Stories by Ben Protess

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Wall Street Is the New Tax Collector? Governments Relinquish Taxation Powers to Big Banks

Posted on: Oct 18, 2010, Source: The Huffington Post Investigative Fund

Wall Street titans have found a new way to screw over the poor and middle class -- as surrogate tax collectors.

As Student Credit Card Debt Rises, Banks Quietly Reward Schools

Posted on: Jun 8, 2010, Source: The Huffington Post Investigative Fund

Colleges make millions selling access and addresses to Bank of America.

Woman Sees Her Home Confiscated Over a Water Bill

Posted on: Jun 6, 2010, Source: The Huffington Post Investigative Fund

Vicki Valentine lost the two-story brick row home after the city sold her debt to investors through a contentious and byzantine legal process called a "tax sale."

In Details of Dodd's Financial Reform Bill, Some Loopholes and Unanswered Questions

Posted on: Mar 16, 2010, Source: The Huffington Post Investigative Fund

Dodd's proposed overhaul of the financial system reveals loopholes, ambiguities and questions about a new consumer protection bureau, credit-rating companies and payday lenders.

Consumer Complaints Soar on Mortgage 'Rescue' Schemes

Posted on: Feb 26, 2010, Source: The Huffington Post Investigative Fund

Companies offering mortgage modifications or foreclosure relief programs generated nearly 8,000 complaints in 2009. FTC consumer chief to fraudsters: 'I want to put you in jail.'

Could the Global Meltdown Spark a Great Revolution?

Posted on: Aug 3, 2009, Source: Christian Science Monitor

A look at mass protests during the past 500 years reveals surprising clues.