d give up: Retirement contributions, stock options, and vacation days often grow with tenure.
    • Don’t overlook internal opportunities: The growth you’re looking for could exist at your current organization. A raise, promotion or department switch might give you a new challenge without starting over somewhere else.

    Career growth isn’t always about moving. Growing where you are could lead to better rewards.

    What to read next

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

  • Receive a random package you didn’t order? You may be a victim of a ‘brushing’ scheme. Here’s how it works — and the 1 thing postal inspectors warn you to avoid doing

    Ray Simmons was baffled when an Amazon package containing beet chews landed on his doorstep.

    “I did think that maybe someone in my family was playing a joke on me, that they were telling me that I needed to eat healthier,” Simmons shared with WSB-TV Atlanta.

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    But the package wasn’t a joke. Simmons, as he would come to learn, had unwillingly become the target of a scam known as “brushing.” The scheme is reportedly designed to exploit consumer data and manipulate online product reviews, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) reports.

    And while that may seem fairly harmless, USPIS has issued a warning to Americans across the country: if you receive a package that you didn’t order, do not scan any QR codes that come with it.

    What Is the brushing scam?

    The brushing scam involves third-party sellers on e-commerce platforms that send unsolicited, low-value items to random people whose names and addresses were found online.

    Once the item is shipped, the scammers leave fake five-star reviews online using the recipient’s name, or a fake profile made to resemble the recipient. The goal is to make the seller’s products appear popular and highly rated in order to gain more visibility and sales.

    “They didn’t order anything, they received it, and it’s generally a household item, a low-value item,” said U.S. Postal Inspector David Gealey. “They have your personal information, which is easy to get because they can just Google a name and address. It’s out there on the web, right?”

    Although the brushing scam might not directly lead to a financial loss, it signals that your personal information — such as your name and address — is being used without your knowledge. And that personal information could be circulating on unsecured databases or among bad actors online.

    All of this would be cause for concern, but the dangers of this scam can become a lot more severe if the target does not exercise caution.

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

    The real threat: QR codes

    Postal inspectors say the real danger comes when these packages include a QR code, which urges recipients to scan for more information or to confirm the delivery. These codes can lead to malicious websites that steal personal data, install malware or phish for sensitive information.

    “We do caution customers: do not scan any QR code on the package because sometimes that QR code can lead to a malicious site,” Gealey warned.

    Fortunately, Simmons’ package did not contain a QR code. However, he still took a few necessary steps to protect himself and ensure his Amazon and banking accounts hadn’t been compromised.

    What to do if you receive a package you didn’t order

    Receiving an unexpected package could indicate that your personal information is being misused. Here’s what USPIS recommends.

    Do not scan QR codes: As we discussed above, scanning QR codes from unreliable sources can bring on a heap of trouble that could lead to stolen personal data or harmful malware installed on your device(s).

    Do not return the item: You are not legally obligated to return unsolicited items. Simply keeping or discarding the package is safe, but don’t follow any instructions that came with it.

    Check your financial accounts: Review your online bank and credit card statements, as well as your online shopping profiles and Amazon account activity immediately to ensure that your accounts haven’t been hacked.

    Report the package: Notify your local police department, USPIS and/or the Federal Trade Commission about the unsolicited package. Reporting the package can help authorities with their investigation and can potentially prevent others from becoming a victim.

    What to read next

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

  • ‘I feel lousy’: Tampa woman, 83, paid a heavy $4,500 toll after being hooked by trendy phishing text. Here’s what the scam looks like — and how to avoid falling for the bait

    ‘I feel lousy’: Tampa woman, 83, paid a heavy $4,500 toll after being hooked by trendy phishing text. Here’s what the scam looks like — and how to avoid falling for the bait

    When Ed Mondello’s 83-year-old wife received a text message about an unpaid toll, it seemed legitimate.

    “They said she didn’t pay the toll and had to pay $6.99 by a certain time,” the Tampa Bay resident told WFLA News. “If not, it would go to her credit report, and she would lose her registration. I feel lousy."

