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$158K Stolen, Homes Left In Ruins, PA Contractor Caught In NC: AG $158K Stolen, Homes Left In Ruins, PA Contractor Caught In NC: AG
$158K Stolen, Homes Left In Ruins, PA Contractor Caught In NC: AG A Pottstown contractor who wrecked homes and drained homeowners’ savings, pocketing more than $158,000 without finishing his jobs, will now spend years behind bars, the Pennsylvania Attorney General announced on Tuesday, March 18. Jared Blake Wyllie, 48, lured homeowners into signing contracts under his business, PROjex, LLC, falsely claiming to be a licensed contractor. He took massive upfront payments, did little to no work, and vanished—leaving behind destruction and financial ruin. He was sentenced to three to six years in state prison, plus two years of probation, and must repay his vic…

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by Jillian Pikora
Business
Scammers Stole $14M+ Promising Passive Income From AI-Powered Amazon Shops: FTC Scammers Stole $14M+ Promising Passive Income From AI-Powered Amazon Shops: FTC
Scammers Stole $14M+ Promising Passive Income From Ai-powered Amazon Shops: FTC A federal court has temporarily shut down an online business that regulators accused of deceiving consumers out of more than $14 million with false promises of big earnings through artificial intelligence-powered online stores, officials said. The Federal Trade Commission said Click Profit, operating under names like FBALaunch and Automation Industries, misled consumers into believing they could earn large sums in passive income by selling products on platforms like Amazon, Walmart, and TikTok. The FTC announced the legal action against Click Profit in a news release on Tuesday, Mar. 18…

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by Chris Spiker
News
Child's Brain Injury Sparks Recall Of 10K+ Toddler Stools Sold On Amazon Child's Brain Injury Sparks Recall Of 10K+ Toddler Stools Sold On Amazon
Child's Brain Injury Sparks Recall Of 10K+ Toddler Stools Sold On Amazon More than 10,000 toddler stools sold on Amazon have been recalled after several children were injured in collapsing incidents — including one case where a child suffered a brain injury. The recall affects about 10,300 Onasti Toddler Tower Stools, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said on Thursday, Mar. 13. The stools can tip over or collapse during use, creating serious fall hazards. The plastic, foldable stools come in multiple colors, including beige, blue, gray, green, and pink. They're about 25 inches long, 24 inches wide, and 32 inches tall. The stools have an adju…

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by Chris Spiker
Business
CFPB Drops Lawsuits Against PA Student Loan Servicer, Capital One CFPB Drops Lawsuits Against PA Student Loan Servicer, Capital One
Cfpb Drops Lawsuits Against PA Student Loan Servicer, Capital One The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has dropped a lawsuit against Capital One as concerns grow about the federal agency's future. The CFPB will no longer pursue legal action against Capital One, according to a court filing on Thursday, Feb. 27. The case, filed in January, claimed the banking giant misled customers and withheld more than $2 billion in interest payments. The company based in McLean, Virginia, supported the dismissal. "We welcome the CFPB's decision to dismiss this action, which we strongly disputed," a Capital One spokesperson said in a statement to the Daily Voice…

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by Chris Spiker
Sports
$39.5M In Fake Sports Gear Seized In Massive Crackdown Before Super Bowl LIX $39.5M In Fake Sports Gear Seized In Massive Crackdown Before Super Bowl LIX
$39.5M In Fake Sports Gear Seized In Massive Crackdown Before Super Bowl LIX Authorities confiscated $39.5 million worth of counterfeit sports merchandise ahead of Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans. More than 214,500 items were seized in the year-long crackdown, Immigration and Customs Enforcement said in a news release on Wednesday, Feb. 5. "Operation Team Player" targeted fake jerseys, hats, jewelry, and other memorabilia being sold to fans. Led by the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center), the operation involved Homeland Security Investigations, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and major sports leagues.  The initia…

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by Chris Spiker
Business
Southwest Airlines Sued, Frontier Fined For Chronic Flight Delays: Feds Southwest Airlines Sued, Frontier Fined For Chronic Flight Delays: Feds
Southwest Airlines Sued, Frontier Fined For Chronic Flight Delays: Feds The federal government is suing Southwest Airlines and fined Frontier Airlines, accusing the carriers of illegally operating multiple chronically delayed flights and causing significant problems for travelers. The U.S. Department of Transportation filed a lawsuit against Southwest on Wednesday, Jan. 15, the DOT said in a news release. The suit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California seeks maximum civil penalties against the airline. Federal regulators said they're cracking down on "unrealistic scheduling practices" by Southwest. "Airlines have a l…

