Discovering a hack or an unauthorized wire transfer in your bank account can make your stomach drop. When you report the fraud, most banks offer a standard solution: close the compromised account and open a new one. While this seems like a logical step, it often...
Dynamic Guidance And Advocacy Throughout Northern Virginia
Consumer Protection
When a company’s glitch becomes your credit nightmare
Autopay is a convenience that provides consumers with peace of mind. You receive a confirmation and trust that it’s one less thing you have to think about getting each month. But what happens when the company silently disables your payment, fails to notify you, and...
What are your rights when a car fails to meet safety standards?
Buying a used car should not feel like a gamble. When you drive off a lot in Manassas or anywhere in Northern Virginia, you rely on that colorful safety inspection sticker on the windshield. It tells you the vehicle is safe for the road. Unfortunately, some shops...
What can you do if your Amazon package or other delivery gets stolen or arrives broken?
The way we shop is changing. More and more people are doing a larger portion of their shopping online. Delivery day is often filled with excitement and anticipation. However, an increase in online shopping at Amazon and other retailers has also brought an increased...
Is old debt haunting your credit report? What you need to know about illegal reaged debt.
For Northern Virginia consumers and business owners, protecting your credit history is vital. A clean report helps you secure loans, finance large purchases and even qualify for certain jobs. When you see an old, unpaid account lingering on your report longer than it...
Inappropriate billing: When credit card companies bill individuals for business expenses
When a business closes or struggles to pay its bills, Virginia business owners and employees who were authorized users of the company credit cards could find themselves in financial trouble. Sometimes, credit card companies try to make any authorized users responsible...
Another massive data breach: What do you need to know about the latest password leak?
Reports of cybersecurity and data breaches are often in the headlines. But none are as catastrophic as the most recent, massive, data breach that affected billions of accounts. News outlets like Forbes and Cybernews are reporting that billions of usernames and...
Surprise medical billing: How to protect yourself from unexpected costs
Undergoing a comprehensive medical procedure is nothing short of an ordeal. A good deal of preparation goes into planned procedures. Unexpected emergency medical events are even more stressful. Throughout it all, you have to trust that your health care insurance will...
In Virginia, what happens if your contractor uses an unlicensed subcontractor?
Hiring a licensed contractor for your home renovation project should bring peace of mind, knowing that you are entrusting your home to a qualified professional. However, what happens when your licensed contractor hires an unlicensed subcontractor? This situation can...
Uncovering hidden burdens in identity theft: When identity theft leads to debt
Identity theft is a distressing experience. Having your identity stolen is an attack on your financial security and creates anxiety over your financial future. When someone steals your identity, they can accrue debt in your name, leaving you to have to prove your...

