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FTC warns of gift card scams

Holiday season scams are numerous, with gift cards among the most popular.

Caution: Renting may be hazardous to your health

Stresses of renting may contribute to faster aging.

Zelle: Refunds for scams - Crucial changes in service policy

Zelle originally refused refund requests but is now reimbursing some scammed customers

Mexico City puts Airbnb in the crosshairs

Short-term rentals drive prices higher for locals while undercutting hotels

Were those people really your ancestors? DNA firm fined for deceptive practices

FTC is cracking down on deceptive reviews, dark patterns and baseless claims

Businesses get refunds for bad leads from HomeAdvisor, ex-Angi's, ex-Angie's List

Both consumers and contractors can feel cheated by online "recommendations"

Black Friday 2023: The evolution of an iconic tradition

Online shopping has put a dent in Black Friday extravaganzas

Cybersecurity challenge: Amazon and AliExpress under scrutiny by the FTC

Pre-installed malware threatens consumer privacy

Food safety alert: Recall of melons due to possible contamination with salmonella

The recall affects products with the "Malichitr" label

Toyota fined $60 million for illegal scheme that trapped car buyers in debt

Dealers talked customers into unnecessary "bundles," made it hard to cancel

Prehired to refund $30 million to student borrowers

"Income share" program left students mired in debt

Free COVID test kits are back

With COVID cases on the rise once again, free test kits are available once again

CDC warns of lead in applesauce

There is no "safe" level of iron in the bloodstream.

Misleading advertising around vapers: They are still harmful

You may not get lung cancer but the risk of stomach cancer is much higher

FTC: Social media influencers are becoming a bad influence

"Influencers" don't always disclose that they are paid by companies or trade groups.

Meet your new Hyundai dealer: Amazon

Now you can spend less time with the dealer, more time with Alexa

Safety agency wants speed warnings, limiters on new cars

A crash in the Las Vegas area that killed nine people prompted the recommendation

How cell phones impact children's mental health

Lack of regulation makes smartphones dangerous to children

Older adults in poor health are at high risk for scams

Government and business should do more to protect seniors, poll finds

How to get a free copy of your credit reports in the US: Detailed guide

A good credit report is your ticket to financial flexibility.

Proposed oversight of technology giants in the US.

Free-wheeling tech platforms may face tighter regulations

Magnet ingestion continues killing children despite warnings

Buckyballs, other small magnets turn deadly when swallowed

FDA proposes banning the use of certain vegetable oils in drinks and processed food

Most advanced countries, and California, banned the additive long ago

Stem cell therapies against COVID-19: Real hope or dangerous scam?

Dangerous deception of desperate patients

Alert for the presence of lead and cadmium in Hershey's Chocolates

Other brands contain less of the heavy metals, which can be toxic at high doses.

Formaldehyde: The silent danger in our homes

Cleaning products, fabric softeners, furniture and other everyday items often contain the dangerous substance.

Safety Alert: Hydrogen Peroxide sold at Walmart may be dangerous

Manufacturer refuses to recall product, so consumers are on their own.

Eyedrops recalled because of infection risk

The FDA is warning consumers not to purchase and to immediately stop using 26 over-the-counter eyedrops. The eye drops may cause eye infections that could result in partial vision loss or blindness. Patients who have signs or symptoms of an eye infection after using these products should talk to their

Apple faces class action lawsuit over AirTags: They're being used by stalkers

Finding lost items is fine. Stalking others is not.

YouTube vs. ad blocking programs: How does it affect the consumer?

The free Google-owned company declares war on ad blockers

Sendwave deceived customers of its international money transfer service, faces $3 million fine

Service wasn't always fast and free, as promised.

Disney faces antitrust lawsuits from consumers of streaming services

Competitors are locked out of the market, consumer lawsuits charge

Starbucks in the eye of the storm for lack of fruit in its fruit drinks

When is a fruit drink not a fruit drink? That is the question.

TikTok sued for allegedly using an algorithm that generates addiction in children

Is TikTok making children addicts? Utah thinks so.

Lenders can't discriminate against applicants because of immigration status, feds warn

Blanket policies that don't consider individuals' creditworthiness aren't acceptable.

Feds charge TransUnion's rental background checks weren't accurate, freezes were skipped

Inaccuracies could put rental agreements at risk, feds charge

Canada marks 5 years of legal marijuana, Mexico close behind

Canada and Mexico have legalized cannabis but the U.S. remains an outlier.

Consumers sue PayPal over high transaction fees

Class action suit claims PayPal's transaction fees are too high.

Probiotic beer? Study says it's possible

Study finds beer really could be good for you in moderation.

Amazon's secret algorithm: the Nessie Project

What's the price of that gizmo? It depends.

The immigration crisis in Mexico and the vision of Elon Musk

Why does the Ukraine border crisis get so much more attention, Musk asks

Sourdough bread: Nutrition or puffery?

Some bakeries stretch the definition of sourdough

Meta, Google, H&R Block sued for allegedly using spyware to build dossiers on consumers

There may be no such thing as privacy anymore but there are still laws that protect certain types of information

What is Greenwashing and how are brands using it?

Not everything that quacks is a duck

Error-filled credit scores block rental applicants, report finds

"A misleading veneer of objectivity" conceals underlying racial disparities

McDonald's Burned With Another Scalding Coffee Suit

Hot coffee is dangerous, as numerous lawsuits have reminded McDonald's

Free COVID test kits are back

Flu and COVID season is here. Time to stock up on test kits.

Cancer misinformation on TikTok dangerous to women

Cancer patients looking for accurate information may not find it on TikTok.

Minivans lag in second-row safety, crash tests reveal

Tests find risk of serious, even fatal, injuries in second row family hauler seats

Tax for digital nomads: An equitable solution in Mexico?

Remote workers flocking to Mexico, driving up prices for locals

Autoworkers strike will hit consumers in the wallet

Prices of both new and used cars will be affected

Google to pay $93 million for violating consumers' privacy

Even when users asked it not to, Google kept tracking them, state alleged.

FTC: TruthFinder, Instant Checkmate weren't always truthful

Paying for information doesn't mean it's right, and reviews aren't always truthful

Muscle-building supplements: under-regulated, not essential

They can help you pile on weight but there's no guarantee of purity.

Climate catastrophes, higher costs add up to higher premiums, canceled policies for homeowners

Insurance premiums are going up for those lucky enough to be able to get insurance.

Amazon, FDA clash over online drug sales

FDA probes online sale of skin treatments by Amazon Pharmacy

'Free' TurboTax offers weren't free, Intuit ordered to stop 'deceptive' ads

The government could make tax filing free and a lot easier for everyone if it wanted to.

The Temu phenomenon: what's behind this ultra-cheap store?

Everything comes directly from China. What could possibly go wrong?

Fast Fashion Brands Under Scrutiny

The latest fashion may not be the highest quality

Vaccine phobia - irrational fear of vaccines affects dogs too

Sick as a dog? The consequences of canine vaccine hesitancy are very real

The latest on mountain bikes, marijuana and deaths from cigarettes and guns

There are lots of ways to hurt yourself. We take a quick look at a few of them.

Roomster banned from using bogus reviews, fake listings

The reviews were five-star but the FTC says their truthfulness was one-star

Streaming prices climbing with no end in sight

Streaming prices in the U.S. up 24% in one year and still climbing

Feds reach $2.7 billion judgment with big credit repair firms

The firms have filed for bankruptcy and shut down most of their operations.

Walmart, Hugo Boss, Diesel face forced labor, exploitation charges

Canadian agency investigating whether ethnic Chinese workers are being mistreated

Costco restrictions on resellers stir debate

Costco cracking down on entrepreneurs who buy low, sell high

Guess what? Paper straws aren't so eco-friendly either, study finds

Paper or plastic straw? No straw is the correct answer for healthier drinks

U.S. warns of counterfeit drugs in Mexico

Fentanyl, other dangerous drugs found in pills issued by some Mexican pharmacies

Every good dog does fine - even shelter dogs, study finds

94% found their new dog's behavior to be excellent or good

FTC urges caution when using payment apps like Venmo, CashApp and Zelle

The apps make it easy to send money -- and that can be a problem.

Recalled dehumidifiers pose critical fire danger

The units were sold under nearly every major brand name by major retailers

Investors seeking sanctuary in Belize were duped

Buying land in a foreign country isn't a game for amateurs

Pets and inflation: U.S. consumers willing to invest more in their faithful companions

They may be animals but they're children to their owners

FTC: Experian spammed consumers without giving them an exit

"Important information" was marketing material and didn't have an unsubscribe option

Google Chrome's Incognito Mode and the $5 billion lawsuit against Alphabet

Incognito mode is sort of private -- and that's a problem

Crucial meeting between Amazon and the FTC on the horizon: possible monopolistic practices lawsuit

Amazon's future hangs in the balance as a crucial meeting approaches

Aspirin: Stroke preventer or silent killer? Answer: It depends

Talk to your doctor about whether this large, long-term study applies to you

Renters under pressure, landlords too, as interest rates soar

Rising interest rate tide could sink a lot of boats

New Type of Fraud Using Artificial Intelligence: An Unexpected Threat

Artificial intelligence is becoming a tool being used by fraudsters.

New Alzheimer's test available to the public but experts urge caution

The first Alzheimer's test has been launched on the market but experts question its accuracy.

Loan servicer illegally disabled consumers' cars, lawsuit alleges

USASF used kill switches improperly, CFPB charges

The renewed rise of collagen consumption and its myths

Collagen is key to healthy skin but supplements aren't the best way to get it

Homelessness: the emergency that never ends

Buildings sit empty while homeless Americans live on the street

U.S. expands options for families seeking to immigrate

The program is available to certain individuals from Latin American nations

How older consumers weather economic shocks

Seniors are an important market that's often overlooked

Pandemic energized unfair, deceptive, illegal financial schemes, feds find

The pandemic shuttered many businesses but sparked a wave of shady financial practices

Barbie: the pink wave that reignited consumerism

A pink doll becomes a powerful symbol of ... something

Housing a big challenge for immigrants in the United States

Getting to the U.S. is the easy part. Finding housing is difficult.

Dangerous TikTok viral trend encourages borax consumption

Surprise - detergents aren't meant to be taken internally

Beware of buying refurbished items: BBB warns of possible scams

A lower price doesn't always mean higher value

'Hard soda' may look like soda but it drinks like alcohol

Consumer groups warn that the alcohol drinks can be confused with soft drinks and fruit juice.

Snap Finance sued for allegedly deceptive 'lease-to-own' deals

Rent-to-own often winds up costing more than buying outright or using normal consumer loans

FTC vs. OpenAI & ChatGPT over accuracy and privacy concerns

The agency is particularly concerned about third party plug-ins

SHEIN sued for possible intellectual property theft: allegations of organized crime

Low-cost online marketplace runs afoul of top names in the fashion biz

Student loan relief announced for 804,000 borrowers

The action benefits borrowers who have been paying on their loans for decades

DC slams EasyPay Finance's 198% loans for car repair, pets, etc.

DC joins two states in stopping rent-a-bank loans by EasyPay Finance and TAB Bank that evade state interest rate laws

Bank of America hit with $150 million penalty for fee double-dipping

Feds say bank overcharged millions of customers with illegal fees

Find out which version of Coca-Cola is the least harmful to your health

They're all bad for you but some are less bad than others

Threads: The new social network challenging Twitter and raising competition concerns

Twitter becoming snared in knots form by Threads

Recent Recalls: Mercedes-Benz models; Ford Fusion; BMW iX

Mercedes-Benz is recalling certain 2021-2023 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS, SL, GT, GLC, GLE, GLS, and G-Class vehicles.  The fuel pump may shut down, which can result in a loss of drive power. Recalled models include: MakeModelModel YearsMERCEDES-BENZAMG C432021-2023MERCEDES-BENZAMG C632021MERCEDES-BENZAMG C63 S2021-2023MERCEDES-BENZAMG E532022-2023MERCEDES-BENZAMG E63 S2023MERCEDES-BENZAMG G632021-2023MERCEDES-BENZAMG GLC432021-2023MERCEDES-BENZAMG GLC632021MERCEDES-BENZAMG GLC63 S2021MERCED

Interest in Spanish growing among U.S. Latinos

Their parents may speak only one language but many Gen Zers are at least partly bilingual

Cancelled flights and bad weather mark the celebration of July 4

The July 4th weekend is shaping up as one of the largest and most-delayed

New FTC rule targets deceptive reviews, pay-for-play and suppressing negative reviews

Online "reviews" these days are often little more than disguised advertisements.

FTC readying major antitrust action against Amazon: reports

A determined regulator has been stalking Amazon for years.

Publishers Clearing House ordered to refund $18 million, clean up its act

Dark patterns, hidden charges, tricky wording ensnare consumers, feds allege

Looking for a healthy cat? Think mixed-breed

A study finds that cross-breed cats tend to be healthier than purebreds

Recent Recalls: Mazda CX-90, Honda & Acura Models, Toyota Camry

Mazda is recalling certain 2024 CX-90 vehicles.  Some steering and suspension bolts may be missing or improperly tightened, which can cause the steering intermediate shaft, the front anti-lock brake system wheel speed sensor harnesses, or the front upper control arms to detach, resulting in a loss of vehicle control. Dealers

The use of alcohol as a heart protector: What are benefits of moderate consumption

It's still not good for you but it might have benefits anyway

Rural Blacks and Hispanics miss out on social support they need for healthy aging

Aging takes its toll and social isolation worsens it

Recent Recalls: Ceramic Mugs, Baby Sharks, Havertys Recliners

"Boost the Mood" ceramic mugs are being recalled. The ceramic mugs are mislabeled as microwave safe. If microwaved, the metallic print on the mug can spark, posing a fire hazard. The 10-ounce ceramic mugs are in navy blue with a gold metallic handle and “Boost The Mood” in gold lettering.

Learn about the effects of the main social networks on young people

Effects of social media on the young are decidedly mixed

Much of the South is a banking desert, report finds

Southerners don't have as many banks and pay more for financial services

How to pay for a university in the United States: Financial options to reduce the student burden

Student loans can be burdensome but there are alternatives

FTC: Amazon tricked consumers into auto-renewing Prime subscriptions

Canceling is compared to Home's epic trek in the Iliad

US health alert: Hepatitis A outbreak linked to frozen organic strawberries

The strawberries came from farms in Baja California, Mexico

Recent Recalls: BMW iX, Ram 1500, Jeep Grand Cherokee

BMW is recalling certain 2022-2024 iX xDrive50 and iX M60 vehicles.  The driver may unintentionally reactivate the cruise control system while turning the steering wheel at low speeds, resulting in a sudden increase of vehicle speed. Dealers will update the vehicle software, free of charge.  Owner notification letters are expected

'Ganadores' schemes targeted Spanish-speaking consumers, feds charge

Get-rich-quick schemes come in all languages, unfortunately

Why do so many people who earn $100,000 a year feel poor?

More than half in the $100,000 bracket struggle to stay afloat

Recent Recalls: Ford Escape, Maverick, Corsair; Subaru Ascent; Toyota Cross

Ford is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape, 2022-2023 Maverick, and 2021-2023 Corsair vehicles equipped with 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines.  In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources such as hot engine or exhaust

CONSUMER ALERT: Beware of "30 days free" promotions

A month goes by in a hurry and "free" trials don't cancel themselves

Apple and Amazon face suit alleging they artificially inflated iPhone and iPad prices

The case could have broad implications for consumers if it is successful.

Average Home Equity Shrinks for First Time Since 2012

Long-term values are still up but recent buyers may be flat or worse for the year.

Can ChatGPT Help You Find Help When You Really Need It?

If AI is so smart, why can't it figure out how to get you to the closest helping hand?

Why Are Flat-Faced Dogs So Popular Despite Health Issues?

"A snoring and grunting Bulldog appears cute to its owners, rather than sick and struggling for breath."

