Here’s where we feature news-you-can-use and other timely information to help you become a more informed consumer. Check back often to read what’s happening.
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.
UPDATE: FTC May Require Funeral Homes to Disclose Prices on Their Websites
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is updating its Funeral Rule, first enacted in 1984. That is credited with reducing fraud and deception in the funeral business.
Consumer Advocates Want the Department of Transportation to Fix Our Broken Airline System
Airline passengers too often have their flights canceled at the last minute, or delayed for hours. Consumer advocates say U.S. airlines are failing their customers by putting profits ahead of realistic schedules. The U.S. Department of Transportation could and should do far more to protect passengers.
Ford to No Longer Allow Customers to Buy Electric Vehicles at the End of Their Leases
Lease an all-electric vehicle from Ford and you no longer have the option to buy that car or truck when your agreement ends. As of June 15, Ford eliminated the purchase option for new leases on the F-150 Lightning, E-Transit Van, and Mustang Mach-E.
Discover Offers Free and Simple Way to Opt-Out of Popular People-Search Websites
Discover recently launched its free “Online Privacy Protection” program, which it says will make it easy for its customers to remove their personal information from 10 popular data-collecting websites. My test drive found that the program works well, but its reach is pretty limited.
Drivers Beware: Most States Still Allow Predatory Towing Schemes
“Predatory towing,” where towing companies pay kickbacks to private businesses or law enforcement, is banned in only 17 states, and continues to create needless problems for drivers, according to a new report from the consumer advocates at the U.S. PIRG Education Fund.
Don’t Get Left Behind When Your Airline Travel Credits Expire
Millions of Americans who had flights canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic are still sitting on billions of dollars in unused airline credits. The clock is ticking: Many vouchers expire soon. Unfortunately, airlines often make it complicated, if not impossible, for consumers to use them.
Amazon Ends Its ‘Sold by Amazon’ Program to Settle Price-Fixing Investigation
Amazon settled a lawsuit brought by Washington state’s Attorney General by permanently shutting down its “Sold by Amazon” program. The lawsuit alleged Amazon used the program to unlawfully fix prices to boost profits.
3G Wireless Service Will End in 2022, Stranding Millions of Mobile Devices
This year, U.S. wireless carriers will turn off their old 3G (third-generation wireless) networks to make room for 4G and 5G traffic. The first shutdown starts next week, when AT&T throws its switch on Feb. 22.
Important Tax Law Changes That May Affect Your 2021 Tax Return
In 2021, as in most years, tax laws were revised and tweaked, possibly impacting your return. Here is what to expect as we head into tax season.
Get Ready for a Weird Black Friday This Year
Inflation, supply chain disruptions, and the pandemic are shaping this year’s Black Friday promotions, limiting the number of products retailers can advertise and the size of discounts they can offer.
Should You Use Buy Now, Pay Later for Your Holiday Shopping?
BNPL services market themselves as the consumer-friendly alternative to credit cards, but they don't offer the strong consumer protections you get from credit cards, and there is growing concern that many rely on profits from late fees from struggling consumers.
Fraud Alert: Scammers Target Those Looking for Work
Job scams increased dramatically during the pandemic––and they’re expected to flourish as America gets back to work. Last year, more than 16,000 people reported being victims of employment scams to the FBI.
Fraud Alert: Malicious QR Codes Now Used by Online Scammers
The rapid acceptance of QR codes during the pandemic has been good for restaurants and retailers, but it’s also provided cyber criminals with a powerful new tool.
Data Breaches Skyrocket; Here’s How to Safeguard Your Online Accounts
Data breaches are up 58 percent in the first half of the year and are on a record-setting pace, according to a new report from the Identity Theft Resource Center. While that’s a staggering figure, you can still protect yourself by adopting some basic security habits.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Warning: Social Security Imposters Now Use Fake Badges to Fool Victims
The fraudsters who steal money and personal information over the phone keep finding new ways to deceive us. Now, these scam artists have added fake government ID badges to their bag of tricks.