Consumers’ Notebook

Are Your Kids’ Smart Toys Spying on Them?

Toys equipped with microphones, cameras, or sensors create privacy and security issues.

Zelle Improves Its Fraud Protection Policy, but Is It Enough?

Earlier this year, Zelle quietly expanded its fraud protection policy to include some victims of imposter fraud, but consumer advocates urge that it do more to protect users.

Shop Safely Online This Holiday Season (and All Year Long)

U.S. consumers reported losing $358 million to online scams last year, according to the Federal Trade Commission. The holiday shopping season is especially lucrative for scammers.

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.