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February 3, 2012

FTC: Telemarketers Sold Bogus Credit Cards "Platinum Trust" allegedly charged illegal upfront fee, took money without consent

FBI Looks for Internet Scam Suspects Duo allegedly preyed on Internet auction site bidders

Job Creation Surges In January Economy added 243,000 new jobs

Study Uncovers Resveratrol Mechanism Findings may settle debate over red wine chemical

Morton's Steakhouse Too Big to Swallow? New owner shutters restaurants in several prime locations

Gas Prices On The Rise Again Refineries cutting back production in the face of weak demand keeps prices high

Regular Or Decaf? Both May Be Healthy Two studies show both types of coffee have their benefits

Victoria's Secret Commercials Draw Complaints Women object their husbands are "practically hypnotized"

Does You Child Have To File A Tax Return? When children earn money, they have to report it

What's On Your Mind? Expedia, Hollywood Video, Eden Pure Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Honda Recalls 2012 Accord, Crosstour
• Toyota Recalls 2011 RAV4
• Rely Dried Yellow Croaker Recalled
• Rely Sardine Anchovies Recalled
• Bumbleride Recalls Strollers
• Carter’s Watch the Wear Bodysuits, Sleep ‘n Play Garments Recalled

February 2, 2012

Unhappy Honda Owner Gets $9,867 Judgment After Opting Out of Class Action Civic Hybrid didn't deliver the 50 mpg it promised, suit charges

Mortgage Rates Fall To Another Record Low But increasingly, fewer consumers can get a loan

No Prayer Cards But Better Coffee on Alaska Airlines Not everyone is happy about it but others are rejoicing

Common Cause Projects the Winner of the Presidential Election Hint: Follow the money to find the real winners

What's On Your Mind? Redbox, Home Guardian Our daily look at consumer reviews

Dealing Directly With Florist May Avoid Valentines Glitches Do you really want to trust your love life to a middleman?

Study Links Potatoes To Lower Blood Pressure Could the lowly spud be a health food?

How Children Can Help You at Tax Time Kids and other dependents can lower your tax bill

Cuisinart Coffeemaker Meltdowns Leave Consumers Steaming Wiring overheats and burns without warning, consumers complain

Recalls

• Fold-Out Sleeper Ottomans Recalled
• HP Recalls Fax Machines
• Konica Minolta Recalls Business-Grade Printers
• West Elm Recalls Overarching Floor Lamp
• Hurricane-Style Lights Recalled
• Pfizer Recalls Lo/Ovral Contraceptives

February 1, 2012

Baby-Death Suit Against Nojo Baby Sling Moves Forward Judge allows suit to proceed despite statute of limitations

Feds Get $10 Million Settlement in Bruce Moneymaker Case Company allegedly targeted payday loan seekers and charged them without their consent

Telecard Marketers Pay $2.3 Million to Settle Federal Charges Deceived consumers about how many calling minutes they would get

White House Proposes Easing Mortgage Refinance Rules Administration seeks to reduce foreclosures

Public Citizen: Ads On School Buses a Bad Idea Ads would raise little money and undermine schools' mission

Humane Society: Walmart Pork Producer Mistreats Pigs Organization files complaints with federal agencies

Facebook Can Get You Fired Teachers, especially, are being haunted by social media postings

How Long Should You Wait For An Order Or Refund? The Federal Trade Commission has a rule for that

When Filing Taxes, Don't Overlook Extra Income Consumers chagrined to find free airline miles are taxable

What's On Your Mind? Facebook, Just Flowers, J.C. Penney Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Holiday-Themed Tea Light Candle Warmers Recalled
• Lush Life Power Strips Recalled

January 31, 2012

Crew Member Files Class-Action Suit Against Carnival Cruise Corp. Peruvian crewman says Costa Concordia managers urged captain to sail close to shore

With Fewer People Able To Buy, Home Prices Keep Falling Home prices fall again in November

FDA Takes Action Against Mexicali Cheese Company allegedly failed to correct violations despite warnings

Nearly Half of U.S. Families Are One Crisis Away From Poverty Study finds number of "asset-poor" families is up 21% in two years

Researchers Test Vaccine Against Breast Cancer Vaccine attacks and kills tumors, researchers say

Asset Acceptance to Pay $2.5 Million for Deceptive Practices Debt buyer must not falsely tell consumers it will sue them to collect old debts

Feds Urged to Impose Strict Salt Guidelines Packaged, restaurant food still a major source of sodium despite industry guidelines

Brazilian Blowouts Dangerous to Stylists, Groups Warn Formaldehyde a known carcinogen, California suit charges

Can You Trust A Favorable Review? Businesses increasingly try to game the review system

Find Out If You Have To Pay the Alternative Minimum Tax It could mean a much higher tax bill

Study: Men Begin Memory Loss Earlier Than Women But researchers at the Mayo Clinic aren't sure why

What's On Your Mind? Turbotax, Samsung, Right Size Smoothies Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Arctic Cat Recalls Snowmobile
• Aveeno Baby Calming Comfort Lotion Recalled
• TriCross Bicycle Carbon Forks Recalled

January 30, 2012

Auto Parts Suppliers Fined $548 Million, Sentenced to Prison for Price-Fixing DENSO, Yazaki Corps. plead guilty to price-fixing, bid-rigging

Court Bars Tax Fraud Scheme Nevadan promoted claim that citizens can "opt out" of paying taxes

Is The Economy At The Mercy Of Oil? Two scientists argue that it is

Feds Upgrade Probe of Jeep Airbag Incidents Airbags deployed for no reason in 87 incidents, agency says

Big Firms Launch Offensive Against Spam, Phishing Emails Companies outline plans for enhanced email authentication

Is That A Security Breach In Your Pocket? Security experts offer tips for keeping smartphone data safe

Record-High Gas Prices Expected This Year Prices inching up; analysts fear it's the calm before the storm

Men More Likely to Have HPV Infection, Study Finds Helps explain why oral cancers are ore common in men than women

J.C. Penney TV Ad Draws Strong Reactions Female consumers find screaming women irritating, annoying and disturbing

IRS Offers Free Tax Help You may qualify if you are low income, or a senior citizen

FTC Sues to Bock Omnicare's Takeover of PharMerica Merger would let Omnicare raise prices for Medicare consumers, feds argue

What's On Your Mind? GE Coffee Maker, Hyundai, Zicam Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Britax Recalls Chaperone Infant Car Seat
• Walgreen Recalls Chocolate-Covered Raisins

January 27, 2012

Acai Berry 'News' Sites Permanently Shut Down Defendants will pay $500,000 to settle deceptive practices charges

Spirit Airlines Fined $100,000 for Mishandling Disabilities Complaints Finnair fined for deceptive price advertising

Are You An Experiential Shopper? Consumers who buy experiences rather than possessions are happier, study says

Little Progress on Regulating BPA, Report Finds "Sluggishness" of federal agencies means continued exposure for infants, children

States Seek More Information About Zappos.com Data Breach Ten attorneys general want to know how company is handling it

New Rule Protects Consumers Sending Money Overseas Exchange rate, fees must be disclosed in advance

Gas Prices Little Changed In Last Week Volatile oil prices finally calm down a bit

