Category: Moneywise

On June 18, NBC 10 reported that prosecutors are investigating a Burlington County, New Jersey car dealership.

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Autosmart on Route 73 in Palmyra was served a search warrant and investigators took license plates from the company’s garage and boxes and computers from the office.

Prosecutors could only confirm that the dealership is under investigation and did not speak to specific charges. They did, however, tell the news station that they’d received several complaints that customers were scammed at the dealership.

What’s interesting, though, is that NBC 10 was already looking into Autosmart after a viewer reached out with a problem she is facing. And the recent investigation could be related to it.

What happened?

Susan Noble asked NBC 10 to investigate an issue related to a car she bought and financed last September through Autosmart.

"I bought a used car from Autosmart in Palmyra," Noble told NBC 10. "They said they would work with me to get the monthly payment that I wanted at the price I wanted … they said, ‘You can buy the car and in a couple of months you can refinance with us.’"

Noble said she financed the purchase with American Credit Acceptance (ACA) and went back a few months later as planned to refinance.

“They said they sent the payoff check to the first company that I financed with,” said Noble. Payoff amount is the total needed to satisfy a debt, including interest and fees.

But then ACA started texting Noble saying her monthly payment was due or late. She also couldn’t get the title to her car.

Noble said ACA told her they never received the payoff payment for her loan from Autosmart.

“They didn’t actually do it, but they continued to make monthly payments on my behalf,” she explained.

That left Noble with two car loans in her name totaling over $50,000.

This, she said, is hurting her ability to buy a home.

"They know how hard I work. They know that I’m a nurse, they know I’m a single mom … for them to do this to me is just unconscionable," she told NBC 10, getting emotional.

NBC 10 reached out to Autosmart to find out why Noble’s original loan wasn’t paid off when she refinanced through them. A representative from SmartSource, who said they were a consultant for Autosmart, responded and blamed the financial institutions involved.

On June 3, that representative said the payoff payment would be processed and take 10 days to be paid in full. But Noble said that didn’t happen.

"I would like to see them, you know, held accountable," she told NBC 10.

The news station was not able to get an answer about that or the investigation into Autosmart. ACA and Autosmart also did not respond.

The Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office issued a statement on the Autosmart investigation saying, "No charges have been filed. Members of the public who wish to speak with an investigator concerning their experience with this dealership should contact us at [email protected]."

It’s worth noting that Autosmart also has an “F” rating on Better Business Bureau with over 30 complaints filed against the business.

One complaint from April 2025 says, "I traded in my 2021 Kia Seltos in December of 2023 and that car loan has not been settled. We signed a contract stating the they would pay the loan off. The company has been paying monthly until January 2025. I have been calling and seeing why that loan hasn’t been paid. The loan has defaulted which has severely damaged my credit score along with the loan company seeking the vehicle and or payoff."

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Auto loan refinancing scams

What Noble says happened to her may be an honest mix-up or a sign of a serious mismanagement of funds and fraud. Auto loan refinancing scams are common enough for the Federal Trade Commission to have a page dedicated to them.

Scam refinancers either promise they’ll get you lower payments on your auto loan, but ask for an advance payment, or they tell you to make your loan payments directly to them and say they’ll pay your lender for you while they negotiate a deal.

“In reality, scam refinancers aren’t negotiating with your lender or anyone else,” says the FTC. “If you make your monthly car payments to the refinancer instead of your lender, those payments will likely go straight into the scammer’s pockets — not to repay your loan. You may only find out about the fraud when your lender contacts you about missed payments, or your car is repossessed.”

These scams hurt borrowers and can make their financial situations even worse. For one thing, falling behind on an auto loan could put you at risk of having your car repossessed. It could also damage your credit score, making it harder to borrow money the next time you need to.

For this reason, it’s important to be careful when dealing with refinancing companies.

Dealer tactics to look out for

Auto dealerships have different ways of luring in credit-challenged buyers. They can promise low vehicle prices and low financing rates only to hit you with surprise costs.

One good way to avoid getting taken for a ride is to read the fine print on your loan documentation. Sometimes, auto dealerships will offer a seemingly attractive interest rate on an auto loan but hit you with hidden fees that drive your costs up.

Another popular tactic is the yo-yo scam, where you’re told your auto loan is final and you’re allowed to drive the car away. Then, days or weeks later, you’re told that your financing didn’t come through, and that your only option is to sign a new loan with less favorable terms or give back the car.

