December 2015

The California Bureau of Real Estate has released its 2015 Legislative Update.  The legislative summaries provided are of recently signed bills that affect real estate licensees and subdividers.  Read it here. The Bureau’s 2016 Real Estate Law book will be available online January 1.  The hard copy, along with accompanying…

Do you own a home or property free and clear or have a large amount of equity in it? If so, you could become a victim of real estate fraud. In this scheme, criminals fraudulently record a lien against the property or illegally transfer the deed to the property to…

We all want to give this season, but consumer protection organizations want to warn you to be leery of unintended recipients. Here’s a roundup of common year-end cons designed to steal your money, your identity, or both: Fake websites: These often promote amazing online deals for popular merchandise, but only…

Like it or not, they’re here: the holidays. For many, ‘tis the season of shopping, spiritual celebration, socializing, obligations, travel, and seemingly endless preparations. Remember that everyone deserves to enjoy the holidays, including you. But if you’ve overcommitted, overspent, overindulged, or overaccommodated, and you feel overwhelmed, the holidays could take…

A security guard, a landscaper, a manicurist, and a veterinarian may seem to have nothing in common, but they do. All of them are licensed by the California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA). DCA is one of nine entities under the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency. Licensing for protection…

In the world of combat sports, the practice of cutting weight and dehydrating is not a new phenomenon.  There is a right and wrong way to cut weight.  With proper training, nutrition and patience, a competitor can reduce their body weight in a healthy manner without the potentially catastrophic results of…

Our special issue celebrates 10 years of consumer news. In line with our previous years’ Consumer Connections, this issue features articles that help consumers stay informed about the latest trends and scams. Read about acupuncture and the health benefits it can provide, plus information and news about LASIK surgery, consumer…