'Scammer Guard' Faces Fraud Lawsuit In Florida State claims company carried out 'fraudulent scheme'

Fallen On Hard Times? Five Ways The Tax Law Might Help IRS will try to ease your burden, to a point

What's On Your Mind? Bank of America, Gateway, Experian Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• BJ's Recalls LED Flashlights
• Columbia ParCar Recalls Utility Vehicles

January 26, 2012

New School Lunch Standards Aim to Help Kids Slim Down, Shape Up Better diet should also help students perform better academically

Google's New Privacy Policy Raises Concerns Anything you do on nearly any Google service is collected and analyzed

Apple Continues Its Hot Streak Profits surge as iPhone overtakes Android

Joint Effort Will Fight Fraud Against Military Members Database will combat financial fraud nationwide

High-Fat Diet Increases Risk of Diabetes in Pregnancy Condition can complicate pregnancy and affect infant

Bank of America Should be Broken Up, Feds Told Public Citizen says giant bank is a "grave threat" to financial stability

Auto Dealers Oppose New Fuel Economy Standards Would price many Americans out of new car market, director says

What To Do When You And The IRS Disagree It may be time to follow the Appeals process

Poll Suggests School Obesity Efforts Might Have Downside Some parents worry their children are developing eating disorders

What's On Your Mind? State Farm, Fake Debt Collector, Hollywood Video Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• BMW Recalls 2012 X5 Models
• KYMCO Utility Vehicles Recalled
• Anytime Deli Turkey & Ham Subs Recalled

January 25, 2012

Spare Tires Face Extinction in New Cars Another casualty of cost-cutting, fuel-efficiency standards

J.C. Penney Revamping Prices, Promising Monthly Sales Events James Cash Penney's company gets a new look, new logo, new sales strategy

Bank of America's Merrill Lynch Fined $1 Million in Bonus Dispute Brokerage refused to arbitrate disputes with employees

Fewer Amputations in Diabetes Patients, Report Finds CDC finds 65% fewer leg, foot amputations in recent years

WSJ: Google Execs Knew of Illegal Drug Ads Federal prisoner carried out a sting operation against the search giant

Obama Speech Serves Notice On Predatory Lenders President also announces crackdown on fraud against consumers and investors

It's Harder To Quit Smoking When You're Poor Even though cigarettes are expensive, the poor keep buying them

Floridians Charged With Smuggling Hazardous Toys Into U.S. Chinese toys contained lead and small parts, feds allege

Where To Put Your Money In 2012 Financial experts have a surprising suggestion

Are You Required To File An Income Tax Return This Year? It may pay to file, even if you don't have to

Studies: Friends In Car Increase Teen Accident Risk Could be as big a distraction as cell phones

What's On Your Mind? Priceline.com, AT&T, Secret Shopper Scam Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Nitto Bicycle Handlebars Recalled
• Oregon Replacement Lawnmower Blades Recalled
• Toyo Recalls Extensa Tires

January 24, 2012

Feds May Relax Media Cross-Ownership Rules As the Internet steadily erodes other media, FCC may relax "duopoly" rules

Scammers Exploiting Foreclosure Review Process The real foreclosure review is free

'Immigration Center' Tricked Consumers, FTC Charges Charged $2,500 for immigration forms that are available at no charge

New Airline Passenger Protections Now In Effect Full price, including baggage fees, must be clearly disclosed

Reports: Lender Settlement Is Reached, Or Could Be Near President Obama may announce deal in State Of The Union speech

Macy's Sues Martha Over J.C. Penney Deal Claims it has the exclusive right to sell Martha's stuff

Study Finds Behavioral Tracking Widespread on Children's Sites FTC asked to upgrade online privacy safeguards

When Can You Expect Your Tax Refund? The IRS is sending out refunds sometimes within 10 days

Arrests Made In Mortgage Fraud Scheme Illinois attorney general files criminal fraud charges

What's On Your Mind? Proactiv, Progressive Business Publications, Just Flowers Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Mexican Wrestling Action Figures Recalled
• Lee Carter Rattles Recalled
• Jones' Mock Salt Spicy Southwest Blend Recalled

January 23, 2012

Family Dollar Plans 500 New Stores This Year Customers "buying what they need, not what they want"

New Gmail Users Get Google+ As Well New sign-up process requires a Google profile

Orange Juice Prices Could Be Headed Even Higher Speculators increasingly expect Brazilian import ban

High Levels Of MRSA Bacteria Found In Meat Products Can cause food poisoning if not thoroughly cooked

USDA Proposes New Poultry Inspection Procedure Consumers wary but industry groups support the plan

Jeep And Chrysler Also Had Big 2011 Carmakers benefits from drop in Japanese production

Credit Union Membership Soars In 2011 Credit unions gained 1.6 million members last year

IRS Free File Now Open For Business Seventy percent of taxpayers are eligible for free tax preparation software

What's On Your Mind? Kmart, Netflix, GE Light Bulbs Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Expandable Lunch Boxes With Gel Packs Recalled
• Travelin' Chef Food Carriers Recalled
• Price Chopper Recalls Shredded Taco Cheese

January 20, 2012

Citigroup Fined for Not Disclosing Conflicts of Interest Citi failed to disclose conflicts in its research reports, FINRA finds

Feds Fine Icelandair for Violating Price Advertising Rules Internet ads didn't properly display information on taxes and fees

VW Disputes GM's Claim to No. 1 Spot Volkswagen says it would be first if its affiliate sales were included, as GM's are

Home Sales Rise 5% In December But Fed director sees more housing pain ahead

'Unwanted Faxes' Scheme Could Result In More Unwanted Faxes By wary of fax that claims it can stop unwanted faxes

Zappos.com Customers Should Remain Wary Of Identity Theft Phishing scams may be the biggest danger

Gas Prices Drop A Penny In Last Week Rising dollar and falling demand hold prices in check

How To Report Miscellaneous Income On Your Taxes Outside income, even gambling winnings have to be reported to the IRS

What's On Your Mind? PNC Mortgage, Flickr, Mazda Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Vagifresh Ball, Vagifresh Gel Recalled
• Minoxidil 15% Azelaic 5% Hair Regrowth Products
• Kia Recalls Optimas, Rondos

January 19, 2012

Court Freezes Telemarketers' Assets Consumers paid for help finding low-interest credit

Court Stops Precious Metals Telemarketer Defendants tricked consumers into buying gold & silver on credit

GM Becomes Top Car Seller Again Reclaims the title from Toyota

Southwest Adds a Row of Seats Dubs its new weight-saving interior Evolve

Supreme Court: Telemarketers Can Be Sued in Federal Court Decision makes it easier for consumers to go after abusive telemarketers, faxers

AT&T Raises Prices for Smartphone, Tablet Data Spectrum in short supply after T-Mobile deal falls through

Kodak Files for Bankruptcy Protection It's the latest victim of the digital transformation

Formula 'Stretching' A Danger To Infants Doctors find low-income families are watering down formula

When Products Change, Some Consumers Notice Savvy consumer calls out General Mills on reformulated Whole Grain Cheerios

Job-Related Injuries and Illnesses Cost $250 Billion Safer workplace could drastically cut health care costs, researcher says

Taxpayers Have To Worry About Identity Theft Too Identity thieves aren't just after your credit cards

What's On Your Mind? JK Harris, Kirby Vacuum Cleaners, State Farm Our daily look at consumer reviews

January 18, 2012

Prius Leaves GM's Volt in the Dust Toyota sells more Prius V wagons in two months than GM sells Volts all year

Study: Feds Need to Step Up Oversight of Auto Electronics Unexplained sudden acceleration in Toyotas shows weaknesses in current system

Just How Serious Was The Zappos Data Breach? It may be more serious than you think

Car Title Lender To Pay $600,000 In Refunds Virginia law changed but company practices didn't

Home Builders Feeling More Confident Confidence rises for fourth consecutive month

At Last, A Way to Cash In On Your Friends What good are friends, if they're not a profit center?

