My goal: Save you time & money and help you rip-offs & avoid scams. Contributing Editor checkbook.org, and host of consumerpedia.org podcast.

Joined March 2012
225 Photos and videos
Overdraft Fees Remain Costly; Here’s How to Avoid Them: The average overdraft fee is nearly $27, according to Bankrate, and 94% of the account options studied still charge a fee when a balance is negative. bit.ly/4aJKSAS
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My June visit with Nick: Used car odometer fraud on the rise, how to deal with debt collectors, and the challenges travelers are facing, including higher airfares, rising fees, fewer flight options, and more. (My part starts 9:50 into the episode.) radiomisfits.com/ndp460/
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NEW @MyConsumerpedia episode: Marketers Often Use Cult-Like Tactics. Digital media expert Mara Einstein explains why she believes marketers often use the same tactics as cult leaders to entice new customers and keep current ones. bit.ly/4ou7Yl3
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Hotel Smoking Sensors Falsely Charge Hundreds in Fees: Many hotels use sensors to detect smoking or vaping in non-smoking rooms. When triggered, guests are charged steep cleaning fees. But unhappy customers claim these detectors are not accurate. bit.ly/4dKkNUx
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Odometer Fraud – A GROWING CONCERN for Used Car BuyerS: Digital dashboards should have reduced odometer fraud. But criminals have adapted, and their ability to alter a vehicle’s mileage display remains a serious and growing concern for used car buyers. bit.ly/3PtMMyp
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NEW @MyConsumerpedia episode: Travel Troubles: Hotels, airlines, and rental car companies are using technology to create new “gotchas” for travelers. Here's how to watch out for these new add-on fees! bit.ly/4a2PLVn
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Dealing with Debt Collectors: Get a call from someone claiming to be a debt collector, and it’s easy to panic. Is the caller a legit or a scammer? It’s important to know the rules and your rights. bit.ly/438mipf
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TRAVEL TROUBLES: THE HIGH COST OF FLYING - How to deal with the most unpredictable summer travel season since the pandemic. Tips to deal with higher airfares, steeper fees, and fewer flights. bit.ly/48QDNhb
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NEW @MyConsumerpedia episode: The Travel Show 2026: How airline passengers can handle the unique challenges - higher fares, higher baggage fees, and fewer flights - facing them because of the war with Iran. bit.ly/3Pfmhwu
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This month's visit with Nick: How to avoid vacation rental nightmares, the impact of the war with Iran on summer travel, and how to choose the right tree care service. (I start 10 minutes into the show) radiomisfits.com/ndp452/
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Not all tree care companies are equal. Checkbook undercover shoppers found HUGE price differences for the same job. Listen and learn how to find a good tree service @MyConsumerpedia or wherever you get your podcasts. bit.ly/4t8cVAw
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New @MyConsumerpedia episode: To keep the trees on your property in good shape and remove any hazards, you’ll probably need professional advice and labor. Here’s how to find the right company to do the job. bit.ly/4cDvS7T
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Herb Weisbaum retweeted
Incredible 2026 national @LifeSmarts@ncl_tweets⁩ now in the books! Working w/student leadership panel was memorable & rewarding, from iconic moments w/ @TheConsumerMan to spectacular NCL staff running the event, I leave here affirmed this prgm is more necessary than ever!
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Really enjoyed being Quiz Master at the @LifeSmarts_org National Championship last week. More than 250 students were in Orlando to show their consumer smarts. A shout-out to the ConsumerMan Scholarship winners, who created impressive podcast entries. bit.ly/4cG8sPq
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My April visit on the Nick D podcast: I talk about job scams, share advice on avoiding fraud, and provide tips to help make sense of buying a new car or truck. (My part starts 9 minutes into the episode) radiomisfits.com/ndp444/
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NEW Consumerpedia Episode: Avoid a Vacation Rental Nightmare. A recent Checkbook investigation found widespread problems, including fake listings and stolen deposits. In this episode, tips on how to protect yourself when booking a vacation rental. bit.ly/4tBYq8y
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