Financial red flags worth a second look before you pay

Some money decisions go wrong slowly, through fees and fine print. Others go wrong in one phone call. This section covers both.

We explain the warning signs that show up again and again: loans that want a fee before you're approved, debt or tax relief that promises to settle for pennies, investments with guaranteed returns, and anyone who wants you to move money to keep it safe. We also cover the ordinary but costly problems, like collections letters, surprise bills and the financial fallout of a legal case.

Where it's possible to verify a lender, broker or adviser, we show you the official lookup, such as FINRA BrokerCheck or your state's licensing agency. We aren't financial advisers, and we'll say when a question needs one.