Designer Brands Inc. and its subsidiary, DSW Shoe Warehouse Inc., have agreed to a $4.42 million settlement to resolve allegations that they violated the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) by sending unsolicited marketing text messages to individuals who had previously opted out of such communications. The TCPA is a federal law designed to protect consumers … Read more
In November 2023, Stanley Steemer International, Inc., a well-known cleaning services company, reported a major data breach that exposed the personal information of approximately 66,978 individuals. The breach, which occurred between February 10 and March 6, 2023, resulted in unauthorized access to sensitive data, including: The breach raised concerns about Stanley Steemer’s cybersecurity measures, leading … Read more
T-Mobile customers who were affected by a major data breach in 2021 will begin receiving payments from a $350 million class-action settlement starting in April 2025. The telecommunications giant agreed to the settlement without admitting wrongdoing after a lawsuit alleged that the company failed to implement strong cybersecurity measures, exposing the personal data of millions … Read more
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has reversed its plan to cut several phone-based services after widespread criticism from the public and advocacy groups. The proposed changes, which were first reported in early March 2025, would have restricted telephone assistance for claims processing and direct-deposit transactions. While SSA cited fraud prevention as the reason for the … Read more
Social Security is a critical source of income for millions of American retirees. Any changes to the program can have widespread consequences for those relying on it for financial security. Under President Donald Trump’s administration, several key proposals and enacted reforms have emerged, aiming to reduce taxes on benefits, adjust workforce operations, and address funding … Read more
In a bold response to the latest trade dispute with the United States, Ontario Premier Doug Ford recently announced a 25% surcharge on electricity exports to several U.S. states, including New York, Michigan, and Minnesota. The move is a reaction to President Donald Trump’s decision to impose tariffs on Canadian imports, particularly targeting the steel … Read more
Thousands of Americans are set to receive financial compensation following a $4.5 million settlement by Cadence Bank over allegations of unfair overdraft fees. The lawsuit, which covers charges applied between January 11, 2019, and November 15, 2023, accused the bank of imposing “ASPN fees” on debit card transactions—even when account balances appeared positive. Although Cadence … Read more
As inflation continues to impact everyday expenses, many Americans are searching for affordable places to call home. Factors like housing, groceries, healthcare, and transportation costs significantly determine the overall cost of living. Based on data from government reports and authoritative financial sources, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 U.S. states with the lowest cost … Read more
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued a strong warning to taxpayers and tax preparers alike: engaging in fraudulent tax schemes or relying on dishonest tax practices could lead to criminal charges, hefty fines, and possible jail time. With tax season in full swing, the agency is stepping up enforcement against tax fraud, including abusive … Read more
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced that, effective March 27, 2025, it will revert to withholding 100% of a beneficiary’s monthly payment to recover overpayments. This move follows a temporary policy introduced in March 2024 that limited withholdings to 10% to ease financial hardship on recipients. The decision has sparked concerns among Social Security … Read more