Rachel DePompa

Investigative reporter

Rachel DePompa is NBC12's On Your Side Investigator. Rachel grew up in Waldorf, Md., and graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in broadcast journalism.Before joining WWBT in March of 2008 Rachel worked in Roanoke, Bristol and Harrisonburg.

Awards:

5 Edward R Murrow Awards for Investigative Reporting
2016 Most Outstanding Effort by an Individual Reporter from the Virginia Associated Press Broadcasters
3-time Emmy winner, 5 time Emmy nominee
5 first place honors from the Virginia Association of Broadcasters

Education:

University of Maryland, Journalism

Recent Articles by Rachel

Coronavirus-related consumer complaints pouring into the federal government

Consumers who reported coronavirus-related complaints to the FTC said they lost an average of $300 each.

Rachel DePompa

Published June 22, 2020 at 4:14 PM

Wrong video conference help line routes to scammers

Incorrect tech support numbers posted on the internet lead to scammers trying to trick consumers into giving up their credit card information.

Rachel DePompa

Published May 21, 2020 at 2:35 PM

Watching Your Wallet: Scammers found infiltrating legitimate job posting sites

Scammers are looking to take advantage of unemployed and furloughed workers looking for job online. They're even using common job search websites to target people.

Rachel DePompa

Published May 13, 2020 at 3:59 PM

Small business owners find obstacles trying to get stimulus loans

Some small business owners say they can't find a place to get a loan through the federal coronavirus relief package meant to help pay employees, rent and other expenses.

Rachel DePompa and Jamie Grey

Published April 8, 2020 at 5:03 PM

Robocalls advertising fake coronavirus-related products and bogus deals

Robocalls have turned from the usual social security fraud scams to coronavirus-related messages. The FTC says some are peddling fake products, and others are looking to cash in on stimulus checks.

Rachel DePompa and Jamie Grey

Published April 3, 2020 at 2:48 PM

Feds, states crack down on price gouging and hoarding of coronavirus supplies

Attorneys general at the state and federal level begin cracking down and investigating reports of price gouging and hoarding of critical supplies.

Rachel DePompa and Jill Riepenhoff

Published March 27, 2020 at 5:16 PM

Federal government warns about products with coronavirus claims

The federal government is monitoring companies that are making claims their products treat or cure coronavirus.

Rachel DePompa and Jill Riepenhoff

Published March 20, 2020 at 6:42 PM

Watching Your Wallet: Travel insurance likely won’t cover coronavirus-related cancellations

Travel insurance will cover cancellations in very limited situations, and pandemics aren't generally one of those. InvestigateTV looks at vacation refund policies.

Rachel DePompa and Jamie Grey

Published March 18, 2020 at 5:41 PM

Watching Your Wallet: With coronavirus causing market volatility, financial experts help you watch your nest egg

With coronavirus COVID-19 impacting the economy, financial experts give you ideas on how to focus on long-range planning.

Rachel DePompa

Published March 16, 2020 at 11:18 AM

Sanitized: Online listings for hand sanitizer, disinfectant advertise inflated prices

InvestigateTV finds hand sanitizer and wipes with majorly inflated prices; state attorneys general ask consumers to report price gouging.

Rachel DePompa and Jamie Grey

Published March 12, 2020 at 4:11 PM

Congress takes up insurance rate discrimination

A House subcommittee is considering making changes to insurance laws to stop car insurance companies from basing rates on factors like credit scores.

Rachel DePompa

Published March 5, 2020 at 9:14 PM

Rate Discrimination: Some insurance companies give better rates for customers with certain jobs, education

Drivers with less education or jobs that typically pay less may face higher car insurance rates, according to an industry insider.

Rachel DePompa

Published February 20, 2020 at 9:28 PM

Watching Your Wallet: How to become a 401(k) millionaire

From using a specialized retirement plan to considering using a "robo advisor," experts explain how you can grow your retirement savings.

Rachel DePompa

Published February 12, 2020 at 4:37 PM

Watching Your Wallet: Make smart money moves before 2020

From maxing out retirement contributions to checking your car insurance rates, experts say there are a few smart financial steps to take before the new year starts.

Rachel DePompa

Published December 27, 2019 at 3:47 PM

Watching Your Wallet: Don’t break your gift budget this holiday season

Americans plan to spend an average of $825 on holiday gifts this year, according to NerdWallet. Experts give you ways to stay on budget and find the best deals.

Rachel DePompa

Published November 25, 2019 at 11:53 AM

Hidden Damage: Wrecked, flooded border patrol truck sold at dealership without damage declared

A Virginia man bought a car from a dealership. The title and history looked clear, but it turned out the truck had a dangerous history.

Rachel DePompa

Published October 31, 2019 at 7:03 AM

Watching Your Wallet: Decade-by-decade, experts help you save for retirement

By retirement, financial experts say you should have at least eight times your annual salary saved up. NerdWallet explains how to get there, decade-by-decade.

Rachel DePompa

Published August 5, 2019 at 11:26 AM

Watching Your Wallet: Experts say to shop around for the best deals on car insurance and cell phone plans

A NerdWallet financial expert offers tips on saving money on car insurance and cell phone bills: Watch this and don't pay for what you don't need.

Rachel DePompa

Published July 1, 2019 at 1:35 PM

Watching Your Wallet: Make the most of your summer vacation

A frequent traveler and financial expert give their tips for saving money when booking flights and hotels.

Rachel DePompa

Published June 3, 2019 at 10:35 AM

Watching Your Wallet: Spring housing market secrets revealed

Want to get top dollar for your home this spring? Or are you looking to buy your first home? NerdWallet gives tips for those on both sides of the equation.

Rachel DePompa

Published May 13, 2019 at 10:49 AM

DNA Detectives: Scientists combining forensics with genealogy break ‘unsolvable’ cases

Scientists are using forensic genetics to help solve decades-old cold cases.

Rachel DePompa

Published May 6, 2019 at 12:20 PM

Digital rollbacks: Millions of cars have false mileage on odometers

Carfax experts say there are potentially more than one million cars on the roads with false odometer readings - meaning their mileage has been rolled back to make the vehicles look like they have less wear and tear.

Rachel DePompa

Published April 26, 2019 at 8:02 PM

Watching Your Wallet: Experts give advice on reining in your tax refund

Rather than taking a tax refund check and splurging on a quick shopping spree, NerdWallet advises people make smart spending – or saving - plans.

Rachel DePompa

Published April 12, 2019 at 10:12 AM

Watching Your Wallet: Thousands of consumer complaints hidden in federal watchdog database

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau provides information about financial institutions, including complaints. But NerdWallet and InvestigateTV have found examples of complaints that don't show up in the database.

Rachel DePompa

Published March 18, 2019 at 12:53 PM

Mystery charges? It could be from a new game kids are playing

Apex Legends has only been out a few weeks, but it’s already blowing Fortnite records out of the water.

Rachel DePompa

Published March 15, 2019 at 10:48 AM

Tax refunds may be delayed due to IRS backlog

A new report from the tax payer advocate service finds there’s a huge backlog at the IRS, which is translating into paperwork delays and taxpayers’ calls for helps going unanswered.

Rachel DePompa

Published February 21, 2019 at 7:12 AM

Multiple sex offenders found on Facebook despite ban

Under Facebook's policies, convicted sex offenders are not allowed on the site; however, InvestigateTV identified multiple offenders who appeared to have recently active profiles.