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.
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).
New FTC Website Makes It Easier to Report Fraud and Other Consumer Issues
The Federal Trade Commission, the government’s fraud fighting agency, received 3.2 million consumer complaints last year, dealing with everything from identity theft to online shopping problems.
It May Be Time to Get Off the Fence About Refinancing Your Mortgage
Starting on December 1, a new 0.5 percent “adverse market fee” will be added to many mortgage refinance loans backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
New Report Warns of Bad Actors in the Interstate Moving Industry
During a move, you’re trusting a company to get your possessions from here to there on time, without damage, and at the agreed upon price. All too often that doesn’t happen, especially for long-distance interstate relocations.
Be 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 lower your risk of skin cancer––reducing the risk of developing melanoma by 50 percent.
Update: Advice from a Patient Advocate for Families with Vulnerable Loved Ones
During the coronavirus pandemic, patient advocates can offer vital assistance to the families of those who are hospitalized or locked down in senior communities.
Air Passenger Rights During Coronavirus Crisis
An airline must give you a refund if it cancels your flight. Many carriers finally are granting more flexibility for flyers who wish to change their travel plans due to the coronavirus crisis.
Why You Should Delete Online Accounts You No Longer Use
Chances are you have online accounts that you haven’t used for years. These old and abandoned accounts can be a major security risk.
Con Artists Capitalize on Online Shopping Surge, Send Bogus Delivery Notices to Trick Consumers
Scammers are capitalizing on record e-commerce orders with a fresh wave of email and text message phishing attacks that look like they're from legitimate retailers and package delivery services.
Grocery Prices Are Up. Here’s How to Save at the Supermarket.
If you do the grocery shopping in your family, you’ve probably noticed that the grocery bills keep going up. Blame the pandemic for pushing up the prices of many staples. Here are some simple tips to help lower your food bills.
Latest Results from the American Customer Satisfaction Index Survey of Cell Phone Customers
Every wireless company claims to be the best, but consumer surveys tell a different story—some carriers are clearly doing a better job of delivering network quality, customer service, and value.
Looking to Save Money? Audit Your Digital Subscriptions
Subscription-based digital services are the ultimate in convenience, but their fees can add up to hundreds of dollars in wasted money if you don't cancel unused or unwanted ones.
Why Did I Get a Small, Unexpected Payment From the IRS?
By law, the IRS owes interest on refunds that accrued between the original April 15th filing deadline and whenever the refund was actually paid.
Many Consumers Enrolled in COVID-19 Payment Modification Programs Find Their Credit Files Erroneously Tarnished
Many lenders let their customers make reduced payments or skip payments altogether, without damaging their credit histories. But, in many cases, companies haven’t held up their end of the deal.
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?...
Amid a Troubled Economy, Credit Cards Cut Credit Limits and Cancel Cards
As the unemployment rate continues to climb due to the coronavirus outbreak, the banks that issue credit cards are taking defensive action by closing accounts and reducing credit limits.
Scammers Cash-In on COVID-19: How to Protect Yourself
The coronavirus pandemic is a dream come true for con artists across the globe: Millions of people are afraid of getting sick and struggling to make ends meet, just as trillions of dollars in stimulus funds make their way into the economy.
Is Your Auto Insurer Offering Help During the Coronavirus Outbreak?
Most of the largest U.S. insurance companies have announced plans to give their auto policyholders some form of relief. Some insurers are offering a lot more help than others.
How to Create and Easily Store Secure Passwords
Password management software helps you create strong and unique passwords for all your online accounts.
How to Shop Safely Online This Holiday Season (and the Rest of the Year, Too)
Like everything else during this pandemic, holiday shopping is different this year. Stores are open and malls are decorated, but even diehard brick-and-mortar shoppers are more likely to buy online. That reduces the risk of getting infected, but increases the chances of falling victim to cybercriminals.