IRS Offers Struggling Taxpayers a Fresh Start Urges taxpayers with problems to contact agency directly

Pedestrian Headphone Use Linked To Injuries, Death Victims tend to be young and male

Homeowners Often Unaware Of Repair Responsibilities Leaks in water, sewer lines can present unexpected costs

What's On Your Mind? West Bay Acquisitions, Southwest Airlines, Ally Bank Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Steelcase Recalls Desk Chairs
• Giant Bicycle Recalls Defy, Avail Models

January 17, 2012

Good Riddance: Last Year for 'Instant' Tax Refund Loans There are other free and nearly-free ways to get your refund quickly

New York To Offer Legal Aid To Struggling Homeowners Legal service will help homeowners fight foreclosure

Six Résumé Mistakes Job Seekers Make How to improve your odds of getting an interview

Consumers Appear Ready to Keep Spending Retailers forecast 3.4% increase in sales this year

'Free' TurboTax Charges Usurious Interest Rates, Suit Alleges Fees deducted from refund amount to quadruple-digit interest, suit claims

Fiat Plans a 500 Hatchback, With More Room for Stuff The Fiat 500 was slow off the line but dealers are betting it catches up

Used Car Prices On The Rise Kelly Blue Book says selection of late model cars getting smaller

Social Networking At Work Surged Last Year Twitter use at work is up 700 percent

New Form 1099-Ks Due January 31 Your part-time business may mean a new tax reporting requirement

What's On Your Mind? Education Scams, Capital One, U-Hau Our daily look at consumer reviews

January 16, 2012

Suit Charges Janitorial Franchise Scammed Latinos Spanish-speaking applicants say company took their money, didn't deliver their franchise

TrueCar.com Knuckles Under to State Regulations Online car discounter ran afoul of anti-brokering laws in many states

Zappos.com Internal Server Hacked Passwords, but not credit card info, may be compromised

Buyer Beware: Online Grammy Tickets May Be Bogus Web site sued for false advertising, deceptive practices

Consumers Heating Homes With Gas Get A Break The fuel is trading at a two year low

Prepaid Debit Cards Getting Wider Use Celebrities now lending their names to help market them

Appeals Court Throws Out Acura Class Action Consumers claimed "Collision Mitigation Braking System" was bogus

Medicare Doctors Not Always Easy to Find Survey finds some patients have problems finding a new primary care physician

Can You File Taxes Using The 1040EZ Form? Using the short form might be to your advantage

What's On Your Mind? Toshiba, Sprint, Paula Deen Cookware Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Mini Cooper Recalls 2007-2011 Models

January 13, 2012

Samsung's Goal: An All-Day Smartphone Battery The trick is to extend battery life without compromising speed, reliability

Study Finds Millions Have Autoimmune Condition 32 million Americans have autoantibodies that target their own tissues

Judge Tunes Out Comcast Class Action Consumers' complaints don't "pass muster," judge decrees

Food Lion Kills Off Its Bloom Brand, Closes 126 Stores Latest sign of hard times in the supermarket business

Three Ways To Better Manage Your Money These tips might help you keep your New Years resolution

Bank of America May Pull Out of Some Regions Ailing bank tells regulators it may have to abandon some parts of the country

Gas Prices Rise Four Cents In Last Week But prices go down in Utah and Wyoming

Do You Qualify For The Earned Income Tax Credit? It's a major tax benefit for low and moderate income earners

Binge Drinking a Bigger Problem Than Anyone Knew 38 million adults binge drink an average of four times a month

What's On Your Mind? SiriusXM, Ford, Winners International Sweepstakes Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Honeywell Recalls Portable Heaters

January 12, 2012

CVS Caremark Fined $5 Million for Deceptive Pricing of Prescription Drugs Many seniors and disabled consumers will get reimbursement checks

Airlines Report Fewer Tarmac Delays in Latest Report Los Angeles accounted for longest delays in November

Amtrak Has Record Year, Orders New Locomotives & Cars Wi-Fi, e-ticketing expanded to more trains in 2011

Lender Cuts Credit to Sears/Kmart Vendors Sears Holdings insists it is solvent

Feds Put Orange Juice Through the Wringer Imported OJ may contain fungicides linked to liver cancer

Two TSA Agents Sentenced To Jail For Theft Pleaded guilty to stealing $40,000 from checked bag

At Least 12 Infected With New Swine Flu Strain H3N2v virus confirmed in at least five states

Consumer Offers Advice For Dealing With Unauthorized Charges Demand to see a proof of purchase and don't accept less than a full refund

Choosing The Right Tax Preparer Is Important Here are some tips for getting the right tax help

What's On Your Mind? EZ Pass, Fake Debt Collector Scam, Amazon.com Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Big Lots Recalls Floor Lamps

January 11, 2012

Google's Personalized Search Raising Privacy, Antitrust Concerns Do you care what your "friends" are saying when you're looking for expert information?

Harmful Trans Fat Still Plentiful in Packaged Foods Sara Lee, Pepperidge Farm, General Mills among the holdouts

Supreme Court Refuses to Overturn Arbitration Requirement Consumers wanted to sue bank and credit repair company for allegedly misleading them

Biggest States Get Top Traffic Safety Rankings Auto safety group issues its annual report card

Use Care When Selecting A Dividend-Paying Stock For careful investors, these stocks can provide income and capital growth

Wells Fargo Agrees To 'Pick-A-Payment' Mortgages Settlement Maryland homeowners to receive modifications, restitution

Tax Agency Warns Of Increased Scams Taxpayers cautioned against phony tax credit and refund schemes

Timeshare Resale Agent Sentenced To Prison State maintains defendant scammed owners out of $30 million

What's On Your Mind? Enterprise, Dish Network, Priceline Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Carruth Recalls Tea Lights
• Chariot Carriers Recalls Child Bicycle Trailers
• Ford Recalls 2001-2002 Escape
• Ford Freestar, Mercury Monterey Models Recalled

January 10, 2012

Move Over Apple and Google, Ubuntu TV Has Arrived Is this the TV of the future?

