CONSUMER ADVICE

December 12, 2012

12 Ways To Celebrate 12-12-12

NEW YORK (Dec. 12, 2012) – Today is the 12th day of the 12th month of a year that ends in 12.  This is a day we never again will experience in our lifetimes. You might be thinking, “Every day we live is another day we never again will experience.” So, what makes 12-12-12 additionally special? […]
June 20, 2011

Victory State Bank CEO/President Weighs In On Consumer Debt Crisis

In a recent interview with the Staten Island Advance, Ralph Branca, CEO and president of Victory State Bank, discussess the dangers of relying on credit cards to survive in hard econmic times. ‘In such a tough economy, relying on credit cards to get by isn’t going to help for very long, if at all,’ writes Advance journalist […]
May 27, 2011

1 Million In-Ground Pool and Spa Drain Covers Recalled

Covers Pose Possible Entrapment Hazard to Swimmers  NEW YORK (May 26, 2011) — About 1 million in-ground pool and spa drain covers have been voluntarily recalled by manufacturers, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. (CPSC). The recalled drain covers were incorrectly rated to handle the flow of water through the cover, which could pose […]
May 23, 2011

Baseball Glove Made In USA Is Something To Cheer About

Insignia Athletics of Worcester, Mass., is one of the few athletic manufacturers in the U.S. to make high-end, premium-leather baseball gloves. Visit Rebirth of the American-made mitt to learn more.
May 5, 2011

How To Tighten Your Financial Belt

There’s no way you’re going to be able to stick to a budget unfailingly. The real world has too many twists and turns and, besides, we humans don’t live our lives as predictably as spreadsheets. And even if you were able to somehow muster the willpower never to deviate from your budget, really, what kind of […]
May 4, 2011

AJNA Holistic Store In Staten Island, N.Y., Sets The Pace For Mother's Day Shopping With An Array Of Wellness Treatments And Products

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – The health benefits of energy-harnessing therapies, such as Reiki and Feng Shui, are fueling a growing demand for qualified practitioners. New Yorkers searching for unique Mother’s Day gifts should head to AJNA, a holistic center and wellness-products emporium located in Staten Island, N.Y. Owned and operated by distinguished Reiki Master Valerie R. Gullo, […]
May 1, 2011

Relevant Public Relations Urges Adults To Heed Government's Advice For Keeping Kids Safe At Pool Sites

Parents and families can build on their current safety systems at pools and spas by adopting additional water safety steps, says the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). As pool season rapidly approaches, New York City-based Relevant Public Relations LLC is urging adults to pay notice — and follow the agency’s life-protecting advice.  “Any safety advice regarding our children, grandchildren, […]
April 29, 2011

Do Your Homework Before Buying And Selling Timeshares, Vacation Plans, FTC Advises

WASHINGTON — The thought of owning a vacation home may sound appealing, but the year-round responsibility — and expense — that come with it may not. Purchasing a timeshare or vacation plan may be an alternative. If you consider a timeshare or vacation plan, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, says it’s […]
April 22, 2011

FBI: Be Alert To 'Letter of Credit' Fraud

Legitimate letters of credit are NEVER sold or offered as investments Letters of credit are issued by banks to ensure payment for goods shipped in connection with international trade. Payment on a letter of credit generally requires that the paying bank receive documentation certifying that the goods ordered have been shipped and are en route to […]
April 21, 2011

Boy Saves Toddler Sister With Movie-Learned CPR Skills

“As the weather warms up, a lot of families are going to be hitting the pool, but would you know what to do in case of an emergency?” asked Today Show host Matt Lauer during a recent segment. In this video clip, reporter Savannah Guthrie features a family who faced such an emergency, and a near […]
April 21, 2011

FTC Files Contempt Charges Against Marketer of Credit Repair

WASHINGTON — The Federal Trade Commission earlier this week filed contempt charges against a promoter of credit repair and debt relief services and three of his companies, alleging that they continued their deceptive marketing practices in violation of a federal court order. The FTC charged that the defendants tried to take advantage of financially strapped consumers by falsely […]
April 20, 2011

NYC Department Of Consumer Affairs: Debt Settlement is Top Fraud

Commissioner Mintz Warns New Yorkers to Beware of Fee-Based Debt Settlement Companies NEW YORK — Debt settlement companies lure people struggling with debt by claiming that they will convince creditors to settle debts for less than what’s owed.  However, it rarely works. Companies charge high fees and counsel consumers to ignore their debts, which can cause lasting […]
April 8, 2011

Victory State Bank Donates $8G To Further Financial-Literacy Initiative

   Staten Island’s only community-based commercial bank contributes to the Coalition for Debtor Education; bank plans to partner with educational organization for local seminars  STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Victory State Bank, Staten Island, N.Y.’s only community-based commercial bank, has underscored its devotion to financial literacy with an $8,000 donation to the Coalition for Debtor Education (CDE). […]
April 6, 2011

NYC Department of Consumer Affairs: Check For Red Flags Before Using A Tax Preparation Service

NEW YORK — Hiring a Tax Preparation Service This Tax Season? The New York City Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) offers the following advice: Avoid “Instant,” “Rapid,” “Express” or “Fast Cash” refunds. “Instant” refunds are actually loans with extremely high interest rates known as refund anticipation loans (RALs). RALs must be repaid even if you don’t get […]