Category: Moneywise

Work-from-home jobs can provide valuable income for people who are unable to work a traditional job.

For Mildred Bedar, a Houston resident, her work-at-home position helped her pay the bills, until the company disappeared without sending her a paycheck.

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Bedar said she was hired to inspect shipments from Amazon, repackage them, and send the products to their final destination. She was supposed to be paid $2,900 for her work, with a bonus of $20 for every package that she handled.

What she was ultimately paid, however, was nothing, putting her at serious risk of losing her home. Here’s how she became a victim of a work-from-home scam.

How the work-from-home scam worked

Bedar said she worked for the company that hired her for months, only to have the business vanish before her scheduled payday, leaving her in a bind.

"I’ll be homeless if I don’t get that money," Bedar told Fox 26 Houston. "I’m a 68-year-old woman with her service dog out on the street or her car is not something I would think about."

It’s unlikely that Amazon shipping will come, however, because the Postal Service and the Better Business Bureau believe that Bedar had inadvertently been duped into a "reshipping scam." These scams involve products acquired illegally and are then laundered through multiple shipping steps to hide their origin.

A spokesperson from the Better Business Bureau, Leah Napoliello, explained the scam and the unfortunate fallout for Bedar.

"If she has not been paid and suddenly the business has gone dark — there’s no evidence they’re still operating — and there’s no way to contact them to request payment, then that is very suspicious," Napoliello said.

There’s little Bedar can do to recover the promised paycheck, as the company was not a legitimate one in the first place.

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How to avoid work-from-home scams

While Bedar is unlikely to get her money, others can learn from her experience and avoid work-from-home scams.

Some red flags to watch out for that could suggest a job is not legitimate include:

• A company that expects a lot of work upfront before you get paid
• Pay that seems too good to be true for the expected work
• Companies that ask you to pay upfront to be considered for the job
• A business without a strong online presence, like a LinkedIn page or company website
• Getting hired without an in-person interview process in which you speak to someone via phone or Zoom
• Complaints about the company in online forums or online review sites

If you spot any of these signs, you should move onto opportunities with a more reputable employer who is more likely to pay you.

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Money doesn’t have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

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

It’s not every day you suddenly come into a large sum of money and figuring out what to do with it smartly can feel overwhelming. Still, it can happen: some of us might one day receive a sizable payout from a lottery, inheritance or legal settlement.

Imagine this scenario: You’ve just won a lawsuit and after taxes and lawyer fees, you’re expecting about $120,000 as payout. You have $5,000 in debt you want to clear and you need to buy a car for work since you don’t currently own one and it would simplify and reduce your commute. You also have a stable job with a decent income, but no real savings or investments because of past financial missteps. How can you make the rest of that money go as far as possible?

While $120,000 is a meaningful amount of money, it can disappear fast if you’re not careful, deliberate and strategic with your spending. Here’s how to make sure that one-time payout sets you up for lasting financial stability. If you don’t keep a budget, now would be a good time to start one.

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Immediate next steps

Paying off any debt should be one of your first priorities and with $120,000, that $5,000 balance can be addressed easily. Once you pay off that amount, you instantly free up funds you would’ve had to spend on monthly interest payments.

If you don’t have an emergency savings fund, that becomes priority number two. Put away at least three to six months’ worth of expenses into an accessible, high-yield savings account for any unexpected costs. Let’s say this amount comes to $25,000, leaving you with $90,000.

Once you pay off the debt and set up an emergency fund, it’s time to think about a vehicle purchase. While that settlement money makes the price of a shiny new car seem affordable, remember that the costs don’t end at the sticker. Cars lose value quickly and things like insurance premiums and property tax bills will add up. Consider a reliable used vehicle that can combine longevity, efficiency and low maintenance costs. Certified pre-owned models, for instance, can give you the feeling of “new” while lowering your cost and coming with an extended warranty.

Begin investing

After paying off your $5,000 debt, padding your emergency savings at $25,000 and buying a nice, reliable $25,000 used car, you’ve got $65,000 left from your winnings. It may be time to start investing, thinking about tax-advantaged accounts.