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by Chris Spiker
Business
PA Attorney General Warns Consumers Amid Big Lots Bankruptcy, Closures PA Attorney General Warns Consumers Amid Big Lots Bankruptcy, Closures
PA Attorney General Warns Consumers Amid Big Lots Bankruptcy, Closures Attorney General Michelle Henry is warning Pennsylvanians to protect themselves as Big Lots closes its remaining 64 stores across the state amidst Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. The retailer began going-out-of-business sales on Dec. 20, 2024, following a federal bankruptcy court order. Henry issued the alert on Friday, Jan. 10, to ensure consumers understand their rights and avoid potential financial losses during the liquidation process. “Consumers should take steps to safeguard their purchases and claims as Big Lots winds down operations,” Henry said. The Attorney General’s Office of…

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by Jillian Pikora
Business
H&R Block Fined $7M For Deceptive 'Free' Filing Ads, Must Reform Tax Services: FTC H&R Block Fined $7M For Deceptive 'Free' Filing Ads, Must Reform Tax Services: FTC
H&R Block Fined $7M For Deceptive 'Free' Filing Ads, Must Reform Tax Services: FTC H&R Block will pay $7 million in federal fines for deceptive practices and must implement sweeping changes to its filing services in time for the 2025 tax season, officials said. H&R Block reached the settlement with the Federal Trade Commission, the agency announced in a news release on Wednesday, Jan. 8. The order requires the company to revamp its services and pay $7 million to compensate its customers. The settlement stemmed from a February 2024 complaint accusing H&R Block of forcing users to contact customer service to downgrade products. The tax filer was also a…

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by Chris Spiker
Business
Don't Fall For It: New Twist On Imposter Fraud Targets Your Money, Personal Info Don't Fall For It: New Twist On Imposter Fraud Targets Your Money, Personal Info
Don't Fall For It: New Twist On Imposter Fraud Targets Your Money, Personal Info The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is sounding the alarm on a sophisticated new imposter scheme designed to steal your money and personal information.  These scams are becoming increasingly convincing, but learning to spot the red flags can help you stay protected. How the Scam Works Initial Contact: Scammers pose as representatives from well-known companies, such as Amazon or a tech support service. They’ll claim there’s a routine issue, like suspicious charges on your account, a computer virus, or an account breach. Escalation: The scammers lie, saying your name is tied to serious …

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by Joe Lombardi
News
Nationwide Recall Issued For Brand Of Eye Drops Over Contamination Risk Nationwide Recall Issued For Brand Of Eye Drops Over Contamination Risk
Nationwide Recall Issued For Brand Of Eye Drops Over Contamination Risk A nationwide recall has been issued for a specific lot of eye drops due to potential fungal contamination, which could cause serious eye infections. The recall involves lubricant eye drops under the Systane brand, manufactured by Alcon Laboratories, following a report of fungal material found in a sealed vial.  No illnesses have been reported, but fungal contamination can pose vision-threatening risks and, in rare cases, life-threatening complications for immunocompromised individuals. Details of the recall: Specific brand: Systane Lubricant Eye Drops Ultra PF, Single Vials On-…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
$49M Settlement Over Drug Price Manipulation Could Benefit Consumers: PA AG $49M Settlement Over Drug Price Manipulation Could Benefit Consumers: PA AG
$49M Settlement Over Drug Price Manipulation Could Benefit Consumers: PA AG If you purchased certain generic prescription drugs between 2010 and 2016, you might be eligible for a refund as part of a $49.1 million multistate settlement, Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry announced on Monday, Nov. 4. Pennsylvania joined 50 states and territories in a settlement with Heritage Pharmaceuticals and Apotex over alleged price manipulation and market control, impacting consumers by inflating prices and limiting competition. The companies will pay a combined $49.1 million and cooperate in ongoing multistate litigation, led by Connecticut, targeting 30 companies and …

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by Jillian Pikora
Politics
Philly DA Sues Elon Musk, America PAC Over $1M Sweepstakes: Court Documents Philly DA Sues Elon Musk, America PAC Over $1M Sweepstakes: Court Documents
Philly DA Sues Elon Musk, America PAC Over $1M Sweepstakes: Court Documents The Philadelphia District Attorney's Office is suing Elon Musk and his America PAC over the $1 million sweepstakes both parties have been running at town halls in Pennsylvania. Musk and America PAC "are running an illegal lottery in Philadelphia (as well as throughout Pennsylvania)," the lawsuit states. The court document was posted online by CNN on Monday, Oct. 28. “The Philadelphia District Attorney is charged with protecting the public from public nuisances and unfair trade practices, including illegal lotteries," the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office said in a Monday, Oct. 28 news…