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    The link in the message looked official, appearing to come from Florida’s SunPass system complete with branded logos and language. Wanting to resolve the issue quickly, she clicked the link and entered her debit card information.

    That small decision cost $4,500. According to Mondello, the thieves used his wife’s debit card 25 times over three days, making purchases at Staples stores in Connecticut and Massachusetts.

    Their story is part of a troubling national trend: a surge in toll-related phishing scams.

    Toll-related phishing scams on the rise

    The toll scam targeting the Mondellos follows a typical playbook in which scammers impersonate toll agencies and send mass text messages claiming that recipients owe a small amount for unpaid tolls.

    The messages typically include a link and urgent warnings of steep late fees or even the threat of license suspension without immediate payment.

    The link directs victims to a fake payment portal. Once a victim enters their credit or debit card information, scammers charge large sums or steal sensitive information for future use.

    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

    According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Americans lost $470 million to text-message scams in 2024 alone — five times as many as in 2020.

    Older adults are particularly vulnerable.

    AARP reports that people in their 70s suffered median losses of $20,000 to investment scams — a stark contrast to the $1,551 median loss reported by victims in their 20s.

    How to avoid falling victim

    Here are some ways you can protect yourself from toll-related text scams:

    • Don’t click links in unsolicited texts: If you receive a toll notice, contact the tolling agency through their official website.
    • Look closely at the sender: Scam texts often come from email addresses or numbers you can’t trace. Verify the message with the tolling agency using a trusted source when in doubt.
    • Watch for urgency: Scammers rely on panic to prompt quick action. A legitimate agency won’t threaten license suspension or credit damage over a single missed payment.
    • Enable alerts from your bank: Instant notifications can help you catch and respond to fraudulent activity before it causes more damage.
    • Report suspicious messages: Forward scam texts to 7726 (SPAM) and delete them from your device.

    In the end, the Mondellos were fortunate. Their credit union, Achieva, reimbursed the more than $4,500 they lost in the scam.

    Still, the experience left its mark. Ed says his wife learned a challenging but important lesson about suspicious text messages.

    What to read next

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

  • ‘He preyed on us’: Pennsylvania woman loses $45,000 in sophisticated ‘dealership cloning’ scam on CARFAX — why she went ahead with the purchase even though her ‘gut’ was telling her ‘to stop’

    ‘He preyed on us’: Pennsylvania woman loses $45,000 in sophisticated ‘dealership cloning’ scam on CARFAX — why she went ahead with the purchase even though her ‘gut’ was telling her ‘to stop’

    When Adrianna Parsons and her husband found a shiny Lexus SUV listed for sale on CARFAX, they thought they were in safe hands.

    “It all looked very legitimate at first glance,” said Parsons, a resident of Doylestown, Pennsylvania.

    The vehicle was listed for $46,000 and linked to a dealership called Specialty Auto in Lincoln, Nebraska. Concerned about buying a car from a dealership 1,400 miles away, Parsons called the number listed on the website and spoke with a man claiming to be the owner, Jim Woods.

    “He played the role. He preyed on us. He knew that I was worried. My gut was telling me to stop. I didn’t listen to it well enough,” she shared with ABC 6 Action News.

    The man offered to send a custom video of the SUV — what Parsons called a “cold video” — to confirm he had the car. Reassured, the couple agreed to wire $45,000. The SUV never arrived.

    What Parsons didn’t know was that the man wasn’t the real Jim Woods — and the website wasn’t legitimate. Though Jim Woods does own a dealership by that name, he told ABC 6 he doesn’t sell cars online and has no internet presence. Multiple other victims have since contacted him with similar stories.

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    What is dealership cloning?

    The scam that ensnared Parsons is a sophisticated form of fraud called dealership cloning.

    Scammers replicate the name, location, and even employee details of real dealerships to create convincing fake websites. They then upload fake listings to platforms like CARFAX, Facebook Marketplace, or Craigslist, often using stolen images and real VINs.

    Despite being a trusted resource, CARFAX listings aren’t immune to scams. When reached for comment, the company declined to explain how it vets dealer listings.

