Articles by Russ Van Arsdale
Hidden transaction fees boosting costs for consumers
I don’t put bumper stickers on my car. If I did, the first one would say “Real Mainers Pay Cash.” The phrase captures an idea whose time has surely come. Hidden fees that fuel the plastic transaction industry are driving up costs for everyone, including small businesses that can hardly ...
CONSUMER FORUM
Wire scams all too common
They’re all too common, and some can be heartbreaking. They’re stories of older citizens who open their hearts and their wallets and hand over money to people they’ve never met. All the while, they believe they’re helping a family member or someone else who’s truly in need. There were at ...
Consumer Forum
Wanting what’s good for the marketplace
By Russ van Arsdale, Executive Director, Northeast Contact on Jan. 30, 2011, at 8:37 p.m.
When our organization changed its name a few years back, we made a conscious decision to call it, “Northeast CONTACT For Better Business Inc.” Our thinking went like this: Since consumers and business people can build a fairer, more effective marketplace together, they should be considered partners in that effort. ...
Maine schools can compete, fight hunger
It’s not every day that students in Maine can help raise serious money to curb hunger. Now they can do so and take part in some friendly competition in the process.
Report aims to protect consumer privacy online
If you think that surfing the Web is a harmless pastime, think again.
The Consumer Federation of America recently said people’s track records on social networking sites were used in some cases …
Reverse mortgage agreements can be complex
Reverse mortgages offer financial security to many seniors. But not all reverse mortgages are created equal, and those considering the option should think carefully about the ramifications. Unlike a traditional mortgage requiring monthly payments by the borrower, a reverse mortgage uses the equity in a home as a source of ...
Fake charities can be a Grinch at holidays
By Russ Van Arsdale Executive director Northeast Contact on Dec. 19, 2010, at 11:27 p.m.
Charitable giving tends to peak at this time of year. The spirit of the holiday season seems to pervade, even during difficult economic times. That’s good, because many charitable organizations …
Intimidation used by swindlers baseless; ignore empty threats
Dishonest people try all kinds of tactics to steal our money. We’ve talked about a number of them in this column, from Nigerian scams to work-at-home schemes.
Preventing identity theft on the Web
The task of dealing with identity theft can be a daunting one. This is especially true when the thieves work through the invisible web surrounding many aspects of our lives, the Internet.
Police seeking tips about pickup truck possibly connected to Glenburn teen’s disappearance
Since 1971, seven Maine children reported missing have not been found
Company seeks $200,000 for retrieving lost lobster boat
A better way to help people escape welfare
A letter to Michelle Obama in light of military sex assault epidemic
Five steps to remedy IRS wrongs
Manchester 15-year-old off to impressive start for Earnhardt Jr.’s JR Motorsports
Houlton council, community still concerned about costly Millar Civic Center
Bangor’s Marcus Davis hopes to counter opponent’s height, reach advantage in Lewiston MMA main event
Kitchen Nightmares meltdown or: How to lose an argument online
Farmers markets embracing food stamps with the help of USDA
Arguments over gun control and abortion will never be settled
For those who are too fat for Abercrombie and Fitch
A spot of tea, a spread of treats, at Camden’s Fromviandoux