You should know that any time you’re pressured to sign a car loan quickly, it should be considered a red flag. Another thing you should know when you’re shopping for a car is that you do not have to finance it through or from the dealership.

It pays to shop around for your own auto loan to compare rates and there may be advantages to dealing with a lender directly.

It’s also a good idea to research dealerships before moving forward with a car purchase. Look at the Better Business Bureau, as well as sites like Yelp, to check for complaints and reviews.

However, if you do get scammed, file a report with the FTC as well as your state attorney general’s office.

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

British Columbia has unveiled a powerful new rebate program offering up to $5,000 for residents in low-rise condos and townhomes to install electric heat pumps, a move that could slash energy bills and help fight climate change.

Announced on July 15 by the Ministry of Energy and Climate Solutions, the two-phase program will first target buildings up to six storeys that currently rely on electric baseboard heating. A second phase, rolling out this fall, will expand the offer to those using fossil-fuel systems like gas furnaces and boilers.

“This program will support families and seniors in apartments and townhomes across B.C. managing affordability concerns and ensure they have the opportunity to convert to heat pumps to provide a safe and healthy controlled climate for their homes,” Tony Gioventu, executive director of the Condominium Home Owners Association of B.C., said in a statement to CityNews.

Income-qualified applicants can access up to $5,000 under the new rebate. Those who do not qualify may still be eligible for up to $2,500 in support through BC Hydro programs.

The rebate is part of the $100-million CleanBC Energy Savings Program announced in April, which aims to install at least 8,000 new heat pumps in homes and multi-unit dwellings across the province by mid-2026.

Energy Minister Adrian Dix said the province is focused on affordability while remaining committed to reducing emissions, calling the heat pump program “a cost-efficient way to address climate change.”

How heat pumps help homeowners beat rising energy costs

Heat pumps are among the most efficient heating and cooling systems available in Canada. Unlike conventional gas furnaces or electric baseboards, heat pumps move heat rather than generating it directly, delivering between two and five times more energy than they consume.

A 2023 study by the Canadian Climate Institute found that heat pumps are now the lowest-cost option for heating and cooling in much of the country over the long term. In cities like Vancouver, Toronto and Halifax, homeowners can save between $5,000 and $15,000 over 18 years, especially when replacing outdated oil or baseboard systems.

The savings extend beyond winter. Heat pumps provide air conditioning in summer, reducing the need for a second system and helping mitigate the risks of extreme heat.

Efficiency Canada notes that nearly two-thirds of Canadian households would see net annual savings after switching to a heat pump, particularly in provinces like B.C. with clean electricity and relatively mild winters.

What other provinces and Ottawa are doing to make heat pumps more affordable

British Columbia’s rebate is one of several heat pump incentives now available across Canada.

The federal government’s Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program provides up to $10,000 — and in some provinces, up to $15,000 — to help lower-income households switch from oil-based systems. That’s on top of other financing options, such as the Canada Greener Homes Loan, which offers interest-free loans of up to $40,000.

Ontario offers rebates through the Home Efficiency Rebate Plus program, which covers up to 30% of costs and up to $4,500 for heat pump upgrades. In Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and P.E.I., homeowners can access between $1,200 and $6,700 depending on income and system type.

In many provinces, rebates can be combined, stacking federal and provincial support to cover a significant portion of upgrade costs.

Key details B.C. homeowners and renters need before applying

There are a few things British Columbians need to know before applying:

• Eligible buildings: The current rebate phase is limited to townhomes and apartment buildings up to six storeys using electric baseboards. A second phase launching this fall will include fossil-fuel systems such as gas boilers and furnaces.
• Income qualification: Up to $5,000 is available for income-qualified applicants. Those who do not meet the income threshold may still qualify for BC Hydro rebates of up to $2,500.
• Strata and landlord approval: If you live in a condo or rental, you’ll need written permission from your strata council or landlord before making changes to shared infrastructure.
• Limited funding: B.C. is targeting 8,300 installations by 2026. Early applications are encouraged, as funding may not last indefinitely.

To qualify, installations must be done by a licensed professional and meet the provincial rebate guidelines. More information is available on the CleanBC and BC Hydro websites.