    In a statement, it said, "If CARFAX is made aware of a potentially fraudulent listing, the team acts swiftly to investigate and remove [it].”

    Since Action News began investigating, the fake Specialty Auto website has been taken down. Local police and the Nebraska DMV are investigating. The FBI has also been alerted. Still, Parsons says the loss was “cataclysmic” for her family.

    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 from dealership cloning scams

    As more car sales move online, so do the risks. Here’s how to protect yourself:

    • Verify the seller: Confirm the dealership’s website URL and call the dealership. Be wary of inconsistent contact details, slight misspellings or prices that are too good to be true. You can also search the dealership’s name alongside terms like “scam” or “fraud” to find any complaints.

    • Avoid risky payments: Never wire money, pay with gift cards, or send cryptocurrency. Instead, use a credit card or a reputable escrow service that holds the funds until the vehicle is delivered and verified.

    • Get proof of the car: Ask for a custom video to prove the seller has the vehicle. Order a VIN report independently and cross-check it with photos and seller info. If buying remotely, hire an independent mechanic to inspect the vehicle in person.

    • Trust your instincts: If a deal feels too good to be true, it probably is. In Parsons’ case, her intuition told her to walk away but the scammer’s smooth demeanor made her second-guess herself.

    With many legitimate dealerships and platforms moving their business online, the burden increasingly falls on consumers to vet who they’re buying from and whether the transaction is a possible scam.

    What to read next

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

  • ‘It feels like a violation’: This Atlanta driver realized his ‘free’ app was collecting his data and feeding it to his auto insurer — here’s how your smartphone may be skewing your premiums

    ‘It feels like a violation’: This Atlanta driver realized his ‘free’ app was collecting his data and feeding it to his auto insurer — here’s how your smartphone may be skewing your premiums

    Larry Johnson thought he was doing everything right. The Atlanta father had a clean driving record, a rising credit score and a practical tool to monitor his family: the Life360 app.

    When he started shopping for car insurance recently, the quotes were unexpectedly high, and something wasn’t adding up.

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    “The quotes I was getting just didn’t make sense to me,” Johnson told Channel 2. Eventually, an agent told him he had a “low insurance score.”

    He later realized that the Life360 app also tracked their driving and fed that data to insurance companies.

    “It’s shocking. And it feels like a violation almost,” Johnson said. “I don’t mind signing up for something when I know what I’m getting myself into.”

    From safety to surveillance?

    Life360 is a popular location-tracking app marketed to families for safety and peace of mind. However, according to Channel 2, Life360 and similar apps may be doing much more than users realize.

    A lawsuit filed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton alleges that a data broker called Arity — a subsidiary of Allstate Insurance — embedded tracking software into apps like Life360 and GasBuddy.

    The software allegedly monitors users’ real-time location and movement without clearly disclosing that companies can use it to adjust insurance prices.

    Paxton alleges that “the personal data of millions of Americans was sold to insurance companies without their knowledge or consent in violation of the law.”

    Allstate has stated that Arity is a separate legal entity, but reporters who contacted Arity received a response from an Allstate email address.

    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 does this affect your insurance?

    Apps that track motion and location may collect data sold to third parties. These data brokers aggregate your behaviour to create a “driving profile” that insurers can use to determine your risk level and adjust your premium accordingly.

    “You’re getting similar quotes from similar insurance companies because they’re pulling from the [same] database,” Johnson told Channel 2.

    Tina Marie Johnson also reported that her insurer’s “safe driving” app penalized her for her car’s automatic braking, a safety feature she can’t control. She was also flagged for erratic driving while using a mobility scooter in a grocery store.

    Most apps like Life360 or GasBuddy are free to download but often monetize user data.

    While you may think you’re only sharing your location to find cheaper gas or keep your kids safe, that data can be repackaged and sold.

    What can consumers do?

    After learning how Life360 handled his data, Johnson deleted the app and changed how he evaluates new tools.

