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.
Headlight Ratings Encourage Automakers to Improve Safety; These 2021 Models Scored Best
To encourage automakers to improve inferior headlights, in 2016 the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety began rating vehicles for this important safety issue. Here are the 2021 models that scored best.
Major Retailers Respond to COVID-19 with Expanded Holiday Gift Return Policies
Dealing with returns during a pandemic can be a challenge. A few prominent national retailers are trying to make the process easier.
Fraud Alert: How to Spot Scammers Posing as Health Department COVID-19 Contact Tracers
Contact tracing is one of the critical tools state and local health departments are using to help stop the spread of the coronavirus. Unfortunately, it’s also given criminals a new way to scam people.
Online Pet Scams Soar During Pandemic—Here’s How to Protect Yourself
Pet adoptions have skyrocketed during the pandemic, as people stuck at home decided it was a good time to add a furry family member. Scammers are trolling the internet looking for people who will pay hundreds of dollars to buy a pet that doesn’t exist.
Financial Toolkit: How to Survive the COVID-19 Recession
Stimulus payments, expanded unemployment benefits, government loans, and payment accommodations from lenders have helped keep many families and businesses afloat so far. But as these programs end, millions will find their budgets stretched to the breaking point.
Auto Insurance Companies Provide ‘Tiny’ Refunds While Making Windfall Pandemic Profits, Study Finds
The pandemic has been a financial boon for the auto insurance industry. Since the outbreak, Americans have been driving less—resulting in fewer wrecks, fewer claims, and bigger profits. Few companies are sharing their windfalls with loyal customers.
Is That Really Customer Service You Just Dialed... Or an Imposter Hoping to Scam You?
Fraudsters have created fake customer service numbers for many well-known companies and wait for you to slip up and call them. This scam is deviously simple, which is why it’s often difficult to spot.
The Well-Known Brands Criminals Most Often Spoof in Phishing Attacks
Phishing is one of the most popular techniques used by cyber criminals because it’s simple and effective. The typical phishing attack involves creating an email that appears to be from a reputable company or organization and encourages potential victims to click on a link.
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.
Why It’s Safer to Use a Credit Card, Not a Debit Card
Some people find using debit cards, rather than credit cards, help them stick to their budgets and avoid going into debt. But credit cards offer stronger consumer protections.
Save on Prescription Drugs: How to Pay Less Than Your Insurance Copay
Websites and apps like GoodRX, America’s Pharmacy, Blink Health, Optum Perks, RXSaver, SingleCare, and WellRX can offer discounts so steep that you might pay less for your prescription medicines than the copays you'd pay under your health insurance plan.
Consumer Advocates Blast Federal Government for ‘Gutting’ Payday Lending Rules
At a time when American consumers need more protection than ever from predatory loans, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has issued a final rule on payday loans that rolls back important protections.
Is This a Good Time to Buy a New or Used Car?
People are buying cars again. To regain lost business, car manufacturers and dealers are promoting steep discounts and special financing.
Now You Can Check Your Credit Files Once a Week for FREE
During the coronavirus crisis, the three major credit-reporting agencies are making it easy for you to track what’s happening to your credit history in real time.
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.
How to Avoid Sky-High Overdraft Fees on Your Checking Account
We all make mistakes, but overdrawing your checking account is going to cost you more than ever before. The average overdraft fee hit a record high this year, increasing to $33.47.
Should You Upgrade to a 5G Phone? Checkbook Cuts Through the Marketing Hype
5G is breakthrough technology, but right now, in most parts of the country, it hasn’t yet arrived—and it won’t for several years. That hasn't stopped wireless companies from spending heavily on ads urging their customers to buy new smartphones.
Holiday Shopping: The Pros & Cons of Traditional Layaway and New Buy Now, Pay Later Services
The holiday shopping season is underway and for people without savings or credit, or who have credit cards maxed out because of the pandemic, layaway or buy now, pay later plans may be the only way to buy everything on their gift-giving lists.
Data Breach Impacts Donors at Hundreds of Nonprofits
Donors and members of more than 240 organizations recently had their personal information compromised during a breach at Blackbaud, a company hired by many nonprofits to manage their data. Unfortunately, so far Blackbaud hasn't shared much info about who was affected.
Want the Best Price on a New Car? Force Dealers to Bid for Your Business
Ready to pounce on a deal on new wheels? Don’t let hype about current deals bait you into spending too much. Our strategy of collecting competitive bids will save you $1,000 or more compared to other buying approaches.