Dish Dishes Up a Batch of New Services Hopper DVR can record six HD signals at once

Do You Really Need A Hybrid To Save Gas? New gas-powered cars getting hybrid-like mileage

Walmart Rolls Out Tax Preparation, Refund Check-Cashing Services "Americans shouldn’t have to pay exorbitant prices on their everyday financial needs”

Judge Turns Down Google AdWords Class Action Suit complained ads were shown on error pages without proper notice to advertisers

Researchers Say Memory Loss Can Begin As Early As 45 Treatment needs to begin sooner, study suggests

Safety Regulators Step Up Screenings of Imports CPSC says it has stopped "hundreds of millions" of dangerous products

Consumers Step Up Their Borrowing But it's unclear whether or not that's good news

Get A Fast Tax Refund Without A Refund Anticipation Loan Filing electronically can save time and money

What's On Your Mind? Redbox, AdKids, Emerson Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Land of Nod Recalls Blake Bed Frames

January 9, 2012

Chicago-Area Bally's Fitness Members Sue Bally's left town, leaving "lifetime" members with no exercise facility, suit charges

Feds Urged to Fine Red Cross for Blood Supply Problems Public Citizen finds "inexplicable delays" in oversight of blood program

Central Coast Neutraceuticals to Pay $1.5 Million Feds charged company used shady sales practices to peddle acai beerry supplements

Texan Pleads Guilty in California Foreclosure Rescue Scam Homeowners, banks scammed out of $1.6 million, prosecutors charged

Study: Nicotine Replacement Therapies Don't Work Harvard researchers say FDA should take harder look at smoking cessation products

Philadelphia Credit Union Placed in Receivership People for People CDCU is first to fail this year

Ford Announces Plug-In Version Of Fusion Car will compete with Chevy Volt and debut later this year

Philip Morris Accused Of Cooking Smoking Data Researchers study same data, reach opposite conclusions

New Dodge Dart Channels the Alfa Romeo Chrysler hopes to get back onto the compact/midsize track quickly

Important Changes For 2011 Tax Year Tax filing deadline extended to April 17 again

'Tax Gap' Hasn't Grown, IRS Reports 83% of Americans still filing and paying taxes on time and in full

Bus Company Keeps Rolling Despite Shutdown Order Feds issue cease-and-desist order against Double Happyness Travel

What's On Your Mind? Bank of America, PlanetRX, US Airways Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Bufferin, Excedrin, NoDoz, Gas-X Recalled

January 8, 2012

Nokia, Microsoft Hoping Their New Smartphone Is a Hit Windows Phone 7.5 has a unique animated tile design that reviews swoon over

January 7, 2012

And Then There Were Six Been busy? Or asleep? Here's a primary primer that will bring you up to date

January 6, 2012

December Job Growth Latest Bit Of Good Economic News But economist says much higher job growth is needed

JK Harris Suspends Operations, Prepares to Liquidate Tax-preparation firm swamped by consumer complaints, lawsuits

Extreme Smartphone Users Becoming More Extreme Study finds 1% of users now consuming half of all downloaded data

Powerful Voice Joins Call For Homeowner Help Is Help Finally On The Way For Homeowners?

Florida Sues Two Mortgage Rescue Firms Claims companies misled homeowners

Iran, U.S. Newspapers Mount Web Crackdown New layers of surveillance, intimidation seek to limit free expression

Gas Prices Following Oil Prices Higher Mountain west and plains states now enjoy cheapest fuel

U.S. Statin Costs Are 400% Higher Than UK's Costs highest for those with private health insurance

What's On Your Mind? Target, Gold's Gym, Flat Rate Van Lines Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Little Tricky Bicycle Helmets Recalled
• Elegant Gifts Mart Recalls Children's Chairs & Stools

January 5, 2012

AT&T Turns Up More LTE Markets, Including NY, SF, LA Carrier says it will finish network upgrade by the end of 2013

Upromise Settles Deceptive Practice Charges "TurboSaver Toolbar" collected consumers' personal information

Landmark Clearing Barred From Using 'Novel Method' to Debit Bank Accounts Allegedly debited millions of dollars from consumers' accounts without permission

Volt Battery Problems Fixed, GM Says Changes will reduce fire danger during and after collisions, company says

Barnes & Noble May Jettison the Nook Struggling chain says Nook is successful but costly

How To Deal With Holiday Debt Always pay the highest interest rate balances first

Romney Leads the Social-Media Pack Heading Into New Hampshire If Gingrich were an airplane, he would be taxiing towards the hangar

File Sharing Is Now a Religion in Sweden Copying and pasting described as 'sacred'

Study: Older Drivers Prefer The Middle Lane Built-in safety mechanism helps seniors feel safer

FDA Bans Some Antibiotics in Animals Bacteria may become resistant to the drugs, endangering humans

What's Behind Dramatic Rise In Liver Cancer? Researchers see hepatitis C link

What's On Your Mind? US Bank, Trilegiant, Emerson Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Sterno Recalls Tea Lights
• IKEA Recalls ANTILOP High Chairs
• Target Recalls LED Flashlights

January 4, 2012

WSJ: Kodak Prepares Bankruptcy Filing Company says it doesn't comment on rumors

AirTran Fined for Advertising Violations Ads didn't state full price of air travel

Economist Sees Stronger 2012 For Consumers But notes 2011 started out strong too

Study: Bariatric Surgery Reduces Heart Risks Procedure may become more common weapon against obesity

Obama Installs Cordray to Head Financial Protection Bureau President uses recess-appointment power to put Cordray to work

Grieving Parents Sue Johnson & Johnson "Stealth recall" of tainted Tylenol led to their son's death, they charge

Cheap Mortgages Go Begging At Years End Bankers' study blames sellers for lagging home sales

What's On Your Mind? Southern California Edison, Payday Loan Scam, Cross Country Bank Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Forté Pro Bicycle Pedals Recalled

January 3, 2012

Arizona Jazz Singer Defamed Her Doctors, Jury Finds Popular singer must pay $12 million to her plastic surgeons

No Need for Formula Recall, Feds Find But cause of four cronobacter infections remains elusive

Oil Insider Sees Move To Natural Gas Motor Fuel Transition could begin this year, says Gulf Oil CEO

What's On Your Mind? Memory Lane, Marriott, Rescue One Our daily look at consumer reviews

Researchers: 'We've Created Healthier Cigarette' Filter features natural antioxidant extracts

Price Of Oil Keeps On Rising Can prices at the pump be far behind?

Report: Apple Plans 2012 Production Of iTV Suppliers report Apple is gearing up to begin production

Gift Card Problems Mar Holidays for Many Nothing foolproof or simple about the ubiquitous gift card

Recalls

• O-Grill Portable Gas Grills Recalled

January 2, 2012

Congress Lets Ethanol, Electric-Charging-Station Tax Credits Expire But $7,500 credit still available for electric-car buyers

January 1, 2012

'Christian' Financial Adviser, Radio Syndicators Sued Larry Bates targeted Christians and the elderly, class action alleges

'Teach Me to Trade' Stars Elude Liability Even though duo lied, they can't be held personally liable, judge rules

Recalls

• Green Valley Food Expands Recall
• Organique by Himalaya Recalls Nourishing Night Cream

December 31, 2011

10 New Year's Resolutions for 2012 Small steps you can take that will make a big difference

Verizon Wireless Backs Off $2 'Convenience' Fee Consumer uprising forces company to retreat, following Bank of America's example

December 30, 2011

Isabella, Jayden Win the Baby Name Derby in NYC Ashley falls back, Chloe moves up; Jacob & Joseph make the Top 10

Verizon Explains 4G Outages ... Sort Of Vague yet boastful statement attributes outages to "growing pains"

Sears Identifies 79 Stores to be Closed Weak holiday sales contributed to the decision, company says

