Welcome to Consumers’ Notebook, where we feature news-you-can-use and other timely information to help you become a more informed consumer. Check back often to read the latest pieces in our Notebook.
Supermarkets’ Digital Offers Leave Tech-Challenged Seniors Without Valuable Discounts
At a time when consumers are especially focused on saving money at the supermarket, some shoppers—those who are tech-challenged or digitally disconnected—are unable to access “digital only” sale prices advertised in weekly store circulars.
Should You Give Up Your Privacy to Save on Auto Insurance?
Many auto insurers offer to reduce customers’ premiums by as much as 30 or 40 percent if they agree to allow companies to monitor how, when, and where they drive, with little oversight on how they can use the data.
Federal Regulators Cracking Down on Hidden Fees
Many companies use hidden fees to obtain bigger payments from customers without having to increase their advertised prices. These bait-and-switch schemes cost consumers “tens of billions of dollars each year,” make comparison shopping difficult, and “leave consumers feeling powerless and cheated,” according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
FTC Charges GoodRx with Illegally Disclosing Customers’ Health Information
Millions of Americans have saved money on their prescription drugs by using coupons from GoodRx. But at what cost? Federal regulators have accused the discount drug and telehealth provider with violating federal law by “failing to notify consumers” about its “unauthorized disclosure” of their health information to other companies.
Report: Data Breach Notices Lack Key Details, Enable Identity Theft ‘Scamdemic’
There’s a good chance you received a data breach notice last year—possibly more than one. Unfortunately, last year only 34 percent of breach notices included details about what was obtained from attacks, the lowest number in five years.
Tax Season Is Officially Underway; Here’s What You Need to Know
Millions of Americans will be disappointed that they’ll get less money back than last year—or even owe money—as they prepare their federal tax returns for 2022.
Avoid Getting Stuck with a Flood-Damaged Used Car
Buy a used vehicle that’s been inundated by flood waters, and you’re going to have problems down the road—no matter how nice it looks.
Fraud Alert: Customer Service Imposter Scams
To gain your confidence, con artists lie about who they are. They impersonate IRS agents, debt collectors, bankers, Social Security Administration employees, and law enforcement. These days, they’re also finding it lucrative to pose as customer service agents.
Study Finds Some Recalled Toys Are Still Up for Sale
A recent study by U.S. PIRG found that, incredibly, some toys that had been recalled due to known safety defects are still being sold new online.
More Online Retailers Now Charge Return Fees
Better check the return policy before buying online. A growing number of retailers are charging shipping fees that they deduct from the amount they refund.
Student Loan Repayment Pause Extended Yet Again
After a federal appeals court halted a plan to forgive student loan debt for millions of Americans, the Biden administration on Tuesday extended a payment pause until the end of June 2023.
Consumer Advocates Urge Supermarkets to Stop Digital Discount Discrimination
A coalition of national consumer groups recently sent a letter to the presidents of a dozen large supermarket chains, calling on them to “stop discriminating against senior citizens and low-income shoppers” who cannot take advantage of in-store digital-only discounts.
DOT Fines 6 Airlines and Orders Them to Refund $600 Million to Stranded Passengers
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has ordered six airlines to pay $600 million in refunds to passengers who had their flights canceled or significantly delayed during the pandemic. Only one of the six, Frontier, is a U.S. airline.
Can You Trust Online Reviews for Home Warranty Companies?
For decades Checkbook has urged against buying home warranty plans, which we see as terrible deals. Consumer advocate Edgar Dworsky, publisher of ConsumerWorld.org, found something curious when he looked into online reviews for American Home Shield.
Dealing with Debt: The Smart Way to Get Your Finances Back in Order
Credit card debt can lead to serious financial trouble. A trained credit counselor can help you pay down debt, even if it seems insurmountable, and teach you skills to remain on track.
UPDATE: FTC May Require Funeral Homes to Disclose Prices on Their Websites
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is updating its Funeral Rule, first enacted in 1984. That is credited with reducing fraud and deception in the funeral business.
Court Ruling Puts Temporary Hold on Student Loan Forgiveness Program
A federal appeals court has temporarily stopped President Biden’s federal student loan debt relief program.
Banks Often Refuse to Help Victims of Zelle Scams
Use a payment platform provided by your bank or credit union, and you probably assume your financial institution will be there to help if there’s a problem. Don’t count on it. Customers tricked into sending money to scammers via Zelle are learning that lesson the hard way.
New Proposed Rule Would Require Airlines to Disclose the ‘True Cost’ of Tickets, Including Fees
The U.S. Department of Transportation is considering a rule that would make it easier for consumers to see the true cost of flying—airfare, plus any fees—when booking trips. The rule would help provide customers with the information they need to choose the best deals.
Consumer Advocates Want the Department of Transportation to Fix Our Broken Airline System
Airline passengers too often have their flights canceled at the last minute, or delayed for hours. Consumer advocates say U.S. airlines are failing their customers by putting profits ahead of realistic schedules. The U.S. Department of Transportation could and should do far more to protect passengers.