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.
FTC says Customers Have a 'Right to Repair' Products They Buy
When you buy a product and it breaks, your ability to repair it is often limited or prevented by the manufacturer or seller. The Federal Trade Commission announced it's going to fix this broken system by cracking down on illegal repair restrictions.
MoneyGram Refunds $125 Million to Scam Victims; Here's How to File a Claim
The FTC is trying to return $125 million to victims who wired money to con artists between 2013 and 2017 using MoneyGram. That money is part of a 2018 settlement with the FTC and Department of Justice.
New Federal Rule Targets Fraudulent ‘Made in USA’ Claims
“Made in USA” claims are often meaningless and sometimes outright deceptive. This month the Federal Trade Commission finalized a new rule to crack down on marketers using false labeling about where their products were made.
Shortage of New Cars Results in Fewer Choices and Higher Prices
You may be in for an unpleasant surprise when you go car shopping these days. Due to a shortage for many popular makes and models, it could be more difficult to find the vehicle you want at a price you can afford.
Child Tax Credit Payments for 2021 Start Arriving in a Few Weeks
Here’s some good news for families who will qualify for the Child Tax Credit on their 2021 federal tax return: The credit is bigger, and the money is being sent out now.
Complaints Against P2P Payment Apps Soar
It’s easy to make mistakes when paying on your phone and difficult to get help if something goes wrong.
The Pros and Cons of ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ Financing for Travel
The travel industry has a solution for those who want to book a vacation but have limited budgets: Buy now, pay later (BNPL) financing. These plans can help with cash flow, and they are easy work-arounds for those who don’t have credit cards. But as with all financing options, it’s important to read the fine print.
Credit Bureau Mistakes Still a Problem, New Survey Shows
A unique study by Consumer Reports, released this week, found that errors in credit reports are all too common.
Downsizing: A Sneaky Way to Raise Prices Without Upsetting Customers
Most shoppers don’t notice when packaged goods are downsized ever so slightly. This inconspicuous shrinkage—fewer sheets on a roll of toilet paper, skinnier paper towels, and less coffee in the can—has been going on for decades. And there’s no end in sight.
Cryptocurrency Investment Scams Skyrocket
Cryptocurrency investment schemes have skyrocketed during the pandemic, as criminals leverage this gold-rush mentality, promising huge returns in just days or weeks.
Best Cars for Teens: Vehicles That Are Safe, Reliable, and Affordable
Consumer Reports and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have combined their data to create an updated list of recommended used cars for teens.
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.
FCC Offers Subsidies to Help Families Afford Computers and Connect to the Internet
Starting today, the Federal Communications Commission’s Emergency Broadband Benefit Program will provide financial assistance to families who need help paying for internet access or buying a computer.
The Pitfalls of Taking Out a Really Long Car Loan
When selecting vehicles and loan terms, most consumers focus on monthly payments. It seems like a simple way to make sure the car and financing fits their budget. But it can be a pricey mistake.
Fraud Alert: Bogus COVID-19 Vaccine Survey
Fraudsters have figured out another way to exploit the pandemic. They’re sending out emails and text messages asking people to complete a bogus COVID-19 survey about the Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson vaccines. There’s even a fake survey for AstraZeneca, which hasn’t even been approved for use in the U.S.
Rental Car Woes: Sky-High Prices if Cars Are Even Available
Due to unprecedented lack of inventory and significantly higher-than-expected demand, rental car prices are sky-high at many vacation destinations across the country. And the problem is expected to get worse.
Federal Government Will Help Pay for COVID-Related Funeral Expenses
On April 12, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) started a reimbursement program to help those who lost loved ones in the pandemic. It will help cover the costs for funeral services and interment or cremation, up to $9,000.
Should Funeral Homes Be Required to Post Prices Online?
Consumer advocates, including Checkbook, want the federal government to require funeral homes to disclose their prices online.
Airline ‘Change Fees’ Rules About to Change Again
The pandemic did what consumer advocates could never accomplish. It forced the major U.S. airlines to drop their dreaded “change fees” that penalized customers who rescheduled travel dates on nonrefundable tickets. But starting March 31, airlines will begin to reintroduce these steep fees for basic economy ticket holders.
Update: Most Unemployment Benefits Won’t Be Taxed; IRS Will Issue Automatic Refunds
The $1.9 trillion COVID stimulus package, which President Biden signed into law on March 11, provides a tax break for the millions of Americans who received unemployment compensation last year.