A Clever Real Estate survey found that 40% of respondents said they’d blow through a $10,000 windfall without saving any of it and nearly 84% said they’d make unnecessary purchases to “treat” themselves. It’s best to get that settlement money into a spot where it’s safe from any temptation to spend recklessly.

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You may not be able to easily access it, but investing will allow you to reap compound interest over time. Consider a diversified index fund or ETF portfolio that can spread your money — and risk — across multiple stocks or an index. Since you may be investing tens of thousands of dollars, consider speaking to a financial advisor to help you make the best investment decisions for your particular situation.

You may also want to set aside some of that cash for a Roth IRA to bump up your retirement savings. Note that you can invest up to $7,000 a year tax-free, or $8,000 for those 50 and older.

And now that you’re really doing some financial planning, consider setting a budget for at least the next year or two. Determine your monthly expenses and bills before you add any of the award money; more often than not, the best way to approach a large windfall is to act like you don’t have it.

It’s okay to have a little fun

While it’s usually best to put most of that money somewhere you can “set it and forget it,” don’t be afraid to budget a small one-time expense for yourself if your priorities allow. That could mean saving for a concert, vacation or upgrading your technology — whatever adds a little joy without derailing your plans.

You may also want to consider spending on whatever provides a solid return-on-investment. For example, as Warren Buffet said, “The best investment by far is anything that develops yourself, and it’s not taxed at all.” So, while it’s not traditional investment advice, you may want to spend any “fun money” on expanding your knowledge, skillset or self-improvement.

The bottom line is that by the end you should still have a solid chunk of your award money left to serve as a financial cushion or to help you jumpstart future goals.

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• How much cash do you plan to keep on hand after you retire? Here are 3 of the biggest reasons you’ll need a substantial stash of savings in retirement

Money doesn’t have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

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

For many remote workers, the flexibility offered by working at home can’t be beat.

In a McKinsey survey from 2022, 21% of remote workers reported that getting a remote role was their primary motivation for seeking a new job. Furthermore, according to an independent survey of more than 12,000 respondents who work remotely, the ability to work from anywhere has increased their happiness by as much as 20%.

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So what if you’re currently on the job hunt, and have received a nice offer, but now find out it will mean you need to work from the office for at least three days a week? Is it worth it to trade in your sweats for a rush-hour commute? We’ll break down the added costs of office-based work, plus the benefits that you might enjoy.

The scenario

Say you’re currently making $140K with a 10% performance bonus. Your new offer has a base salary of $170K with a 15% bonus. However, you’ll be leaving a fully-remote role for a mandatory hybrid working arrangement, with three days a week in-office.

The extra salary could help you afford a down payment on your own home, which is your major financial goal.

So what would the extra salary look like on your monthly paycheck? If you live in California, for example, your total income after taxes would be $114,921, not including deductions for health insurance or any contributions to retirement accounts. In contrast, your current take-home pay at your $140,000 salary is $97,119. So the difference is $17,802, or $1,483.50 per month. When you consider your health care and retirement savings costs, you can target about $1,000 extra per month in income — which isn’t bad, but might not be enough to get you meaningfully closer to your goal of homeownership.

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Additional costs for your new role

If you choose to transition back to working in-office, you’ll have to consider your transportation costs. As a remote worker, you may not have a car, or you may not use your car very often. With potentially long commutes ahead of you, you’ll need a reliable vehicle, a healthy gas budget, and some savings set aside in case of accidents or repairs. You may also need to consider whether your current auto insurance will be sufficient for your needs. If you work in the city, parking might also become a monthly expense you’ll need to factor in.

Many office workers prefer the convenience of having their lunches or even dinners at restaurants. Even if you brown bag it two out of the three days you’re in the office, your food budget can balloon when you’re surrounded by options for meals on the go. It’s also true that you’ll feel more tempted to treat yourself to social drinks or dinners with colleagues after work, or other activities that can take a bite out of your entertainment budget each month.

But there’s something to be said for the value of that informal off-the-clock socializing, especially if you’re hoping to climb the ranks at your new workplace.

You just need to be prepared for these added costs because the temptation for lifestyle creep could be a real concern. When you feel like you’re earning more, regardless of what the numbers in your bank account say, you may be tempted to splurge on luxuries like extra vacations, a new car or even more frequent discretionary purchases like clothes shopping and dining out. These costs could quickly eat up your extra $1,000 per month, and even leave you with less money for saving than you had before.