Recent Recalls: GMC Hummer, Cadillac Lyriq EVs; Tesla Model Y; Lincoln MKC

General Motors is recalling certain 2022 GMC Hummer EV and 2023 Cadillac Lyriq vehicles.  Certain connections within the high-voltage battery pack may be out of position or incorrectly welded, which can cause a loss of drive power. Dealers will replace the high-voltage battery pack, free of charge.  Owner notification letters

Microsoft Xbox Pilfered Kids' Personal Info, Fined $20 Million

Microsoft kept children's info even when their parents did not complete the application.

Chemical Giants Agree to $1 Billion Settlement in PFAS Case

Chemours, DuPont and Corteva ordered to pay damages for "forever chemicals" pollution

Disinflation's Impact: What Would It Mean for You?

If inflation is bad for consumers, then disinflation must be good, no?

Recent Recalls: PowerXL Juicers, EGO Hedge Trimmer, Jetson Electric Scooters

PowerXL Self-Cleaning Juicers are being recalled.The juicers can rupture during use, striking consumers and posing a laceration hazard, or can leave small particle shavings in the juice, posing an ingestion hazard. This recall involves PowerXL Models SHL96 and SHL90-SC Self-Cleaning Juicers. They are countertop, brushed stainless steel, self-cleaning juicers,

Don't Leave Money Lying Around on PayPal, Venmo, etc.

Funds in payment apps aren't covered by FDIC insurance and may not be protected.

Recall: Peloton Issues New Rear Guard for Tread+ After User Injuries and Death

Adults, children and pets can be trapped under the moving belt in the current model.

Amazon's Alexa Stalked Kids, Ignored Parents' Pleas: FTC

Amazon eavesdropped on kids and kept the data indefinitely, violating the Children's Online Privacy Act, the FTC charges.

FTC Rings Up Privacy Charges Against Ring, Alexa

A doorbell that lets hackers look into your house? FTC proposes $5 million penalty.

Consumer Group Opposes Plan for Bigger Trucks

Bigger trucks, new drivers make a bad combination

Spotting Medicaid Scams

Scammers taking advantage of end of pandemic emergency

Recent Recalls: Ford Super Duty Pickups; Jeep Grand Cherokee; Nissan LEAF

Ford is recalling certain 2023 Super Duty F-250, F-350, and F-450 vehicles.  The steering column upper shaft bolts may be missing or improperly tightened, resulting in possible separation of the steering column from the adjoining components. Dealers will inspect and tighten the steering column upper shaft coupler bolts, or install

Eight Causes of Early Death in Black Americans

Take away the eight and the early death risk disappears.

Get Ready for Hurricane Season

Bad weather happens. Be ready for it.

Recent Recalls: Math 1 and Math 3 Boxes, Preschool Electric Bikes, Sweet Cocoon Activity Tables

The whiteboard attached to the boxes can become detached exposing sharp edges, posing a laceration hazard. This recall involves The Good and the Beautiful Math 1 and Math 3 boxes with metallic whiteboards. The boxes include lids with attached metallic whiteboards and labeled Math 1 or Math 3 on the

Car Sales, Home Improvements, Debt & Credit Top List of Consumer Complaints

Cars are the No. 1 complaint for the seventh year.

Payday Loan Site SoLo Funds Concealed Sky-High Interest Rates as Tips, States Allege

"Tips" and "donations" concealed the actual price of the loan, states charged.

Egg Prices Dip - What's the Cause?

Like a faulty souffle, fluffed-up egg prices have fallen

Recent Recalls: Mini Cooper, Jeep Cherokee, Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Terrain

BMW is recalling certain 2008-2014 MINI Clubman Cooper, Clubman Cooper S, Clubman John Cooper Works, and 2007-2013 MINI Hardtop 2-Door Cooper, Cooper S, and John Cooper Works vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New

Can You Really Buy a Wealth Generating Plan?

New businesses are built, not bought.

Hyundai-Kia Settle Class Action Over Defective Car Security

The settlement provides reimbursement to car owners and upgrades to their cars.

How to Retire Comfortably in Mexico: Guide to Planning a Peaceful Retirement

Retirement is a stage of life that many look forward to. May as well spend it someplace pleasant.

Recent Recalls: Wafflizer Waffle Makers, Target Candles, Personal Chillers

Nearly half a million PowerXL Wafflizer waffle makers are being recalled. Hot pieces of the waffle or stuffing can be expelled from the waffle maker during use or upon opening the product, posing a burn risk to consumers. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled PowerXL Model ESWM02 (five inch)

Premom Ovulation Tracker Shared Users' Private Information

A smartphone app helps consumers track their ovulation but the FTC says it shares personal info with outsiders.

Scams Targeting Immigrants - What to Watch For

Notarios are not lawyers in the U.S. They can't give you legal advice.

One in Six Rideshare Cars Have Open Recalls, GAO Finds

Since most drivers use their own cars, the open recall rate is about the same as for other privately owned cars.

Recent Recalls: VW ID.4, Porsche Carrera, Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia

Volkswagen is recalling certain 2021-2022 ID.4 vehicles.  The affected vehicles may have been manufactured with door handles that allow water to enter the circuit board assembly, which can cause the doors to open unexpectedly when the vehicle is subject to high lateral forces at speeds below 9 mph/15

Shein Launches Its Low-Cost Marketplace in the U.S.

A cheap shopping site or a Communist plot to overthrow the West?

Why Are the Prices of Used and Rental vehicles increasing in the U.S.?

Car prices rising at a record pace, pressuring consumers' budgets.

Recent Recalls: Ford Explorer, BMW X7, XM & BMW iX, i4 Hybrids

Ford is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L RWD, 3.3L GAS, 3.3L FHEV, or 3.0L ST powertrain.  The previous powertrain control module (PCM) update completed under recall 22V-255 did not include the automatic electronic parking brake feature when the vehicle is shifted to

Fentanyl: A Growing Problem for the U.S. and Mexico

Fentanyl is causing headaches for governments on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border.

'Cloned Cola' - Counterfeit Coca-Cola Found in Mexico

Mexican officials broke up a clandestine manufacturing plant in Mexico City

Flood Insurance Rates Cresting at Highest Levels Ever in Some Areas

Hurricanes, rising sea levels, changing weather patterns put more homes at risk.

Rear-Seat Passengers at Risk in Small Cars, New Test Finds

New tests find "submarining" risk for passengers in late-model small cars.

Recent Recalls: Peloton Bikes, American Woodmark Cabinets, Blue Ridge Utility Knives

Peloton is recalling about two million model PL01 exercise bikes. The bike’s seat post assembly can break during use, posing fall and injury hazards to the user. This recall involves Peloton Bikes with model number PL01. The Peloton Bike measures 4 ft. long x 2 ft. wide, and has

Hispanic Women Face Higher Maternal Health Risks

Higher blood pressure risk is higher for Latinas, a special hazard during pregnancy.

Bank Fees on Closed Accounts? Not So Fast, CFPB Cautions

A closed account should be just that -- closed, not open to continuing fees and charges.

Recent Recalls: Walker Edison Bunk Beds, ODL Doorglass Inserts, Trick or Treat Boxes

Walker Edison twin over twin bunk beds are being recalled. The wooden slats supporting the bunk beds can break while in use, posing fall and impact hazards. This recall involves Walker Edison Furniture Twin Over Twin Bunk Beds. The wooden bunk beds were sold in various colors and finishes. All

Aspartame in Soft Drinks: Is It Safe?

Soft drinks, many sweetened with aspartame, are widely consumed. Are they safe?

Recent Recalls: 2023 Kia Models, Genesis GV60, Jeep Wrangler Hybrid

Kia is recalling certain 2023 Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, Sportage Plug-in Hybrid, Niro Hybrid, Niro Plug-in Hybrid, Soul, and Telluride vehicles equipped with a digital instrument cluster containing a 4.2" LCD screen.  The instrument cluster may fail to display any information when the vehicle is started.   Dealers will update the

'Plastic Rice' - Is It a Threat?

A stubborn rumor claims that artificial rice is being sold as the real thing but there is no evidence that the rumor is true.

Credit Card Debt Relief That Isn’t

Watch out for companies that claim to help you reduce or wipe out credit card debt

Recent Recalls: Gold Medal Flour, Children's White Robes, Sahara Food Dehydrators

General Mills voluntarily has issued a nationwide recall of 2-pound, 5-pound, and 10-pound bags of Gold Medal Bleached and Unbleached All-Purpose Flour with “Better if Used By” dates of March 27, 2024, and March 28, 2024. The recalled products include the following Package Universal Product Codes (UPC): Recalled Product Package

Facebook 'Repeatedly' Violated Privacy Order, Misled Parents, FTC Charges

Even after a $5 billion fine a few years ago, Facebook fails to protect privacy, FTC charges.

Recent Recalls: Ford Broncos, Rangers, Subaru Imprezes, Easter Bunny Necklaces

Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2023 Bronco and Ranger vehicles.  The lug nuts on the driver's side wheels may have been improperly tightened. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect, and if necessary, retighten the lug nuts, free of charge.

Clean Energy Loans Can Be a Trap for Homeowners

"Low-cost loans" may become a permanent part of your property tax payment.

Etsy Sellers Accused of Hiking Prices for 'Handmade' Items

Shoppers may be misled into paying a premium price for goods available much more cheaply on other sites.

Recent Recalls: Steamfast & Brookstone Irons, Screaming Plush Monkeys, Recon LT Avalanche Transceivers

Steamfast is recalling its Home & Away Travel Steam Irons and Brookstone is recalling its Steam Bug Travel Steam Irons. The power cord can become damaged near the cord bushing, which can lead to overheating of the cord, posing fire and burn hazards. In addition, cord damage near the bushing can

"Don't Say Latinx" - Florida Congresswoman's Bill

Latino or Latinx? Does it matter?

Poor Nutrition, Heavy Metals in Food Blamed for 'Alarming' Increase in Autism, ADHD

Children can't learn? Poor nutrition may be to blame.

Banned in Europe; Allowed in the Americas

Did you know that you consume chemicals banned in Europe but allowed in America?

Recent Recalls: BMW, Jeep, Ram

BMW is recalling certain 2023 X1 xDrive28i, X1 M35i vehicles.  On the second-row outboard seats, the seat belts may have been pinched by an interior trim panel during vehicle assembly. Dealers will inspect and adjust the interior trim panel, as necessary, free of charge.  Owner notification letters are expected to

Credit Crunch: Top 4 U.S. Lenders Hit by Rising Defaults

Banks are getting nervous as consumers fall behind on payments.

Recent Recalls: Rollerblade Fury Inline Skates, Lil Anglers Fishing Rods, Bagno Milano Children's Robes

Rollerblade Fury Inline Skates and Rollerblade Fury brake supports are being recalled.  The brake support for the rear brake of the inline skates can fracture or separate, which can reduce user stability, increasing the risk of a fall. This recall involves Rollerblade Fury Black/White and Fury G Black/Pink

When Is Butter Not Butter?

Courts ponder whether non-butter product is butter or, maybe, a spray.

Recent Recalls: Luxor A/V carts, Moen Flo Monitor, Arshiner Nightgowns

Luxor audiovisual (A/V) carts can become unstable when loaded with heavy objects, such as cathode-ray tube televisions (CRT TVs). When loaded with heavy objects such as CRT TVs, the recalled A/V carts pose a tip-over hazard to children, which can result in serious injury or death. Three children

Are High-Power EV Chargers Safe for Patients with Cardiac Devices?

German study finds no adverse results for patients with pacemakers charging electric cars.

Cross-Border Consumption of Products Between the United States and Mexico: What Should You Know?

Shopping in a foreign country isn't the same as buying something from the store on the corner.

Pirated Honey a Global Problem

Honey from China has a high incidence of adulteration, tests find.

Recent Recalls: Tesla X, Range Rover, Honda Rebel

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model X vehicles equipped with a full self-driving computer 4.0 and running software release version 2023.2.200.  Weak camera signal strength may prevent the rearview image from displaying.  As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor

FTC Warns Hundreds of Advertisers to Play It Straight

Enough already. The FTC warns companies their ads must be truthful.

Recent Recalls: Kia Soul, Range Rover PHEV, Honda CR-V

Kia is recalling certain 2015-2019 Soul EV vehicles equipped with an E400 battery.  The high-voltage battery pack may experience an electrical short-circuit while driving. Dealers will update the battery management system software, free of charge. The new software will illuminate the EV warning light, limit charging capacity, and reduce vehicle

Feds Seek Massive $3 Billion Penalty Against CreditRepair.com

The firm is accused of using "bait advertising" to lure customers.

Bogus Charity Railroaded East Palestine Donors, Ohio Charges

Donations meant for train wreck victims fled with bogus charity's founder, state alleges

Recent Recalls: VW ID4, Taos, Atlas

Volkswagen is recalling certain 2023 ID4 vehicles.  The affected vehicles may have been manufactured with door handles that allow water to enter the circuit board assembly, which can cause the door to open unexpectedly when the vehicle is subject to high lateral forces at speeds below 9 mph/15 kmh.

E-Bikes Dangerous At Any Speed

Especially in dense urban settings, e-bikes are a growing fire hazard.

Recent Recalls: Genesis G90, BMW & Audi Models

Hyundai is recalling certain 2023 Genesis G90 vehicles.  In the event of a crash, the front driver-side, passenger-side, and rear seat belt pretensioners may explode upon deployment. Dealers will secure the seat belt pretensioners with a cap, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 23,

US, Canada Sending Growing Wave of Migrants to Mexico

Why has Mexico become an attractive destination for U.S. and Canadian migrants?

Crypto, Fintech Firms Must Stop Using FDIC Logo: Consumer Groups

Consumers may be misled into thinking their money is insured when in fact it is not.

Sugar & Salt - Hazardous to Your Health

Sugar and salt are a deadly combination and researchers say everyone should eat less of them.

Recent Recalls: IKEA Fishing Games, Monti Kids Baskets, BISSELL Cordless Vacuum

IKEA is recalling BLAVINGAD fishing games. A small metal rivet within a wooden play piece can come loose and detach, posing a choking hazard to young children. The article name (“BLÅVINGAD”), article number “10539622,” supplier number “21576,” and “Made in China” are located on the back of the blue box.

Realtor Commissions Challenged in Class Action

The plaintiffs would like to see commissions drop to 3%-4% instead of the current 5%-6%

VW Warns: Avoid Front Passenger Seat in Atlas SUVs

The front passenger seat airbag may not deploy in a crash.

Consumers Reining in Travel, Entertainment Spending

Consumers splurged when the pandemic ended but that trend doesn't look like it has legs.

Recent Recalls: Honda SUVs, Vans; Nissan QX; Jeep Wrangler

Honda is recalling certain 2020-2021 Pilot and Ridgeline, and 2020-2022 Passport and Odyssey vehicles.  The heating pads behind both side-view mirrors may not be bonded properly, allowing the mirror glass to detach.   Dealers will replace both left and right side-view mirrors, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to

Recent Recalls: The Laundress Fabric Conditioner, 2-in-1 Kids Swings, Amazon Adult Bike Helmets

Several versions of The Laundress Fabric Conditioner products are being recalled. A complete list is available at www.TheLaundressRecall.com. The fabric conditioners can contain a chemical impurity, ethylene oxide, a carcinogen that can cause adverse health effects if there is significant and direct long-term exposure. All recalled products have

Jetson Rogue e-Bikes Recalled Because of Fire Hazard

Two sisters died in a Pennsylvania fire linked to the self-balancing scooters.

Lawsuit Challenges Minute Maid Juice Box Health Claims

Coca-Cola Co. is accused of misleading consumers who are looking for a healthful beverage.

FDA Approves Narcan Nasal Spray to Treat Opioid Overdoses

The naloxone spray reverses the effects of opioid overdoses.

Carbon Monoxide Deaths Increasing

Portable generators and heating systems are to blame for many of the deaths.

