Author: Susan Tompor, Detroit Free Press

Some consumers may be shocked to receive Visa debit cards with stimulus cash in January. Don’t throw the cards out, plus more Stimulus 2.0 tips.

The investigation of COVID-related fraud has been a priority for the SEC since the start of the pandemic. Scammers are likely to play up vaccines.

Lisa Cook, economics professor at MSU who also is serving on President-elect Joe Biden’s transition team, says impacts will be long lasting.

Consumer watchdogs issue early warnings to try to stop scammers from selling fake vaccines and other promises to consumers.

As the pandemic continued in 2020, some people tapped into their 401(k)s more than once this year to deal with emergencies. Why Dec. 30 is a key date.

Amazon Prime scam

More consumers are complaining about losing money after responding to an ad on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and Twitter, regulators say.

‘Guilt gifting’ is parked next to curbside pickup when it comes to hot holiday trends. About 40% of consumers plan to buy more gifts, NPD Group says.

The U.S. Economic Outlook, released Thursday by University of Michigan economists, calls for real gross domestic product to rise by 4.2% in 2021.

Holiday shoppers warned to watch out for customer service scams, PlayStation bargains, and impostor web sites as they buy gifts online.