The bottom line

While it may sound as if we’re advising you against taking a new role, the truth is that it’s almost always a good idea. Your role is likely to be additional good experience you can add to your resume and help you in the future in your career.

If you’re feeling underutilized in your current role, or you’re not growing, a new role can break you out of your rut, and also make you more competitive in the job market. In today’s layoff-heavy climate, staying relevant with new skills and better titles is a must.

You can also look at the role as an experiment — if you find that the commuting and lifestyle changes aren’t worth it after six months to a year in the role, you can hit the job market again and find something that suits you better, hopefully this time with even more skills to aid you in your search.

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Money doesn’t have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

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

Getting a house market-ready usually means a few touch-ups, maybe a new coat of paint, fresh flooring or minor repairs. But for Felicia Safir, 71, what should have been a simple renovation turned into a nightmare.

Safir’s home isn’t just any house — it’s been in her family for generations. Her aunt was once the first Black homeowner on the street. In 2023, the lifelong music teacher decided it was time to downsize and hired contractor David Lyman to handle some repairs.

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Instead of fixing up the place, Lyman allegedly gutted it.

“When I came into the house and saw what he had done. Stealing things and damaging the property. All I could do was sit on the steps and cry,” Safir told FOX4. The floors had been ripped out and swapped with flimsy plywood. Entire walls were gone, electrical wiring was stripped and even the chandelier had vanished.

Here’s how her dream of a fresh start went off the rails and what you can do to avoid falling into the same trap.

Right idea, wrong contractor

Before listing her home, Safir took out a $40,000 loan and paid $32,000 to Lyman’s company for renovations. It wasn’t a reckless choice — renovating before selling can pay off.

A November 2022 Zillow survey, conducted by The Harris Poll, found that 66% of recent home sellers completed at least two improvements before closing a deal. Nearly one-third admitted they could have sold for even more if they had made additional upgrades.

Safir had the right idea, but everything went wrong. Her home was left in shambles, and even the access ramp she relied on because of a disability was gone. She now calls Lyman not just an incompetent contractor, but a thief.

When FOX4 reached out to Lyman, he eventually answered on the third call, only to refuse questions. Instead, he pointed reporters to a new roof that, according to Safir, is already falling apart.

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Lessons from a $40K loss

Two years later, Safir is still trying to pick up the pieces. The botched renovations left her home in ruins, but there’s finally a sliver of hope. With the help of local realtor Danny Tipton, she’s in the process of selling the property to a rehabber. The sale — expected to close soon — will barely cover the $40,000 loan she took out for repairs, but it’s a start.

Safir’s story is a cautionary tale: not every contractor delivers on their promises.

And with home renovations on the rise, the risk is only growing. A 2024 Angi report found that 93% of homeowners plan to tackle home improvement projects in 2025, with nearly half looking toward larger-scale remodels like kitchens (31%) and bathrooms (28%) over the next five years.

If you’re preparing for a renovation, it’s important to take a few smart precautions. Start by asking trusted friends, family or neighbors for referrals. Word-of-mouth is often more reliable than online reviews.

Ask to see photos of a contractor’s previous work, or better yet, visit a completed project in person. Collect at least three quotes to compare pricing, timelines and scope. And remember, if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

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• How much cash do you plan to keep on hand after you retire? Here are 3 of the biggest reasons you’ll need a substantial stash of savings in retirement

Money doesn’t have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

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

Formerly friendly neighbors in Stonebriar, a quiet subdivision in northern Pinellas County, Florida, are at odds over an $82,000 special assessment the homeowner’s association (HOA) has levied.

It’s a lot of money — $1,400 per household.

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“It’s insane to ask people to pay that,” resident Ken Christensen told ABC Action News. “We have lives besides our mortgage payments. I personally have a son in hockey. There are people with kids in college.”

Unlike regular HOA dues, special assessments are meant to be one-time fees designed to cover unexpected expenses.

