Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Investigations: Loan-Modification Scams Prey on Struggling Homeowners

The latest scam to hit burdened homeowners: loan-modification companies that charge exorbitant fees to help them negotiate better loan terms - a service that consumers can get for free from non-profits. The scam can actually make it harder for struggling homeowners to get help, says this Washington Post piece on the growing problem.

TAGS: fraud, housing, investigations

Awards: P.U.-litzers for Stinkiest Media Performances

Happy Holidays and best wishes for 2009! Time for the annual P.U.-litzer Prizes for worst media performances. See the 17th edition here. The Hot-For-Obama Prize went to MSNBC's Chris Matthews for this hilariously weird remark the day Obama swept a primary in Feb. 2007: "My, I felt this thrill going up my leg. I mean, I don't have that too often."

TAGS: awards