AARP Lists 5 Scams to Watch for in 2012 - Consumer News Roundup for 11/29/11

A roundup of consumer-focused articles from around the web.

• 5 scams to watch for in 2012 (AARP)
  The coming year won't herald the end of the world nor will it be the end of scams and rip-offs. Tight government budgets will also favor con artists. District attorneys without funds to prosecute property crimes such as home burglaries certainly won't be quick to chase down $1,000 you lost to an online scammer. You'll need to protect yourself.
• FTC sending refunds to victims of debt management services company that violated prior court order (Federal Trade Commission)
  This week the Federal Trade Commission is mailing refund checks to more than 2,900 consumers nationwide who were victims of a company that allegedly pitched worthless debt management services, and later was found in contempt for violating a court order barring its illegal activities. Consumers who were victims of the prohibited conduct will receive a total of $90,000 in refunds, with the average amount being $31.16.
• FINRA fines 8 firms for private placement sales (FINRA)
  The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority on Monday sanctioned eight brokerages and ten individuals, and ordered a total of $3.2 million in restitution for selling private placements that ultimately failed.
• Don't click too quickly when shopping online (KOMO TV)
  If you're on a third-party website you've never heard of and the price seems too good to be true it probably is and you're taking a risk.