The Savvy Consumer: How to Avoid Scams and Ripoffs That Cost You Time and Money

by Elisabeth Leamy

Every month Elisabeth Leamy gets hundreds of consumer calls on her tip line at the Washington DC affiliate of Fox News. Consumers call in after losing hundreds or thousands of dollars to car dealers,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1931868573
• ISBN13: 9781931868570
• Release Date: April 2004
• Publisher: Capital Books (VA)
• Length: 342 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.6" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

I *thought* I was Savvy

This book is a must-have reference for the home to be pulled out often. I thought I was a savvy consumer, but this book contains tips and reveals scams that ONLY an investigative reporter could uncover. Truly a great guide for all of the major investments in life: home and car buying, home and car repairing, buying insurance, etc. And it also gives great tips on everyday scams that we just don't have time to check up on. (Did you know that there's help to block junk mail and credit card offers???)

Excellent book

Elisabeth Leamy genuinely wants to help and prevent people from getting scammed. Her book is honest, real, and VERY easy to follow. It's consistent, and I appreciated that the most. Each chapter has sections like "know the signs," "do your homework," and "where to complain," which is really great for someone like myself. I'm a senior in college who has relied on mom and dad for way too long, and this book will definitely keep me informed and out of trouble. I loved the book! I recommend this book to anyone who appreciates consistency, good content, and honesty.

Useful --yet entertaining!

I love the way The Savy Consumer by Elizabeth Leamy is layed out. All you have to do is read a couple pages to get the info you need on a topic. I've already read the ones about getting rid of junk mail, getting a good deal on a car, and making collection agents stop calling. I learned a lot and you will too!

Easy to Digest and Very Helpful

Every consumer should be armed with this weapon! The book is very user-friendly and very comprehensive. The author writes in a way that readers can easily understand. This is a book that you can purchase and refer back to for the rest of your life. I've watched the author's reports on TV for some time now and I think she's the best reporter in the business. What a bonus to get her work in print! If you purchase one buyer-beware book, make it "The Savvy Consumer".

Helps you wise up!

What a commonsense book this is. Every household needs a copy, especially if you are living on a budget or trying to save money -- and who isn't? The section on car buying was especially helpful, hands down better than a year's subscription to Consumer Reports. And if you are plagued with credit issues, this book is more useful than any debt counseling agency, and lots less likely to rip you off. I am surprised this wonderful little book hasn't been more talked about. I'm giving six as Christmas gifts to nieces and nephews.