But this one follows another special assessment that the Stonebriar Improvement Association levied last year to the tune of $35,000, or $595 per household,

The situation has caused anger to erupt in the once-peaceful East Lake community of 59 single-family homes.

“When we all got the letter that showed why this assessment was necessary, people really reacted,” resident Dorothy King said.

What has residents at odds is the rationale. The board is raising the money to pay its legal fees in a long legal battle with one resident: John Siamas.

As with so many battles, it started over something seemingly small.

The heart of the conflict

It all began in 2020 when Siamas installed what he describes as a small "plastic, snap-together shed" in his backyard. The HOA board said the structure violates a rule prohibiting outbuildings in Stonebriar, and is suing Siamas over the matter, demanding he take it down.

“He put up a shed and the covenants indicated no sheds — and the board nicely asked him to remove it. He said no,” resident John Papa said. “One thing after another, now we’ve got a lawsuit on our hands.”

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For his part, Siamas says he told the Stonebriar Improvement Association board about his plan to install a shed, and the board never rejected it. Mind you, they didn’t agree to it, either.

Now Siamas has escalated an already tense situation with the board by attempting to trademark the HOA’s name: Stonebriar Improvement Association, Inc.

“I think it’s foolish,” Papa said. “Why would he do it?”

Many residents counter that the HOA’s costly legal battles are foolish.

The trademark case will cost an estimated $425 per hour over 141 hours through to November 2026. Former Stonebriar HOA president Stephen King says the trademark battle is unnecessary as the Stonebriar Improvement Association has served the community well for 33 years without having a trademarked name.

Meanwhile, Siamas has filed federal complaints against HOA president Gayle Zelcs over the board’s trademark challenge, saying she and the board are trying to ruin him financially and force him to “sell his home” and move out of Stonebriar.

For his part, Christensen agrees that the board and its president are causing unnecessary financial hardship in a battle he describes as “nonsense.” He wants things to return to normal.

“It’s a good family neighborhood,” he said. “It used to be peaceful, no drama.”

How HOA residents can protect themselves

Living in an HOA-governed community comes with financial responsibilities that can go well beyond monthly dues.

Special assessments for out-of-budget anomalies like legal fees, structural repairs or emergencies can cost homeowners thousands of dollars, often with little warning.

Unlike traditional emergency expenses (like a car repair or medical bill), HOA assessments may be non-negotiable and time-sensitive, with tight payment deadlines and legal consequences for nonpayment.

While you can’t avoid them altogether, there are things you can do to ensure you’re prepared:

Budget for the unexpected. Plan for financial risks by building a designated HOA emergency reserve in addition to your general emergency fund. Many HOAs set aside 25 to 40% of their monthly dues for reserves to avoid sudden assessments.

For individual homeowners planning, that translates to $2,000 to $5,000, ideally.

To estimate what you’ll need, review your HOA’s budget, reserve studies (which outline anticipated expenditures) and minutes to understand upcoming projects and potential liabilities.

If you see any red flags — lawsuits, aging buildings, vague expense reports — increase your reserve savings accordingly.

Review governing documents early. If you’re in the market for a condominium, understand the rules for special assessments before buying. For example, Florida law requires at least 14 days’ notice before forming a special assessment meeting.

Push for transparency. Attend meetings, demand clear breakdowns of fees and question exorbitant or unusual costs — like $82,000 in trademark legal expenses.

Build community alliances. Get to know your neighbors and understand their concerns and questions. When you’re in a unified front, it’s easier to vote in new board members, renegotiate payment terms or challenge unfair assessments.

Know your rights. Condominium boards can’t always apply unlimited assessments without owner approval. HOAs may face similar constraints depending on the state law and bylaws they’re subject to. If board actions seem suspect, seek legal counsel.

What to read next

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• How much cash do you plan to keep on hand after you retire? Here are 3 of the biggest reasons you’ll need a substantial stash of savings in retirement

Money doesn’t have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

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

After receiving an $8 million settlement following her husband’s fatal workplace accident in 2008, Mikeal, a 53-year-old widow from Charleston, West Virginia, entrusted the money to a close friend who worked at a bank.

Two years ago, she discovered it was gone.

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"He stole all the money … There was nothing," Mikeal said during The Ramsey Show.

