Consumer Advocate 

On July 19, 2012, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine and 11 other state attorneys general announced a $14.1 million Consumer Restitution Fund for customers of US Fidelis, a company that was once the nation’s largest vehicle service contract dealer. The firm filed for bankruptcy in 2010.

Just as you should find a doctor before you get sick, it’s a good idea to find a locksmith before you’re locked out. Otherwise, you may end up in an emergency situation with an unscrupulous locksmith.

Purchasing a $20 gift card for just $10, buying a kitchen appliance at half price, and getting your bike tuned up at 40 percent off are some of the many savings that online deal sites offer.

Back-to-school shopping season is in full swing, with notebooks, pencil cases, and binders lining many store aisles. While it can be exciting for children and adults to begin the school year with brand-new items, it also can be expensive. Take time to read advertisements closely and watch for potential scams to avoid the back-to-school buying blues.