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December 16, 2021

5 – Cyber Crime: A Former Cyber Crook Explains How to Protect Yourself

Host: Herb Weisbaum
Brett Johnson - A Cyber Security Consultant and Former Identity Thief
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Online fraud is a serious problem, and it keeps getting worse. Cyberthieves are getting better at stealing money and sensitive personal information, which is why it’s so important to understand the risk and what steps you can take to protect yourself.

Special Guest: Brett Johnson, a cyber security consultant and former identity thief. Few people know more about cybercrime than Johnson, who was once on the Secret Service’s Most Wanted list. Johnson made millions developing online fraud techniques before getting busted (several times) and spending more than six years behind bars. Johnson started AnglerPhish Security to share his insider’s knowledge about fighting cybercrime.

Additional resources:

Identity and Cyber Theft: How to Protect Yourself

Data Breaches Skyrocket; Here’s How to Safeguard Your Online Accounts

Online Privacy: How to Guard Yours

Computers & Devices: How to Keep Yours Safe

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February 26, 2026

103 – Shady Home Improvement Financing

Host: Herb Weisbaum
Kevin Brasler - Checkbook's Executive Editor

A new furnace or air conditioner costs thousands of dollars. Many homeowners don’t have that much cash on hand, which can create a financial crisis. A loan may be an option, or the contractor may offer financing, usually through a third-party lender. But beware: A recent Consumers’ Checkbook investigation found that many contractors use these emergencies to push bad financing plans on their stressed-out customers.

In this episode, Checkbook’s Executive Editor Kevin Brasler explains how some homeowners are being tricked into leasing their HVAC equipment when they thought they were buying it.

More from Checkbook: Home Improvement Financing: Watch Out for Shady Deals

Related Consumerpedia Episodes:

#30 – HVAC: Finding Good Contractors & Choosing New Equipment

#44 – Should You Repair or Replace a Broken Appliance?

#87 – Don’t Get Burned by Solar Scammers

Not a Checkbook member? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

January 29, 2026

101 – Dealing with Debt #2

Host: Herb Weisbaum
Bruce McClary - National Foundation for Credit Counseling; Kathy Steinberg - The Harris Poll; Jeanine Kosinski - paid off $35,000 in credit card debt; Tiana Moore - paid of $21,000 in credit card debt

Americans are struggling to pay their bills and falling behind on their loan payments, fueling widespread financial stress, anxiety, and despair. Recent surveys show many feel they’ll never get ahead—and some have stopped worrying about debt altogether.

In this episode, we break down those survey results and share practical tips for regaining control of your finances. You’ll also meet two consumers who’d accumulated enormous credit card debt, realized they needed help with debt, and, with hard work and proper guidance, are now debt-free.

Additional Resources:

To find a nonprofit credit counseling agency, visit the ⁠National Foundation for Credit Counseling⁠ or call 800-388-2227.

Related Consumerpedia Episode:

25 – Dealing with Debt⁠

Not a Checkbook member? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

January 15, 2026

100 – Checkbook’s College of Consumer Knowledge #2

Host: Herb Weisbaum
Lisa Dent - Afternoon Host, WGN Radio; Steve Bertrand - News Anchor (retired), WGN Radio

To celebrate our 100th episode, we’ve asked two veteran Chicago broadcasters to take Checkbook’s College of Consumer Knowledge quiz. Lisa Dent is the popular afternoon host at WGN Radio. Steve Bertrand, her longtime news anchor, came out of retirement to challenge her. Play along with our celebrity contestants to test your consumer IQ. The questions are difficult!

You might also want to play the online version of Checkbook’s College of Knowledge. Topics include auto, food, and your money.

Not a Checkbook member? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

July 10, 2025

90 – Buy Now, Pay Later

Host: Herb Weisbaum
Ted Rossman - Senior Industry Analyst at Bankrate.com; Lauren Saunders - Associate Director, National Consumer Law Center

Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) financing continues to grow in popularity. These short-term loans, which are typically 6 weeks and usually interest-free, appeal to consumers who want flexible payments and no credit card debt.

Consumer advocates warn that BNPL services make it too easy for people to purchase items they can’t afford, which can result in late fees and costly bank charges. Personal finance experts worry about the growing number of people who use BNPL to buy everyday items, such as groceries, gasoline, and food delivery services.

In this episode, we discuss how BNPL works, the possible pitfalls, and the smart way to use these short-term loans.

Related Consumerpedia Episodes:

Episode 80: Debt Busters: Real-Life Success Stories
Episode 50: Finding a Credit Card That’s Right for You

Additional Resources:
Consumers’ Checkbook: The Hidden Costs of Buy Now, Pay Later
Bankrate: About half of buy now, pay later users have experienced issues like overspending and missing payments
National Consumer Law Center: Risks and Advice for Buy Now, Pay Later Borrowers
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: CFPB Research Reveals Heavy Buy Now, Pay Later Use Among Borrowers with High Credit Balances and Multiple Pay-in-Four Loans

Not a Checkbook member? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

April 17, 2025

84 – Free Perks You Didn’t Know You Had

Host: Herb Weisbaum
Jamie Lettis - Checkbook Associate Editor

Whether it’s a complimentary dessert, an unexpected upgrade to a better hotel room, or you find a $20 bill in your coat pocket, we all like freebies.

The staff at Checkbook sifted through member benefits for credit cards, warehouse clubs, health plans, and AAA. We discovered dozens of perks that are often overlooked. If you don’t know about them, you may be missing out on significant savings.

⁠Read Checkbook’s full report on free perks⁠.

Not a Checkbook member? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

February 20, 2025

80 – Debt Busters: Real-Life Success Stories

Host: Herb Weisbaum
Jonathan Unverzat & Johnika Nixon - debt counseling success stories; Lara Ceccarelli - NFCC certified credit counselor with American Financial Solutions in Bremerton, Washington

Americans are piling on credit card debt at an alarming pace, and the unprecedented interest rates on these unpaid balances can be as much as 30% to 35%. No wonder it seems impossible to get out from under it.

But with hard work and proper guidance, you can do it. In this episode: Meet two people who were drowning in credit card debt and got their finances back in order. Also, a certified nonprofit credit counselor explains how debt consolidation works and the dangers of using a for-profit debt settlement company.

Not a Checkbook member? ⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings⁠⁠⁠⁠.

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