$8 million stolen

The betrayal left Mikeal in a precarious spot. She now lives in a camper on her mother’s property and still owes $12,000 on it. She also has some credit card debt and relies on workers’ compensation benefits from her late husband’s employer.

Unemployed with ongoing expenses, her situation is challenging.

Mikael said she reported the theft and has attorneys working on it, but it appears the money is gone. She may only recover about a couple of hundred thousand dollars. She added that the alleged thief is now in Florida and has done the same thing to other widows.

Recently, Mikeal received a $531,000 malpractice settlement. She said she’s determined to grow that money quickly to secure her future.

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

What can she do?

Ramsey Show co-hosts George Kamel and Ken Coleman offered a structured plan to help Mikael regain financial stability. They suggested she could sell the camper, use the profits to pay off her credit card and never have debt again. She could also build up an emergency fund with some of the settlement money and invest the rest. Here’s a breakdown of the

• Sell the camper. Selling it could eliminate the $12,000 debt and potentially find more affordable housing options.
• Pay off credit card debt. Clearing her balances would ease financial pressure and improve her credit score.
• Establish an emergency fund. Setting aside a portion of the settlement would give her a cushion for unexpected expenses.
• Invest wisely. Putting the remaining funds into diversified, low-risk portfolios could provide steady growth. Financial experts recommend options like ETFs — SPDR S&P 500 (SPY), Vanguard S&P 500 (VOO) and Vanguard Total World Stock (VT) — to get broad market exposure and build long-term wealth.
• Seek employment. Re-entering the workforce, even part-time, would bring in extra income and add structure to her day.

Kamel suggested Mikeal do something from home, like customer service, since she’s got "a good personality” and “good common sense."

He added she needs to work "for momentum’s sake.”

“It’s not about a ton of money that you need,” Kamel said. “(But) your shoulders will go back a little bit more; your head gets a little higher as you begin to see that ‘I can take care of myself.’"

What to read next

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• Here are the 6 levels of wealth for retirement-age Americans — are you near the top or bottom of the pyramid?
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• How much cash do you plan to keep on hand after you retire? Here are 3 of the biggest reasons you’ll need a substantial stash of savings in retirement

Money doesn’t have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

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

Four years ago, Carmen from Tampa, FL, did her brother a solid by letting him move into her home when he was low on cash. She didn’t charge him rent and she even took out a car loan for him — in her name.

Fast forward to now, and their fortunes are reversed. Carmen needs the money, but her brother doesn’t want to repay the car loan. During an episode of The Ramsey Show, Carmen said her brother has “fully recovered” from his financial woes.

He works on commission, has stocks, CDs and retirement savings, and “is living a good life,” she said. Yet, when it comes to the car loan, he told his sister he wasn’t going to “take that upon my credit.”

As Carmen pondered whether she should pay off the remaining loan herself — which is around $11,000 — co-host Ken Coleman told her: “You know what you’re supposed to do.”

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• Robert Kiyosaki warns of a ‘Greater Depression’ coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 ‘easy-money’ assets will bring in ‘great wealth’. How to get in now

What happened?

Carmen’s husband made a career switch that she says will eventually pay off, but in the meantime, they’re bringing in less money. And to get a mortgage, they were told by their lender that they need to get rid of the car loan debt first.

Carmen didn’t just co-sign the loan; she put it under her name.

So her brother is making monthly payments to Carmen on a car that’s not in his name and that “he’s never going to own,” said co-host Jade Warshaw. If he’s not willing to pay back the full amount of the loan, then Carmen has every right to repossess the vehicle.

“That is not mean, Carmen. That is not a bad sister,” said Warshaw. “That is just you doing something that is very normal and fair by saying, ‘if I’m paying for a car that’s in my name, I’m going to be the one owning it and driving it.’”

If her brother wants to keep making monthly payments, “then he needs to go rent a car,” said Warshaw.

Carmen said a private seller would pay $19,000 for the vehicle.

“I would go get that car from your brother today and sell it instantaneously,” said Coleman.

At that point, her brother can decide whether he wants to buy the car from her, in which case he can pay back his sister for the full amount of the loan and she can transfer the title over to him. If he’s not interested in buying it, she can find another buyer and pay back the loan from the proceeds.