How to turn rebates into real savings on your energy bills

Making the switch to a heat pump is more than a climate-conscious move. It’s a long-term investment. To maximize your savings:

• Stack incentives: Combine the B.C. rebate with federal or utility programs when available. Together, homeowners may qualify for up to $10,000 or more in support.
• Plan upgrades: Check whether your electrical panel or ducting needs upgrading. These costs can be significant but may also be eligible for partial rebate coverage.
• Prioritize efficiency: Seal windows, upgrade insulation and improve airflow where possible. A well-insulated home helps your heat pump perform at its best.

If you’re not sure where to start, an energy audit, which is required for some rebate programs, can help identify the most cost-effective improvements for your home.

Why now is the time to make the switch — and how to make it work

With rising energy prices, extreme weather and growing government support, 2025 may be the best time for British Columbians to make the switch to heat pumps.

Unlike past rebate programs that excluded condo and apartment dwellers, this latest initiative ensures more people, including renters and those in shared buildings, can access clean, efficient heating and cooling.

Homeowners who act quickly stand to gain the most: lower bills, improved home comfort and protection from future fossil-fuel restrictions.

Sources

1. CityNews: Province launches heat pump rebate program, by Jan Schuermann (July 15, 2025)

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

In-N-Out’s red palm trees and “fresh, never frozen” burgers are as California as it gets. Since Harry and Esther Snyder opened the first location in 1948, the family owned chain has built an empire without ever straying far from its West Coast roots.

But now, CEO Lynsi Snyder — the founders’ granddaughter — is packing up her family and part of the business for a move out of state. As In-N-Out ramps up its expansion across the southeast, Snyder says the shift makes sense.

While California will remain the heart of operations, the company is building a second headquarters in Franklin, Tennessee, set to open next year.

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“Most of our stores are still going to be here in California, but it will be wonderful having an office out there, growing out there,” Snyder said in a recent interview on the Relatable podcast.

Palm trees don’t pay the bills

In-N-Out may be expanding, but the move to Tennessee is less about abandoning California and more about adapting to a changing business climate. While the company promises its California roots run deep, plans are already in place to phase out its Irvine headquarters by 2030 — a shift that underscores the growing challenges of doing business in the Golden State.

"There’s a lot of great things about California, but raising a family is not easy here. Doing business is not easy here," Snyder said, echoing a sentiment that’s led to a wave of corporate relocations.

Between 2018 and 2021, more than 350 companies moved their headquarters out of California, according to research by Lee E. Ohanian of the Hoover Institution and Joseph Vranich, a Texas-based business relocation expert. Many were drawn to states with lower taxes, lighter regulations and friendlier business environments — areas where California has failed to compete.

For Snyder, the frustrations go beyond policy.

During the pandemic, state regulations forced the temporary closure of one San Francisco location. And in 2024, In-N-Out closed its Oakland restaurant after 18 years, citing rising crime in the area. The closure was particularly notable as it was the company’s first permanent shutdown in its 77-year history, despite the location still turning a profit.

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Keeping the West Coast identity

In-N-Out’s cult-favorite menu might spark national cravings, especially from eager East Coast fans, but the company remains firm in its commitment to staying regional.

"Florida has begged us and we’re still saying no. East Coast states – we’re still saying no," Snyder said.

That doesn’t mean the burger chain isn’t growing. The majority of employees from its Irvine headquarters will reportedly relocate to Tennessee or move to the company’s Baldwin Park, California, office. The first Tennessee restaurant is set to open in 2026, with plans to roll out 35 locations across the state in the coming years.

The strategy seems to be paying off. The average In-N-Out location generates an estimated $4.5 million in annual sales — nearly double that of a typical McDonald’s at $2.6 million, according to Forbes.

Since taking the reins at In-N-Out, Snyder has doubled down on sustainable growth, staying true to the company’s core values and prioritizing quality over aggressive expansion — a formula that has kept the chain’s loyal fan base as hungry as ever.

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The San Francisco Parks Alliance (SFPA) — a nonprofit foundation established to “create, sustain and advocate for parks” — has abruptly shuttered amid a media and legal firestorm over alleged mismanagement involving at least $3.8 million in donations.

That leaves donors like Nicola Miner — whose Baker Street Foundation donated $3 million to the SFPA several years ago — “speechless.” She gave the SFPA that money to support construction of two neighborhood playgrounds.

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“I wanted a park here, that was what our money was for,” Miner told CBS News.

