Most news articles on consumer law are needlessly confusing. Attorney Mike Cardoza takes a straight, no-nonsense approach on the current issues facing consumers today. Our blog provides an insider’s view on consumer rights, and explores topics such as threats to privacy and unfair credit reporting. Be sure to check back for regular updates.
- Page 1
-
The Robot DanceWhat the credit bureaus call “verification” is nothing more than the Robot Dance — an automated, rigid, unthinking choreography where scanners, software, and databases fling coded messages at each other until one of them spits out the word “verified.”
-
Why Credit Bureaus Deny Identity Theft ClaimsBecause their paying customers don’t want them to.
-
The Identity Theft You Never See ComingA paid-on-time fraudulent credit card doesn’t drop your credit score. It doesn’t trigger alerts. It doesn’t set off alarms at Experian, TransUnion, or Equifax.
-
Your Bank Knew. They Don’t Care.When banks set their “fraud filters,” they decide how much theft they’re willing to tolerate before it cuts into profit. They choose speed over safety, volume over vigilance — and when the filters miss, they make you pay the price.
-
🚚 They Rented a U-Haul in Your Name — Now You’re in Debtthose contracts create a paper trail that makes their fraud look legitimate.
-
💸 Zelle or Cash App Fraud? The Real Way to Get Paid BackWhen money is taken directly from your checking account or linked debit card, it’s covered by the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA). That means if the transfer wasn’t authorized by you, your spouse, or someone you permitted to use your account, the bank must investigate and refund your money.
-
💥 Make Your Bank Pay for Unauthorized DebitsDebit card fraud is governed by the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA) and Regulation E, and it’s one of the few consumer laws with real teeth. It requires your bank to
-
Scammed? Why Banks May Still Owe You a Refund Under EFTAWhat matters is whether you actually authorized the transfer.
-
💳 Debit Fraud Is NOT Like Credit Fraud — Here’s the TruthBanks love to pretend debit fraud isn’t protected the way credit fraud is. That’s a lie. The EFTA is your shield.
-
💳 Thinking of Paying Identity Theft Debt? Don’t Do It.Bottom line: paying a fraudulent account is like pouring gasoline on the fire.