December 29, 2011

Battery Fire Danger Leads to Recall of Fisker's First Model Problem with hose clamps could cause short circuit and start a fire

Dead Mouse Case Scampers Forward in Illinois Court Pepsi denies there was a dead mouse in Ronald Ball's Mountain Dew

Another Verizon 4G Outage Goes Unexplained Unexplained outages don't do much for "most reliable" ad claim

Real Estate Industry Ending Year Cautiously Optimistic Pending home sales were up again in November

Tips For Avoiding a New Year's Day Hangover Physician stresses moderation on New Years Eve

Retailers Reluctant to Restock Enfamil Many stores waiting for feds to test the infant formula to be sure it's safe

Court Blocks Bogus Tax Credit Scheme California man claimed he had billions of dollars of tax credits to sell

Yahoo Could Wind Up in Chinese Hands Alibaba pursuing a Yahoo purchase, reports say

Survey: Job Market May Not Improve Much In 2012 Careerbuilder.com's annual job forecast sees little change ahead

Teens May Be Damaging Hearing With Personal Music Players One in four teens at risk, study says

Feds Investigating Rust Issues on Older Ford, GM Vans Fuel leaks and corrosion in wheel wells causing concern

What's On Your Mind? Sears, Smishing Scam, AT&T Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Dover Dining Table Recalled

December 28, 2011

Pennsylvania Bus Company Ordered to Shut Down Double Happyness Travel violated federal safety regulations

Missouri Auto Finance Firm Faces Fraud Charges Firm accused of selling cars without titles

Study: Vitamins Do Nothing For Health But FDA still says they can be helpful in some cases

Survey: Amazon Rises, Netflix Falls In Customer Satisfaction Netflix paying the price for recent blunders, analysts say

Seven LCD Screen Makers Settle Price-Fixing Charges Firms will pay a total of $553 million

More Than 40,000 New State Laws Set to Take Effect All 50 state legislatures were hard at work in 2011, passing loads of laws

Google Speeds Up Travel Searches, Annoys Travel Search Sites Speedy search helps consumers, airlines but harms smaller competitors

Are Businesses Overreacting To Rising Shoplifting? In era of heightened security, some consumers may overreact too

What's On Your Mind? Netflix, Midas, Best Buy Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Petrus Feed And Seed Stores Recalls Its 21% Dog Food
• Madeline Bed Canopy Recalled by Pottery Barn Kids

December 27, 2011

Consumers Shrug Off Global Economic Concerns Consumer confidence jumps in December

GE Capital Wades Into Online Banking Finance giant buys MetLife's retail deposit business

What To Do With Unwanted Gift Cards A gift card exchange will pay you a portion of the face value

As Many As 120 Sears, Kmart Stores To Close Retailer reports disappointing holiday sales

What's On Your Mind? Toys R Us, Bally Total Fitness, Travel Zoo Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Hanna Andersson Children's Robes Recalled
• Petit Lem Children's Pajamas Recalled
• Navien Recalls Tankless Water Heaters

December 26, 2011

Many Happy Returns: Post-Holiday Tips Avoid stress by knowing a store's return policies

Sony Fights Red Ink In TV Business Spinning off investment in LCD manufacturer

NTSB: Hand-Held Cell Phone Ban Doesn't Go Far Enough Truck and bus drivers should be banned from all cell phone use, board chair argues

Think We're Big Holiday Spenders? Think Again U.S. ranks 20th in holiday spending

Mortgage Modifications Not For Every Struggling Homeowner Instead of lower payments some find foreclosure

Texas Freezes Assets Of Texas Highway Patrol Association State found group misrepresented itself to donors

What's On Your Mind? Kohl's, Payday Nation, Best Buy Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• 2010-11 Cadillac SRX Recalled
• Yogurt Raisins, Granola Mix, Cinnamon Granola Mix Recalled
• New York Handbag Chocolates Recalled
• Green Valley Recalls Alfalfa Sprouts

December 25, 2011

Top Ten Scams Of 2011 Another year of economic struggle and the scams that accompany it

December 23, 2011

Man Who Subdued Underwear Bomber Sues Airlines Christmas Day disaster was averted when passengers tackled would-be bomber

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Priced at $26,610 for 2012 Additions for the new year mostly in the gadgets category

Advice For Last-Minute Shoppers There are same great deals, but make sure the gift is safe and appropiate

New Home Sales Jump In November Another sign the housing market may be slowly healing

Infant Formula Removed from Stores After Infant Dies Walmart, Supervalu remove Enfamil from their shelves pending further testing

Recalls

• Build-A-Bear Recalls Colorful Hearts Teddy Bear
• Bugaboo Car Seat Adapter Recalled

December 22, 2011

Brain Size May Predict Early Alzheimer's Disease Finding could aid early detection of the disease

Read Liquid Acetaminophen Labels Carefully, FDA Warns Giving the wrong dose to children can cause serious injury and death

What If the Bank Paid You To Have an Account? Perkstreet does just that -- free checking and debit card rewards

Holiday Scams to Avoid Don't make the holidays merry for scam artists

Sears Offers a Wireless Electric Car Charger At the end of a long day, who has time to plug in the car?

Tesla's Model S Charged Up & Ready for Mid-2012 Top-of-the-line electric sedan priced at $92,400

California Official Cites Medical Marijuana Abuses Attorney General asks lawmakers to reform the law

Homes Lost More Value In 2011, But Not As Much As 2010 Most improvement was in second half of the year

What's On Your Mind? Buick, Priceline, Victoria's Secret Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Rayovac Battery Packs for Cordless Power Tools Recalled
• Target Recalls Circo Childrens' Travel Cases
• Can-Am ATVs Recalled
• Bugaboo Bee Baby Strollers Recalled

December 21, 2011

Guilty Pleas in Nation's Largest Mortgage Fraud Case Hundreds of Cleveland-area homes went into foreclosure

GM Promises to Extend Saab Warranties Not many unsold Saabs left; is it a good time to buy one?

FDA Warns Against Using ShoulderFlex Massager At least one strangulation death reporter among users of the device

Countrywide To Pay $335 Million to Settle Lending Discrimination Charges Minority borrowers were charged higher fees or placed in subprime loans

FAA Shortens Working Hours For Airline Pilots 2009 crash was the catalyst for efforts to reduce pilot fatigue

Existing Home Sales Rose In November But Realtors group revises sales for last four years

ER Doctor: Listen To Your Body During The Holidays Physician offers tips for heart patients

Trade Group Sees Drop In Holiday Air Travel But airlines will reduce capacity to stay profitable

Leading Cause of Accidental Death? Drugs Traffic accidents are in second place

Feds Drain Hydro-Assist Fuel Cell Claims Turn water into gas? Not likely, the FTC charges

What's On Your Mind? Emerson, Sirius XM, VistaPrint Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Chevrolet Recalls 2011-12 Captivas
• Pampered Chef Recalls Ice Cream Dippers

December 20, 2011

Google Planning a Tablet to Compete with iPad Amazon's Fire blazing new trails in ad growth

Demise of AT&T/T-Mobile Deal Leaves Questions for Consumers AT&T still short of spectrum, T-Mobile's future remains hazy

