The Watchdog

Episode 22

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 17:05:27 +0000

On this episode of “The Watchdog,” we’ll show you how police, a bank and even a Walgreens worker teamed up in real time to stop a scammer after a woman handed over access to her account. We’ll also tackle rising back-to-school costs with simple ways to cut supply lists and lunch bills so you can feed and equip your kids for less.

Episode 21

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 20:17:45 +0000

In this episode of “The Watchdog,” we’re digging into the most common consumer battles and where you can turn to fight for your money. We’ll also share simple ways to save at the pump as gas prices climb, and how trading in old clothes at the mall can score you discounts on something new.

Episode 20

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 19:47:15 +0000

On this episode of “The Watchdog,” we’re sharing smart ways to shrink your summer travel bill without canceling the fun, and the moves that can save you headaches when flights are delayed or disrupted. We’ll also explain how scammers track your trips and what to stop sharing so they can’t strike while you’re away.

Episode 19

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 16:08:32 +0000

On this episode of “The Watchdog,” we’re tackling the everyday conveniences that quietly drain your bank account and how to plug those money leaks. We’ll also show you how to make credit card rewards work for your summer travel instead of adding debt, plus smart ways to cool your home without overheating your utility bill, and how medical office staff are being enlisted to help stop a new wave of scams targeting your personal information.

Episode 18

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 23:01:34 +0000

On this episode of “The Watchdog,” we look at a disturbing sextortion attempt involving a Solon teen gamer and what he and his parent did right to stop it. We’ll also go to the front lines with bank tellers trying to block scam withdrawals, and share easy ways to enjoy summer fun on a budget as major retailers slash prices to keep your cart costs down.

Episode 17

Wed, 8 Jul 2026 18:23:26 +0000

In this episode of “The Watchdog,” we’ll help first-time buyers spot the hidden costs in older homes and avoid turning must-haves into money traps. We’ll also flag red flags when hiring movers, and reveal how a trending jail scam drained a local woman’s savings so you know what to watch for if a loved one is behind bars.

Episode 16

Wed, 1 Jul 2026 21:57:10 +0000

On this episode of “The Watchdog,” we’ll help you prep for summer by checking your insurance before grill fires, storms or pool mishaps lead to surprise bills. We’ll also explain which travel records to save when flights go wrong and how credit card chargebacks can help, plus simple ways to uncover everyday expenses hiding in plain sight so you can start cutting costs fast.

Episode 15

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 21:03:48 +0000

In this episode of “The Watchdog,” we’ll break down when personal loans can be a smart way to plug a budget gap - and when they can dig you in deeper. We’ll also flag a key deadline that could change how you repay student loans, and look at why so many first-time buyers are being priced out of their starter homes.

Episode 14

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 20:57:49 +0000

In this episode of “The Watchdog,” we’ll explain the hidden fees that can come with online real estate agent referrals, and the questions to ask before you commit. We’ll also look at how summer jobs can help teens build lifelong money skills - and why new cars are feeling out of reach for many buyers, beyond just the sticker price.

Episode 13

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 20:53:40 +0000

On this episode of “The Watchdog,” we’re looking at why raising kids is getting so expensive, how it’s changing family plans, and what you can do now to brace for the costs. We’ll also share safe, affordable options for new teen drivers and smart ways to survive wedding season without going broke.

Episode 12

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 20:49:27 +0000

In this episode of “The Watchdog,” we’ll show you how a quick check of your Medicare explanation of benefits could reveal fraud you didn’t even know about. We’ll also break down the risks of buy now, pay later so you don’t get buried in fees, and bust common credit card myths that can quietly drag down your score and cost you money.

Episode 11

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 19:18:19 +0000

In this episode of “The Watchdog,” we’re tackling the summer money squeeze - from pricey childcare and camps to sky-high fuel costs for buses. We’ll share ways families and schools are trying to save, and what to watch for in financial aid offers so you don’t get hit with a bait-and-switch from colleges.

Episode 10

Tue, 2 Jun 2026 19:44:02 +0000

On this episode of “The Watchdog,” we’re digging into how money stress and “too good to be true” offers can make you an easy target for scammers. We’ll also break down what Spirit passengers need to know after a major meltdown, and how to avoid prom dress scams when you’re shopping online for the big night.

Episode 9

Tue, 2 Jun 2026 19:38:03 +0000

In this episode of “The Watchdog,” we break down new caps on grad school loans and what they could mean for students’ wallets. We’ll also show how AI can help you negotiate better deals - and how one local victim moved fast to claw back thousands of dollars before a scammer got the cash.

Episode 8

Tue, 2 Jun 2026 19:04:34 +0000

In this episode of “The Watchdog,” we’re tackling the money drains you might not see coming - from forgotten subscriptions to missed food recall alerts. Plus, with gas prices climbing, our consumer team shares simple ways to stretch every gallon and save at the pump.

Episode 7

Wed, 6 May 2026 22:07:55 +0000

In this episode, The Watchdog shares how to slash gas costs, stretch your grocery budget, and plan for early retirement. We're also joined by FBI Special Agent Pat Koeth to discuss a local case where someone tasked with consumer protection at a bank is accused of exploiting elderly customers.

Episode 6

Wed, 6 May 2026 22:06:26 +0000

In this episode, The Watchdog helps parents of teen drivers find ways to cut insurance costs without cutting coverage. Plus, the pros and cons of separate accounts for couples and how to avoid getting duped by meteorite-related scams after the big boom in Northeast Ohio.

Episode 5

Wed, 6 May 2026 22:05:21 +0000

In this episode, The Watchdog shares how to protect yourself from March Madness scams targeting office pools and bettors, how to get ready for homebuying in 2026, and the new apps that can help you stretch budget at the store and at the pump.

Episode 4

Wed, 6 May 2026 22:04:24 +0000

A new county program aims to stop scammers by helping homeowners secure their deeds. Plus, the hidden financial strain on the "sandwich generation," tips for switching mobile phone carriers, and a warning after restaurant owner learns her business account wasn’t as secure as she thought.

Episode 3

Wed, 6 May 2026 17:29:56 +0000

Storm damage often brings out shady 'storm chaser' contractors. In this episode, The Watchdog shares a practical checklist to avoid storm-repair scams and make sure you actually get the work you’re paying for. Plus, a new alert on check washing and a fast-growing scam aimed at families of inmates.

Episode 2

Wed, 6 May 2026 17:29:24 +0000

A school district loses $40,000 to an imposter in a business email scam. The Watchdog break down the red flags and the steps organizations can take to verify payments before money goes out the door. Plus, a new app to avoid shady movers and tips to make gig work pay.

Episode 1

Wed, 6 May 2026 17:27:47 +0000

In the first episode of The Watchdog, we break down a contractor con case, celebrity scam red flags, "unretiring," and more.