Still, Carmen is hesitant because she doesn’t want to cause a rift in the family. “It already has,” said Warshaw. “The damage you’re worried about being done has already been done.”

Warshaw said she wants Carmen to be respected. “It’s a disrespectful transaction and if you let it continue, he’s not just disrespecting you — you’re disrespecting yourself at that point.”

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Should you loan a family member money?

While you may want to help out a family member in need, a ‘friends and family’ loan should still be treated as any other loan. Otherwise, you could consider the money a gift (particularly if you don’t think you’ll ever see that money again).

About one-third of U.S. adults have provided financial support to friends or family, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). It could make sense in some circumstances — for example, parents may loan their adult child some money when they’re just starting out in their career or don’t yet have a credit history to qualify for a loan.

Whatever the case, if you’re thinking about lending money to a friend or family member, first consider your own financial situation — for example, it’s probably not a good idea to drain your own emergency fund to pay for a family member’s emergency. And, if you do have some extra cash, how much of it can you afford to part with and for how long?

If you do lend money to a friend or family member, put it in writing (you can find several options for templates online by searching under loan agreements). This contract should outline the terms of the loan, such as when you expect it to be repaid (either in a lump sum or a series of payments over a specified period of time).

You should also specify whether you’ll be charging interest on the loan (perhaps the rate you’d be getting if that money was sitting in your high-interest savings account) and what the consequences will be if they can’t pay you back.

For example, in Carmen’s case, if she had made her brother sign a contract before getting a car loan, she could have specified that she’d take back possession of the vehicle if he didn’t pay back the loan in full by a certain period of time.

Another option is co-signing a loan, but only do so if you trust this person — not because you’re feeling pressured by your family to do so. A co-signer is a person “who agrees to be legally responsible for someone else’s debt,” according to Equifax, one of the three major credit reporting agencies in the U.S., along with Experian and TransUnion.

This provides a safety net to lenders, but it also means the co-signer is legally responsible for that debt if the borrower is unable to pay it back. Plus, if you’re the co-signer, that debt will show up on your credit report and could influence your credit score and/or debt-to-income ratio.

If the borrower fails to make payments, that will harm your credit rating — and it will likely put a strain on your relationship.

If you’re already in that situation, like Carmen, there’s no easy way out. “We didn’t say this was going to be fun but… it’s already not fun,” said Coleman, “so let’s go ahead and rip the band-aid off and take possession of the car.”

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Money doesn’t have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

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

Marcia and Carlton Lee’s month‑long property nightmare on Chicago’s South Side is finally over.

The couple have reclaimed their vacant house — one they’re trying to sell — after police arrested and removed a stranger who moved in with her family, with paperwork to suggest she owned it.

"I knew the ID was fake," Marcia told ABC 7 Chicago. “I knew the documentation was fake. I’m just super excited that they finally got her out."

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The woman in question — Shermaine Powell‑Gillard — now faces a stack of felony and misdemeanor charges.

The Lees have to clean up a mess of trash and some minor damage in the home before they put it back on the market, but they’re just grateful to have it back.

"It brings peace to my household," Carlton said. "That’s what I need."

Why it took four weeks for the stranger to vacate

The Lees’ trouble began in early April, when they arrived at the vacant property to show it to a realtor and prospective buyer and discovered a woman who introduced herself as “Stacy” living inside.

She presented mortgage documents and photo ID that, at first glance, appeared legitimate. Officers called to the scene treated the confrontation as a civil dispute and said they lacked the authority to remove her.

Illinois law requires property owners to evict squatters under the Forcible Entry and Detainer Act, a process that can drag on for months.

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Frustrated by the situation, the Lees approached ABC7 for help. Marcia noted that on the supposed mortgage documents the woman presented, the property PIN matched a different home.

Following media coverage, police revisited the evidence and concluded the ID and mortgage file were indeed fakes.

Officers escorted Powell‑Gillard out of the home and charged her with forgery, burglary, obstructing identification, and criminal trespass. She has since been released and is awaiting her trial.

The Lees have boarded up every window and door of their vacant home to make sure they don’t have to deal with a repeat of the situation.

