The Savvy Consumer: How to Avoid Scams and Ripoffs That Cost You Time and Money (Capital Ideas)

Every month Elisabeth Leamy gets hundreds of consumer calls on her tip line at the Washington DC affiliate of Fox News. Consumers call in after losing hundreds or thousands of dollars to car dealers, mechanics, contractors, movers—you name it! As an investigative reporter Elisabeth has delved into all the scams and now puts what she has learned into this invaluable resource. "The Savvy Consumer" shows readers how to spar with car salesmen, how to avoid paying crooked mechanics, and ways to bargain down closing costs when you buy a house. Elisabeth explains how to keep a mover from holding your belongings hostage and what your rights are if you’re a renter. She reveals the single step that makes collection agents go away and easy ways you can instantly improve your credit score. Want to find unclaimed money? Bid for bargains at a government auction? Want to make telemarketers stop calling and junk mail stop coming? What are the most common scams and how can you avoid them? It’s all in "The Savvy Consumer," along with more than a hundred other topics. Elisabeth educates readers by sharing anecdotes about real consumers and their struggles. She explains the signs to look out for, the questions to ask, how to do your homework, and where to complain. There are hundreds of books about making money. This book is about keeping your hard-earned cash.

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All Customer Reviews
Average Customer Review:
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

I thought I was a tough customer!, 2004-06-29
Superb. Marvelous. Courageous. Necessary. Useful. Indispensable. Without doubt, the most cherishable gift one can give anyone one cares about.


5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

I *thought* I was Savvy, 2004-06-20
This book is a must-have reference for the home to be pulled out often. I thought I was a savvy consumer, but this book contains tips and reveals scams that ONLY an investigative reporter could uncover. Truly a great guide for all of the major investments in life: home and car buying, home and car repairing, buying insurance, etc. And it also gives great tips on everyday scams that we just don't have time to check up on. (Did you know that there's help to block junk mail and credit card offers???)


3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

Excellent book, 2004-05-06
Elisabeth Leamy genuinely wants to help and prevent people from getting scammed. Her book is honest, real, and VERY easy to follow. It's consistent, and I appreciated that the most. Each chapter has sections like "know the signs," "do your homework," and "where to complain," which is really great for someone like myself. I'm a senior in college who has relied on mom and dad for way too long, and this book will definitely keep me informed and out of trouble. I loved the book! I recommend this book to anyone who appreciates consistency, good content, and honesty.


4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

Useful --yet entertaining!, 2004-04-25
I love the way The Savy Consumer by Elizabeth Leamy is layed out. All you have to do is read a couple pages to get the info you need on a topic. I've already read the ones about getting rid of junk mail, getting a good deal on a car, and making collection agents stop calling. I learned a lot and you will too!


4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

Easy to Digest and Very Helpful, 2004-04-20
Every consumer should be armed with this weapon! The book is very user-friendly and very comprehensive. The author writes in a way that readers can easily understand. This is a book that you can purchase and refer back to for the rest of your life. I've watched the author's reports on TV for some time now and I think she's the best reporter in the business. What a bonus to get her work in print! If you purchase one buyer-beware book, make it "The Savvy Consumer".

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