Consumer Catch-up: Hope for scam victims, Equifax apology, Dunkin Donuts holiday lineup

Wednesday, November 15, 2017
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SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Hope for scam victims

If you were ripped off by scammers who told you to pay up via Western Union, there may be hope for getting some cash back. The Federal Trade Commission announced that scam victims who used Western Union's money transfer system from Jan. 1, 2004, through Jan. 19, 2017, can file a claim for part of a nearly $600 million settlement.

The FTC said Western Union had complaints and knew "agents were involved in fraudulent schemes." The agency also said Western Union "looked the other way" and "had a legal obligation to detect and report this criminal conduct to the authorities."

Some victims who already reported their losses will receive a claim form in the mail. The FTC also warns that filing a claim is free, and no one will receive calls asking for personal information like your bank account or credit card number.

Equifax apologizes again

Credit reporting agency Equifax apologized again for its massive consumer data breach. In a conference call, the company's interim CEO promisedits executives will not receive bonuses. Equifax estimates the breach will cost the company between $60 and $75 million, this quarter alone.

Last week, Consumers Union said Equifax still has not notified millions of people that their personal financial information may be in the hands of criminals. Already, there have been more than 240 class action suits filed related to the cyber security incident.

Dunkin' Donuts announces holiday flavor lineup

Dunkin' Donuts is taking a page from Starbucks' playbook, announcing holiday flavors. The restaurant chain said it has two new doughtnut flavors this season: frosted sugar cookie and gingerbread cookie, to add to its snowflake sprinkle donuts.

To wash that down, the company is bringing back its peppermint mocha and brown sugar cinnamon coffees.

The goodies will go on sale at restaurants by next Monday.

Written and produced by Miranda Dotson

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