Meanwhile, Illinois state representative La Shawn Ford is looking to change the existing eviction legislation so owners don’t have to go through the Forceable Entry Act and go to court to evict squatters.

Under his proposed law, police could remove a squatter as soon as the legitimate homeowner can prove they own the home. The Illinois Senate has passed the bill but it awaits a House vote.

Protect your vacant property from squatters

Reports of squatting are on the rise across the United States, though it remains relatively rare.

Experts say that a tight housing market, slow civil courts, and social-media how-to guides have emboldened squatters.

Until legislation catches up, here are a few practical safeguards to protect your own vacant property:

Get surveillance cameras

Install cameras in secure, difficult-to-reach places. If a squatter claims a legal right to the home, footage can prove they broke in and move the case from civil to criminal court.

Ask neighbors to keep an eye out

Talk to your neighbors and let them know the home is vacant. Ask them to call or text you if they see anyone at the house so you can take action quickly.

Remove or replace lock boxes

If you’re using a lock box for realtor access, make sure it has a hard-to-guess code. For example, don’t use 1234 or the street number. Consider installing a keypad lock, which can have longer codes, or leaving the key with a property manager instead.

Consider the pros and cons of for-sale signs

While signs can help sell or rent your home, they also let squatters know a house is empty. If you’re worried about squatters, consider sticking to online listings.

And if squatters do move in? Get the police involved and turn over as much information as possible. Don’t take matters into your own hands — you could wind up with legal trouble of your own.

Hopefully, legal reforms will give homeowners across the U.S. more power to remove squatters. Until then, preventive measures remain your first and best line of defense.

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• How much cash do you plan to keep on hand after you retire? Here are 3 of the biggest reasons you’ll need a substantial stash of savings in retirement

Money doesn’t have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

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

Like many Canadians dealing with the uncertainty of tariffs from the U.S. and rising prices, Steve Andrews from Burnaby, B.C., was on a tight budget when he decided to buy a used vehicle.

With a young family in tow, Andrews saw a registered Burnaby used vehicle dealership had a 2012 Subaru listed for a good price of $13,000 — with only around 98,000 kilometres to boot. "They said it was in very good condition, that there were no real problems," Andrews told CBC Go Public. "Everything seemed to be right about it."

But six weeks after he purchased it, the vehicle started having mechanical problems. Andrews took it to a mechanic who was suspicious about the low mileage. He advised Andrews to call a different Subaru dealership where a recall issue was repaired in 2020.

After the dealership reviewed their records, Andrews was notified the vehicle he purchased actually had 112,000 kilometres, not the 98,000 kilometres he was told. He brought the car back to the used dealer, DD Auto, who refunded him after seeing his report. They indicated the dealership had no idea of the odometer fraud and explained they were scammed themselves, though they did not give any more details.

"It was pretty shocking," Andrews said. "I was definitely angry."

Pointing fingers

A reporter from CBC called the manager of DD Auto, Charlie Zhao, to discuss what happened to Andrews. Zhao was dismissive of the investigation, stating that Andrews had been fully refunded and that a recent CARFAX report didn’t show any red flags.

"I don’t know why you need [to do] this investigation," Zhao told CBC, adding, "Things happen."

Zhao additionally claimed that the car Andrews purchased was removed from the dealership’s website once they were informed of the fraud. However, Go Public found that the vehicle was listed on the dealership’s site three weeks later. A producer of the show that visited the dealership disguised as a customer had a salesperson suggest to them the car’s mileage was low because the previous owner may not have driven it often.

When pressed, Zhao revealed that he mentioned the fraud in a morning meeting and perhaps the salesperson who tried to sell the car to the producer was not present in the meeting.

Zhao also said that DD Auto was selling the vehicle on consignment from another dealership, Easy Road Auto, based out of Richmond, B.C. Zhao claimed that Easy Road Auto purchased the car from a private seller with the odometer showing around 98,000 kilometres.

To connect the dots, CBC repeatedly reached out to Easy Road Auto and they eventually submitted a transfer form, showing the mileage of the vehicle at under 98,000 kilometres — but it was not dated, had no sale price and was not signed by the seller.

