Author: Bob Sullivan
Hey, Holiday Travelers: Beware of This Sneaky New Hotel Fee
Bob Sullivan on December 8, 2017
Before you book your next hotel in a major city, make sure you find out if you’ll be paying an “urban destination charge”
After Equifax Data Hack, Should I Freeze My Account?
Bob Sullivan on September 14, 2017
If you’re concerned about identity theft following the credit bureau’s massive data breach, this is a tool that could protect you — but use with caution.
Giant Credit Bureaus to Pay Millions for Alleged Deception
Bob Sullivan on January 4, 2017
Ever get sucked into a paid subscription or click through pages of ads while trying to get your free credit score? This may explain why.
FCC Dings Comcast for Bullying Cable Customers
Bob Sullivan on October 12, 2016
Consumers complained of charges for unwanted products and channels, unmet promises for refunds and hours spent pursuing customer service help. Is the penalty big enough for force change?
Don’t Click on That: Infected Zip Files are Invading Email Again
Bob Sullivan on September 23, 2016
Just when you’ve turned your attention to a new cyberthreat, an old one has resurfaced. Don’t be caught by surprise.
For-Profit College Chain Closure Leaves Wreckage, Debt for Thousands
Bob Sullivan on September 7, 2016
The closing of ITT is a case for making education in this country not only accessible, but also scam-free.
Your Smartphone Could Be Seized By Criminals Demanding Ransom
Bob Sullivan on July 12, 2016
Sadly, you need to take steps to prevent extortion through your mobile phone. Here’s what you need to know about this emerging threat.
What Would It Take for America to Be Great Again, Really?
Bob Sullivan on July 4, 2016
As we observe the nation’s birthday, consider this: When was the country really greater than it is now? And what would it take to make it better?
Why Are We All (Including Our Leaders) Ignoring the Big Problem?
Bob Sullivan on June 8, 2016
The elephant in the room is only getting more obvious: We need to plan for a future where billions of people are automated out of jobs.
Is It OK — or Even Legal — to Fire Longtime Employees?
Bob Sullivan on June 2, 2016
A controversial columnist just voiced what many employers were wondering. But is it acceptable?
Why My Bank’s Upgraded Security Blocked Me From My Money
Bob Sullivan on May 17, 2016
I appreciate my bank’s effort to beef up security. But my story illustrates why security tools that aren’t ready for prime time may do more damage than good.
Text Senders Be Warned: You May Be Blamed for a Driver’s Accident
Bob Sullivan on May 5, 2016
If you love to text, know that the courts may find you responsible if your message interferes with the text recipient’s driving and something goes wrong.
Beware: Phishing Is Still a Thing, Because It Works
Bob Sullivan on April 28, 2016
It turns out that old-fashioned phishing has new-fangled ways of taking advantage of us. Be on guard.
Hospital Ransomware Hacks Show Our System is Focused on the Wrong Things
Bob Sullivan on April 25, 2016
Our efforts to protect patient privacy, through HIPAA, are ‘defending patient records instead of patient health.’ Meanwhile, security systems against hackers are in shambles.
How Outlet Stores Lure Customers Into Buying With ‘Phantom Discounts’
Bob Sullivan on April 19, 2016
A class-action lawsuit with backing from the FTC is taking on outlet stores that offer discounts on prices that never existed and other practices described as essentially false advertising.
The Sad Truth About All Those New U.S. Jobs
Bob Sullivan on April 12, 2016
Yes, many more people are employed than a few years back, but political debates should be focused on how to generate good jobs — not just more opportunities waiting tables.
Worried About Your Car Getting Hacked? So Is the FBI
Bob Sullivan on March 25, 2016
More sophisticated technology in cars — and among hackers — means there are perils lurking. Consumers and law enforcers have reason to be concerned.
Incentive to Drive Carefully: the Stunningly High Price of an Accident
Bob Sullivan on March 18, 2016
Here’s the penalty — which insurance companies call an “adjustment of risk” — you pay when you file a claim. It’s not pretty.
Is Your Netflix Account Being Hacked?
Bob Sullivan on March 9, 2016
You may be “sharing” your account without knowing it. Here’s what you can do to prevent it — and the problems it could cause both you and Netflix down the road.
Apple/Mac Users, Beware: Ransomware Attack Reveals Security Risk
Bob Sullivan on March 8, 2016
The KeRanger attack was not as big as it might have been, but it should be a big wake-up call for Mac users. Here’s the scoop.
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