Most Americans are in cell phone jail Providers have worked hard to lock customers into losing situations |
ISPs create tangled Web of sneaky fees Companies use hidden charges to generate revenue in competitive industry |
About the author |
Bob Sullivan writes the Red Tape Chronicles and covers Internet scams and consumer fraud for msnbc.com. His new book, based on the blog, is "Stop Getting Ripped Off: Why Consumers Get Screwed, and How You Can Always Get a Fair Deal." |
Gotcha Capitalism |
Bob Sullivan's new book unmasks hundreds of hidden fees and offers step-by-step instructions on how to fight back. Order it here. |
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So prepare yourself and don't ask obvious questions. Give them a run for this penny and then zero in on the main point of your call. Still, be polite, but remember they're out to get you. |
 | Video |
 | How to beat hidden fees Dec. 31: Bob Sullivan shares financial tips to protect yourself from hidden fees and gimmicks. |
| Video |
 | Beware of hidden online costs Dec. 12: MSNBC.com's Bob Sullivan talks with MSNBC's Contessa Brewer about hidden costs that could be tacked onto your holiday online orders. |
10 Tips |
New book provides step-by-step instructions to help ordinary consumers fight back against the fly-by-night companies and the Goliaths that are nickel-and-diming us to death. Send an e-mail | 10 Tips home |
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