To make matters more complicated, CBC tracked down the original owner who told them that when they sold the car to Easy Road Auto, the mileage was, “around 150,000 kilometres."

A representative from Easy Road Auto said it takes the issue “very seriously” and has “conducted a thorough internal investigation.” However, no details about the investigation were provided to the media outlet. They also stated that it is typical for only the salesperson who purchases the vehicle from a private seller to be in contact with them. According to the spokesperson, that employee has “went back to her home country” and can no longer be contracted.

Currently, CBC Go Public has not seen the Subaru in question at the DD Auto since, and Zhao confirmed with the organization that it will not be sold to anyone. Instead, it will likely be rented out to a company.

With all this finger pointing and back and forth, this brings up a critical question: Who’s at fault?

Where the buck stops

To find out where the responsibility lies for the fraudulent odometer, a CBC reporter reached out to Shari Prymak of Car Help Canada, a non-profit that assists consumers buying used and new vehicles.

Prymak made it clear it isn’t illegal for a dealership to sell a vehicle with an inaccurate odometer, so long as they disclose it. "Dealerships are required to disclose certain material facts, [such as] whether a vehicle has been involved in a serious collision, whether it has a rebuilt or salvage title and whether it has a rolled back odometer, " Prymak said.

He added that dealerships are required to inform their salespeople and staff about the vehicles they are selling.

Prymak also clarified that the dealership showing the car to customers is responsible for finding out how the odometer fraud occurred and who is at fault, "because ultimately they will be held accountable.”

"A professional dealership that knows what to look for will often be able to identify if something is wrong."

Under the Weights and Measures Act, altering an odometer or replacing it without proper disclosure is an offence. Odometer fraud is also an offence under provincial legislation. In fact, the Vehicle Sales Authority of B.C. told CBC in a statement that a dealer found to have violated provincial laws could have its license revoked or suspended.

Odometer fraud rising according to experts

Andrews’ case is unfortunate and could have been a devastating financial hit if he didn’t get a refund. Unfortunately, his case isn’t the only one.

A spokesperson for the Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council (OMVIC), told CBC in a statement it believes odometer fraud "is on the rise," citing "many recent investigations" involving odometer tampering of some kind.

With digital technology being ubiquitous, changing an odometer is much easier than before, as analog odometers required manually adjustments. Now, digital odometers can be reprogrammed easily with an inexpensive device that plugs into a vehicle’s computing port.

"A click of a button" is all it takes, says Josh Ingle, an odometer expert, mechanic and owner of Atlanta Speedometer. "You don’t have to have any know-how, you just need to know how to select a vehicle on a screen," he told CBC.

How you can protect yourself

The tension between finding a deal from a private seller on social media or a used dealership instead of a major brand name is a palpable one. Q1 2025 showed a continued increase in demand for used vehicles, according to AutoTrader, with inventory facing bottlenecks. How can you stay diligent while still being fair to your budget?

For starters, Prymak recommends taking due caution when transacting with private sellers that aren’t regulated under provincial legislation and regulations. It’s up to you as the buyer to make sure you know exactly what you’re getting into.

“Check the ownership of the vehicle and also ask to see a driver’s licence and make sure that the two match," he said. "Because if the seller is not the owner of the vehicle, they could potentially be a curbsider — someone selling used cars illegally for a quick profit."

Doing proper due diligence also includes checking vehicle history reports, inspecting the vehicle closely and consulting with a local car mechanic, Prymak recommended.

For the Andrews family, they chose to move away from smaller dealerships and instead went with a larger company, settling for a 2020 Toyota RAV4 with only 40,000 kilometres. They also made sure to obtain sufficient documentation showing its full mileage and maintenance history this time around.

Andrews recognized that he paid a bit more for the vehicle overall, but his peace of mind was worth it.

Andrews’ story highlights a core tenant of personal finance wisdom. The cost of something is more than just the price tag — make sure you know exactly what you’ll pay before pulling out your wallet.

Sources

1. CBC: Dealership told him low mileage was due to single owner — but it was actually odometer fraud, by Erica Johnson and Ana Komnenic (May 12, 2025)

2. Government of Canada: Weights and Measures Act

3. AutoTrader: Price Index: Q1 2025

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