Season 36 (2009)
Hosted by Wendy Mesley (pictured right) and Erica Johnson. Thirteen episodes aired January 9, 2009 to April 3, 2009.
New Home Nightmares
Originally aired on January 9, 2009
Wendy Mesley teams up with celebrity contractor Mike Holmes to investigate a homebuilder in an Ontario suburb. She unravels a tale of poor construction, flawed inspections and a weak warranty program that could leave new homebuyers helpless. Also: Is Ticketmaster double-dipping?
The Secret History of Cars
Originally aired on January 16, 2009
Erica Johnson cracks open the secret history of used cars with a test that uncovers shocking holes in car history databases. Also: Are our new food label laws good enough?
Generation Cellphone
Originally aired on January 23, 2009
Wendy Mesley reveals new evidence about possible health risks facing the newest generation of cellphone users: children. Also: Do you really need to pay $150 to clean your food?
Miracle Makers or Money Takers?
Originally aired on January 30, 2009
Erica Johnson tests a $20,000 machine that promises to fight disease – and questions its controversial inventor.
Easy Money
Originally aired on February 6, 2009
Wendy Mesley investigates a Canadian get-rich-quick scheme.
How Not to Win $500,000
Originally aired on February 13, 2009
Erica Johnson reveals how a sweepstakes offer to win big money from Reader's Digest magazine may end up costing some people thousands of dollars. Also: Do you really need to clean your colon?
Credit Card Catch
Originally aired on February 20, 2009
Credit balance insurance promises to protect you against unexpected crises, like job loss, but is it worth the cost? Wendy Mesley investigates. Also: Does this $200 gas-saving gadget work?
The Trouble with Fake Guns
Originally aired on February 27, 2009
Erica Johnson examines the growing menace of imitation handguns — BB guns and pellet guns that are made to look just like the real thing. Also: Is the EPFX still allowed to be sold in Canada?
How Not to Buy a Puppy
Originally aired on March 6, 2009
How much do you know about that puppy in the window? As Wendy Mesley reports, some store-bought puppies may have a sick and secret history. Also: Do stores live up their code when the price is wrong?
Lawless Loans
Originally aired on March 13, 2009
As big banks crack-down on credit, loads of loan companies are popping up on the internet. Seems anyone gets approved. And as Erica Johnson reveals, seems everyone gets ripped off. Also: Is there now less sugar in kids' cereal bowls?
Power of Persuasion
Originally aired on March 20, 2009
Wendy Mesley investigates the tactics used by door-to-door energy sales people, and reveals the truth they don’t tell you when it comes to your bills and their companies.
The Price Cut Promise
Originally aired on March 27, 2009
Erica Johnson cuts to the chase about cut-rate deals on furniture and appliances. The offer may be discount goods during bleak times, but Marketplace reveals high-pressure sales and high extra costs with plenty of strings attached.
Seven Sins of the Marketplace
Originally aired on April 3, 2009
Wendy Mesley and Erica Johnson reveal seven secret signs to watch for so you don't get ripped off.
Posted on April 3, 2009 CommentBookmark, Email & Share
When to Watch
Fridays 8:30 p.m.
(9 p.m. Newfoundland & Labrador)
Saturdays at 5:30 p.m.
Sundays at 2:30 a.m., 6:30 a.m.
TV IconRecent Episodes
Rate Hike Outrage Rate Hike Outrage: Has your home insurance rate gone up? Wendy Mesley reveals it could be connected to your credit score.  Comments 150
Something's Fishy Something's Fishy: It's labelled halibut, but can you count on it? When you buy fish are you getting what you pay for? Erica Johnson goes fishing for answers.  Comments 25
Stretching the Truth? Stretching the Truth?: Erica Johnson investigates the widely advertised decompression therapy for back pain.  Comments 98
Burning Question Burning Question: Firefighters know there's one thing that can help save lives in a fire, so you'll be surprised to learn this one thing is still missing in thousands of buildings across Canada.  Comments 31
The Debt Trap The Debt Trap: Erica Johnson investigates a new wave of so-called American-style non-profit charities offering debt advice to Canadians.  Comments 10
Who's Minding the Store? Who's Minding the Store?: Erica Johnson reveals the newest way thieves are stealing your credit and debit card numbers.   Comments 30
Canada's Worst Cellphone Bill Canada's Worst Cellphone Bill: Wendy Mesley investigates the story behind huge bills many Canadians rack up from using their cellphones.   Comments 155
Magic in a Bottle? Magic in a Bottle?: Erica Johnson puts Herbal Magic to the test and raises questions about its products, how they’re sold, and what evidence there is to back up some of its claims.  Comments 144
Road to Rich Dad Road to Rich Dad: The pitch is how to get rich, or is it how to get ripped off? Erica Johnson investigates who's getting rich off Rich Dad.  Comments 183
GPS Distraction GPS Distraction: Convenience over safety? Marketplace conducts a first of its kind test in Erica Johnson's investigation into GPSs.   Comments 48
Grow Op Cover Up Grow Op Cover Up: Erica Johnson and contractor Mike Holmes reveal a new twist on home inspectors: more Canadians are buying houses that were formerly used as marijuana grow-ops. How could home inspectors miss the obvious signs?  Comments 134
Busted
Who gets Busted?
Find out on Marketplace
BulletWhen you buy from Bloomex, do you get your money's worth?  12
BulletWhat's the real story behind the prices at easyhome?  37
BulletDo Canadian pediatricians really endorse Lysol?  5
BulletWhen it comes to cord blood banks, is the marketing misleading?  14
BulletIf your roof wears out early, how well are you covered?  40