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Jan 2009

Feb. 2009

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REPUBLICAN - Function: Noun

Definition(s)

1. One that favors or supports a republican form of governments
2. A member of a political party advocating republicanism
3. A member of the Democratic Republican Party or of the Republican Party of the USA

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CONSUMER - Function: noun

 Usage: Often attributive

 Definition(s)

1. One that consumes
2. One that utilizes economic goods
3. An organism requiring complex organic compounds for food which it obtains by preying on other organisms or by eating particles of organic matter.

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PROTECTION - Function: noun

Definition(s)

1. The act of protecting the state of being protected
2. One that protects
3. Supervision or support of one that is smaller & weaker
4. A contraceptive device (as a condom)
5. The freeing of the producers of a country from foreign competition in their home market by restrictions (as high duties) on foreign competitive goods
6. Immunity from prosecution purchased by criminals through bribery
7. Money extorted by racketeers posing as a protective association
8. Anchoring equipment placed in cracks for safety while rock climbing.

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CONSUMER

PROTECTION

NEWS

Headlines:

USDA Consumer Alert: Keeping Food Safe During an Emergency

Headlines:

Swindlers Find Growing Market in Foreclosures

On Your Side: BBB sets out new grading system to help consumers

Headlines

• BBB grades businesses
• How To Find Out if Your Contractor is Licensed
• How Do You Know Whether to Stop Using a Recalled ...

Jan. 2009 News

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Our ‘09 Legislative Agenda

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International News

National News & Information

• Consumer workshops for college-bound students planned
• DCP: Scale Checks Aim To Protect Citizens
• Pajamas sold at Kohl's being recalled for failing to meet safety ...
• Consumers' Right: Consumer Protection Act – The Road Map Ahead
• Legislators Ponder New Credit Protection Laws
• Consumers International Blog: Getting the consumer voice into .
• The Homeowners Consumer Launches a National Investigation of ...
• Food companies work to ensure safety from salmonella
• What Costs More–A Bounced Check, Credit Card Late Payment Penalty ...
• Olson’s bill targets insurance companies’ use of credit scoring
• Teens to learn about consumer issues
• Regulators Endorse Plan to Lower Insurers' Cash Cushions
• The Junk Food Wars
• Keeping Food Safe During an Emergency
• Consumer Watchdog asks Google to protect against sale of EMRs
• Peanut Company Knew Its Plant Was Contaminated With Salmonella
• Becoming an Expert
• FTC Extends Comment and Submission Periods Related to Digital ...
• New, Stronger Identity Theft Law Gives Greater Protection
• More Consumer Protection Advise About Scuzzy Energy Scammers
• Saputo accepts violation of Quebecs Consumer Protection Act
• FDIC Consumer News, Fall 2008 - Asiaing.com
• $15 Million from United Way for Key Issues
• Reviews: Bionix IM7 carbon fishing rod
• Fire Retardant Chemical Found in Children at Three Times the Level ...
• House vote keeps digital TV deadline, for now
• Lawsuit prompts action on national title information system
• System Targeting Auto Fraud To Go Live
• New credit-rating model is coming
• Dell to pay for deceptive financing practices
• Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection
• cybersquatting ACPA 'Anticybersquatting Consumer Protection Act ...
• Who Represents Airline Passengers' Rights?
• Restaurants Brace for Menu Labeling Costs
• How Not to Get Hooked by a ‘Phishing’ Scam
• US Panel Delays Requirement That Toys Be Tested for Lead
• When Debt Collectors Disrupt Dinner
• Consumer Protection From The Credit Card Companies?
• Consumer law and unfair contracts : Core Economics
• Consumer group offers tips on cell phone billing
• Obama taps one-time consumer protection official as HUD's No. 2
• Consumer protection’s forced marriages: A sensible idea?
• The Consumer Protection Act - a heads up
• FDA to study TV drug ads' influence on US consumers
• Consumer Product Manufacturers Face Reduced Consumer Product ...
• Why the Credit Bureaus Can't Get it Right
• You can negotiate a payment settlement with a debt collection .
• Congress Weighs Consumer-Protection, Risk Regulators
• Senate hearing Thursday focuses on protection for debit and credit ...
• Nanotubes trigger biochemical 'cross talk' for consumer protection ...
• Credit Card Interest Rates Going Up
• Fuel Cost Fears Impact Consumer Behavior
• Early Filers Pile on Errors
• Consumer protection - Pressing the customer's buttons
• Consumer Rights Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
• What Does The Future Hold For The FDA?
• Farmers fault Congress and stimulus for failure to confront dairy ...
• Phthalate ban takes effect Tuesday
• Cell phone companies turn up at Legislature to strongly oppose ...
• Refiners warn US Senate stimulus bill may pre-empt EPA on ethanol
• DuPont patients to gain from consumer probe
• Congressional Oversight Panel: Special Report on Regulatory Reform
• Push to get lead out of lipstick
• FDA declares war on drugs — hidden in diet pills
• How Could it Happen? Salmonella Timeline
• Don't take that tax-refund loan!.
• Live Nation-Ticketmaster Combination Probed by US
• National Association of Ticket Brokers (NATB) Renews Its Plea for ...
• Broadband Program Oversight Questioned
• NEPA bankruptcies soar
• Mortgage Fanatic: Treasury’s U.S. Housing Plan to Fund Interest ...
• Congressman, privacy groups call FTC online ad policy inadequate
• Antitrust & Competition Policy Blog: Institute for Consumer ...
• Baby Steps for Online Privacy: Why the FTC Self-Regulatory ...
• FTC online privacy guidelines inadequate; consumer advocacy groups ...
• Allergy Self Help: Smart Menu Choices
• A consumer group says problems with cell-phone costs make up a ...
• Insurer's lawsuit fights to keep documents under wraps
• Coverage at what cost? Homeowners pay higher insurance premiums ...
• Dr. George Carlo EMF Cell Phone Dangers Interview
• Chinese Drywall Problems Could Extend Beyond Florida
• Regular Citizen Consumer: Save money and stress with these nine
• Consumer Watchdog Calls on HMO Regulator To Disclose ...
• George McGovern Speaks Out For Alcohol Labeling | Drink Healthy ..
• Div. of Consumer Protection secures refunds for Dell Computer
• Capital One Exploded my APR by 255%! # DygiScape
• AG Six Unveils New Consumer Mediation Program
• DCP alerts recall of hooded sweatshirts
  Hyundai Expands Consumer Protection Program During Spring Sales
• Consumer Watchdog to US Senate: Don't Leave Consumers Out of .
• Hyundai Beefs Up Consumer Protection Program
• ShopSmart the magazine for consumers on Product and Profile
• BSA Law Urges Legal Advice for Fitness Centre in Expectation of
   