But the parks never materialized. Instead, she learned that the SFPA — an arm’s-length fundraising partner of San Francisco’s Recreation and Parks Department — funneled nearly $2 million of her foundation’s donation to cover general operating expenses.

“The money was not for general operating expenses. And so I just feel a real sense of betrayal,” Minser said. “The fact that they took money away from families, I’m speechless.”

A prominent nonprofit falls from grace

The San Francisco Standard reports that top employees at the SFPA got bonuses despite a “massive deficit”, and the nonprofit spent more on “swanky galas” and fundraising events than it made.

“You would never, in a million years, give a bonus under these circumstances,” Joan Harrington, a nonprofit ethics expert at Santa Clara University, said.

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In the wake of the allegations, San Francisco’s mayor froze the organization’s funding in May, and City Attorney David Chiu launched an integrity review into the nonprofit.

Subsequently, The San Francisco Standard reported that the SFPA was abruptly “winding down,” leaving donors and partners empty-handed.

Just days afterward, the San Francisco Government Audit and Oversight Committee subpoenaed the organization’s former CEOs and its board treasurer after they failed to show up at a committee hearing.

Doing your donation due diligence

Some donors may be left wondering how they could be let down by such a prominent and politically connected organization. It’s a reminder that a prominent name is no guarantee of continued success or appropriate management — and the prudent approach to committing funds is to perform thorough due diligence.

To help with this process, the Stanford Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society (Stanford PACS) has published “The Stanford PACS Guide to Effective Philanthropy,” with questions that donors should try to answer before making a commitment. For example:

• Does the nonprofit comply with tax regulations?
• Are its donations earmarked for a specific purpose (like a playground)?
• Are the donations restricted or unrestricted?
• How does the organization track and report restricted donations?

Restricted donations have conditions on how those funds are to be used, while unrestricted donations can be used for anything related to the nonprofit’s mission.

Stanford PACS also publishes the Philanthropist Resource Directory, which can be a helpful resource early in the due diligence journey.

Several third-party websites are also available to help with this process.

For example, GuideStar aggregates information about U.S. nonprofits registered as 501(c)(3) organizations and categorizes them based on the amount of information they self-report.

It also publishes IRS Form 990 tax returns, which are filed by “tax-exempt organizations, nonexempt charitable trusts and section 527 political organizations.”

GiveWell researches and recommends charities working in global health and poverty alleviation “that save or improve lives the most per dollar,” while Charity Navigator rates more than 225,000 nonprofits based on their “cost-effectiveness and overall health of a charity’s programs, including measures of stability, efficiency and sustainability.”

The Stanford PACS guide also suggests looking at which organizations have received grants from respected foundations such as the [Gates Foundation]https://www.gatesfoundation.org ) or Ford Foundation — both of which have searchable grants databases — and talking to people who’ve contributed to the organization or worked with it.

Donors can also consider a Donor Advised Fund (DAF), an account that allows donors to give to charity, receive an immediate tax deduction and recommend grants from the fund over time.

Donating a large amount of money to a charity is a big commitment — and even supposedly reputable organizations can run into trouble. So time spent on due diligence is time well spent.

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

An Atlanta property owner says he found part of his home demolished and alleges city workers were responsible, causing extensive damage just as he was planning additional work before he put the property on the market.

WSB-TV 2 Atlanta reported that Ronaldo Norman and his brother, who co-own a real estate investment company, had spent about $200,000 building a home in Southwest Atlanta. But when Norman arrived at the site in May, he says he found a large hole in the side of the house and bulldozers on the property.

"I saw demo bulldozers and a big hole in the side of the property," Norman said to Channel 2 investigative reporter Ashli Lincoln. According to Norman, the damage was caused by city workers — but so far, Atlanta officials haven’t publicly commented on the incident.

Here’s what Norman says happened, and what legal options property owners may have in similar situations.

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Property owner searches for answers on destruction

Norman says he arrived at the site to find demolition equipment and a gaping hole in one of the walls.

"Just think about it, come pulling up to your property, and you see a big hole in the wall, and no one can give me an explanation as to why," Norman complained. Norman alleges city workers took action because they thought his permit had expired.

"May 22, the day after they expired, they came out here and put a hole in my property," Norman told reporters. He maintains the property was still in compliance, claiming he had filed for and received a six-month permit extension before the incident.

Whether a home is under renovation or fully built, city governments must follow a legal process before demolishing a structure. Generally, a property owner would receive notice along with time to rectify any issues.

