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Posts Tagged With ‘ Consumer Protection ’

 
Electrolux Group recalls Frigidaire gas cooktops due to the risk of gas leaks and fire
September 10th, 2023

It’s always important to watch out for fire hazards. I picked out this recent recall to write about this week because of it. I’ll write about an even bigger recall, glass door knobs, next week. Electrolux Group is recalling about 77,000 Frigidaire four- and five-burner gas cooktops. Plastic control knobs with a black shaft on the cooktop can crack or break during use, posing a risk of a gas leak and fire hazard. Electrolux has received 63 reports of these control knobs defects that included one minor injury from a gas leak and one report of fire. This recall involves all Frigidaire stainless-steel... Continue Reading

September 10th, 2023
California legislature passes bill that will ban 26 chemicals in cosmetics linked to cancer, reproductive harm, and birth defects
September 9th, 2023

A bill banning the sale of cosmetic products that contain 26 toxic chemicals known to affect human health passed the California State Legislature Wednesday. Gov. Gavin Newsom is expected to sign it. The law would ban hazardous substances such as some borate compounds, lily aldehyde, cyclotetrasiloxane, trichloroacetic acid, styrene, and certain colors. “Personal care products and cosmetics should be non-toxic for everyone,” said Assemblymember Laura Friedman, author of the legislation. “If you consider that the European Union prohibits almost 2,500 chemicals in such products, a ban in California... Continue Reading

September 9th, 2023
Google agrees to a preliminary settlement of anticompetitive charges with states on its Play Store
September 7th, 2023

Google has reached a tentative settlement with the attorneys general from 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico on one of three major antitrust lawsuits against the company for its anticompetitive conduct in the Google Play Store. In July 2021, 37 attorneys general filed a lawsuit against Google alleging that the company used its monopoly power in the Android app market to inflate prices for paid apps and in-app purchases. “No company is too big to play by the rules, including Google,” the attorneys general who led the lawsuit, from the states of New York, California, North... Continue Reading

September 7th, 2023
What to do when your home owners insurance is canceled or jumps in cost
August 30th, 2023

Big storms across the country brought on by climate change are causing havoc. You may have received a notice from your insurer dropping your home insurance policy. Or, unexpected surges in the cost of your coverage can put a strain on your budget especially in these days of inflation. This is stressful as not having the right amount and type of insurance can make your home more difficult to sell. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau offers the following suggestions for homeowners facing new decisions about insurance, often with limited time to consider complicated options. Choosing insurance Your... Continue Reading

August 30th, 2023
DOT fines American Airlines a record $4.1 million for tarmac delays
August 29th, 2023

Do you know your rights on tarmac delays? American Airlines will pay $4.1 million for violating federal laws prohibiting tarmac delays of three hours or more on domestic flights without providing passengers an opportunity to deplane, the U.S. Department of Transportation said Monday. DOT’s investigation found that American kept dozens of flights stuck on the tarmac for long periods of time. It’s the largest fine ever issued for tarmac delays. “This is the latest action in our continued drive to enforce the rights of airline passengers,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said... Continue Reading

August 29th, 2023
A Ubio Labs power bank that caught fire on an airplane is recalled by Costco
August 28th, 2023

Remember to check recalls frequently so you can find out about harmful products like this one. Costco is recalling about 350,000 Ubio Labs power banks. It has received three reports of fires, including one on a commercial flight resulting in four reports of smoke inhalation and one report of a minor burn to passengers. This recall involves Ubio Labs power banks, sold in a one- or two-pack. The power banks are black and have the model number PWB1071 printed on the back, and the Costco item number is printed on the package. The item number for the one-pack is 1314518 and the two-pack is 1265470. The... Continue Reading

August 28th, 2023
Today is the deadline to file a claim in the Facebook privacy lawsuit settlement
August 25th, 2023

Time is running out if you want to get in on a big Facebook settlement. If you were a Facebook user in the United States between May 24, 2007, and December 22, 2022, you may be eligible for a cash payment from a class action settlement of $725 million. Today, Aug. 25, is the deadline to file a claim. Go to https://facebookuserprivacysettlement.com/. It’s easy to fill out the form. You don’t need to give any personal information. And, watch out for scammers who may ask for money to fill out a claim form for the settlement. How much you get depends on how many people file claims. Facebook had... Continue Reading

August 25th, 2023
Asked to pay for help with your student loans? Don’t do it.
August 21st, 2023

If someone tells you that you need to pay to sign up for government student loan debt relief program, run away as fast as you can. Scammers want to hook you and fill their pockets with your money, while their “advice” may make your student loan problems worse. The Federal Trade Commission offers the following tips for how to spot scam companies that charge illegal upfront fees for so-called help with your student loans: The first thing is to be informed. Be aware you don’t have to pay for help managing your student loans. If someone tries to charge you up front, before they’ve done anything,... Continue Reading

August 21st, 2023
More than 1.5 million dehumidifiers are being recalled due to fire and burn risks
August 21st, 2023

Here’s another recall for these dehumidifiers have seen other models recalled throughout the years. Gree Electric Appliances is recalling about 1.56 million dehumidifiers. The dehumidifiers can overheat, smoke, and catch fire, posing fire and burn risks to consumers. Gree has received reports of at least 23 fires, 688 incidents of overheating, and $168,000 in property damage with the recalled dehumidifiers. This recall involves 42 models of dehumidifiers with brand names Kenmore, GE, SoleusAir, Norpole, and Seabreeze that were manufactured between January 2011 and February 2014. For information... Continue Reading

August 21st, 2023
Experian to pay $650,000 for spamming consumers who signed up for accounts with marketing emails they couldn’t opt out of
August 16th, 2023

It’s frustrating to receive dozens, even hundreds of emails every day. But what if there’s no “unsubscribe” link and the emails won’t stop? People who set up “Free Membership” accounts with Experian to manage access to their Experian credit report information online had that experience. The accounts let people “freeze” their credit to make it difficult for identity thieves to open new accounts in their name and “unfreeze” their credit to apply for a mortgage or other new credit. But, the Federal Trade Commission said, the free accounts came with an extra that many people... Continue Reading

August 16th, 2023