State & Local News

• Attorney general issues consumer alert about scams - El Dorado ...
• Consumer Wellness Center Awards Nutrition Grant to Michigan Non ...
• South Dakota consumer fund tops $3M
• Mayor Villaraigosa Outlines Foreclosure Resources - ScamFraudAlert
• AG Cooper Provides Tips For Consumers During Economic Downturn
• Kansas Attorney General Shuts Down Oil Supplier
• Pennsylvania Home Improvement Consumer Protection Law
• Iowa AG seeks to ease lawsuits against businesses
• IA Attorney General Pushes for Consumer Fraud Law
• Assembly to Consider Mid-year Budget Cuts, Weigh Child Safety ..
• Grocery Stores Going the Extra Mile
• Judge orders company to stop calling NC residents
• Ct Consumer Protection Commission Propane Investigation Report ...
• Consumer Protection in the States
• Proud of the Attorney General's Office Changes and Priorities
• Idaho could require accurate caller ID information
• Attorney general goes after illegal debt collection
• Oregon AG wants oversight of collection agencies
• Consumer Protection Unit in budget cross hairs
• Lawmakers propose insurance regulatory reforms
• Illinois Sues Credit Service for Cramming - Consumer Affair
• Insurance-regulation plan aims for consumer protection
• TheDay.com - Hearing today on consumer protection bill
• Md. Bill Would Permit Cow Ownership Agreements
• Dog Laws At Large: OR- Breeders Bill to be considered Feb. 23rd
• California comsumer protection laws
• Consumer, citizens' groups fight for the public in Olympia
• Training, Info on Food Safety Laws to be Provided in Auburn
• Saying “NO!” to Puppy Mills in Washington

