Money and Computing
Congress and FTC: Seniors Fraud Prevention Act of 2017; Illegal Robo Calls; Safe Harbor Program and Collection of Personal Information From Children
This bill [Seniors Fraud Prevention Act of 2017] directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to establish an office within the Bureau of Consumer Protection to advise the FTC on the prevention of fraud targeting seniors and to assist the FTC in monitoring the market for mail, television, Internet, telemarketing, and recorded message telephone call (robocall) fraud targeting seniors. The office must: (1) disseminate to seniors and their families and caregivers information on the most common fraud schemes, including methods of reporting complaints either to the FTC's national toll-free telephone number or to the FTC's Consumer Sentinel Network, (2) provide, in response to a specific request about a particular entity or individual, publicly available information regarding the FTC's enforcement action; and (3) maintain a website as a resource for information on fraud targeting seniors. more »
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: Tricking Consumers Into Expensive Pay-by-phone Fees
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is concerned about companies misrepresenting the purpose and amount of pay-by-phone fees, which can result in consumers incurring charges for services they don't need. For example, a recent Bureau enforcement action alleged that a company and its service provider misled consumers into paying a $14.95 pay-by-phone fee by deceptively calling it a "processing" charge. The fee was actually for posting payment to the account the same day. more »
Elaine Soloway's Rookie Widow and Transplant Series: Public Transit, Treasure Hunt and Coin-Operated Laundry
"Can you get Felix off his screen?" were daughter Jill's first words after her welcoming hug. My six-year-old grandson was prone on the couch, his eyes focused on an electronic pad and his thumbs swiftly pressing buttons. I considered my daughter's challenge as one crucial for me to accept and win. I took a few moments to contemplate their backyard. It held a lemon tree, Ping-Pong table, hammock, outdoor sofa, potted plants, a coiled water hose, and other items I could foresee as props in a game. "How about a treasure hunt?" I said to Felix. more »
Generations of War: The Rise of the Warrior Caste and the All-Volunteer Force
In the report "Generations of War: The Rise of the Warrior Caste and the All-Volunteer Force," the Center for a New American Security" Research Associate Amy Schafer writes that the trend of military service being passed from generation to generation has created a warrior caste in which a small section of the population bears the burden of America's wars. The report examines the risks and benefits associated with a warrior caste, but advocates against returning to conscription. more »