Study: Alcohol Marketed Heavily On Digital Media Beer and spirits marketers increasingly turning to social media

Lawmakers Urge More Scrutiny For Google Federal Trade Commission urged to probe Google business practices

Advice to Journalists: Keep Your Hands Clean Reporters, editors should stay out of politics, organization advises

Survey: Job Security is Workers' Top Concern Employees worried about career development, advancement

Consumers Had Record Gasoline Bills In 2011 Average bill hits $4,155 for the year

Illinois Charges More Foreclosure Rescuers With Fraud State has sued 50 foreclosure consultants so far

What's On Your Mind? United Healthcare, ECAST Settlement, Office Max Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Swanson Health Products Recalls Organic Celery Seed
• Tyson Recalls Ground Beef
• B&M Recalls O Organics Celery Seed Sold at Safeway Stores
• Naturalizer Recalls Women's Dress Shoes

December 19, 2011

Liberty Mutual Charged With Ordering Used Parts For Car Repairs West Virginia sues, seeks restitution

Payday Lender Ordered to Pay $294,000 Ecash and Getecash illegally tried to garnish borrowers' wages

Flight Attendant Sentenced for Setting Fire to Plane Eder Rojas was unhappy with the route he'd been assigned

Buses, Motorcycles, Trucks Lead Fatal Accidents in 2010 Overall road fatalities down but some sectors show increases

Utah Charges Loan Modifier with Felonies Alleged scam artist spent money on wife's plastic surgery, state alleges

Saab Reaches the End of the Road Game over; Swedish automaker is out of time and out of money

Firm Experiments With Ads Instead of Fees For ATM Use Sit or stand through an ad or two to save a few bucks?

Build-A-Bear Fined $600,000 for Safety Violations Company didn't report a defect involving its toy bear beach chair

Telemarketer to Pay $500,000 for Do Not Call Violations Americall Group purposely avoided requests to stop calling, FTC alleged

Public Citizen Objects to Class Action Deal with CareOne Settlement with debt-relief law firms is insufficient, it argues

Amazon Promises to Fix Kindle Fire Problems Hot-selling tablet has some glitches that Amazon says it can fix quickly

Staples Addresses Security Concerns In Used Computer Sales Many machines still contained old customer data

Online Holiday Sales Up Sharply This Year Last week may have been busiest for online shopping

What's On Your Mind? Vizio, US Bank, Best Buy Our daily look at consumer reviews

December 18, 2011

Veterans Return to Anemic Economy, Weak Job Market One war may be over but the battle is just beginning for returning vets

December 16, 2011

Last Ford Ranger Rolls Off the Line Next Week Compact pickup truck loses out to brawnier siblings

Last-Minute Shopping Tips Save Time, Trouble & Money A little planning can reduce stress, cut costs and prevent mistakes

Cold Treatment Linked To Brain-Eating Amoeba Health officials issue caution on neti-pot use

Lawmakers Block Incandescent Light Bulb Ban Republicans withdraw funding to implement new rule

'U.S. Homeowners Relief' Ordered to Pay Millions Its principals are banned from the mortgage assistance, debt relief business

Maryland Takes Action Against Medical-Alert Provider Company allegedly took money but provided no service

Fed Report Finds Speculators Played Big Role in Housing Collapse Speculators defaulted in large numbers as real estate market imploded

Ho Ho Ho! Gas Prices Still Falling Prices at the pump resume decline after brief pause

Feds Shut Down Alleged Father-Son Ponzi Scheme Statewide scheme took in $220 million in Utah

Tax Tips for Year-End Giving Laws have changed in recent years; be sure you get full credit for your donations

Government Says Inflation Was Tame In November But one economist sees signs of trouble

Bankruptcy More Expensive and Cumbersome Than Ever Congressional "reform" made the system more complex, study finds

What's On Your Mind? Maytag, NationStar, Jackson Hewitt Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Northeast Grocery Chain Recalls Ground Beef Products
• Nissan Recalls Selected 2010-11 Sentras

December 15, 2011

Subaru Wins Top Safety Ratings for Every 2012 Model Stronger roofs bolster safety ratings of many models

Ford, Hyundai, VW Finalists for Car of the Year BMW, Honda, Range Rover competing for truck honors

Bumbo Baby Sitters a Continuing Danger to Infants Ineffective recall campaign does little to stop injuries to infants

CD, DVD Counterfeiting Draws Prison Sentences Defendants allegedly ran the largest counterfeiting ring in the Southeast

Supplement Maker Found in Contempt Lane Labs had been previously barred from making deceptive health claims

What Does A Doctor Order At A Fast Food Restaurant? You can eat out and control your weight

Poll Finds Boomers Less Optimistic About Retirement Large number say they'll depend on Social Security

Foreclosures Down But Predicted To Rise In 2012 RealtyTrac finds much of the damage in just three states

Consumers Lack Protections for Mobile Payments Consumers union wants wireless carriers to step up to the plate

Avon Hopes a Dashing New CEO Rings Its Doorbell Direct sales model may be getting stale, at least in the U.S.

Don't Fall For A Loan Audit Scam Foreclosure rescue scam gets a new name

What's On Your Mind? Verizon, Discover, Dell Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Hamilton Beach Recalls 2-Slice Toasters
• Nissan Recalls 2011 Juke to Fix Turbocharger
• Arctic Cat Snowmobiles Recalled

December 14, 2011

PayPal Latest to Invade Groupon's Turf With Daily Deals How big can the daily deal market get?

Cigarette Smoking Down, Marijuana Smoking Up Teen smoking, drinking habits show overall improvement

Study: Family Members Most Likely To Commit Financial Elder Abuse Ten tips for avoiding becoming a victim

Debt Consolidation Firm To Pay Refunds To Consumers Florida finds United Financial Systems failed to pay promised refunds

Electricity Bills Jump Despite Energy-Saving Appliances Bigger houses, more air conditioning, more electronics

Facebook Adds Suicide Prevention Link Hot line will respond to suicidal comments reported by Facebook users

New York Law Forbids Mail Order Pharmacy Mandates Consumers will now have option of using local drug stores

Feds Warn Against Misleading Lap-Band Ads 1-800-GET-THIN warned to clean up its advertising & promotion

FDA OKs Hand-Held Device to Detect Bleeding in the Brain Helps determine if immediate CT scan is needed

Feds Call For Nationwide Ban On Driver Use Of Cell Phones Blame texting for serious accident involving school buses in Missouri

What's On Your Mind? U.S. Postal Service, Capital One, McKenzie Legal Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Handbell Toys Recalls Baby Rattles
• E-Z-GO Recalls Golf Cars, Shuttles, Utility Vehicles
• BJ's Recalls Handheld Massagers
• Audi Recalls 2012 A6

December 13, 2011

16 More Airports Get New Privacy-Enhanced Screening Units TSA says new machines eliminate passenger-specific images

Domestic Air Fares Up 8.5% Memphis, Cincinnati have highest fares, Atlantic City the lowest

Many Children Overdosing on Medicine Medicine needs to be stored safely ... away from small hands

10 Tips For Avoiding Holiday Weight Gain Make January's weight loss resolutions easier to keep

California, Nevada Team On Mortgage Fraud Probe States hope to offer more help for victims

Honda Plans to Recast Its Acura Brand Gives up its long quest for top-tier luxury status

