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.
Water Beads Pose Deadly Danger to Children
Water beads can cause serious injuries or death if children swallow them.
Buy Now, Pay Later Often a Debt Trap
Sellers and credit card companies continue to push Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) to make purchases seem more affordable by splitting up costs into smaller installments. But what may seem like free financing can turn into a high-cost loan.
How to Pick the Right Credit Card
Banks, credit unions, airlines, hotels, and retailers inundate us with credit card offers. Before applying for any credit card, consider how you manage your money, how you use credit, and why you’re considering applying for a new card.
Why Major Wireless Companies Want Payments Via Debit Cards or Electronic Checks
Within the last few years, the three largest wireless services have begun to push their customers to pay via automatic electronic checks or debit cards by no longer offering big discounts to those who pay via credit cards.
EV Update: More Choices, Better Batteries, but Still Pricey
The U.S. finally has a robust market for electric vehicles (EVs), with more manufacturers offering models that are stylish, roomy, and fun to drive. Unfortunately, high sticker prices remain a deal-breaker for many drivers who want to make the switch.
Not So Fast: Xfinity’s ‘10G’ Internet Service Branding Is Marketing Mumbo Jumbo
Internet customers want fast and reliable broadband service. Comcast promises its “next generation” Xfinity internet service, now branded as a “10G Network,” will deliver both. But “10G” is a meaningless, and possibly misleading, marketing term.
Biden Administration Announces New Rules that Will Eliminate Most Junk Fees
In his February State of the Union address, President Biden promised to crack down on costly junk fees. On Wednesday, two federal regulatory agencies took steps to do that.
How Criminals Are Using AI to Fine-Tune and Scale Up Their Attacks
Fraudsters are already using AI to scam people by using tools to create better emails and text messages, and write malicious code.
Why Am I Getting Email Messages in My Text Folder?
Cybercriminals are now using email to send texts to circumvent spam filters. They’re also hoping this different format will make their spam stand out from the flood of bogus messages.
How to Wipe Your Data Before You Sell, Donate, or Recycle Unwanted Computers and Smartphones
Simply deleting unwanted files, and emptying the recycle bin, does not permanently destroy that data. Here’s how to do that.
New Law Targets Online Sale of Stolen and Counterfeit Merchandise
The bipartisan INFORM Consumers Act (Integrity, Notification, and Fairness in Online Retail Marketplaces), which took effect in June, should make it harder for crooks to sell stolen or counterfeit items—and make it more difficult for online marketplaces to ignore the growing problem.
Amazon Raises Minimum Purchase Requirement for Free Shipping in Some Zip Codes
How much do you need to order from Amazon, if you’re not a Prime member, to get free shipping? It now depends on where you live.
Boycott Your Federal Student Loan Payments? Experts Say That’s a Bad Idea
The resumption of federal student loan payments, which begins in October, will be a financial stretch for many borrowers. Some are looking for a way to push back.
Ready or Not, Federal Student Loan Payment Pause Ends August 31
After more than three years, the pause on federal student loan payments will end on August 31. The Covid-related relief program had suspended payments, froze interest, and prohibited collections for about 43 million Americans.
Fraud Alert: Fake ChatGPT Apps Commonplace in App Stores
App stores are flooded with bogus versions of ChatGPT, the popular new artificial intelligence tool.
Fraud Alert: IRS Refund Letter is Bogus
While the IRS does contact taxpayers by mail, it never sends letters about refunds. Keeping an eye out for these red flags will help you protect yourself.
Stay Safe in the Sun: Top-Rated Sunscreens, and How to Use Them Properly
The Skin Cancer Foundation says a good sunscreen, used properly, can dramatically reduce your skin cancer risk, and lower your chances of getting melanoma by 50 percent.
Publishers Clearinghouse Settles FTC Lawsuit About Its Popular Sweepstakes
Publishers Clearing House will change its online business practices and refund $18.5 million dollars to customers who “spent money and wasted their time” entering the company’s sweepstakes.
Seven Top Strategies for Being a Smart Consumer
We asked our editors and consumer-expert friends to tell us the most important ways to save money and avoid trouble. Here are their top seven strategies:...
FTC Accuses Amazon of Tricking Millions into Joining Prime
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) sued Amazon on Wednesday, accusing the company of enrolling customers into its Prime program without their consent—and then making it difficult for them to cancel.