Recent Recalls: Ford Lightning

Ford is recalling certain 2023 F-150 Lightning pickup trucks.  The high-voltage battery pack may experience an electrical short-circuit when the battery is fully charged or near fully charged. Dealers will replace the high-voltage battery pack, free of charge.  Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 27, 2023.  Owners

Safest Places to Live Are in the Southwest

Fewer floods, earthquakes, storms in the Southwest make it the safest area, study finds.

Extended Auto Warranty Scam Squashed

Scammers fined, barred from telemarketing and warranty sales.

Click-to-Cancel Proposal Would Make It Easier to Escape Self-Renewing Subscriptions

Tired of that razor blade subscription? It may soon be easier to cancel it.

Hyundai, Kia Recall 570,000 Vehicles, Ask Owners to Park Them Outside

Hyundai and Kia are recalling 570,000 vehicles because an electrical short could develop and start a fire. Owners should park the cars outside, away from buildings or anything flammable, the companies said. The affected vehicles are model years 2022-2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz, 2019-2023 Hyundai Santa Fe, 2021-2023 Santa Fe

Recent Recalls: Ford F-150, F-53, F-59, Bronco

Ford is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles.  The windshield wiper arms may break, causing the windshield wipers to fail. Dealers will inspect and replace the wiper arms, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 27, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at

Debt Collector Portfolio Recovery Associates Ordered to Pay $24 Million

One of the nation's largest debt collectors violated a 2015 order.

Recent Recalls: Ford Bronco Raptor, Honda Models, Ford Fusion

Ford is recalling certain 2023 Bronco Wildtrak and 2022 Bronco Raptor vehicles.  Internal damage to the steering gear may require increased steering effort or cause the steering wheel to lock-up. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. Dealers will replace the steering gear, free

Hispanics Living in the U.S. Face Elevated Cancer Risk

Latinos have higher incidence of risk factors like type 2 diabetes and obesity.

California Planning Crackdown on 'Fintech' Payday, EWA Lenders

EWA loans let workers get at wages before payday rolls around, but the money comes at a cost.

'Poor Decision' by Kia, Hyundai Made Their Cars Too Theft-Prone, State AGs Say

Consumers are paying the price for the manufacturer's cost-cutting, the states allege

FCC Acts to Block Robotext Scams

New federal rules will require wireless providers to block texts from numbers likely to be spoofed or hijacked.

Marijuana Health Claims on Social Media May Be Harmful

Marijuana companies use social media to push unfounded health claims, research finds

Recent Recalls: Sunbeam Heated Blankets, Fredericksburg Farm Candles, Pfizer Nurtec Drugs

Sunbeam is recalling about 60,000 queen sized heated blankets sold in the U.S. and Canada. They can overheat, posing fire and burn hazards. his recall involves the Sunbeam Queen Size Heated Blanket, model number 32810027. The blankets were sold with detachable controllers and in the following colors: beige,

Luxury Gas Hogs Face Steeper Price for Premium Gas

It might be time to take another look at electric cars - premium gas prices are rising sharply.

Recent Recalls: Mockingbird Strollers, IKEA LETTAN Mirrors, STIHL Docking Stations

Mockingbird Single Strollers are being recalled because of reports of cracks in the frame. Mockingbird Strollers are made of aluminum and are black or silver in color. The seats are black, and the canopies are available in black, light blue, dark blue, pink and light green. The recall expansion includes

'Junk Fees' Drive Up Already-High Rent Costs, Study Finds

One landlord even charged renters a "January fee" - whatever that is.

Fraud Surging on Social Media, FTC Warns; Opens Investigation

Social media a "gold mine for scammers who tout sham products," FTC charges

Mediterranean Diet Good for Brain Health, Study Finds

Seafood, fruit, nuts are good for brain health as well as overall health, researchers say

Epic Games Sanctioned for Using 'Dark Patterns' in Fortnite

FTC orders Epic to pay $245 million to reimburse consumers fooled by tricky menus.

Who Should & Who Shouldn't Have a Home Warranty?

Do you really need a home warranty? For many consumers, the answer is "probably not."

How Credit Cards Get Cloned Without You Realizing It

When you are at an ATM don't let anyone get close to you.

Recent Recalls: YETI Coolers, Monoprice Cookers, Ford, Lincoln Trucks, SUVs

YETI Coolers, Monoprice Cookers, Ford, Lincoln Trucks, SUVs being recalled

When Is A “Safe Investment” Not So Safe?

Risky bank business - take a careful look before depositing large sums.

Recent Recalls: Bedsure Heating Blankets, Calico Critters, Bravely Bamboo Nursing Hoodies

Bedsure Electric Heating Blankets and Pads are being recalled. The controller for the electric heating blankets and pads can malfunction, posing fire and thermal burn hazards. This recall involves Bedsure electric heating blankets models in throw, twin and full sizes made of flannel and/or sherpa in the following sizes:

Scalding Tap Water - Dangerous but Easy to Avoid

Scalding tap water remains a serious public health hazard. A $30 fitting can prevent it.

Recent Recalls: Anker Power Banks, Adult Bed Rails, Baby Crib Bumpers

Anker 535 Mobile Power Banks (PowerCore 20k) with model number A1366 are being recalled. It can be used to charge multiple devices from laptops, tablets or phones with a 30W maximum output. The mobile power bank comes with two USB cables and in a variety of colors. The power bank

Recent Recalls: Purely Soothing & Apotex Eye Drops, Tesla Model Y

Pharmedica USA LLC is recalling two lots of Purely Soothing, 15% MSM eye drops because the product may not be sterile. Use of contaminated eye drops can result in the risk of eye infections that could cause blindness. The eye drops were distributed worldwide via Amazon Marketplace and other outlets.

Feds Go Looking for Junk Fees, Find Plenty Lurking in Loans

"Junk fees creeping across the economy," new report finds.

Recent Recalls: Mercedes Vans & Toyota Tundras

Two versions of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van and recent Toyota Tundra models are being recalled.

Mexico Prohibits Shaking Down Customers as They Leave Stores; What About the U.S.?

in Mexico, it is illegal for stores to force consumers to show their receipts as they leave. What about the U.S.?

Recent Recalls: Nissan Rogue, Infiniti QX60, Dodge Durango

Recent recalls include Nissan Rogue, Infiniti QX60 and Dodge Durango vehicles.

Heat Pumps Save Energy but Often Get a Chilly Reception

Heat pumps work well and save energy but switching from natural gas can be a chore.

Cars Underwater! $1,000 Payments Grow

Cars do more to keep us poor than just about anything. Right now, the $1,000 car payment is a spreading curse.

Recent Recalls: TJX Office Chairs, Helly Hansen Sweatshirts, Primark Children's Plates

TJX is recalling about 82,000 office chairs. The back of the chair can break or detach from the seat base when a consumer is seated in the chair, posing a fall hazard. Contact info: TJX toll-free at 888-359-4763 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT Monday through

BetterHelp Ordered to Pay $7.8 Million for Revealing Consumers' Mental Health Data

BetterHelp promised to keep clients' data confidentail but shared it with social media, FTC charges.

Keto, Paleo Diets Score Low on Nutrition, High on Carbon Emissions

Keto, Paleo diets bad for humans and the earth, study finds. Vegan and pescatarian score highest.

Eli Lilly Cutting Price of Insulin Drugs Humalog and Humulin

Insulin prices spiked in the 2010s, sparking criticism from lawmakers and consumer advocates.

Instacart Intros Delivery Service for Small Businesses

Instacart Business targets small businesses that now buy their supplies locally and online.

New York Nursing Home Fined $7 Million for 'Worthless Services' Provided to Patients

Patients were neglected and Medicaid was billed for "worthless services," prosecutors alleged.

FDA Approves New Treatment for Macular Degeneration

A new drug offers hope to the one million Americans afflicted by macular degeneration.

Recent Recalls: Genesis, Ford, BMW Models

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Genesis GV80, 2021-2023 Genesis G80, 2022-2023 Genesis GV70, and 2023 Genesis GV60 vehicles.  In the event of a crash, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioners may explode upon deployment. Dealers will secure the seat belt pretensioners with a cap,

For-Profit Hospice Care 'Substantially' Worse Than Non-Profit - RAND Study

RAND study finds for-profit hospice care worse than that provided by non-profits.

Popular Sweetener Erythritol Raises Heart Attack, Stroke Risk, Study Finds

Erythritol is a popular sugar substitute but a Cleveland Clinic study finds it's associated with heart attack and stroke.

Feds Shut Down Majestic Home Loans For Military Lending Violations

Majestic Home Lending has been barred from making mortgage loans by federal consumer protection officials.

Recent Recalls: Cosori Air Fryer; SmartBase Bed Frames; HomeGoods Book Cases

Recent recalls include Cosori air fryers, SmartBase bed frames and HomeGoods book cases.

Who Should Write Your Eulogy?

Delivering a eulogy is a great honor. It's important to choose the best person for the task.

TitleMax Fined $10 Million for Overcharging Military Families

TitleMax fined $10 million for "predatory lending to military families" and others.

Recent Recalls: LumaRail Bed Rails; Jack-O-Lantern Candles; Lancaster High Chairs

Recent recalls include bed rails, Halloween candles and high chairs.

Consumers Lost $8.8 Billion to Fraud Last Year

Investment fraud topped the list of scams reported to the feds in 2022.

Daily Marijuana Use Linked to Heart Disease

People who use marijuana daily have a higher risk of heart disease, a major new study finds.

Amazon Buys One Medical Primary Care Clinics

Amazon buys national chain of healthcare clinics, will offer subscriptions for $144 per year

Recent Recalls: Ford Vehicles

F-150, Mustang, Explorer, Bronco, Lincoln Aviator Ford is recalling certain 2022-2023 F-150, Mustang, Explorer, Bronco, and 2023 Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions.  The transmission may contain a loose bolt which could prevent the transmission from engaging the park gear, although the gear shifter position may indicate that the

Wearable Health Monitors May Be Risky for Some Patients

Watches, smartphones, other wearable health monitors may interfere with pacemakers and other essential devices, study finds.

All-Clad Lawsuit Nears an End

All-Clad Metalcrafters cookware is said to last nearly forever, which is roughly how long a class-action lawsuit has been working its way through the courts. A federal court judge in Pennsylvania has finally signed off on a $6.5 million settlement agreement. The lawsuit charged that the company's cookware can

Study Links Modest Amounts of Alcohol to Alzheimer's

The notion that "light" drinking may not be harmful – and may even be beneficial – is taking a beating lately, as large studies find evidence that alcohol is instead linked to cancer and death. Now a study finds a link to Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia. Scientists at

Recent Recalls: Dodge Ram Trucks, Subaru Solterra, Ford Explorer

Chrysler is recalling certain 2021-2023 Ram 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, and 4500, 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles equipped with a Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engine.  An electrical short may occur in the heater grid relay with the ignition on or off. Owners are advised to park outside and away

New Energy Standards for Refrigerators, Washing Machines

There's nothing very exciting about appliances and it's easy to forget about them, but they can take a big chunk out of consumers' utility bills, running up electricity and water charges every month and, sometimes, emitting greenhouses gases that contribute to global warming. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

Tesla Not the Only Automaker to Overpromise Self-Drive Capability, IIHS Warns

Tesla isn't the only automaker that overpromises the abilities of its self-driving system, insurance institute warns.

Vampire Expenses: How to Detect and Control Them

In managing our personal finances, it is important to pay attention to all the expenses we make, not just the ones we have planned. Many times, there are disbursements that go unnoticed and end up affecting our budget significantly. It is in this context that the so-called "vampire expenses" arise.

CBD May Help Smokers Kick the Habit

CBD may not do everything its boosters claim but researcher have found that it just might help smokers quit. A team led by Washington State University researchers tested the effects of CBD, the non-psychoactive component of cannabis, on human liver tissue and cell samples and found that it inhibited a

OTC Naloxone Could Reduce Drug Overdose Deaths

There are widely available drugs and devices to help consumers who suffer a heart attack, allergic reaction or other health emergency but well-known and effective antidotes for drug overdoses are often locked up behind pharmacy counters. It may be time to change that. In a paper published in The American

Tesla Recalls Thousands of Cars

Tesla is issuing a massive recall for hundreds of thousands of its cars, conceding that its automated Full Self-Driving Beta system can increase the risk of a crash. The company has previously disputed complaints about the system, insisting it is safe when used as intended but in its filing with

Recent Recalls: Disney Figurines, Outdoor Kitchens, Kids' Nightgowns

“My First” Disney-Character Figurines                                                             The arms or legs on the figurines can detach, posing a small part choking hazard to children. Consumers should immediately take the recalled toys away from children and contact Kids Preferred for instructions on receiving a full refund.  Consumers who register for the recall will receive

Supplement Maker Charged with Hijacking Amazon Ratings

The Federal Trade Commission today filed its first "review hijacking" case, accusing The Bountiful Company of deceiving consumers by appropriating reviews and ratings from other products. Bountiful carried out its deception by merging its new supplement products on Amazon with different well-established products that had more ratings, reviews, and badges,

FDA Proposing New Definition of 'Healthy' in Food Labeling

"Healthy' is one of those words like "natural." It means something but the meaning is so broad as to be nearly meaningless. This leaves food manufacturers free to label their food as healthy without providing much in the way of proof. The Food and Drug Administration hopes to change that

Study Decries 'Dry Scooping' Protein Powder

Social media has brought society many things besides cute cat photos and disinformation. One trend just starting to emerge from the shadows is "dry scooping" – the practice of wolfing down protein powder without mixing it with liquid. It's a practice most popular among young men and adolescent males, many of

CashCall Ordered to Pay $167 Million in High-Interest Loan Case

A federal judge has ordered the high-cost consumer lender CashCall to pay $167 million in connection with unjust gains from small-dollar loans in a case brought by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) in December 2013. U.S. District Judge John Walter ruled that CashCall must pay $134 million in

New Cars' Safety Gadgets Complicate Repairs

The crash avoidance features common on new cars have proven safety benefits but a study finds they can also run up big repair bills and can sometimes cause problems after they've been repaired. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety surveyed owners of vehicles equipped with front crash prevention, blind spot

Dark Chocolate Better for You? Not Always

Dark chocolate gets good press. Most consumers think it's healthier than milk chocolate. The USDA credits it with providing lots of iron and not much sugar. But is there a dark side to dark chocolate? There is, and it has to do with cadmium and lead – two heavy metals that

Scoot Over, Amazon - Shein is Moving In

Walmart and Target have tried to take over the online shopping space from Amazon but haven't made too much of a dent. But a new challenger is on the scene – Shein, a Chinese fashion retailer whose app is said to be the most-downloaded on earth. Shein has already made a

MoneyGram Refunding $115 Million In Scam Funds Crackdown

MoneyGram is paying the price for failing to stop scammers from exploiting its system. It is sending more than $115 million in refunds to consumers nationwide. The refunds are a result of a 2018 action the Federal Trade Commission and the U.S. Department of Justice brought against MoneyGram, charging

Recent Recalls: Baby Bags, Garage Doors, Silver Lining Baby Gyms

There is a constant stream of safety recalls, some more urgent than others but all important. Here are a few of the more recent ones: Baby Sleep Sacks The problem is that the zipper can detach from the sleep sack, posing a choking hazard. Consumers should immediately stop using, take

The Lies Romance Scammers Tell

They're not little white lies. The lies that romance scammers tell their victims are big, ugly and expensive. The Federal Trade Commission estimates that in 2022 alone, 70,000 consumers lost $1.3 billion to romance scammers. The FTC extracted those estimates from their new data spotlight, which found that

Google, iHeartMedia Aired Deceptive Radio Ads

Google and iHeartMedia, which owns radio stations across the country, have settled charges that they aired deceptive radio ads touting Google's Pixel 4 smartphone. Besides the settlement with the Federal Trade Commission, the companies will pay about $9.4 million in penalties to states, including Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts,

Consumers Die While Recall Process Plods Along: Report

Safety recalls are intended to alert consumers to dangerous products and give them a clear pathway to replacing or modifying the defective product. But a new report from U.S. PIRG finds the process drags along so slowly that consumers continue to be injured and even killed before the recalls

