Originally aired on November 6, 2005

Erica Johnson takes you inside the world of identity theft with a look at the latest trend in online scamming: 'phishing.' A phishing scam is remarkably easy and inexpensive for scammers to create, but if you're hooked it could cost you a lot - money in your bank account, your credit, even your identity.

Originally aired on DECEMBER 4, 2005

Wendy Mesley takes you behind the scenes of Canada's hot real estate market, where both buyers and sellers have to watch their step and know their stuff if they want to avoid feeling burned.

Originally aired on DECEMBER 11, 2005

Erica Johnson presents a story that could change your grocery shopping habits forever. Erica follows a health inspector on her daily rounds inspecting various food stores. Violations are quite common. From bug infestations, to cross-contamination of food products, to unsanitary working conditions, we see it all. The inspection system is stretched to the maximum with too few inspectors, leading one to wonder what is getting past them and into our food supply.

Originally aired on JANUARY 8, 2006

Who hasn't felt completely alone and outgunned when you've tried to get some satisfaction from a store or company? Marketplace reveals what companies do to render consumers powerless, and shows you what can you do to make big companies play by your rules. Meet four frustrated consumers, Underdogs, who have been banging on the door of big companies, trying to get their complaints addressed. Their weapons? The phone, letter writing, and a dogged belief they have truth and fairness on their side. Follow host Erica Johnson as she reveals what companies do to render consumers powerless. Watch as the underdogs bark their way to the top. Will company heads meet them? Will the underdogs buckle? And what can you do to make big companies play by your rules?

Originally aired on JANUARY 15/22, 2006

Canadians are at an all-time high when it comes to debt. In total Canadians owe more than 800 billion dollars in personal debt. Wendy Mesley follows three families, who are in over their heads, as they attempt to regain their financial security with the help of a financial adviser and a registered psychologist.

Originally aired on JANUARY 29, 2006

Lately the media has been trumpeting the dangers of bird flu and the possibility of a global pandemic. This has led to an unprecedented demand for Tamiflu, the most effective drug being used against flu at this time. Because the manufacturer has been unable to meet global demand, a black market has sprung up on the internet. Tamiflu from other countries or even from right here in Canada is available, but at a substantial cost. Erica Johnson tracks down the illegal Tamiflu dealers.

Originally aired on MARCH 5, 2006

After fighting the disease herself, Marketplace's Wendy Mesley is asking questions about our rising cancer rates. She's getting some disturbing answers. Chasing the Cancer Answer travels the world to provide revealing interviews with an outspoken American doctor, frustrated cancer victims in southern Ontario, pharmaceutical sales representatives in Paris, France, and activists working to increase awareness of prevention measures. Chasing the Cancer Answer tries to find answers to one of the country's fastest growing medical crises.

Originally aired on MARCH 26, 2006

Almost every day in Canada, something in your house is recalled. A toaster, your kid's hoodie sweatshirt, a power tool, a toy car. Recalls can be the result of dangerous defects and the trouble is you're not always told about them. This week on Marketplace, Erica Johnson investigates why consumers don't have much protection when faulty products make the journey to store shelves and into your home.

Originally aired on April 9, 2006

Wendy Mesley looks at uncertified products and potentially dangerous fakes. We tell you about the latest trend - fake safety labels - and show you how to outsmart the counterfeiters..