Latest from Erica Johnson
GO PUBLIC
WestJet tried to silence couple fighting for compensation after airline cancelled their flight
When a B.C. couple took their fight for compensation over a cancelled WestJet flight to social media, they received a letter from the airline's lawyers warning them that their post had breached confidentiality. Efforts to silence travellers from speaking publicly about disputes with airlines are a worrying trend, say industry and legal experts.
GO PUBLIC
Hundreds of Rogers, Bell and Telus customers angry prices can increase during contract
A Go Public investigation into telco contracts has prompted hundreds of frustrated customers from all the big providers to ask why contracts can have language that locks them in for two to three years while allowing prices to increase. A contract law expert says the CRTC should investigate.
GO PUBLIC
Rogers customers call contracts misleading as fee for TV boxes goes up $7/month
Some TV customers are accusing Rogers Communications of a cash grab — a year after its controversial purchase of Shaw, which the Competition Bureau warned would lead to less competition and higher prices.
Go Public
Seniors' group CARP says it's quitting Big Tobacco sponsorships after response from fired up members
After getting an earful from CARP members, the advocacy group for older people says it will no longer accept sponsorship from tobacco companies and is giving the money it received from Rothmans, Benson & Hedges to an unnamed charity that cares for people with smoking-related illnesses.
Go Public
B.C. woman fuming that seniors' advocacy group CARP in bed with Big Tobacco company
A B.C. woman says it’s “offensive” that Canada’s largest advocacy group for seniors has teamed up with Rothmans, Benson & Hedges, a tobacco giant now promoting e-cigarettes. A tobacco researcher says it’s the latest effort by big tobacco to encourage unhealthy and addictive vaping.
Go Public
Customer who filed complaint against TD Bank refuses to sign gag order to get compensation
After a Toronto-area man said he was misled about the perks of signing up for a TD Bank account, it offered compensation but insisted he sign a non-disclosure agreement to get the money. The increased use of NDAs is a worrisome trend that is stifling freedom of expression, says one legal expert.
Go Public
Have you seen this man? He's a big deal in Austria — and romance scammers like using his face
A weatherman in Austria was shocked to learn he was in the news after a romance scammer used his photos to try to trick a CBC journalist out of money. A psychology professor says the problem of scammers using strangers’ images can hurt not just their target, but the person in the photos, too.
Go Public
CIBC customers dinged when bank adds $5 fee to e-gift cards, calling them a 'cash advance'
CIBC customers who recently bought e-gift cards for Starbucks, Home Depot, Canadian Tire and a host of other stores were surprised to see a $5 fee added to the transaction on their credit card statements. CIBC initially said it considers the gift cards a “cash advance,” but has now decided to scrap the fee.
MARKETPLACE
Hidden cameras capture bank employees misleading customers, pushing products that help sales targets
Current and former employees from BMO, CIBC, RBC, Scotiabank and TD tell Marketplace about immense pressure to meet sales targets — pushing credit cards, mortgage insurance, mutual funds and other products — or risk losing their jobs. Marketplace hidden camera footage captures the big five breaking the law, says bank expert.
Go Public
Romance scammer reveals how he tricks women after failing to fool Go Public reporter
He claimed to be an American oil drilling engineer working in Scotland. In reality, he is a romance scammer in Nigeria, who says he’s bilked women out of thousands of dollars. In a forthright interview, he reveals some tricks of the trade and apologizes for harming women — citing financial desperation as the reason for his actions.