FDA Punts to Congress on CBD Regulation

Most medical authorities agree that not too much is known about the benefits and risks of CBD, a chemical found in marijuana. Supplement pushers and hemp farmers have been pressing for regulation – legalization in other words – but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been resisting. CBD isn't

Puppy Loan Bank's Rating Downgraded by FDIC

A bank heavily criticized for making predatory loans to consumers buying puppies has been brought to heel by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), which said it has downgraded the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) performance rating of Transportation Alliance Bank (TAB Bank) to “needs to improve,” a low rating that

Feds Moving Against Pay-to-Play Mortgage Info Sites

Comparing mortgage interest rates is essential for would-be homeowners but it can be difficult to get good information because of all the pay-to-play web sites that disguise themselves as objective sources of information. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) would like to put an end to that practice and has

Amazon's Growth Was 'Nearly Flat' in 2022, a First

Trying to keep track of Amazon's many ventures is like trying to count pollen in springtime but one simple fact emerged as 2022 drew to a close: the company's growth was nearly flat for the year. That's a first for the giant online retailer, which has shown consistent growth in

ZyCal Barred From Claiming It Can Grow New Bone

The makers of ZyCal, a supplement that supposedly relieves joint pain by growing new bone have agreed to stop making that claim, as part of a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission. The FTC today announced an order settling a 2020 federal lawsuit against ZyCal Bioceuticals Healthcare Company, Inc., which

Honey Smacks Maker Fined $19 Million for Unsanitary Practices

One of the companies that manufactures Kellog's Honey Smacks cereal faces a $19 million dollar fine, the largest criminal penalty ever imposed in a food safety case, the U.S. Justice Department announced Friday. Food and ingredient manufacturing company Kerry Inc. pleaded guilty to a charge that it manufactured breakfast

Kids' Robes Sold on Amazon Recalled for Fire Danger

Children's clothing sold exclusively on Amazon is being recalled because it fails to meet flammability standards for children’s sleepwear, posing a risk of burn injuries, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Consumers should immediately take the recalled robes away from children, stop using and destroy

Feds Set New Safety Standards for Gas Cans

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is requiring new flame mitigation devices on gas cans and other fuel containers in an effort to make them safer. Each year, thousands of people go to emergency departments with burn injuries related to flammable liquids, CPSC said. Many burn incidents involve

Toyota Sienna Seat Belt Reminders Get Top Marks

Seat belt reminders can be annoying but they can also be life-savers, especially when you're transporting children who may ignore adult instructions to buckle up, so you might think that family-oriented minivans would put some extra care into them. But apparently not. In recent tests, the 2023 Toyota Sienna was

What If ChatGPT Wrote Consumer Protection Stories?

ChatGPT has been getting a lot of attention lately, as people use it for everything from writing code to poetry. It and other artificial intelligence programs are also being used to write news stories, especially those that rely on an easily defined set of facts, like sports recaps. We wanted

Roomster Faces Lawsuit Alleging Fake Listings, Phony Reviews

Roomster is a popular website that matches up potential roommates. It's heavily used by lower-income consumers and students looking for an affordable living arrangement. But a lawsuit charges that many of the listings and reviews are fraudulent. The lawsuit was filed by six states and the Federal Trade Commission last

Feds Target Excessive Credit Card Late Fees

A decade ago, Coongress banned excessive credit card late fees. Today, Americans aare paying about $12 billion a year for being late with their payments. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) wants to change that. The agency is proposing a rule that would ensure that over-the-top late fees are illegal,

Finding the Next Job - the One That’s Just Right For You

Tech workers being laid off, quiet quitters quietly quitting, companies trying to slim down, it all makes for a tricky time to managing a career. Whether you’re looking for a job or thinking about jumping ship, there’s a lot to consider. The latest career development course from CECNA

GoodRx Slapped for Sharing Consumers' Sensitive Health Data

GoodRx gets high marks for its low prescription drug prices but those low prices come at a cost, the Federal Trade Commission charges. The agency says GoodRx has been selling its customers' sensitive health information to Facebook, Google and other third-party advertisers and it's proposing a $1.5 million penalty.

Children Using Cosmetics that Contain Toxins

It's common for children to use glitter, face paint, lip gloss and other products, as a new study by scientists at Columbia University and Earthjustice confirms. The study found that 79 percent of parents say their children 12 or younger use such products. The problem with that is that those

Vaping May Be More Harmful than Cigarette Smoking

Many consumers turn to vaping because they think that e-cigarettes are safer than traditional cigarettes. But a new study finds that vapers have greater lung inflammation than cigarette smokers and non-smokers. The study, published online in The Journal of Nuclear Medicine, is the first to provide evidence that vaping e-liquids

Black, Hispanic Hairdressers Exposed to "Concerning' Chemicals

A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers finds that Black and Hispanic women are being highly exposed to a "complex mix of chemicals" that could have serious health impacts. “We know women are more highly exposed to chemicals in personal care products and we also know women of color have

FDA Wants to Get Lead Out of Baby Food

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing a new program intended to reduce lead levels in food for infants and children under two.

HomeAdvisor - alias Angie's List - Faces $7 Million Penalty

It’s been said that you can only sell your credibility one time. If that’s true, HomeAdvisor, Inc., may find it more difficult to get new clients. The clients in this case are not consumers but the contractors and handymen who pay the company to provide them with lists

Insulin Makers Sued by California for Driving Up Prices

California is suing drugmakers and pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs), accusing them of colluding to drive up the cost of insulin, the life-saving drug that millions of diabetics rely on but which is so expensive that many consumers struggle to afford it, even those covered by health plans. Similar suits were

Useful tips for sending or receiving remittances from the U.S. to Mexico

Foreign remittances ease the economic burden of many Mexican households Spanish version The United States is a popular destination for immigrants from Mexico and Central America, so it is only logical that Mexico is one of the countries that receives the most remittances from abroad and most especially from its

New Local Laws Require Gun Owners to Have Insurance

Amidst all the mass shootings in the United States, it was perhaps the shooting of an elementary school teacher by a six-year-old student that proved Americans can still be shocked by gun violence. News of the shooting in Newport News, Va., was short on details, given the age of the

Credit Acceptance Corp. Tricked Customers into High-Cost Used Car Loans, Feds Charge

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and the New York State Office of the Attorney General have sued auto lender Credit Acceptance Corporation for allegedly misrepresenting the cost of credit and tricking its customers into high-cost loans on used cars, charging that the car-buying experience turns into a nightmare for

UniTeller Hit for Money Transfer Problems

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has issued an order against Servicio UniTeller, an international remittance company, for multiple violations of the requirements governing electronic money transfers, including failing to refund customers after the company made money transfer errors. The CFPB found Servicio UniTeller failed to comply with many Electronic

How Airbnb Can Hurt Both Businesses and Consumers

Airbnb has landed with force just about everywhere Airbnb has been a popular platform for travelers and those looking for a cheaper lodging option. However, there are certain risks that need to be considered by both consumers and businesses. There are safety concerns for consumers when using Airbnb. Although the

Get Out of January Without Going into Debt

Simple tips to get out of January’s slope The beginning of the year can be a difficult time for everyone. Not only is it a time to start fresh and make resolutions we may not be able to keep, but it’s also a time when your bank account

Lack of Transparency a Major Cause of Loss of Consumer Confidence

The advertising saturation of social networks can lead to consumer mistrust Spanish version The loss of consumer trust in social media advertising is a phenomenon that has become increasingly important in recent years. As social media advertising has become increasingly prevalent, some consumers have lost confidence in the truthfulness and

Consumer Views on Alternative Proteins: Trends and Challenges

Grains and seeds are some of the sources from which alternative proteins can be obtained. Spanish version The modern consumer is increasingly aware of the importance of healthy and sustainable eating. This has led to an increase in demand for alternative proteins, such as those obtained from plants or microorganisms,

Wells Fargo to Pay $3.7 Billion for Mismanaging Loans

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is ordering Wells Fargo Bank to pay more than $2 billion in redress to consumers and a $1.7 billion civil penalty for legal violations across several of its largest product lines. The bank’s illegal conduct led to billions of dollars in financial

Fortnite Game Publisher Hit With Half-Billion Dollar Penalty

The Federal Trade Commission has secured agreements requiring Epic Games, Inc., creator of the popular video game Fortnite, to pay a total of $520 million in relief over allegations the company violated the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and deployed design tricks, known as “dark patterns,” to dupe

Brand Image: Do Consumers Buy It?

Companies put a lot of time, effort and money into their brand image, but do consumers agree with what companies think of themselves? There are brands that do not know how they are seen by consumers. The image consumers have of a brand can be very different from the image

When Do Consumers Prioritize Price?

There are several reasons why consumers prioritize price. First, the most obvious reason is that they may not have enough money to buy the product in question. If you’re on a tight budget and need something, but it’s out of your financial reach, you’d probably rather pay

Rogue Christmas Lights May Be Under (and on) Your Tree This Year

A British consumer protection group says that Christmas lights bought from online marketplaces are being sold illegally and in some cases putting users at risk of electric shocks or fires. The consumer group called Which? tested Christmas tree lights at the cheaper end of the price range bought from online

Top 5 Mistakes We Make With Our Money and How to Avoid Them

There are habits that can affect us financially Spanish version We’ve all made mistakes with our money. Sometimes we know it, and sometimes we don’t even see it coming until it’s too late. But the only way to learn from our mistakes is to admit them, and

Forget Tennis - Pickleball Is Packing the Courts

It’s not exactly the U.S. Open but something called pickleball is bringing Americans onto the court, paddles in hand and shoulders warmed up to slam a match-winning serve. Pickleball, which might be called slow tennis, has been around for years but has gone viral recently, especially among retirees.

Titanium Makes Food Nice and White but Is it Safe?

What is it that makes your coffee creamer so nice and white? It’s a metal element called titanium and it is used as a food additive to whiten up everything from baked goods to chewing gum. But the Center for Science in the Public Interest says it may also

5 Consumer Trends that Will Prevail in 2023

Consumer trends for 2023 will not follow the rules of the past. Spanish version Consumer trends are changing. Not only digital natives are making changes, but everyone. That also means that the old rules no longer apply to today’s consumers. The first thing to keep in mind is that

Excessive Consumption of Prilosec Can Be Harmful, Specialists Warn

Spanish version Since its introduction in 1980, omeprazole – known commercially as Prilosec among other brand names – has been widely used to treat heartburn, also known as, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and erosive esophagitis. Omeprazole is generally well tolerated, with the most common side effects being headache, dizziness and diarrhea. But

Consumer Alert: How to Avoid New QR Code Scams that Steal Money from Consumers?

Spanish version QR codes, short for Quick Response codes, are a form of barcode that can be scanned with a smartphone or other device to access information. They are often used in advertising and marketing campaigns. However, Profeco, the consumer protection agency of Mexico, has warned about a new type

Mexico Accuses Facebook of Not Doing Enough to Stop Fraud

Spanish version The top Mexican consumer protection agency is accusing Facebook of not doing enough to stop fraud on its platform. The Federal Consumer Prosecutor’s Office (Profeco) says Facebook hasn’t done enough to stop fraudulent travel offers that abound on its site. The agency also said it had

Beware of Sales, Including Black Friday

Shoppers love sales, especially the annual Black Friday blow-outs. But are they really what they seem? Despite all the advertising, hype and hoopla, evidence suggests consumers should take a careful look before whipping out their credit cards. A recent study by the British consumer organization Which? found that only one

Tax Filing Websites Have Been Sending Users’ Financial Information to Facebook

The Markup found services including TaxAct, TaxSlayer, and H&R Block sending sensitive data By: Simon Fondrie-Teitler, Angie Waller, and Colin Lecher Major tax filing services such as H&R Block, TaxAct, and TaxSlayer have been quietly transmitting sensitive financial information to Facebook when Americans file their taxes online, The

Older Adults Lost $90 Million in Timeshare Exit Scam, Feds Charge

The U.S. Department of Justice is suing Consumer Law Protection, a company that claims it can help consumers get out of timeshare contracts. “The defendants used scare tactics and high-pressure sales pitches to coerce seniors into forking over thousands of dollars for timeshare exit services they didn’t deliver,

So, You Think You Can’t Afford a Home?

Priced out of homeownership but tired of renting? The rent-to-buy hybrid is getting a new lease on life. Had a look at housing prices lately? Yes, we’ve seen the news headlines announcing a drop in housing prices, but they’re still historically high: on average $348,079 in the

Follow These Tips to Avoid Being Abused on Black Friday

Spanish version Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving, which marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season. On this day, stores offer deep discounts on products to attract customers. The name comes from the activities that stores and stores deploy by opening their operations at midnight on the Thursday

Consumer Complaint? Take It to the Top

By Ted David Guest Column All too often, we call a bank or merchant or retailer, even a medical laboratory, and we end up being told “due to higher than normal call volumes” it will take hours to talk to somebody. In other cases, there seems to be nobody in

FDA Oversight of PFAS 'Forever Chemicals' in Food Packaging Essential, Report Finds

A study by the Government Accountability Office finds that better oversight of so-called forever chemicals in good packaging and production is needed but says manufacturers are not currently required to provide the Food and Drug Administration with information about such additives. U.S. Reps. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) and Chellie Pingree

How to Create a Home Gym Without Breaking the Bank

By Leslie D. Shuffleton Guest Column Since the Covid lockdowns, it isn’t just the work from home concept that has taken root. The workout from home concept has exploded in popularity, too.  Covid changed our ideas about fitness and self-care:  gaining a few pounds during those lockdown periods drove

Should Big Tech Control the Car Industry?

“Mobile Operating System” may take on new meaning Not too long ago, the Big Three meant Chrysler, Ford and General Motors. Now it means Amazon, Apple and Google, and consumer advocates say the auto industry may be the next big expansion area for Big Tech, with serious consequences for car

Sí, puedes hacer algo contra el cambio climático

A medida que la COP27 se pone en marcha en Egipto, es hora de hacer algo más que hablar del tiempo. En cuanto al clima, 2022 ya es un año para recordar. Ian, el huracán más mortífero que ha azotado Florida desde 1935 (que también ha devastado Venezuela, las Islas

Yes, You CAN Do Something About Climate Change

It’s time to do more than just talk about the weather Weather-wise, 2022 is already a year to remember. Ian – the deadliest hurricane to hit Florida since 1935 (also devastating Venezuela, the Cayman Islands, and Jamaica); record-breaking heat waves throughout Europe (topping 100°F in cities such as under-air-conditioned

Mexican Consumer Agency Studies Chocolate Brands

Spanish Version All chocolate is not the same. Some chocolate brands contain more vegetable fats than cocoa, for one thing. The Federal Consumer Protection Agency (PROFECO) of Mexico decided to take a closer look at popular brands of chocolate and has now released the results of a laboratory analysis of

Vonage se ve obligado a reembolsar 100 millones de dólares a sus clientes

Vonage es lo que antes se conocía como un proveedor de VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), es decir, una compañía de telefonía por Internet. Al utilizar Internet en lugar de las conexiones telefónicas tradicionales, los proveedores de VoIP suelen ofrecer un servicio más barato que sus competidores. Pero los consumidores

Federales: Una red de conspiradores de convertidores catalíticos es detenida en todo el país

Las fuerzas del orden federales, estatales y locales de todos los Estados Unidos han llevado a cabo hoy una operación coordinada a escala nacional de los líderes y asociados de una red nacional de ladrones, distribuidores y procesadores por su participación en conspiraciones relacionadas con convertidores catalíticos robados vendidos a

Feds: Nationwide Takedown Nabs Network of Catalytic Converter Conspirators

Federal, state, and local law enforcement partners from across the United States executed a nationwide, coordinated takedown today of leaders and associates of a national network of thieves, dealers, and processors for their roles in conspiracies involving stolen catalytic converters sold to a metal refinery for tens of millions of

Vonage on the Hook for $100 Million in Refunds to Customers

Vonage is what used to be known as a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) provider — an internet telephone company, in other words. Using the internet instead of traditional telephone connections, VOIP providers can often offer lower-priced service than their competitors. But consumers have complained that their Vonage service is often

LOS FUNERALES DE GOFUNDME NO SIEMPRE SON LA SOLUCIÓN

Los funerales solían ser un asunto familiar, pero con el aumento del precio de un funeral completo y las finanzas de muchos consumidores estancadas en un punto muerto, se está llegando a un punto en el que muchas familias tienen dificultades para conseguir el dinero para financiar un funeral cuando

GoFundMe Funerals Not Always the Answer

Funerals used to be a family affair but with the price of a full-scale funeral rising and the finances of many consumers stuck in neutral, it’s getting so that many families have a hard time coming up with the money to finance a funeral when a loved one dies.

