June 12th, 2023 Rita Robison
More than two thirds of online shopping scams begin on the social media platforms Instagram and Facebook, according to an analysis by the Lloyds Banking Group. Fraudsters are preying on shoppers in search of a deal. They’re creating fake business pages, social media ads, and online stores. Nick Drewe, of the online discounts platform Wethrift, offers this list […]
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June 9th, 2023 Rita Robison
It’s a tragedy that more babies are dying in loungers and companies are continuing to sell dangerous ones. Boppy newborn loungers Although Boppy newborn loungers were recalled in September 2021 due to the risk that infants can suffocate, shortly after the recall two additional infants died in loungers in unsafe sleep environments. In October 2021, an […]
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June 8th, 2023 Rita Robison
Financial institutions are increasingly using chatbots, which put out human-like responses using computer programming, to communicate with customers to save money. Chatbots sometimes have human names and use popup features to encourage interaction. Some chatbots use more complex technologies such as “artificial intelligence” to respond to customers. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has received hundreds […]
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June 5th, 2023 Rita Robison
Another huge recall with dozens of injuries points out once again the importance of keeping up on product recalls. About 469,000 self-cleaning juicers are being recalled by Empower Brands in the United States and with an additional 10,900 recalled in Canada. The juicers can rupture during use, striking consumers and causing lacerations, or they can […]
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June 3rd, 2023 Rita Robison
More than three quarters of adults have used a payment app, called a P2P or peer-to-peer or person-to-person app. Widely used nonbank payment apps include PayPal, Venmo, and Cash App. The apps can be used on a computer or mobile device to send money to someone else without writing a check or handing over cash. […]
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May 31st, 2023 Rita Robison
It’s not surprising what last year’s top consumer complaint was. I’ve seen it many times as No. 1 on annual consumer complaint lists. It’s auto sales and repair. “Consumers rely on cars to get to work, school, doctors’ appointments and more,” said Erin Witte, director of consumer protection for the Consumer Federation of America. Complaints […]
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May 30th, 2023 Rita Robison
On Memorial Day, I rushed over to REI to see what I could find at its “biggest sale of the year.” REI’s clothing, shoes, and other items are so expensive I only buy things when they’re on sale. I found a pair of sandals that I like, Keens, $97. Also the sleeping bag that I […]
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May 29th, 2023 Rita Robison
Whether you’re remembering a loved one who passed away in their service to the country, going to a parade, visiting a cemetery, having or attending a barbecue, shopping, or working, I hope your Memorial Day is going well. Many people also see the Memorial Day weekend as the beginning of summer and are enjoying outings […]
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May 27th, 2023 Rita Robison
Memorial Day is a day to honor Americans who have died in service to their country. Many people attend a memorial day event, visit a cemetery where a loved one is buried, or spend time remembering a service member. In addition, for others, it’s the unofficial beginning of summer. So, it brings barbecues, picnics, swimming, […]
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May 27th, 2023 Rita Robison
Memorial Day is a day to honor Americans who have died in service to their country. Many people attend a memorial day event, visit a cemetery where a loved one is buried, or spend time remembering a service member. In addition, for others, it’s the unofficial beginning of summer. So, it brings barbecues, picnics, swimming, […]
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