    “I look for location, I look for tracking data, and I look to see what they do with that data and if I can opt out or not. And if I can’t, then I don’t use the app,” he told Channel 2.

    Privacy advocates argue that stronger legislation is needed. Recently, Georgian Senator Jon Ossoff and a Louisiana Republican introduced the bipartisan DELETE Act, requiring data brokers to delete consumer information upon request and create a “do not track” list.

    “Data brokers are buying, collecting and reselling vast amounts of personal information about all of us without our consent,” said Ossoff. “This bipartisan bill is about returning control of our personal data to us, the American people.”

    What to read next

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

  • ‘What in the world are they doing?’: A Texas mayor says his city lost $1.7M in property taxes when a developer pulled off ‘one of the greatest frauds.’ Here’s how they got away with it

    ‘What in the world are they doing?’: A Texas mayor says his city lost $1.7M in property taxes when a developer pulled off ‘one of the greatest frauds.’ Here’s how they got away with it

    Jim Ross, mayor of Arlington, Texas, was furious when he learned his city was losing millions of dollars yearly because of a real estate loophole allowing private developers to avoid paying property taxes.

    "I think it’s inappropriate at best. It’s underhanded," Ross said to CBS News. "I was pissed. I still am."

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    The controversy centers on failed negotiations involving a Dallas-based real estate developer called TDI and the Arlington Housing Finance Corporation (HFC).

    The prospective deal would have allowed the developer to claim a tax exemption for converting the Jefferson North Collins apartment complex into affordable housing.

    Although the city rejected the proposal, the developers secured approval in the small Texas town of Pecos, allowing them to forgo taxes on the Jefferson North property, hundreds of miles away.

    Ross said the arrangement is costing his city $1.7 million of lost property taxes.

    “My first question was, what in the world are they doing,” he said. “What makes them think that they know better than the city of Arlington what this community needs.”

    How the deal unfolded

    The Pecos HFC approved the deal with the Dallas-based real estate developer.

    Because HFCs can legally operate beyond the boundaries of the governments that created them, Pecos’ HFC quickly expanded its reach and approved several real estate deals across North Texas.

    One of them is the complex in Arlington, which has been renamed Zenith. And, by law, the owners don’t even need to reduce any of the residents’ rents to meet the HFC affordability criteria — the only requirement is that at least half the tenants in the complex have a household income below $88,000.

    The legality of these cross-jurisdictional operations has been questioned. In the meantime, the practice has spread. Even as HFCs operate far outside their original borders, more small governments have embraced the "travelling HFC" to raise money.

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    What are Housing Finance Corporations (HFCs)?

    HFCs intend to support affordable housing development for low-income communities.

    They can issue bonds, offer property tax exemptions, and provide other financial incentives in exchange for long-term revenue agreements with developers.

    In many cases, HFCs partner with private developers to "own" properties on paper. They allow developers to claim public tax exemptions while operating as a for-profit business.

    Unlike city councils or other public agencies, HFCs are often not required to hold public meetings or disclose detailed records. As a result, it’s challenging to track the amount of affordable housing built.

    Critics say the consequences are significant. Every project that shifts onto an HFC’s books removes valuable properties from the tax base, depriving cities of crucial revenue for public services like schools, emergency response and infrastructure repairs.

    The CBS News Texas I-Team in the area found that Pecos’ HFC has approved similar deals across North Texas — in Fort Worth, Grand Prairie, Lewisville, Haltom City and Azle — amounting to more than $500 million in forfeited taxes.

    The impact on residents

    When cities lose primary sources of tax revenue, the burden can shift to residents. Homeowners and small businesses may face higher tax bills, while public services — from school funding to street repairs — may see cutbacks.

    Across Texas, local governments are increasingly sounding alarms about HFCs being used to shield private developments from taxes.

    Officials are now calling for state lawmakers to reform the system. The loophole could continue to drain city budgets when many communities struggle to make ends meet.

    "In hindsight, it’s gonna be one of the greatest frauds put on the Texas taxpayers — the introduction of this program and how it’s being abused," said Texas Rep. Gary Gates.

    What to read next

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