Norman says he never received any such notice. City official’s only response, he claims, has been to advise him to seek legal counsel.

"This right here is a major setback because now we may have foundation issues," Norman said.

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What protections do homeowners have — and what can you do if this happens to you?

While rare, incidents like this show how important it is for property owners to protect their investments and to act quickly if something goes wrong.

With no answers from Atlanta officials, the Normans may have to pursue legal action to recoup their losses. Here’s what that process could look like — and what other homeowners should know if they ever find themselves in a similar situation.

Consult a lawyer Because of a legal concept called sovereign immunity, suing a city can be complicated, but Georgia law does allow homeowners to file claims for damages, as long as they follow the right process.

File a notice of claim This is a formal document notifying the city that you intend to pursue compensation. The time for doing so varies by State and Municipality and can be relatively short; your local lawyer should know this. Missing this deadline could prevent your case from moving forward.

Collect all documentation This includes:

• Building permits and extension filings
• Photos or videos showing the damage
• Invoices and receipts for materials and labor
• Emails or letters from city agencies
• Any inspection reports or code violation notices (or proof that none were issued)

Request records from the city Filing an Open Records Request may reveal internal miscommunications or mistaken permit data that triggered the demolition.

Get a damage assessment A structural engineer or contractor can help assess whether foundational damage occurred and provide estimates to use in a claim.

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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 Reggie Van Lee’s great-grandmother, a Black woman, bought a plot of land near Houston in 1899, she likely couldn’t have imagined the home that would sit on it.

In 2012, Lee, a Harvard graduate, former Alvin Ailey dancer and current Houston Consulting Executive, built a massive 20,000-square-foot house on the plot of land with a great room, beauty salon, chapel and even a helicopter pad.

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But the home isn’t just for him — today. He lives there with his three sisters and even some of their spouses. Lee thinks togetherness is important, especially during a time when so much is uncertain.

"I built this house not just for my immediate family, but for my extended family, including friends," Lee explained to Fox 26 News reporter Damali Keith.

Can several generations and members of the family live together in harmony?

How do they all get along?

Lee said the house is large enough to have space for everyone to spread out and get together when they want. The master suite, for example, is on a separate side of the house.

"The house is large enough, so when you really want to be by yourself, you can. When you want to be with others, you can as well,” Lee said. “Having dinners together, family dinners together. It’s just amazing."

The home is large, but Lee added that they all use the space. Last year, they hosted a 300-person wedding for his now 77-year-old sister, who was getting remarried. They also hosted a party to commemorate the 125th anniversary of his great-grandmother purchasing the land.

But what happens to the family home when Lee is gone? He hopes it will stay in the family and has made provisions in his will to keep it as a family home or donate the home and the property.

"I want very much for this land and this house to stay in the family. In my will, it says if no family member lives in the house, the house actually goes to the Texas Historical Society. It’s not going to be a situation where Uncle Reggie dies, they sell everything, and split the money,” Lee said. “Especially in these times where there are so many forces of evil against us as people and against people coming together in love as opposed to being divisive, I think families should be the ones to send that message of togetherness."

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Should more Americans live with extended families?

According to 2022 U.S. Census, approximately 4.8 million households in the country are multigenerational, meaning they include at least three generations living together. While data on extended family households — those with aunts, uncles or cousins — is harder to track in the U.S. But it’s certainly commonplace in other parts of the world.

A Pew Research study reported that extended family households are the most common type of households worldwide, with 38% of people living with extended family. Nearly half of people in the Asia-Pacific area live with extended family, while only 11% of North Americans do.

But should multigenerational and extended family living be more common in the U.S.? Beyond emotional benefits, this arrangement offers practical and financial advantages.

Rising home prices make it a smart financial move

Housing costs in the US. are skyrocketing. According to Zillow, the average home price is now over $355,000 — an increase of 2.7% from last year. Living with extended family can help households share expenses and reduce financial stress. Additionally, purchasing a home rather than Purchasing a home, rather than renting, can also help families build generational wealth.

More child and elder care options

Childcare is one of the biggest expenses for American families. According to ChildCare Aware, a nonprofit supporting the U.S. childcare system, the average annual cost of childcare in 2023 was $11,582. For families with multiple children, this expense can exceed the annual earnings of one parent.

Elder care is similarly costly. A home health aide averages $6,292 per month, making in-home care financially challenging for many families. Living with extended family provides an alternative to expensive childcare or elder care while fostering a stronger family support system.

