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.
3G Wireless Service Will End in 2022, Stranding Millions of Mobile Devices
This year, U.S. wireless carriers will turn off their old 3G (third-generation wireless) networks to make room for 4G and 5G traffic. The first shutdown starts next week, when AT&T throws its switch on Feb. 22.
Five Ways to Save Money on Valentine’s Day Flowers
Valentine's Day is right around the corner. Here are some tips on how to get beautiful blooms for less green.
Court Approves Equifax Breach Settlement: Money for Some, Free Credit Monitoring for All
Equifax will pay up to $425 million in restitution to those directly impacted by the massive data breach of the credit bureau in 2017. Settlement notices are now being sent to those who previously filed claims for monetary compensation or free credit monitoring.
Amazon Ends Its ‘Sold by Amazon’ Program to Settle Price-Fixing Investigation
Amazon settled a lawsuit brought by Washington state’s Attorney General by permanently shutting down its “Sold by Amazon” program. The lawsuit alleged Amazon used the program to unlawfully fix prices to boost profits.
WA Cares Long-Term Care Program Delayed Until Summer of 2023
Washington state’s first-of-a-kind long-term care program has been put on hold until 2023 while lawmakers figure out a host of problems.
New Government Report: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion Rarely Act on Complaints About Credit File Errors
If you spot a mistake on your credit report and contact the credit bureau, there’s a good chance nothing will happen. Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion together provided relief when alerted to errors less than two percent of the time last year, according to a new report from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
The Push to End Overdraft Fees
Of all the fees financial institutions charge their customers, the overdraft fee is among the most hated and expensive. After decades of charging them, some banks are finally adopting fairer policies.
Important Tax Law Changes That May Affect Your 2021 Tax Return
In 2021, as in most years, tax laws were revised and tweaked, possibly impacting your return. Here is what to expect as we head into tax season.
Automakers Rev Up Subscription Services
When you buy or lease your next car, you might be required to pay a monthly or yearly subscription fee to activate some of its features.
How to Handle Holiday Gift Returns
Retailers are bracing for a record number of post-Christmas returns, and their customers expect stores (online and brick-and-mortar) to make it easy to return unwanted gifts and to provide speedy refunds.
Fraud Alert: Phone Scams Involving Amazon Impersonators Are Skyrocketing
Scammers impersonate all sorts of businesses, but Amazon is “a runaway favorite” of telephone fraudsters, according to a report from the Federal Trade Commission.
New Federal Rules Spell Out What Debt Collectors Can and Cannot Do
New debt collection regulations took effect at the end of November. The new rules focus on communications and disclosures from debt collectors, including what a collector can say, how often they can contact the consumer, what information must be provided, and what qualifies as harassment.
Should You Use Buy Now, Pay Later for Your Holiday Shopping?
BNPL services market themselves as the consumer-friendly alternative to credit cards, but they don't offer the strong consumer protections you get from credit cards, and there is growing concern that many rely on profits from late fees from struggling consumers.
Marriott Settles Lawsuit and Agrees to Include ‘Resort Fees’ in Advertised Room Rates
In a major victory for travelers, last week Marriott International settled a consumer protection lawsuit brought by the Pennsylvania attorney general and agreed to begin disclosing upfront any mandatory fees, including resort fees.
Fraud Alert: Scammers Target Those Looking for Work
Job scams increased dramatically during the pandemic––and they’re expected to flourish as America gets back to work. Last year, more than 16,000 people reported being victims of employment scams to the FBI.
Is the Government Really Mailing Out Visa Debit Cards Loaded with Stimulus Money?
Nearly 4 million people are being sent their Economic Impact Payment by prepaid debit card, instead of a check, in a plain envelope. Many recipients are throwing theirs away (assuming It's junk mail) or destroying them (afraid it's a scam).
My Gym Is Closed and Still Billing Me. Can It Do That?
What happens when your gym is forced to close because of a pandemic? Should you get a refund for the time you were locked out? And what can you do if the company wants to keep your money and credit your membership account, instead of processing a refund?...
Your Car Needs Some TLC During the Coronavirus Outbreak
Driving patterns have changed dramatically because of the coronavirus outbreak. While you’re staying safe at home, your car sits for long stretches of time, and that can cause some mechanical problems.
Stimulus Payment Glitches: Why Millions of Taxpayers Will Get Their Payments Late
Millions of Americans who filed their tax returns via tax preparation services haven’t received their stimulus payments yet.
Holiday Shopping Tips: Gift Yourself Less Stress and Lower Spending
For the 2021 holiday shopping season, brace yourself for shortages, shipping delays, changes to retailers’ traditional discounting practices, and more. But there are still plenty of ways to save money and make sure you cover everyone on your “nice” list. Here are our top tips for holiday shopping.