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by Merriell Moyer
News
King Of Prussia Company Scammed Customers On Car Warranties, Lawsuit Says King Of Prussia Company Scammed Customers On Car Warranties, Lawsuit Says
King Of Prussia Company Scammed Customers On Car Warranties, Lawsuit Says Concord Auto Protect is being sued by the state Attorney General's Office for allegedly ripping off its customers.  Prosecutors said the King of Prussia-based company sold customers full-coverage, after-market auto warranties then failed to provide full coverage.  According to the lawsuit, Concord's owner Alon Salmon also refused to give refunds to dissatisfied buyers and dodged their phone calls.  Authorities say they want restitution for Concord customers who "fell victim to the after-market vehicle warranty scam." "These consumers were falsely led to believe that, in sig…

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by Mac Bullock
Business
Recall Issued For Popular Ice Cream Product Sold In NJ Due To Undeclared Allergens Recall Issued For Popular Ice Cream Product Sold In NJ Due To Undeclared Allergens
Recall Issued For Popular Ice Cream Product Sold In NJ Due To Undeclared Allergens A popular ice cream product sold throughout the region is being recalled due to reported undeclared allergens, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced. Weis Markets has issued a voluntary recall of 48-ounce containers of its “Weis Quality Sea Salt Caramel Ripple Ice Cream,” which could potentially contain undeclared soy and coconut allergens. Officials say that anyone who has an allergy or severe sensitivity to soy or coconut allergens could run the risk of serious or life-threatening reactions if they are consumed. According to the FDA, the products may have been distributed in…

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by Zak Failla
News
Unlicensed Bucks Wedding Venue Must Pay $11K, Says AG Unlicensed Bucks Wedding Venue Must Pay $11K, Says AG
Unlicensed Bucks Wedding Venue Must Pay $11K, Says AG The operators of a wedding and event venue in Bucks County must pay $11,750 to the state, authorities announced.  Lawrence and Karen Plummer, who run The Barn at Forestville in Furlong, did not obtain the zoning permit required to run an event venue, said state Attorney General Joshua Shapiro in a statement Friday, Nov. 18.  Shapiro said the Plummers booked weddings, parties, and receptions that they were not legally able to host at their venue. When a court ordered the couple to stop hosting events, the Plummers had to cancel on clients who had already booked weeks prior, of…

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by Mac Bullock
News
Three NJ Auto Dealers Pony Up $400,000 To Resolve Ripoff Claims, Promise Not To Do It Again Three NJ Auto Dealers Pony Up $400,000 To Resolve Ripoff Claims, Promise Not To Do It Again
Three NJ Auto Dealers Pony Up $400,000 To Resolve Ripoff Claims, Promise Not To Do It Again Three New Jersey auto dealers accused of ripping off customers agreed to pay nearly $400,000 combined to end a state investigation while promising not to do it again, authorities announced. Buyers of both new and used vehicles have already been frustrated by supply chain issues, Acting Attorney Matthew J. Platkin said in a joint release with the state Division of Consumer Affairs on Friday, May 20. Now this. “Dodging illegal practices should be the last thing New Jerseyans have to worry about as they search for a vehicle in this challenging market,” the attorney general said. Platkin iden…

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by Jerry DeMarco
News
NJ Co-Leads Nationwide Consumer Protection Probe Into Whether Instagram Is Putting Kids At Risk NJ Co-Leads Nationwide Consumer Protection Probe Into Whether Instagram Is Putting Kids At Risk
NJ Co-Leads Nationwide Consumer Protection Probe Into Whether Instagram Is Putting Kids At Risk New Jersey is co-leading a nationwide investigation into whether Instagram is violating state consumer protection laws and putting children, teenagers and young adults at risk, Acting State Attorney General Andrew J. Bruck announced Thursday. "Emerging research" suggests a connection between increased time spent online by young people and "depression, anxiety, isolation, body image issues, cyber-bullying, eating disorders, and sleeplessness," among other symptoms, said Bruck (photo above). Research by Meta Platforms Inc. -- the parent company of both Instagram and Facebook -- shows fou…

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by Jerry DeMarco