Improved financial security

Pooling resources in a multigenerational household can provide a financial cushion. With multiple incomes contributing to household expenses, families may be able to pay off debt, save more or invest more in long-term financial goals. This setup also offers stability during financial hardships, such as job losses or unexpected home repairs.

As more families face financial uncertainty and work-life balance challenges, multigenerational living may grow in popularity. For people like Lee, it’s not just a practical choice — it’s about preserving family bonds and creating a lasting legacy.

"At the end of the day, all we really have is family,” Lee said. “Too many people — Black people in particular — have given up family land."

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

Dylan Handy did everything right — or so he thought.

Two years ago, when he was 33, Handy tried to roll over his $114,000 401(k) after switching jobs. Instead of a secure digital transfer, Paychex sent paper checks.

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Unfortunately for Handy, those checks were intercepted and fraudulently cashed.

“This outdated and insecure method remains standard practice in the retirement industry,” Handy told The New York Times. The kicker? Handy wasn’t even told electronic transfer was an option. And more importantly, he may now owe taxes on a stolen account.

So why are retirement plan administrators still using physical checks? And how can you protect your money and avoid ending up in a situation similar to Handy’s?

The risks of paper-based rollovers

A 2024 survey by Capitalize revealed just how many people still deal with paper checks during rollovers — a whopping 43%.

Americans are running out of patience. More than 80% of savers say rolling over a 401(k) should be as simple as making a bank transfer. But for those stuck with the manual process, it often means phone calls, long wait times and a lot of uncertainty.

So why are plan administrators holding on to this outdated method?

Physical checks persist because of legacy systems, regulatory concerns and a lack of standardized digital options.

In Hardy’s case, he’s now in federal court suing Paychex after months of getting nowhere with banks and no reimbursement for the bulk of his lost savings. His lawyer argues Paychex is responsible.

Paper checks in 401(k) rollovers expose savers to serious risks, including:

• Fraud and theft: Physical checks are easier to intercept, alter or cash without authorization.
• Delays and inconvenience: Mailing checks, waiting for them to clear and making sure they reach the right hands can take weeks — sometimes months. Capitalize found that 42% of savers experienced rollovers that took two months or more.
• Lack of transparency: Tracking paper checks and resolving problems can be a nightmare. In fraud cases, figuring out who’s responsible and recovering money is often a complex, drawn-out process.

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

Limited protections: How to stay safe

While protections like the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) exist, they are limited.

There’s only so much liability coverage. If a check is stolen and cashed by someone else, blame may fall on the issuer, the accepting bank or the account holder. Sorting that out can take a long time.

And even when a claim is valid, banks may take up to 90 days to respond. That you could be without your retirement funds for months.

With check fraud and scams on the rise, protecting your money during a 401(k) rollover is more important than ever. Here are a few smart steps to keep your savings safe:

• Work with a qualified advisor: Make sure any financial advisor you consult is a Certified Financial Planner™ who’s legally required to act in your best interest. The right advisor can help you avoid shady products and high-pressure sales tactics.
• Opt for direct transfers: Whenever possible, ask your 401(k) provider to transfer funds directly to your new retirement account. It’s faster and more secure.
• Use secure mail: If a paper check is your only option, request certified mail with tracking. This cuts down the chance of interception.
• Monitor your accounts: Check your accounts regularly for suspicious activity. If something looks off, report it immediately.
• Stay informed: New scams pop up all the time — from fake self-directed IRAs to bogus investment platforms. The more you know, the easier it is to spot red flags.

Check fraud isn’t going away, so it’s up to people saving for retirement to stay alert and take action. Even though some protections are in place, being proactive is your best defense.

Your retirement money deserves better than a risky, outdated process, it deserves your full attention.

What to read next

• You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• Accredited investors can now buy into this $22 trillion asset class once reserved for elites – and become the landlord of Walmart, Whole Foods or Kroger without lifting a finger. Here’s how
• Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they’re banking on instead

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ticketed for doing the ‘safe thing’

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Holding bureaucracy accountable

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

What should you do if you receive a questionable ticket?

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

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

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

What to read next

• You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• Accredited investors can now buy into this $22 trillion asset class once reserved for elites – and become the landlord of Walmart, Whole Foods or Kroger without lifting a finger. Here’s how
• Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they’re banking on instead

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

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