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.
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.
Are Your Kids’ Smart Toys Spying on Them?
Toys equipped with microphones, cameras, or sensors create all sorts of privacy and security issues.
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.
Fraud Alert: Scammers Use Hacked Facebook Accounts to Put a New Twist on an Old Scam
Con artists are using social media to breathe new life into an old government grant scam. Many victims report losing thousands of dollars.
Scam Victims Have Until Aug. 31 to Claim Western Union Refunds; FTC Accuses Walmart of Similarly Enabling Crooks
Western Union has agreed to return money to consumers who were tricked into wiring money to criminals from 2004 through 2017. To get your share of the money, you must file a claim by August 31. The FTC is now suing Walmart for similar alleged lack of oversight.
New Climate Law Provides Big Tax Credits for Electric Vehicle Purchases, but Few Models Qualify Right Now
The new Inflation Reduction Act provides billions of dollars in tax incentives for clean-car buyers. But the law includes restrictions that could make it difficult or impossible for you to take advantage of the tax break anytime soon.
FTC Proposes New Advertising Guidelines Against Misleading Endorsements
To avoid misleading consumers, endorsements should be genuine and honest, and any relationships (such as compensation) between the advertiser and the endorser should be disclosed. In May, the FTC proposed several revisions to its guides that would clarify and strengthen rules for traditional media, plus apply guidelines to cover influencer endorsements.