The Latest British Invasion: BBC World News Comcast to begin carrying BBC News channel in some markets

Toyota Most-Researched Car Brand 2011 Kelly Blue Book tracks which cars consumers search

Consumers Feeling Slightly Better About the Economy Majority still views economy as poor but say their personal finances have improved

How To Improve Your Credit Score Three things you can do to raise your score

What's On Your Mind? Regions Bank, Hollywood Video, Experian Our daily look at consumer reviews

December 12, 2011

JFK, Newark Maintain Their Tarmac Delay Titles Most major recent delays have been at NYC airports

Houston Debt Collection Firm Faces Abuse Charges Accused of threatening consumers with arrest

Missouri Sues Fantasy Sports Company Allegedly failed to pay fantasy leagues as promised

No More 'Instant Refunds' from Tax Preparers After This Year Last bank offering high-cost refund anticipation loans forced to stop

Not Quite Ready For a Hybrid? Try This "Mild" hybrids offer a pretty big boost for the buck

How To Deal With A Debt You Don't Think You Owe Just paying it to get rid of them might not work

Northern States Lure Job-Seekers To get ahead you might have to dress warmly

Kindle Fire Takes Heat Over Usability Issues Usability guru labels it "disappointingly poor"

Retailers Irate Over Amazon Price Comparison App Sen. Snowe calls it "anti-competitive" and an attack on small business

Ready-To-Bake Cookie Dough Not Ready-To-Eat Raw dough probably a source of E. coli outbreak, researchers say

What's On Your Mind? Match.com, Oster Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Albertsons, Jewel Stuffed Pasta Products Recalled
• Dog Power Dog Food Recalled

December 9, 2011

Investment Fund Manager Scammed Clients, U.S. Charges Former Reno city councilman named in 41-count indictment

Fiat 500 Gets a 3-Star Safety Rating From Feds Lowest rating of any new model tested so far

Can Credit Card Agreements Be Simpler? Consumer Protection Bureau is testing new plain-English format

Is Solar Power About To Go Mainstream? Study suggests economics are reaching tipping point

Google Launches Currents, a Digital Newstand for Phones & Tablets New ad-supported offering competes with Apple's Newsstand

Law? What Law? Texting Continues Behind The Wheel Study finds texting while driving is increasing

Older Workers Giving Up on Retirement Many now say they will never be able to retire

Americans' Net Worth Takes a Big Hit Spending on food dips as families struggle to make ends meet

How About a Nice Big Glass of Food Coloring? Color additives deceive consumers, threaten their health, report alleges

Gas Prices May Have Bottomed, For Now But average price drops below $4 a gallon in Alaska

What's On Your Mind? Netflix, Bank of America, Covergirl Our daily look at consumer reviews

Senate Blocks Consumer Financial Protection Chief Obama: 'We are not giving up on this,' may try recess appointment

Recalls

• Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan Recalled

December 8, 2011

Nissan Leaf Now Available in Seven More States Automaker plans to offer the Leaf in all 50 states by March 2012

2010 Traffic Fatalities Lowest Since 1949 Fatalities declined even as traffic increased 1.6%

Romanians Indicted in Multimillion-Dollar Hacking Scheme Allegedly hacked into Subway's point-of-sale systems, stole credit card info

Is Amazon Turning Shoppers Into Paid Spies? Online giant pays up to $5 to consumers who scan bar codes in local stores

Alec Baldwin Experiences How The Other Half Flies Actors complaint not that uncommon, it seems

New Breast Cancer Treatment Shows Promise, Researchers Say Drug makes cancer stem cells less resistant to traditional drugs

Latest Mortgage Data Paints More Hopeful Housing Picture But qualifying for loan still problematic

Consumers Taking On More Credit Card Debt Report shows surging use of plastic in third quarter

House OKs Video-Sharing Bill Backed by Facebook, Netflix Video Privacy Protection Act currently forbids disclosing video rental information

States Join Fight Against Robocalls to Cell Phones Congress may weaken consumer protections

What's On Your Mind? Zyrtec, Best Buy, Brookstone Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Bella Bliss Recalls Children's Cotton Pajamas
• Uncle Ben's Whole Grain White Rice Garden Vegetable Recalled

December 7, 2011

GM Nears a Fix For Chevy Volt's Battery Pack Reinforced case, laminated wires would provide more protection

Arms Race Breaks Out as Giants Seek to Dominate Video Streaming Combatants include Netflix, HBO, Verizon

TransUnion Sees Fewer Mortgage Delinguencies In 2012 For many consumers, credit picture appears to be improving

Analyst Sees Cable Giants Moving Onto Netflix's Turf Verizon may launch competing video streaming service

Controlling Leftovers Helps Control Weight Holiday temptations don't end when the meal is over

'Homeopathic' HCG Weight Loss Products May Be Banned FDA, FTC say the products are dangerous and unproven

Kellogg's Honey Smacks Leads List of Unhealthy Cereals Many kids' cereals pack more sugar than Twinkies and cookies

Feds Seize Ephedrine Supplements in California Ephedrine alkaloids can cause dangerous side effects

Chronic Disease on the Rise in U.S. Obesity, diabetes undermining the country's overall health

Making Sense of Home Value Data Home values are down, but not everywhere

What's On Your Mind? Postal Service, Digital TV, AT&T Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Club Car Recalls Golf Carts

December 6, 2011

Last Again! Once More, AT&T Places Dead Last in Customer Satisfaction Smaller companies rate higher than 'big 4' providers

America Becoming a Net Gasoline Exporter U.S. demand is down but prices haven't fallen that much

Verizon Blocks Google Wallet on Galaxy Nexus Phones Reasons unclear; Verizon reportedly working out security issues

Chevy Volt Keeps Top Safety Rating Despite Fire Reports Influential insurance group keeps five-star safety rating for the Volt

Faint Applause for Postal Service Cutbacks Slower delivery doesn't quicken the pulse

What's the Best Paper Towel for Holiday Clean-Ups? Bounty plain, Bounty Extra Soft, and Target’s Up & Up score best

Older Floridians Not Planning To Stop Driving Survey finds 13 percent say they will never give up the wheel

Researchers Link Impatience With Credit Problems Unwillingness to delay gratification associated with financial trouble

What's On Your Mind? Emeril Cookware, Delta Airlines, Ol' Roy Dog Food Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Nautilus Recalls Schwinn Elliptical Exercise Equipment

December 5, 2011

Head of FAA Arrested on Drunken Driving Charge Police: Randy Babbitt was driving on the wrong side of the street

Electric Car Start-Up Shuts Down Aptera runs out of time and money, closes doors

Smartphone App Offers Quit-Smoking Help to Teens QuitSTART delivers cessation, mood management tips, tracks cravings

U.S. Becoming an Exporter of Toyotas Kentucky-build Camry will be exported to South Korea

'Clean Up Government Act' Passes Its First Big Test House Judiciary Committee unanimously passes anti-corruption bill

Group Warns of Danger From Fake Fungal 'Chik'n' CSPI: Quorn line of meat substitutes should be banned or carry a prominent warning

AARP: Many Seniors Suffer Hearing Loss in Silence Many don't think their problem warrants treatment