¿QUIERES HACER TUS OPERACIONES BANCARIAS EN WALMART?

¿Quiere hacer sus operaciones bancarias en Walmart? Puede que pronto sea posible. La mega cadena minorista está trabajando para ofrecer cuentas corrientes y otros servicios financieros a sus empleados y clientes. Decenas de millones de estadounidenses no están bancarizados, es decir, no tienen una cuenta corriente u otra cuenta bancaria.

¿NECESITA DINERO RÁPIDO? BUSQUE ALTERNATIVAS A LOS PRÉSTAMOS DE DÍA DE PAGO

Todo el mundo se encuentra de vez en cuando con falta de dinero en efectivo, y puede ser difícil pensar en formas de conseguir suficiente dinero para pasar una mala racha. Es entonces cuando mucha gente recurre a los préstamos de día de pago, el equivalente moderno a pedir prestado

No Surprise: Consumers Would Like Energy Efficient Appliances

When’s the last time you read a story about appliances? Although appliances trail only homes and cars as typical large investments, they don’t get much attention from media outlets. Consumer review sites have plenty of complaints about appliances not lasting as long as everyone seems to think they

Don't Be THAT Tourist!

Tourists are becoming a menace. Don’t be one of them. Tourism brings in money, jobs, construction…good things for the life of a country or city or village, right? Think of some of the good stuff riding on tourist coattails: * extra tax revenues from accommodation and restaurant taxes, airport

Red 3 Is Trick, Not Treat, Scientists Say

The dye known as Red 3 is illegal in cosmetics. It’s known to cause cancer. And yet, it is legal in foods, ingested drugs, and supplements. It’s especially prevalent in the candies that children will be collecting this Halloween, like candy corn, Nerds, Peeps, Pez, and SweeTarts. “Halloween

Avoid Probate Court: Name a Beneficiary

By Ted David Guest Column There is an old song from 1944 entitled “Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall.” More than just a song, it is a truth that each of us, at some point in our lives, will face some unpleasant or perhaps even devastating event. For many

Feds Hope to Rein In Junk Fees

Processing fees, environmental clean-up fees, restocking fees and fee creation fees — there’s no end to the “junk fees” that American businesses impose on customers, and the Federal Trade Commission thinks consumers have had just about enough. “It’s beyond frustrating to end up spending more than you budgeted because

YMCA's Event Registration Company 'Tricked' Consumers, Feds Charge

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is suing an online event registration company that has worked for the YMCA and other prominent organizations. It charges that ACTIVE Network “tricked” consumers trying to sign up for fundraising road races and other events, into enrolling into its annual subscription discount club, Active

California Spells Out Tenant Rights; Does Your State?

More than a third (34.7%) of homes in the U.S. are rented, and as a group, renters tend to be younger, less white and lower-income than those who own their homes. It also makes them susceptible to disputes with landlords who are often much better informed about rental

Watch Out for Sky-High Obituary Prices

Consumers are often surprised by the high price of a simple newspaper obituary, which these days can easily exceed $500. Not too long ago, newspapers ran obits for just a few dollars, but as classified and display advertising have largely moved to the internet, newspapers are taking a more predatory

FDA Taking Another Look at BPA, Most Recently Found in Sports Bras

Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of those long-lasting chemicals that’s just about everywhere — even in sports bras, according to a new study. Now, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has agreed to reconsider the chemical’s safety. The sports bra revelation came a few days ago, in a

Colleges Offer Substandard Financial Services to Students, Report Finds

Many colleges offer financial services to their students that carry “junk fees” and terms that are no better, or even worse, than terms available on the open market, according a report released today by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). “Many college students trust that schools have their best interests

E-cig Use by Teens Remains High, Disposables Most Popular

Years of progress in reducing cigarette use are going up in smoke, as teens turn to vaping for their nicotine hits, public health officials at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration say. “The FDA remains deeply concerned about e-cigarette use among our nation’s youth. It’s clear that

Four Tips for Hiring the Right Personal Trainer

By Leslie D. Shuffleton Guest Column The battle of the bulge may be too tough to handle alone. Time to call in the personal trainer. But how?  “The chains of habit are too weak to be felt until they are too strong to be broken.” This little philosophical nugget by

Tips for Policyholders with Hurricane Ian Claims

Insurance companies are being inundated with property damage claims following Hurricane Ian, but that doesn’t mean they can drag their feet when processing claims, according to the Consumer Federation of America (CFA) and United Policyholders (UP). The groups say that consumers are entitled to get their wind and flood

How to Change Your Career at 50+

You’re not on your parents’ career path. Age 50 may be the time to take another path forward. Here’s how to do it.  First it was longevity: all those Baby Boomers prospering, eating better, living longer… Then necessity: many were not also saving and therefore are unable to

How to Change Your Career at 50+

You’re not on your parents’ career path. Age 50 may be the time to take another path forward. Here’s how to do it.  First it was longevity: all those Baby Boomers prospering, eating better, living longer… Then necessity: many were not also saving and therefore are unable to

Looking for a 'Lifestyle Health' Doctor?

New online directory lists certified lifestyle medicine practitioners You might not know what a “lifestyle medicine practitioner” is, but there’s a new online directory that will help you find one when you need it. It’s just been launched by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM) and lists

Ian Swamps Insurers, Interest Rates Hamper Rebuilding

Hurricane Ian is gone but the devastation it leaves behind will weigh heavily on homeowners for years and may drive some low-income residents from the state. Wind and storm-surge losses from Hurricane Ian could reach as $47 billion in Florida alone, according to an analysis by CoreLogic. Damage claims are

MoneyLion Charged Military Members Excessive Interest, Feds Charge

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is suing MoneyLion Technologies, an online lender, and 38 of its subsidiaries, alleging that it imposed illegal and excessive charges on armed service members and their dependents. “MoneyLion targeted military families by illegally extracting fees and making it difficult to cancel monthly subscriptions,” said

Regions Bank Penalized for Surprise Overdraft Fees

Regions Bank is being ordered to return at least $141 million to customers harmed by its surprise overdraft fees. It will have to pay another $50 million into the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s victims relief fund. The CFPB said that from August 2018 through July 2021, Regions charged customers

For-Profit Stratford University Closing

Another for-profit university is closing because of accreditation issues. Stratford University is closing its campuses in Virginia, Maryland and India at the end of the term, according to an email sent to students last Friday. Forty-three other schools around the country are also losing their accreditation. The school said the

Four Red Flags that Spell 'Scam'

Fraudulent schemes directed at consumers, known popularly as “scams,” seem to increase every year. In the first half of 2022 the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) received 793,000 complaints about scams, with about 27% resulting in financial losses of $3.56 billion. Trying to warn consumers about every scam is

Pedestrian, Bicycle Deaths Hit New Highs

Traffic fatalities inched higher last year but pedestrian and bicycle deaths rose by historic amounts. In 2021, pedestrians killed jumped 13% to 7,342, the most since 1981. The number of people on bicycles who were killed rose 5% to 985, the most since at least 1980, according to the

Genetic Testing: Promise or Pitfall?

At-home genetic testing is all the rage, but should you change your life based on the results? “You have to know the past to understand the present,” Carl Sagan famously said. Makes you wonder what the astrophysicist would think about today’s obsession with knowing where we came from — not

Forced Arbitration Clauses Must Go, Consumer Groups Tell Feds

Over 100 consumer, civil rights, and labor groups are demanding action on the issue of forced arbitration clauses — the sneaky language commonly buried in financial service contracts to block customers from suing when they are cheated or defrauded by big banks. During the Trump administration, Congress blocked a rule issued

Buy Now, Pay Later Plans Grow, So Do Late Fees

Buy Now, Pay Later is sometimes described as credit without the credit card. It’s an increasingly popular way to buy everything from pet supplies to travel. It normally does not charge interest but late fees can add up fast and a study finds that late fees are becoming more

Want to do Your Banking at Walmart?

Spanish version Want to do your banking at Walmart? It may soon be possible. The mega retail chain is working towards offering checking accounts and other financial services to its employees and customers. Tens of millions of Americans are “unbanked,” meaning they don’t have a checking account or other

Four Red Flags That Signal a Scam

Fraudulent schemes directed at consumers, known popularly as “scams,” seem to increase every year. In the first half of 2022 the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) received 793,000 complaints about scams, with about 27% resulting in financial losses of $3.56 billion. Trying to warn consumers about every scam is

California Sues Amazon for Anticompetitive Practices

California has become the second state to sue Amazon, charging it with anticompetitive practices, saying it creates creating artificial pricing floors by barring sellers from offering their goods cheaper on other platforms. California Attorney General Rob Bonta said the company stifled competition and caused increased prices across California.  “For years,

Inflation Fighting: Good Enough is Pretty Great

By Holland Cooke Guest Column Sir Thomas Malory was writing back in the 1400s, long before brands emerged and took over everyone’s consciousness. But he was onto something with his “enough is as good as a feast” quote. It was true then and is still true today. Having worked

Kids Dying Unnecessarily in Cars

Highway deaths have increased alarmingly in recent years and children are often the victims. In 2020, 607 children under age 13 were killed in motor vehicle crashes, according to Injury Facts. Properly securing children in car seats that meet federal motor vehicle safety standards goes a long way in keeping

Fighting Inflation: Frugality Fundamentals

By Holland Cooke Guest Column Maybe you’ll be rich someday. But let’s face it, you’re not there yet so here are some fundamental frugalities that can help you fight inflation now – and after you’re rich, for that matter. Shopping bricks ‘n mortar I saved a couple

A Good Night's Sleep Shouldn't Be Expensive

Wellness is all the rage these days and staying well requires, among other things, a good night’s sleep, preferably every night. In pursuit of that goal, aggressive wellness seekers are shelling out big bucks for “sleep vacations.” It may sound like the sleepaway camps of our youth but these

Catfishing Can Hook You If You're Not Careful

Catfishing used to be something people did on their day off. It usually involved a lake or river, a cane pole and some worms. Now it’s an online deception in which someone who claims to be a beautiful rainbow trout turns out to be an ugly, slimy old catfish.

Amazon, NY Crack Down on License Plate Blockers

You see them everywhere – those thin plastic lenses that distort license plates and make them hard to read. The idea, of course, is to blur the images captured by speed and toll cameras, turning vehicles into “ghost cars.” You may not see as many of them in New York City

Pedestrian Autobraking Doesn't Do So Well at Night

It’s hard to see in the dark, and that turns out to be true not only for people but also for emergency braking systems found on many newer cars, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The non-profit research group recently tested 23 midsize cars, SUVs and

Oops! The Costs and Risks of Reversing Plastic Surgery

“Beauty,” said Plato famously, “lies in the eyes of the beholder.” And when those beholding eyes include millions of Snapchatters and TikTokers and Instagrammers, the pressure to conform to a social-media-driven ideal of beauty can be enormous. And fleeting. What was “in” just a few years ago is fast becoming

Car Sales & Service Top Consumer Complaints List

Some things never change. With all the new digital scams and social media annoyances, old-fashioned car sales and services still top the list of complaints to local and state consumer agencies, according to an annual survey conducted by Consumer Federation of America (CFA). “For the sixth year in a row,

Subaru Outback Aces New Side Impact Test; Others Not So Much

The Subaru Outback is the only midsize car to earn a good rating in an updated side impact test, with the Hyundai Sonata and Volkswagen Jetta scoring acceptable ratings out of the seven cars tested. The new crash test was devised by the non-profit Insurance Institute for Highway Safety after

Does Beauty Have to Be Toxic?

“There is no torture that a woman would not endure to enhance her beauty.” * Michel de Montaigne (French Renaissance philosopher) History tells us men and women have been willing to risk even death to enhance their natural beauty and follow the fashion of the day. Indeed, the quest for beauty

Covid-19 Side Effect: Speeding

Drivers put the hammer down as the COVID-19 lockdown cut into traffic on the nation’s highways – and they’re showing no signs of returning to normal, a study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) finds. “The empty roads probably tempted pandemic-stressed drivers to put the pedal down,

Opendoor Tricked Homeowners, FTC Charges

Does it make sense that you could make more money selling your home to a middleman than through the usual process of hiring a Realtor and selling directly to a buyer? Many homeowners thought so and sold their homes to Opendoor Labs Inc., thinking they would come out ahead of

New Salmonella Safety Standard for Poultry

It’s taken awhile but the U.S. Department of Agriculture is taking steps to prevent poultry products contaminated with salmonella from reaching store shelves. USDA  announced the new standards today. USDA’s Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety Sandra Eskin outlined plans to declare Salmonella an adulterant in frozen

U.S. Bank Misused Customer Records to Open Phony Accounts, Fined $37 Million

Though shocking, it’s not too unusual for bank employees to use customer records to open bogus checking accounts, credit cards and other services. U.S. Bank was aware its employees were dummying up accounts to meet sales goals, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) , which today ordered

U.S. Bank Misused Customer Records to Open Phony Accounts, Fined $37 Million

Though shocking, it’s not too unusual for bank employees to use customer records to open bogus checking accounts, credit cards and other services. U.S. Bank was aware its employees were dummying up accounts to meet sales goals, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) , which today ordered

U.S. Bank Misused Customer Records to Open Phony Accounts, Fined $37 Million

Though shocking, it’s not too unusual for bank employees to use customer records to open bogus checking accounts, credit cards and other services. U.S. Bank was aware its employees were dummying up accounts to meet sales goals, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) , which today ordered

U.S. Bank Misused Customer Records to Open Phony Accounts, Fined $37 Million

Though shocking, it’s not too unusual for bank employees to use customer records to open bogus checking accounts, credit cards and other services. U.S. Bank was aware its employees were dummying up accounts to meet sales goals, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) , which today ordered

Hyundai Fined $19 Million for Credit Reporting Failures

Hyundai is being ordered to pay $19 million for providing inaccurate information to credit reporting agencies and failing to correct errors when consumers complained. “Hyundai illegally tarnished credit reports for millions of borrowers, including by falsely reporting them to credit reporting companies as being delinquent on their loans and leases,

Homeowners Abandoning Flood Insurance at their Peril

Flood insurance premiums have risen steadily with the rising tide of flooding linked to climate change. As a result, as many as one million homeowners may sign up for the coverage or maintain their existing policy, a report by the Federal Emergency Management Agency cautions. The report was not publicly

Homeowners Abandoning Flood Insurance at their Peril

Flood insurance premiums have risen steadily with the rising tide of flooding linked to climate change. As a result, as many as one million homeowners may sign up for the coverage or maintain their existing policy, a report by the Federal Emergency Management Agency cautions. The report was not publicly

Keurig Misled Consumers about Recycling its K-Cups, Suit Alleges

Keurig will be brewing up $10 million to settle charges that it misled consumers about recycling the company’s K-Cup single-serve coffee pods. The little pods are everywhere these days, as consumers have gotten hooked on the ease of use and the satisfactory coffee that comes pouring out of a

Keurig Misled Consumers about Recycling its K-Cups, Suit Alleges

Keurig will be brewing up $10 million to settle charges that it misled consumers about recycling the company’s K-Cup single-serve coffee pods. The little pods are everywhere these days, as consumers have gotten hooked on the ease of use and the satisfactory coffee that comes pouring out of a