ALERTS & SCAMS Consumer Alert: The Great Credit Card Heist Consumers get answers from Ga. Department of Agriculture Consumer Warning: Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) Danger Top Consumer Complaints In 2008 List Of Scam Complaints Consumer Alert: Bogus virus scanning software Wasden: “Bank of Cascade” text messages are fraudulent, do not respond alert: Bakersfield woman warns of credit card scam - KGET ... Thousands of consumer complaints no match for mediators Pajamas sold at Kohl’s recalled to due burn hazard Tax refund loans aren't worth it Buyers advised to beware at going-out-of-business sales Locksmith Fraud What to do when businesses close their doors Keeping Food Safe During an Emergency Phone scam circulating Facebook Hijacking What to do when businesses close their doors ... Attorney General warns of bogus employment scams Consumer Alert: Ice cream recall ALERT: Sweetbay Supermarket Announces Product Withdrawal ... Super Bowl generates super scams This week in safety : Consumer Reports on Safety Toy recalls Consumer alert-Mercury present in high fructose corn syrup Latest E-mail Scam Sophisticated, Appears to be from IRS New Census mailing is not a scam CONSUMER ALERT: ice cream recall Police issue warning about phony text messages alert! FBI warns about work-at-home scams Text Message Scam : Police Video News DCP warns against flashing pacificers Bbb warns consumers on going-out-of-business sales Instant Tax Refund Warning Baby gate recall Alert: Watch your credit card statements FTC Consumer Alert Huge fish kill off Niihau triggers consumer alert Consumer Alert For Bangor Savings Customers Police warn public about cash-gifting schemes Consumer Alert: AG Six Warns Kansans Of Vishing Scam Jury duty scam in S. Dakota This week in safety: Recalls, recalls, recalls: Consumer Reports ... A Bad Economy Increases Bigger Scams Fake automated messages alert! Social networking hacking on the rise ALERT: Security breach may affect SECU customers State warns of scam aimed at Latinos School Fundraiser Cookie Dough To Be Thrown Away alert! Outdoor stoves are burn hazard AG - Homeowners Should be on Alert  Jury Duty Scam in S. Dakota Consumer Alert: E-Card Warning  21 Markets Fined for Selling Expired Items Stork Craft Baby cribs recalled because of serious safety issues ... "I'm from the Government…": Sweepstakes Scams Feature Con Artists Poor economy makes unemployed vulnerable to job scams McDonalds Survey Scam Beware of Tax Scams A warning for debit card users Is your favorite TV channel missing? Beware property tax scam in mail Get Paid To Shop….Or Is It A Scam? Vehicle Recalls Wheelbarrows have defective wheels Tricky Thieves Find New Way to Steal Your Identity How to tell if "work-at-home" jobs are scams Consumer alert issued regarding ‘secret shopper’ scam in Arkansas Travel Scams Alert! Denture Cream Adhesive linked with Zinc Poisoning

ARTICLES

• Credit card companies have run wild too long
• Sewing 4 Modesty
• Consumer Protection - Trust seals and trust logos
• New Consumer Protection Improvement Act
• Marketers, ISPs Fight To Prevent Privacy
• Ad groups to develop voluntary marketing privacy guidelines
• Most alternative medicine is illegal
• Air Travel Consumer Report by U.S. Department of Transportation
• 4 Consumer Reporting Agency Myths
• NCAA Is Criticized for Beer Advertising
• Lost luggage claim goes in circles: Plain Dealing
• Could credit card companies get tough on consumer protection
• Distressed Property Law
• Ten Ways to Protect Yourself from Scams & Rip-Offs 
• Technology: Broadband Bill Disappoints Nearly Everyone
• Your Credit Card Information Exposed ~ DogReader
• Genetically engineered animals and the FDA
• Balancing Deregulation and Consumer Protection at the FCC
• 10 Financial Commandments for Your 20’s
• Will the FTC Target EULAs Next?
• CONSUMER PROTECTION Watch out for spyware infections
• Product Liability 'Critical' as New Consumer Protection ...
• Consumer 'Bill of Rights' protects taxpayers from dishonest preparers
• Lawsuit against tow company allows for possible restitution
• Marketing goes deeper into the brain
• GS Articles » Why a Dedicated Vehicle Marketplace is the Best
• KOKUA LINE Stores can ask for ID in refund transaction
• What do I do if my wallet is lost or stolen?
• Dept. of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
• Patients, providers face challenges of recession
• Small Balances Carried on Credit Cards Could Affect Credit Scores
• Don't Pay Too Much To Get Tax Returns Back Quickly
• 8 Bass Fishing Tips for a Good Catch 
• Domain Registration Tips: Cybersquatting and consumer protection ...
• The Harvard Law School Corporate Governance Blog 
• New Federal Rules For Credit Cards Offer Little Real Protection
• New Splenda, Sucralose Study Reveals Shocking Potential Harmful
• Survey Asks Which Green Certification or Label Program Can Be Trusted
• Facebook’s revision of terms of service opposed by consumer groups ...
• Consumer Service to Open Hotline for Entrepreneurs
• High School Students to Compete in ‘2009 Consumer Bowl'
• www.Uh-Oh.com: Just because the domain is available doesn’t mean
• Six Health Insurance Resolutions to Keep in 2009 - Care2
• Everett debt collector accused of calling consumers 'deadbeats

Consumer Groups & Voices:

• A Voice for the Consumer
• James Love: Protecting Consumers
• Ecstacy!!!!!: Consumer protection
• Freedom of Speech: Consumer Group Petitions FCC to Lower Costs of ...
• Consumer Groups and ACLI Clash Over Capital Requirements
• Consumers Union plays ups positives in Consumerist acquisition
• Consumer Advocacy and Harold Cameron talk radio show
• Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati Expands Consumer Regulatory Practice
• Consumer Advocacy Groups Call on FTC to Probe Mobile Marketing
• Alliance for Digital Equality

Credit & Debt:

• Credit Card Companies Take What They Can Get
• Debt settlement, credit firms might not be all they seem
• Experian Will No Longer Offer FICO Score Access for Consumers
• Faulting Credit Firms on Fixing Errors
• Credit Repair Truth or Dare
• Can Credit Repair Raise The New Fico 08 Credit Score : Credit ...
• Credit or no credit?
• Guaranteed Frustration: Credit Card Regulations, Credit ...
• Have a credit card dispute? Maximize your chances of a successful ...
• Panel advances debt-collector bill
  
   

Phones & Telecommunications:

• TURN Consumer Advocates : Check your phone bill every month
• How to tame your cell phone bill

Gift Cards

• Restaurant will honor gift cards
• Deadline nears: KB Toys gift cards
• Mall coughs up quarter-million-dollars for bogus gift-card fees
• Gift Card Scams
• Consumer Alert: KB Toys Gift Cards To Expire This Sunday
• E-Commerce News: Customers: Gift Cards in a Gloomy Economy
• Gift cards get a loud, 'Bah, humbug'_

DTV, TVs & TV Converters:

Don’t forget to do a ‘search’ - thats’ the only way to find all articles dealing with DTV & the Converstion!

• All-digital TV? Please stand by
• Consumer Groups Pressure To Delay Move to Digital Television
• Thousands unprepared for digital
• Congress Backs Delay Of Digital TV Switch To June
• Portable TVs also victims of switch to digital

Foreclosures & Mortgages:

• Swindlers Find Growing Market in Foreclosures
• Deceptive Mortgage Ads: What They Say; What They Leave Out
• What’s Legal In Real Estate Loan Modification Fees
• Foreclosure proposal lets judges modify mortgages

Toys & Children’s Products: Some Stores Still Allowed To Sell Untested Toys Consumer Protection Law Threatens Small Toy Makers House bill would snuff out lighters that look like toys Toxic Toys Must Be Off Store Shelves on Feb. 10, 2009, Federal ... NY judge: Fed agency must expand ban on toy toxin - Kansas City Star FindLaw's Common Law: Phthalates Ban from Toys Starts Today while . Top court to decide if damage cap limit applies in lead-paint case Fond du Lac businesses brace for new toy laws Act provides protection for home improvement consumers Lead law prohibits sale of youth dirt bikes, ATVs Taking aim at toxic toys Speciality Sites 24-7: Guerrilla Toy Testers Take Aim at Lead

Legislation

• House bill would snuff out lighters that look like toys
• Lawmakers push for food safety reforms - MashGet

Misc. Advice Websites:

• Best Web Sites to Learn About Consumer Law Issues (besides ours)
• Consumer protection advice here
• BBB grades businesses
• How To Find Out if Your Contractor is Licensed

Fake Collectibles:

• Commemorative Obama coins not issued by U.S. Mint 

Government Agency Actions:

• FTC out to stop identity theft
• FCC's Consumer Advisory Committee Rechartered and Re-appointed ..
• Federal Reserve Board Consumer Advisory Council Appointments for 2009.

Reports

• Allstate Finds Tampa Has Highest Holiday Teen Auto Accident Deaths
• Report on State Consumer Protection Laws Released

Fight Back - Become A Consumer Advocate by clicking here!

Credit problems? Credit Counseling: (916) 923-2215

Grants & Awards:

• Consumer Wellness Center Announces $1000 Nutritional Grant Award ..

Court & Legal Actions:

• Filmstalker: French courts ban copyright protection on DVD
• NY judge: Fed agency must expand ban on toy toxin

Identity Theft & Privacy:

• TrustedID Identity Theft Blog: Identity Theft Protection
• New law protects and helps identity theft victims
• Privacy Groups Blast FTC Policy
• When You Become a Victim of Identity Theft
• FTC Updates Online Privacy Rules Experts Question Whether ..

Books & Publications

• Free 2009 Consumer Action Handbook
• The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide: Watch out for these top 10 ...

Need Help With A Problem? For Help, Call Our Consumer Help Hotline (916) 923-2215 PDT (between 8 AM & 6 PM)

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