Melinda D: Where can I report a neighbor that is giving drugs and booze to minors and having sex with them?

JW:  Melinda, I applaud you for wanting to make a difference for the kids in your neighborhood. In addition to your local police, you should report any type of child exploitation to The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The National Center’s CyberTipline, operates an online resource and telephone hotline (1-800-THE LOST). You can report child exploitation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. NCMEC regularly works with local authorities to stop these creeps from harming our children.

Valerie K: I met someone on an Internet dating site late August, and fell head over heels with this man. Long story short, I am the most gullible individual in the world. He has taken approximately $15K from me over time until about a month ago, as I kept him close thinking I could find somebody that could help me, but I am disabled.  I thought this person was legitimate, but he has taken money I needed for surgery and to pay bills, as I don't make too much per month. How could I have known?

JW: If you become involved with someone through the Internet, remember that you do not know the person, no matter how much you chat online, and no matter how much they sweet-talk you. Con artists are able to trick unsuspecting people into thinking they are interested in a long-term relationship, and over time they gain your trust and use that trust to rip you off.  I’m sorry that’s happened to you. We turned to The National Consumers League for some tips on how to spot what they call a “sweetheart swindler,” and here’s what they came up with
Continue reading How Can I Avoid Online Dating Scammers? »

Randy F: I was wondering what is the best way to report a company for fraud? They took over $42,000 from my wife and I to do work on my house then skipped out before the work was done. We paid cash in full, and even took out loan on the house.

JW: Randy, if you’ve been scammed by a contractor, obviously you need to notify your local police and file a report.  Your next step is to report the scammers directly to the Federal Trade Commission, either online at ftc.gov, or by phone at 1-877 - FTC HELP. We got a few tips from the FTC on how to protect yourself from these con men, so they don’t get a chance to get your hard-earned money
Continue reading How Can I Avoid Contractor Fraud? »

Bree S: I’m 19 years old. My question is: what can I do to stop thinking about when I was raped? This is something that affects my everyday life.

JW: First of all, Bree, let me say how sorry I am about what you’ve had to endure. It should go without saying that no one should ever have to live with the pain and trauma of being sexually assaulted. Many victims of sexual assault fear they are to blame for what happened, and I really hope you don’t feel that way, because it wasn’t your fault! Fortunately, there are some good support groups out there that can help you deal with the issues that remain with you long after the crime occurs. Contact the National Sexual Abuse Hotline anytime at 1.800.656.HOPE. It’s free and confidential and they will put you directly in touch with help in your area. You can also use RAINN’s online hotline at rainn.org. You are not alone, and being able to connect with someone who understands what you’ve been through might be a big help.

Linda Y: Are debit credit cards safer than regular credit cards? Should you be as safe with them giving out the numbers to stores and ordering over the Internet?

JW: Debit cards are certainly becoming more popular, and you have good reason to be concerned. After checking around, I discovered that while federal laws say you’re not liable for more than $50 if your credit card is used for unauthorized charges, the money for debit card purchases is transferred almost immediately from your bank account, no matter what the amount.
Continue reading Should I Use A Debit Card For Online Purchases? »