Keurig Misled Consumers about Recycling its K-Cups, Suit Alleges

Keurig will be brewing up $10 million to settle charges that it misled consumers about recycling the company’s K-Cup single-serve coffee pods. The little pods are everywhere these days, as consumers have gotten hooked on the ease of use and the satisfactory coffee that comes pouring out of a

Keurig Misled Consumers about Recycling its K-Cups, Suit Alleges

Keurig will be brewing up $10 million to settle charges that it misled consumers about recycling the company’s K-Cup single-serve coffee pods. The little pods are everywhere these days, as consumers have gotten hooked on the ease of use and the satisfactory coffee that comes pouring out of a

Electric Cars Present New Insurance, Road-Building Issues

American consumers are adopting electric cars at a faster pace, bringing potential environmental benefits as well as the possibility of higher insurance claims and headaches for highway officials. Electric vehicles are heavier than their gas-powered counterparts, possibly increasing the severity of collision damages, not to mention more severe personal injuries,

Bank of America Fined $250 Million for Botching Pandemic Relief

Thursday was an expensive day for Bank of America. It ran up a total of $250 million in fines for botching the payout of state unemployment benefits during the COVID pandemic. The bank automatically and unlawfully froze consumers’ accounts with a faulty fraud detection program, and then gave them little

Bank of America Fined $250 Million for Botching Pandemic Relief

Thursday was an expensive day for Bank of America. It ran up a total of $250 million in fines for botching the payout of state unemployment benefits during the COVID pandemic. The bank automatically and unlawfully froze consumers’ accounts with a faulty fraud detection program, and then gave them little

Bank of America Fined $250 Million for Botching Pandemic Relief

Thursday was an expensive day for Bank of America. It ran up a total of $250 million in fines for botching the payout of state unemployment benefits during the COVID pandemic. The bank automatically and unlawfully froze consumers’ accounts with a faulty fraud detection program, and then gave them little

Bank of America Fined $250 Million for Botching Pandemic Relief

Thursday was an expensive day for Bank of America. It ran up a total of $250 million in fines for botching the payout of state unemployment benefits during the COVID pandemic. The bank automatically and unlawfully froze consumers’ accounts with a faulty fraud detection program, and then gave them little

Abortions Outlawed but Vasectomy Still Works

The recent Supreme Court ruling has upset family planning efforts for millions of Americans. But nothing stops men from getting a vasectomy when they and their partner want to prevent future pregnancies. Men often express horror and revulsion at the idea but the procedure is much less debilitating than childbirth

FHA Loans Can be the Answer for Some Homebuyers

News reports today are full of stories about skyrocketing mortgage rates and aspiring homebuyers being locked out of the market. It’s true that at this writing interest rates for conventional fixed-rate mortgages are hovering near 6% but in fact, that old standby – the FHA loan – is still available and

It's Not a Good Time to Buy a Car

Gas prices are up, your tires are bald and you’re bored with your four-year-old gas-guzzler. It’s about to hit 60,000 miles and it just feels like the right time to ditch it and get something new. Maybe an electric car. Or at least a mild hybrid. Not

Debt Collectors' Pay-to-Pay Fees Scrutizined

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has been casting a wary eye on all kinds of add-on fees lately. The latest are the “pay-to-pay” fees often charged by debt collectors. The debt collectors like to call them “convenience fees” but the CFPB calls them “junk fees.” Whatever you call them,

Suicide: The Other Outlawed Abortion

It’s once again illegal to perform an abortion in much of the United States. And it is still illegal, in most cases, to assist someone who wants to end their life. Both issues are about having autonomy over one’s own body, and both are unlikely to be settled

Suicide: The Other Outlawed Abortion

It’s once again illegal to perform an abortion in much of the United States. And it is still illegal, in most cases, to assist someone who wants to end their life. Both issues are about having autonomy over one’s own body, and both are unlikely to be settled

Suicide: The Other Outlawed Abortion

It’s once again illegal to perform an abortion in much of the United States. And it is still illegal, in most cases, to assist someone who wants to end their life. Both issues are about having autonomy over one’s own body, and both are unlikely to be settled

Suicide: The Other Outlawed Abortion

It’s once again illegal to perform an abortion in much of the United States. And it is still illegal, in most cases, to assist someone who wants to end their life. Both issues are about having autonomy over one’s own body, and both are unlikely to be settled

LGBTQ+ Extortion Scams Infest Dating Apps

Besides putting up with intolerance and job discrimination, LGBTQ+ people have to be constantly on guard against extortion. This has always been true but internet dating sites have added a new dimension to the problem. The Federal Trade Commission is warning that it’s hearing about scams targeting people on

Single-Use Plastics Targeted by Canada, California

Stir sticks, straws, plastic cutlery and plastic checkout bags are on the road to becoming mere memories. The Canadian government has announced that it will ban most single-use plastic products in December 2022 and a California legislative committee is considering similar action. New York City and other local jurisdictions already

Single-Use Plastics Targeted by Canada, California

Stir sticks, straws, plastic cutlery and plastic checkout bags are on the road to becoming mere memories. The Canadian government has announced that it will ban most single-use plastic products in December 2022 and a California legislative committee is considering similar action. New York City and other local jurisdictions already

Single-Use Plastics Targeted by Canada, California

Stir sticks, straws, plastic cutlery and plastic checkout bags are on the road to becoming mere memories. The Canadian government has announced that it will ban most single-use plastic products in December 2022 and a California legislative committee is considering similar action. New York City and other local jurisdictions already

Single-Use Plastics Targeted by Canada, California

Stir sticks, straws, plastic cutlery and plastic checkout bags are on the road to becoming mere memories. The Canadian government has announced that it will ban most single-use plastic products in December 2022 and a California legislative committee is considering similar action. New York City and other local jurisdictions already

Facebook Accused of Spying on Hospital Patients

Medical records are supposed to be confidential but Facebook’s parent company, Meta, has allegedly been tracking patient data at one-third of the top 100 hospitals in the United States. A report published by The Markup says the tracking has been carried out secretly, without patient consent and apparently without

Crypto Scams Yield $1 Billion in 18 Months

Crypto scams have taken $1 billion from consumers since January 2021, 60 times more than in 2018, with losses on track to equal or exceed in the next accounting. The $1 billion in losses were divided among about 46,000 victims, with a median loss of $2600 for each individual.

'Buy With Prime' Buttons Popping Up on the Web

Amazon’s tentacles are ever-expanding as it finds new ways to embed itself in the minds and wallets of consumers. The latest innovation is Buy With Prime, basically a way to buy through Amazon without actually going to the Amazon site. Buy With Prime buttons have started showing up on

What's In That Meatless Meat You're Eating?

Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian or just a curious eater, you’ve probably tried one of the meatless burgers or other meat substitutes that have seen a growth spurt the last few years. Whether you like them or hate them as you gnaw away, you may be curious about what

U.S., Canada Gang Up on Cigarettes

Health warnings and changing social standards have reduced cigarette smoking to something routinely practiced by a small band of determined smokers who are unwilling or unable to kick their nicotine addiction, and by teens who take up the habit despite warnings. Public health officials are always looking for ways to

U.S., Canada Gang Up on Cigarettes

Health warnings and changing social standards have reduced cigarette smoking to something routinely practiced by a small band of determined smokers who are unwilling or unable to kick their nicotine addiction, and by teens who take up the habit despite warnings. Public health officials are always looking for ways to

U.S., Canada Gang Up on Cigarettes

Health warnings and changing social standards have reduced cigarette smoking to something routinely practiced by a small band of determined smokers who are unwilling or unable to kick their nicotine addiction, and by teens who take up the habit despite warnings. Public health officials are always looking for ways to

U.S., Canada Gang Up on Cigarettes

Health warnings and changing social standards have reduced cigarette smoking to something routinely practiced by a small band of determined smokers who are unwilling or unable to kick their nicotine addiction, and by teens who take up the habit despite warnings. Public health officials are always looking for ways to

Feds Probe Middlemen's Role in High Rx Prices

You may never have heard of a pharmacy benefit manager but chances are one or more of them have their hand in your pocket. PBMs, as they’re called, are basically the middlemen of the prescription drug industry and their policies have a big impact on the prices you pay

Informed Consent Requires that Patients Have a Choice and a Voice

Guest Column by Paulette Moulton, M.D All too common skin cancer underscores the need for all health care consumers to take an active role, in partnership with their doctors, in choosing their form of treatment. Skin cancer, one of the most prevalent forms of cancer, provides a prime example

Informed Consent Requires that Patients Have a Choice and a Voice

Guest Column by Paulette Moulton, M.D All too common skin cancer underscores the need for all health care consumers to take an active role, in partnership with their doctors, in choosing their form of treatment. Skin cancer, one of the most prevalent forms of cancer, provides a prime example

Informed Consent Requires that Patients Have a Choice and a Voice

Guest Column by Paulette Moulton, M.D All too common skin cancer underscores the need for all health care consumers to take an active role, in partnership with their doctors, in choosing their form of treatment. Skin cancer, one of the most prevalent forms of cancer, provides a prime example

Informed Consent Requires that Patients Have a Choice and a Voice

Guest Column by Paulette Moulton, M.D All too common skin cancer underscores the need for all health care consumers to take an active role, in partnership with their doctors, in choosing their form of treatment. Skin cancer, one of the most prevalent forms of cancer, provides a prime example

Wells Fargo Sued Over Clients' Zelle Losses

Zelle is a handy way to transfer money but it’s also an easy way to lose it. A class action lawsuit charges that Zelle and Wells Fargo aren’t doing enough to protect their clients against fraud. Other banks face similar suits. In the Wells Fargo lawsuit, Luke Hartsock

Is Premium Gas Worth the Price?

Is premium gas worth the price0:00/3:001× With gas prices hitting new highs and expected to continue climbing, many consumers are starting to wonder if they really need to put premium-grade gasoline in their car. The answer in most cases is no, according to AAA and other experts.

Biden Cancels Corinthian College Student Debt

The controversy swirling around student debt cancellation largely ignores the fact that many of those drowning in debt were enrolled at for-profit schools that provided education widely regarded as worthless. Corinthian Colleges topped the list of for-profit schools that signed students up for federal loans and then delivered a substandard

Dancing Your Way to Fitness

You’d have to be living under a rock not to have read recently at least one of the several thousand studies proving that exercise increases your energy levels, fights fatigue, and even relieves symptoms of depression. Well, here’s one from the New York University Grossman School of Medicine

Can Consumers Sue Gun Manufacturers for Gun Violence?

The short answer to that question used to be no, thanks to a pliant Congress and the Second Amendment. But there have been a few cases that squeaked through the courts and the recent mass shootings are liable to incite more anti-violence activists to take legal action. Gun makers have

Why Was Your Loan Denied? The Lender Must Tell You

It’s not unusual for a consumer’s loan application to be turned down for no apparent reason. Lenders typically claim that they consider a wide range of information in reaching their decisions. In fact, an increasing number of those decisions are made by algorithms – so-called artificial intelligence – with little

New Law Raises Safety Standards for Infant Cribs

Babies should be sleeping safely under terms of a new law that prohibits making or selling padded baby crib bumper pads and inclined sleeping products for infants. President Biden signed the Safe Sleep for Babies Act (H.R. 3182) into law earlier this month. It was passed unanimously in the

Does Your Homeowners Policy Cover Wildfires?

Seeing coverage of recent wildfires that swept through expensive homes in Laguna Niguel, California and elsewhere, consumers may wonder whether their homeowners insurance protects them against such disasters. The unfortunate truth is that the risk of catastrophic wildfires is growing as climate change dries out much of the West, as

Car Repair Shops Luring Customers Into Predatory Loans

A Utah bank is helping car repair shops lure customers into loans that can carry annual interest rates as high as 189%, even though such loans are illegal in many states, a report from the Stop the Debt Trap coalition warns. “Loans at 189% are illegal in most states, but

Diaper Taxes in 33 States Hurting Families' Budgets

The baby formula shortage has been getting a lot of press but the group Baby2Baby says diaper taxes are another headache facing families with infants and it’s mounting a Twitter campaign to put pressure on the 33 states that charge sales tax on diapers. “While eliminating the diaper tax

Can You Advance Your Career While Working From Home?

The initial thrill of working from home – connecting with colleagues on Zoom calls dressed in a jacket and shirt and pajama bottoms, eschewing that morning commute – is beginning to wear off. While many remote workers report being able to spend more time with their families, or taking up gardening, or

Debt-Relief Scheme Targeted Student Borrowers, Must Pay $11 Million

Consumers burdened with student loan debt are a tempting target for scam artists. One company accused of bring an integral cog in such a scheme has been ordered to pay $11 million, including $8.7 million in refunds to consumers. “Too often, bad actors take advantage of student loan borrowers

Is Your Homeowners Policy Keeping Up With Inflation?

Inflation drives up the cost of everything – gas and food and also building supplies. And the robust job market drives up labor costs. Add all of that up and it may mean your homeowners policy is no longer up to the task. A new survey of more than 1,000

Abortions Not Likely to be Stopped No Matter What SCOTUS Decides

Reaction to the leaked Supreme Court abortion decision draft has been predictably apocalyptic despite technology advances that may effectively render state laws ineffective. If the court does indeed scrap Roe v. Wade, states will be able to declare abortion illegal and take measures to stop it within their boundaries. But

Abortions Not Likely to be Stopped No Matter What SCOTUS Decides

Reaction to the leaked Supreme Court abortion decision draft has been predictably apocalyptic despite technology advances that may effectively render state laws ineffective. If the court does indeed scrap Roe v. Wade, states will be able to declare abortion illegal and take measures to stop it within their boundaries. But

Abortions Not Likely to be Stopped No Matter What SCOTUS Decides

Reaction to the leaked Supreme Court abortion decision draft has been predictably apocalyptic despite technology advances that may effectively render state laws ineffective. If the court does indeed scrap Roe v. Wade, states will be able to declare abortion illegal and take measures to stop it within their boundaries. But

Abortions Not Likely to be Stopped No Matter What SCOTUS Decides

Reaction to the leaked Supreme Court abortion decision draft has been predictably apocalyptic despite technology advances that may effectively render state laws ineffective. If the court does indeed scrap Roe v. Wade, states will be able to declare abortion illegal and take measures to stop it within their boundaries. But

'Free' Tax Claims Spell $141 Million Penalty for Intuit's TurboTax

Just a few weeks ago, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) skewered Intuit for the “free, free, free” ad campaign for its TurboTax subsidiary. Now the company has agreed to pay $141 million to customers who were deceived by misleading promises of free tax-filing services. New York Attorney General Letitia James announced

Bank of America Penalized for Illegal Garnishments

Bank of America has been ordered to pay a $10 million penalty and make refunds to customers who were hit by illegal garnishments and the fees it charged for those illegal actions. “Bank of America imposed unlawful garnishment fees and injured its customers by inserting unenforceable clauses into contracts in

Adjustable Rate Mortgages Suddenly Look Attractive

Home buyers had been enjoying mortgage interest rates as low as 2.65% the last few years but the sudden upheaval in economic conditions has changed all that and rates are now around 5%, their highest level in more than a decade. This is leading many aspiring home buyers to

Break Up Wells Fargo, Warren Urges

Saying that “cheating consumers is simply in Wells Fargo’s DNA.,” Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) is urging that the bank be broken up, along with other repeat offenders of consumer protection laws. During a recent Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs hearing, Warren listed the many times she

Break Up Wells Fargo, Warren Urges

Saying that “cheating consumers is simply in Wells Fargo’s DNA.,” Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) is urging that the bank be broken up, along with other repeat offenders of consumer protection laws. During a recent Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs hearing, Warren listed the many times she

Break Up Wells Fargo, Warren Urges

Saying that “cheating consumers is simply in Wells Fargo’s DNA.,” Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) is urging that the bank be broken up, along with other repeat offenders of consumer protection laws. During a recent Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs hearing, Warren listed the many times she

Break Up Wells Fargo, Warren Urges

Saying that “cheating consumers is simply in Wells Fargo’s DNA.,” Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) is urging that the bank be broken up, along with other repeat offenders of consumer protection laws. During a recent Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs hearing, Warren listed the many times she

Genetic Data Should be Private, Consumer Group Argues

Do you know who has your genetic data and what they’re doing with it? Insurance companies, employers and others have a strong desire to know who is likely to fall ill or display certain behavioral traits and there’s currently not much to prevent them from doing so. “Unlike

Genetic Data Should be Private, Consumer Group Argues

Do you know who has your genetic data and what they’re doing with it? Insurance companies, employers and others have a strong desire to know who is likely to fall ill or display certain behavioral traits and there’s currently not much to prevent them from doing so. “Unlike

Genetic Data Should be Private, Consumer Group Argues

Do you know who has your genetic data and what they’re doing with it? Insurance companies, employers and others have a strong desire to know who is likely to fall ill or display certain behavioral traits and there’s currently not much to prevent them from doing so. “Unlike

Genetic Data Should be Private, Consumer Group Argues

Do you know who has your genetic data and what they’re doing with it? Insurance companies, employers and others have a strong desire to know who is likely to fall ill or display certain behavioral traits and there’s currently not much to prevent them from doing so. “Unlike

Tesla Insurance Claims Experience Will be a 'Dream,' Musk Pledges

Billionaire multitasker Elon Musk has been in the news for his takeover of Twitter, a little utility that is perhaps nice to have but not exactly necessary. Car insurance, on the other hand, is necessary and Musk is also setting out to reform – or perhaps, disrupt – it. As with all

'Nonbanks' Face New Federal Scrutiny

Lenders making payday loans, private student loans and mortgages generally operate with less oversight than banks, a factor in some of the more disastrous economic meltdowns that have plagued consumers in recent decades. That’s about to end. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) announced today that it is invoking

MoneyGram Sued for Multiple Alleged Consumer Law Violations

MoneyGram is being sued for allegedly mishandling customer funds and failing to resolve disputes promptly. A lawsuit filed today by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and New York Attorney General Letitia James alleges that the company stranded customers waiting for their money when it failed to deliver funds promptly

MoneyGram Sued for Multiple Alleged Consumer Law Violations

MoneyGram is being sued for allegedly mishandling customer funds and failing to resolve disputes promptly. A lawsuit filed today by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and New York Attorney General Letitia James alleges that the company stranded customers waiting for their money when it failed to deliver funds promptly

MoneyGram Sued for Multiple Alleged Consumer Law Violations

MoneyGram is being sued for allegedly mishandling customer funds and failing to resolve disputes promptly. A lawsuit filed today by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and New York Attorney General Letitia James alleges that the company stranded customers waiting for their money when it failed to deliver funds promptly

MoneyGram Sued for Multiple Alleged Consumer Law Violations

MoneyGram is being sued for allegedly mishandling customer funds and failing to resolve disputes promptly. A lawsuit filed today by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and New York Attorney General Letitia James alleges that the company stranded customers waiting for their money when it failed to deliver funds promptly

Intuit Skewered for Influence Peddling and 'Free' Tax Filing Abuses

Hiring former regulators and politicians as lobbyists and apologists is common in Washington. But Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) says Intuit has taken influence-peddling to new lows with the tactics it uses to defend its TurboTax product’s “bogus” advertising for free tax filing. Warren’s comments follow a Federal Trade

Vegan Diet Better for Dogs, UK Study Suggests; Vets Not So Sure

It’s been pretty well established that a vegan diet is healthier for  most humans than a typical meat-heavy diet. But is the same thing true for dogs? A new British study says it is, although veterinarians urge caution. The study followed more than 2,500 dogs for a year

Fake Government Web Sites Charge Big Bucks for Bogus Info

Whatever you may think of complaints about supposedly “fake news,” there’s no arguing that fake government websites defraud consumers to the tune of millions of dollars and, in the process, often steal vital personal data while dispensing bogus information. Take the case of On Point Global, recently ordered to

Dog Leasing Draws Snarls from Regulators and Animal Advocates

It sounds absurd to think you could lease a dog. But a California company has been running a dog-leasing scheme that just didn’t smell right to Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey. In a settlement with Healey’s office, Monterey Financial Services agreed to waive about $700,000 of payments

TransUnion an "Out of Control, Repeat Offender," CFPB Charges

TransUnion is being sued by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), which charges it is an “out-of-control repeat offender that believes it is above the law.” The lawsuit names TransUnion and its chief executive, John Danaher. It alleges the company is violating a 2017 order to stop deceptive marketing of

TransUnion an "Out of Control, Repeat Offender," CFPB Charges

TransUnion is being sued by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), which charges it is an “out-of-control repeat offender that believes it is above the law.” The lawsuit names TransUnion and its chief executive, John Danaher. It alleges the company is violating a 2017 order to stop deceptive marketing of

TransUnion an "Out of Control, Repeat Offender," CFPB Charges

TransUnion is being sued by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), which charges it is an “out-of-control repeat offender that believes it is above the law.” The lawsuit names TransUnion and its chief executive, John Danaher. It alleges the company is violating a 2017 order to stop deceptive marketing of

TransUnion an "Out of Control, Repeat Offender," CFPB Charges

TransUnion is being sued by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), which charges it is an “out-of-control repeat offender that believes it is above the law.” The lawsuit names TransUnion and its chief executive, John Danaher. It alleges the company is violating a 2017 order to stop deceptive marketing of

State Attempts to Rein In Payday Loans 'Not Working'

States have been trying to put a lid on the excessive interest rates charged by the payday loan industry but those attempts aren’t working, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). “Our research suggests that state laws that require payday lenders to offer no-cost extended repayment plans are

Etsy Sellers on Strike Over Fees

Things are looking a bit feisty on the labor front lately. First it was Starbucks and Amazon workers trying to unionize. Now thousands of Etsy sellers have closed up shop because they’re irked at higher fees being charged by the popular crafts site. Marketplace Pulse research reports that only

Etsy Sellers on Strike Over Fees

Things are looking a bit feisty on the labor front lately. First it was Starbucks and Amazon workers trying to unionize. Now thousands of Etsy sellers have closed up shop because they’re irked at higher fees being charged by the popular crafts site. Marketplace Pulse research reports that only

Etsy Sellers on Strike Over Fees

Things are looking a bit feisty on the labor front lately. First it was Starbucks and Amazon workers trying to unionize. Now thousands of Etsy sellers have closed up shop because they’re irked at higher fees being charged by the popular crafts site. Marketplace Pulse research reports that only

Etsy Sellers on Strike Over Fees

Things are looking a bit feisty on the labor front lately. First it was Starbucks and Amazon workers trying to unionize. Now thousands of Etsy sellers have closed up shop because they’re irked at higher fees being charged by the popular crafts site. Marketplace Pulse research reports that only

Researcher Targets 'Sock Puppet' Requests that Contribute to Profile Hacking

“Hey everyone, don’t accept anything from me. It’s not me!” How many times has a message like this come across your social media feed? They’re often the result of “sock puppet” requests, false online identities and user accounts created for deceptive purposes. A researcher at Southern Illinois

Researcher Targets 'Sock Puppet' Requests that Contribute to Profile Hacking

“Hey everyone, don’t accept anything from me. It’s not me!” How many times has a message like this come across your social media feed? They’re often the result of “sock puppet” requests, false online identities and user accounts created for deceptive purposes. A researcher at Southern Illinois

Researcher Targets 'Sock Puppet' Requests that Contribute to Profile Hacking

“Hey everyone, don’t accept anything from me. It’s not me!” How many times has a message like this come across your social media feed? They’re often the result of “sock puppet” requests, false online identities and user accounts created for deceptive purposes. A researcher at Southern Illinois

Researcher Targets 'Sock Puppet' Requests that Contribute to Profile Hacking

“Hey everyone, don’t accept anything from me. It’s not me!” How many times has a message like this come across your social media feed? They’re often the result of “sock puppet” requests, false online identities and user accounts created for deceptive purposes. A researcher at Southern Illinois

How Well Do Drivers Understand New Driver-Assistance Systems?

Human behavior has a way of thwarting safety technology, especially when it comes to the driver-assistance systems now becoming common in new cars, a AAA study finds. “You can’t fake it ‘til you make it at highway speeds. New car owners must receive training that is safe, effective, and

Chicago Breaks the Limit for Speed Camera Tickets

Faster than a drag racer, Chicago has blazed a new trail in speeding violations, issuing 2.8 million speeding tickets in 2021. That’s more residents than live in all of Chicago and speed cameras get the thanks, or the blame. It all added up to $89 million in total

Chicago Breaks the Limit for Speed Camera Tickets

Faster than a drag racer, Chicago has blazed a new trail in speeding violations, issuing 2.8 million speeding tickets in 2021. That’s more residents than live in all of Chicago and speed cameras get the thanks, or the blame. It all added up to $89 million in total

Chicago Breaks the Limit for Speed Camera Tickets

Faster than a drag racer, Chicago has blazed a new trail in speeding violations, issuing 2.8 million speeding tickets in 2021. That’s more residents than live in all of Chicago and speed cameras get the thanks, or the blame. It all added up to $89 million in total

Chicago Breaks the Limit for Speed Camera Tickets

Faster than a drag racer, Chicago has blazed a new trail in speeding violations, issuing 2.8 million speeding tickets in 2021. That’s more residents than live in all of Chicago and speed cameras get the thanks, or the blame. It all added up to $89 million in total

Gig Workers: How to Collect Late Payments

“The cheapest form of credit is paying suppliers late.” That’s insight from a debt collector – Hans de Keijzer, Head of Policy Management for Allianz Trade, the world’s largest trade credit insurer and part of the Allianz global insurance family. And while late payments may be a boon for

There's No Accounting for Accountants

It’s spring and a consumer’s fancy turns to taxes and, from there, to accountants, those sticklers for detail who help us stay on the right side of the tax code. But unlike other professions that have their fingers on our literal or figurative pulse, accountants are a pretty

Drip Sensors Can Keep Your Home High and Dry

It’s taken for granted these days that most homeowners have smoke detectors. But how many have leak detectors, also known as drip sensors? Water can do just as much damage as fire but isn’t normally top-of-mind except during harsh winter weather when homeowners worry about pipes freezing and

Edfinancial Fined for Misleading Student Borrowers

The latest development in the scandal-ridden student loan program involves a small Tennessee company, Edfinancial Services, ordered to pay a $1 million civil penalty for misleading student borrowers. “Edfinancial’s failure to tell the full truth to borrowers, so it could pad its bottom line highlights a systemic problem with

Cheap Oximeters Removed from Online Sites after Accuracy Questioned

Amazon and eBay are among companies that removed a number of blood oxygen testing devices from their sites after the British consumer group Which? raised questions about whether the devices could be legally sold in the UK. The consumer champion found 11 out of 15 cheap pulse oximeters bought from

Turning SUVs, Pickups More Likely to Hit Pedestrians

It’s not news that SUVs, pickups and other large vehicles cause more severe injuries than sedans when they hit pedestrians. Now a study finds that they’re also more likely to smash into pedestrians when turning. “It’s possible that the size, shape or location of the A-pillars that

No Steering Wheel, No Problem: New Car Safety Rule

Someday there will probably be cars that don’t need drivers. So why should they have to have steering wheels, driver’s seats and so forth? A new federal rules says they shouldn’t. The 155-page rule updates the current Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards to accommodate vehicles that don’

Fake Reviews, Corporate Gag Orders Eyed by Feds

Consumers have come to rely on online reviews to make decisions about important purchases but can be misled by fake reviews and by companies’ efforts to waylay negative reviews. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) wants to put a stop to such deceptive and possibly illegal practices, and today issued

Electric Cars More Trouble-Prone than Gas: UK Survey

Most consumers assume that electric cars are more reliable than their gas-powered ancestors. They have fewer moving parts, after all. Yes, but they also rely on complex and relatively new software, which a British study finds is often troublesome, with the Tesla S the most trouble-prone. The study was conducted

AARP Campaigning for Lower Drug Prices

AARP is launching a crusade against high drug prices which it says continued to rise during the pandemic and beyond. New research shows that 75 of the 100 brand name drugs with the highest total Medicare Part D spending had already increased their list prices in the first month of

FDA Ready to Snuff Puff Bar

Puff Bar has become the go-to smoke for teens, thanks to a loophole that is just about to close. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already snuffed out most flavored e-cigarettes and it is now closing in on Puff Bar which uses a non-tobacco source of nicotine.

FDA Ready to Snuff Puff Bar

Puff Bar has become the go-to smoke for teens, thanks to a loophole that is just about to close. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already snuffed out most flavored e-cigarettes and it is now closing in on Puff Bar which uses a non-tobacco source of nicotine.

FDA Ready to Snuff Puff Bar

Puff Bar has become the go-to smoke for teens, thanks to a loophole that is just about to close. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already snuffed out most flavored e-cigarettes and it is now closing in on Puff Bar which uses a non-tobacco source of nicotine.

FDA Ready to Snuff Puff Bar

Puff Bar has become the go-to smoke for teens, thanks to a loophole that is just about to close. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already snuffed out most flavored e-cigarettes and it is now closing in on Puff Bar which uses a non-tobacco source of nicotine.

Hungry College Students Missing Out on SNAP Benefits

You might not think of college students going hungry but in fact many do, including thousands of low-income students who might qualify for federal food-buying assistance but don’t know it’s available or think they would have to be employed fulltime to qualify. A group of U.S. senators

How Do I Love Thee? Let Me Count the Dollars

“Love is not love which alters when it alteration finds.” So said no less an expert than William Shakespeare. It is perhaps this belief which led consumers to throw $547 million to their imagined true loves in 2021, even after the first signs of alteration. That’s a lot of

How Do I Love Thee? Let Me Count the Dollars

“Love is not love which alters when it alteration finds.” So said no less an expert than William Shakespeare. It is perhaps this belief which led consumers to throw $547 million to their imagined true loves in 2021, even after the first signs of alteration. That’s a lot of

How Do I Love Thee? Let Me Count the Dollars

“Love is not love which alters when it alteration finds.” So said no less an expert than William Shakespeare. It is perhaps this belief which led consumers to throw $547 million to their imagined true loves in 2021, even after the first signs of alteration. That’s a lot of

How Do I Love Thee? Let Me Count the Dollars

“Love is not love which alters when it alteration finds.” So said no less an expert than William Shakespeare. It is perhaps this belief which led consumers to throw $547 million to their imagined true loves in 2021, even after the first signs of alteration. That’s a lot of

Women Pay More for Car Insurance, Studies Find

Auto insurance is based on risk, so you would think that since men have more accidents, they would pay higher rates. But in fact, a study by the Consumer Federation of America (CFA) finds that women pay more, at least in Delaware, where the study was conducted. Similar studies elsewhere

Weight Watchers App Illegally Collected Kids' Info

Many parents don’t think twice about letting their kids use apps specifically designed for children. After all, what could possibly go wrong? Unfortunately, quite a bit can go wrong. There is a fairly lengthy history of children’s apps collecting personal information, effectively spying on the kids and their

Feds Target Rogue Repossessions

The used-car market is blazing hot, thanks to supply problems that have made new cars hard to come by. So, like anything that suddenly grows in value, cars are prime targets not only for outright theft but also for illicit and premature repossession, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) warns.

Feds Target Rogue Repossessions

The used-car market is blazing hot, thanks to supply problems that have made new cars hard to come by. So, like anything that suddenly grows in value, cars are prime targets not only for outright theft but also for illicit and premature repossession, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) warns.

Feds Target Rogue Repossessions

The used-car market is blazing hot, thanks to supply problems that have made new cars hard to come by. So, like anything that suddenly grows in value, cars are prime targets not only for outright theft but also for illicit and premature repossession, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) warns.

Feds Target Rogue Repossessions

The used-car market is blazing hot, thanks to supply problems that have made new cars hard to come by. So, like anything that suddenly grows in value, cars are prime targets not only for outright theft but also for illicit and premature repossession, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) warns.

Credit Reports Used to 'Extort' Consumers into Paying Healthcare Bills

The American healthcare and credit reporting systems work in tandem to “coerce and extort patients into paying medical bills they may not even owe,” a new report from the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) finds. “When it comes to medical bills, Americans are often caught in a doom

What's the Cost of Those Loyalty Programs?

Loyalty programs can save you a lot of money, right? You can get discounts, upgrades and all kinds of goodies completely free –  just by providing your email address or phone number! Right? Well, yes and no. These programs do come with a cost, as much of the data winds up

What's the Cost of Those Loyalty Programs?

Loyalty programs can save you a lot of money, right? You can get discounts, upgrades and all kinds of goodies completely free –  just by providing your email address or phone number! Right? Well, yes and no. These programs do come with a cost, as much of the data winds up

What's the Cost of Those Loyalty Programs?

Loyalty programs can save you a lot of money, right? You can get discounts, upgrades and all kinds of goodies completely free –  just by providing your email address or phone number! Right? Well, yes and no. These programs do come with a cost, as much of the data winds up

What's the Cost of Those Loyalty Programs?

Loyalty programs can save you a lot of money, right? You can get discounts, upgrades and all kinds of goodies completely free –  just by providing your email address or phone number! Right? Well, yes and no. These programs do come with a cost, as much of the data winds up

Citi Axes Overdraft Fees, Other Banks May Follow

Citigroup is the latest – and the largest – bank to eliminate overdraft fees. Citi said yesterday it would eliminate the $34 overdraft charge this summer. Citi joins Ally Financial of Detroit and Capital One of McLean, Virginia, which scrapped overdraft fees earlier, as political pressure from progressive Democrats like Sen. Elizabeth

Amazon Sues Sites Over Fake Product Reviews

Amazon has filed lawsuits against two websites that it accuses of orchestrating fake reviews in return for money and free products. The suit charges that AppSally and Rebatest are misleading shoppers by promoting fake reviews on Amazon, eBay, Walmart and Etsy. “Fake review brokers attempt to profit by deceiving unknowing

Imposters Drove Feverish Growth in Scams Last Year

If anyone is writing an updated A Journal of the Plague Year, they should be sure to take note of the alarming 70% growth in consumer dollars lost to fraud in 2021. Whether it was because consumers were quarantined at home – or scam artists were – fraud complaints went viral in

There’s Money Lurking in Your Closet

Can you name an asset that has steadily appreciated in value over the past decade, impervious to market fluctuations, appreciating 500% between 1980 and 2015? It’s not financial services or heavy industry or even technology. It’s the Hermes Birkin bag. Yes, a handbag. But not just any handbag.

Feds Eye 'Money-Making Opportunities' That Turn into Debt Traps

Everybody would like to make more money. But what look like can’t-miss opportunities from well-known companies often turn out to be money-makers for the company but not for the hapless consumers who fall for them. If this sounds like we’re talking about multilevel marketing platforms, gig jobs and

Feds Warn Against Lies About Public Service Loan Forgiveness

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is warning student loan servicers not to make deceptive statements about loan forgiveness for students who go on to work in public service jobs. “Illegal conduct by a student loan servicer can be ruinous for borrowers who miss out on the opportunity for debt

Loans Forgiven for Students at DeVry, Other For-Profit Schools

The U.S. Department of Education continues sifting through claims from former students at for-profit universities and is forgiving $415 million in loans owed by students at DeVry University and other schools. “The Department remains committed to giving borrowers discharges when the evidence shows their college violated the law and

Predatory Puppy Loans Make Consumer Groups Growl

Having a pet is expensive enough without paying exorbitant interest rates when you finance the purchase of your pup. (Of course, you should adopt not purchase but that’s another story). The problem with the puppy loans arises when consumers finance their new animal friend through the pet store. Many

For Your Valentine, Give the Gift of Sleep

Roses are red but eyes aren’t supposed to be. If your special someone isn’t getting enough sleep, it can put a damper on your Valentine’s Day and all the other mornings when one or both of you wake up grumpy. What’s the solution? Meditation, melatonin, exercise

'Extended Warranty' Promoters Bilked Consumers Out of $6 Million, Feds Charge

Just about everyone with a phone is hounded constantly by people hawking “extended auto warranties” despite the efforts of the Federal Trade Commission and other federal, state and local regulators to put them out of business. In the latest such attempt, the FTC is charging that American Vehicle Protection Corp.

How Big Is Amazon? Almost Too Big to Measure

Jeff Bezos’ yacht is so big they may have to disassemble a bridge in Rotterdam to get it out to sea. Back on shore, Amazon’s third-party marketplace now gets 25 cents of every online shopping dollar. Were Amazon’s marketplace an independent platform, it would be the largest online

Making Your Home Safer for Seniors

We’re all getting older. There are more seniors in the U.S. than ever and many of them are choosing to stay in their longtime homes. That can be a wise decision but it may require some upgrades to make those homes safer. Considering that a month in a

New Safety Rules for Crib Mattresses

Babies are soft but their mattresses should be firm. New federal safety standards for crib mattresses are intended to do just that – provide a firm, flat sleeping surface. Softer sleeping surfaces have been linked to suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The new rules adopted by the U.S.

Home-Based Businesses Need Beefed-Up Insurance Coverage

Everybody knows the stories about Silicon Valley bazillionaires who started out working in their garage. Nice stories but setting up a business in your home isn’t as easy as shoving a desk into the guest room and hoping for the best. There’s insurance for one thing. Businesses face

Who's Selling Your Personal Information? Here's the List

There really are no secrets anymore. And to prove it, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau each year compiles an annual list of consumer reporting companies, firms whose sole purpose is to collect – and sell – information about you. The list identifies dozens of specialty reporting companies that collect and sell access

Who's Selling Your Personal Information? Here's the List

There really are no secrets anymore. And to prove it, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau each year compiles an annual list of consumer reporting companies, firms whose sole purpose is to collect – and sell – information about you. The list identifies dozens of specialty reporting companies that collect and sell access

Who's Selling Your Personal Information? Here's the List

There really are no secrets anymore. And to prove it, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau each year compiles an annual list of consumer reporting companies, firms whose sole purpose is to collect – and sell – information about you. The list identifies dozens of specialty reporting companies that collect and sell access

Who's Selling Your Personal Information? Here's the List

There really are no secrets anymore. And to prove it, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau each year compiles an annual list of consumer reporting companies, firms whose sole purpose is to collect – and sell – information about you. The list identifies dozens of specialty reporting companies that collect and sell access

Feds Target 'Junk' Bank Fees

Overdraft fees, resort fees, service fees and other ill-defined charges are in the sights of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). It’s putting together a set of rules aimed at eliminating or reducing fees that don’t reflect the actual cost of providing a service – “junk fees,” in other

Fashion Nova Fined $4.2 Million for Blocking Negative Reviews

Online reviews have been around for more than two decades and have been subject to all kinds of manipulation and whitewashing without much in the way of action from the Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s primary consumer protection agency. That has now changed. Fashion Nova, LLC will have to

IRS Wants to Hear From Gig Workers

We hear a lot about how rich people supposedly don’t pay taxes. But the rest of us sometimes slip through the net as well, often using online payment platforms like PayPal, Venmo, CashApp and Zelle. This is about to get a bit more difficult. The Internal Revenue Service is

Insurance Costs Rising in California Fire-Prone Areas

If you’ve been thinking of buying a multi-million dollar home in California, you may want to think again. Insurers are growing tired of paying big claims each time a wildfire torches a pricey neighborhood. More than 40,000 structures have been destroyed by wildfires since 2017 despite government’s

'Tech Support' Was a Scam, Aimed Mostly at Seniors

Everyone has seen the pop-up and text ads promising free tech support, anti-virus and other services. If you dismissed them as scams, you were probably right. And now, one of the larger perpetrators of these come-ons has met his match. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) today filed a proposed

Feds Warn Companies Against Violating 'No Surprises' Act

Millions of Americans have unpaid medical bills on their credit reports and one big reason is “surprise” charges – the ones that aren’t covered by a consumer’s health insurance. The No Surprises Act, passed by Congress and signed by then-Pres. Trump in 2020, establishes new federal protections against medical

Feds Warn Companies Against Violating 'No Surprises' Act

Millions of Americans have unpaid medical bills on their credit reports and one big reason is “surprise” charges – the ones that aren’t covered by a consumer’s health insurance. The No Surprises Act, passed by Congress and signed by then-Pres. Trump in 2020, establishes new federal protections against medical

Feds Warn Companies Against Violating 'No Surprises' Act

Millions of Americans have unpaid medical bills on their credit reports and one big reason is “surprise” charges – the ones that aren’t covered by a consumer’s health insurance. The No Surprises Act, passed by Congress and signed by then-Pres. Trump in 2020, establishes new federal protections against medical

Feds Warn Companies Against Violating 'No Surprises' Act

Millions of Americans have unpaid medical bills on their credit reports and one big reason is “surprise” charges – the ones that aren’t covered by a consumer’s health insurance. The No Surprises Act, passed by Congress and signed by then-Pres. Trump in 2020, establishes new federal protections against medical

Student Lender Navient to Pay $1.85 Billion to Borrowers

Giant student loan servicer Navient has agreed to pay $1.85 billion to student loan borrowers nationwide, settling a lawsuit filed by a coalition of state attorneys general in 2009. The settlement resolves claims that despite representing that it would help borrowers find the best repayment options, Navient steered struggling

Credit Bureaus Still Failing to Correct Errors in Credit Reports

Errors in consumer credit reports have plagued American families for years and a new analysis finds that major credit bureaus are still failing to correct their procedures. In 2021, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion together reported relief in response to less than 2% – that’s two percent – of covered complaints, down

GM Pulling into Carvana's Lane

Visiting a car dealer is not exactly everyone’s idea of a good time. A recent poll found that only 13 percent of respondents thought car dealers treated consumers fairly. Online-only dealers like Carvana and Vroom have been taking this attitude to the bank, grabbing market share from established dealers

Rogue Movers Ordered to Pay $13 Million for Using Competitor's Name

Picking a mover can often be more stressful than moving. There are nearly constant complaints of movers who don’t show up, who hold customers’ goods hostage and who engage in any number of slippery business practices. But tracking down the bad guys can be difficult. Consumers are in a

5G Spells the End for AT&T Home Alarm Service, Many Others

The much-hyped arrival of 5G cellular communications may eventually prove beneficial to consumers. But for now, much of the impact is being felt by people whose 3G services are being cut back or eliminated entirely. A fairly notable example is AT&T, which recently sent this rather cryptic notice to

Bioengineered Foods Are the New GMOs

If you’ve been avoiding genetically modified foods (GMOs), you may want to shift your focus to foods labeled as “bioengineered (BE).” The feds are changing the rules about what names should be applied to foods whose genes have been tampered with. Way back in 2016, Congress passed something called

Bioengineered Foods Are the New GMOs

If you’ve been avoiding genetically modified foods (GMOs), you may want to shift your focus to foods labeled as “bioengineered (BE).” The feds are changing the rules about what names should be applied to foods whose genes have been tampered with. Way back in 2016, Congress passed something called

Bioengineered Foods Are the New GMOs

If you’ve been avoiding genetically modified foods (GMOs), you may want to shift your focus to foods labeled as “bioengineered (BE).” The feds are changing the rules about what names should be applied to foods whose genes have been tampered with. Way back in 2016, Congress passed something called

Bioengineered Foods Are the New GMOs

If you’ve been avoiding genetically modified foods (GMOs), you may want to shift your focus to foods labeled as “bioengineered (BE).” The feds are changing the rules about what names should be applied to foods whose genes have been tampered with. Way back in 2016, Congress passed something called

What's the Most Dangerous Room in Your Home?

Quick – what’s the most dangerous room in your home? The kitchen? The garage? No, it’s the bathroom. More people get hurt in bathrooms than anywhere else in their homes. Not surprisingly, about two-thirds of the injuries involve slips and falls, mostly while bathing or showering, with toilets close

Electric Cars: Where’s the Juice?

With gas prices at 40-year highs and popular consciousness of the perils of global warming climate change increasing, you may be thinking it’s time to look into buying an electric car…seriously. You wouldn’t be alone. Including hybrids, sales of electric cars made up 7.2% (accounting for

Ease the Pain of Inflation

Ever since money was invented, inflation has been a problem. Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting disruptions to the economy, it promises to be a bigger problem than usual in 2022. While it’s true that inflation has some benefits for the average consumer – increased home values, for example

When Is a Loan Not a Loan?

Everyone knows that using credit to make purchases is handy but can also be expensive and risky to your financial well-being. Using cash is sometimes better but can deplete your cash supply. That’s where something called “Buy Now, Pay Later” comes in. It’s not exactly a new idea,

Hearing Aids Will Soon Be Available Without a Prescription

This story is about something you can’t buy yet – over-the-counter hearing aids. At present, in most states, consumers with hearing issues must be examined by a medical professional before buying a hearing aid locally, but that’s about to end. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently

Want to Subscribe to Your Car?

People used to subscribe to newspapers, magazines and cable channels. Now they subscribe to razor blades and toothpaste. What’s next? Cars, if the automakers have anything to say about it. Just last week, Stellantis – née Chrysler Fiat & PSA Group – publicly daydreamed about its plans to sell billions of dollars

Beyond Vegan: Lab-Grown Meat

If you haven’t already tried a meatless hamburger, chances are you will bite into one soon. Some 57% of American households have already taken the plunge and the number is growing fast. The customers, by the way, aren’t all vegans. Industry research shows 98 percent of people who

LAS TARJETAS DE REGALO DE TARGET SON LA PRINCIPAL ELECCIÓN DE LOS ESTAFADORES

Las tarjetas de regalo son muy útiles para los consumidores, las empresas y, por desgracia, los estafadores. Los últimos datos de la Comisión Federal de Comercio muestran que en los primeros nueve meses de 2021, los consumidores declararon haber perdido 148 millones de dólares en estafas en las que se

LAS TARJETAS DE REGALO DE TARGET SON LA PRINCIPAL ELECCIÓN DE LOS ESTAFADORES

Las tarjetas de regalo son muy útiles para los consumidores, las empresas y, por desgracia, los estafadores. Los últimos datos de la Comisión Federal de Comercio muestran que en los primeros nueve meses de 2021, los consumidores declararon haber perdido 148 millones de dólares en estafas en las que se

LAS TARJETAS DE REGALO DE TARGET SON LA PRINCIPAL ELECCIÓN DE LOS ESTAFADORES

Las tarjetas de regalo son muy útiles para los consumidores, las empresas y, por desgracia, los estafadores. Los últimos datos de la Comisión Federal de Comercio muestran que en los primeros nueve meses de 2021, los consumidores declararon haber perdido 148 millones de dólares en estafas en las que se

LAS TARJETAS DE REGALO DE TARGET SON LA PRINCIPAL ELECCIÓN DE LOS ESTAFADORES

Las tarjetas de regalo son muy útiles para los consumidores, las empresas y, por desgracia, los estafadores. Los últimos datos de la Comisión Federal de Comercio muestran que en los primeros nueve meses de 2021, los consumidores declararon haber perdido 148 millones de dólares en estafas en las que se

Target Gift Cards Are Scammers' Top Choice

Gift cards are very handy for consumers, businesses and, unfortunately, scam artists. The Federal Trade Commission’s latest data spotlight shows that in the first nine months of 2021, consumers reported losing $148 million in scams where gift cards were used as the form of payment. That amount is more

Financial Violations Rife as Consumers Struggled with Pandemic

Improper mortgage fees, fair lending violations and payday lender malpractice were among the illegal conduct found by federal examiners during the first half of 2021, according to a report issued today by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). “Today’s report reveals that irresponsible or mismanaged firms harmed Americans during