Online Spending Up Sharply Over Last Year Cyber Week sets new spending record

Postal Service: Slower Mail Can Save Billions USPS plans to lengthen delivery times to meet budget shortfalls

Carrier IQ Denies Spying On Cell Phone Users Company is at center of latest mobile privacy concern

Court Refuses Apple's Request To Block Samsung Tablet The decision clears the way for holiday sales of the Samsung Galaxy Tab

Not Everyone's Spending Money For The Holidays Large group plans no holiday spending this year

What's On Your Mind? Thrifty Car Rental, Sony, LA Fitness Our daily look at consumer reviews

December 4, 2011

Porsche Hopes to Double U.S. Sales by Adding New Models Smaller SUV and diesel options for popular models planned

Twilight Movie Draws Seizure Warning Graphic birth scene sent at least one viewer to the hospital

December 2, 2011

Verizon Stakes Claim to Huge Spectrum Slice Deals a cruel blow to AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint

JetBlue, WestJet Get New Slots at LaGuardia, Reagan National The carriers were the top bidders in a federal auction of the slots

House Bills Could Harm Consumer Protections Consumers Union says measures would "devastate" critical programs

Is The Jobs Outlook Really Improving? The big drop in the November jobless rate may be deceiving

Is Your Cell Phone Spying On You? Congress, consumer groups express concern about spyware on phones

Our Man Truman Solves the USPS Problem in No Time Forget stamps, how about a hook-up with Google Adwords?

Snowballing Concerns About Online And Mobile Privacy Websites and mobile devices getting closer scrutiny

Gas Prices Still Slowly Falling Price at the pump down nearly 15 cents a gallon in last month

Massachusetts Sues Five Banks Over Foreclosures Misled consumers about modifications, and other charges

What's On Your Mind? Walmart, T-Mobile, Payday Loans Yes Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Toyota Recalls 2011-2012 Sienna Vans

December 1, 2011

McDonald's Skirts Happy Meal Toy Ban -- Maybe San Francisco law bans free toys with fatty foods, so McD adds a 10-cent charge

Pediatricians Fault Food Served In Children's Hospitals Survey found only seven percent of entrees were healthy

California Lists Activities of Commercial Charity Fundraisers States moves for more transparency in fundraising

Older But Wiser? 65+ Now Biggest Population Group in U.S. 65 and up group growing faster than total U.S. population

Feds Shut Down Acai Berry 'News" Sites "Free trial" cost consumers $25 million, complaint charges

Supplement Makers ASN Found in Contempt, Sentenced to Prison Companies violated earlier consent decree, court finds

Chevy Volt Tops Owner Satisfaction Survey 93% of Volt owners say they would "definitely" buy one again

Abusive Boss Could Harm Your Marriage Problems at work can lead to problems at home

Facebook Makes Room for Big Talkers Extends maximum length of status updates to 60k characters

iPhone 4 Burns On Australian Airliner Filled cabin with 'dense, black smoke'

Electronics Drive Early Holiday Sales It seems everyone wants a gadget this year

What's On Your Mind? Edenpure, Verizon Wireless, Charmglow Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Halloween Projection Flashlights Recalled

November 30, 2011

Subaru Unveils Its BRZ Sports Car Low center of gravity creates a real road-hugger

Are Android Phones More Vulnerable To Hackers? Researchers say EVO 4G may be especially so

Pending Home Sales Surge In October Follows surprising rise in new home sales

Lawsuit Argues Dentists Can't Muzzle Patients Dentists forcing patients to give up right to comment, criticize

Do You Know As Much As You Think About Credit Cards? Having knowledge, and knowing it, keeps you out of trouble

Lipitor Goes Generic Today Patent expires on world's most popular drug

American Airlines Bankruptcy Worries Feds, Workers, Travelers Pension guarantee fund already has a $26 billion deficit

What's On Your Mind? Samsung, Credit One Bank, Hertz Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Best Buy Recalls Rocketfish Battery Case for iPhone
• Morphie iPod Touch Battery Case Recalled

November 29, 2011

Video: Kindle Fire Is Leap Forward For Amazon's E-Readers But those expecting a full-fledged tablet might be disappointed

FINRA Sanctions Firms For Selling Interests in Troubled Companies Customers to get $3.2 million in restitution

Facebook Settles Federal Charges It Violated Users' Privacy Promises it won't do it again, pays not one red cent in penalties

Feds Seize Website Names Linked to Scams Agencies celebrate Cyber Monday by shutting down 150 sites

Bad Weather Absolutely, Positively Slows Down FedEx Icy conditions at the carrier's Memphis hub causing delays

Malls Drop Plans To Track Shoppers' Cell Phones Consumers and a U.S. Senator objected

American Airlines Files Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Company hopes to reduce debt and labor costs

Congress Tackles a Real Problem: Stink Bugs Talk about an immigration problem, these bugs are the worst

Amazon's Kindle Fire Is a Hot Seller Others have tried but Amazon is taking a bite out of Apple's tablets

Magic Jack Being Used In Phone Spoofing Scam Scam shows up in Mississippi

What's On Your Mind? Verizon Wireless, Memory Lane, Kohl's Our daily look at consumer reviews

November 28, 2011

Researchers Find BPA Exposure From Eating Canned Soup Chemical shows up in high levels in canned soup eaters

DNA Barcode Could Soon Reduce 'Seafood Fraud' Technology would positively identify fish species

A Car Seat That's Also Safer For Parents New handle can prevent injuries, researchers claim

Consumers Continue To Pay Down Debt Fed figures show mortgage balances falling

Gasoline Prices May Seem Low, But They're Not Thanksgiving week prices highest on record

Time to Crack Down on Conditional Car Loans, FTC Is Told "Yo-yo" loans are prevalent enough to warrant new consumer protection rules

Toyota Rolls Out New Sports Car Company hopes to spice up its image with 200-hp Scion FT-S

Second Death in Craigslist 'Farm Hand' Ad Victims answered job ad and were shot to death

What's On Your Mind? Sony, Pyrex, Walmart Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Ocean Spray Recalls Craisins

November 27, 2011

Pepper Spray, Price Disputes, Sold-Out Items? Must Be Black Friday Walmart takes heat for not having advertised items

Is the Chevy Volt Fire-Prone? Feds Open an Inquiry Damaged batteries may ignite long after an accident occurs

November 26, 2011

Feds Seek to Ban 400+ Dietary Supplement Products from Marketplace FDA charged manufacturer altered ingredients without changing labels

November 25, 2011

LG Opens Its First 'Laundry Lounge' in NYC Appliance maker hopes to clean up laundromats' shabby image

Seniors at Greater Risk of Complications from Key Medications Promoting safe use of blood thinners and diabetes medications can protect patients

Cell Phones And iPads Not Kids' Toys Experts suggest they don't belong in kids' stockings

Coffee May Protect Against Endometrial Cancer More antioxidants that most fruits and vegetables

Consumers Frustrated with Factory-Installed Navigation Systems J.D. Power report finds systems too complex, hard to use

When Shopping Online, It's BuyerBeware.com Computer expert says online shoppers should exercise extra care

Black Friday Gets Underway with Shooting, Pepper-Spray Incidents "Competitive shopping" incident injures 20 Walmart shoppers

New Insomnia Drug Helps You Get Back to Sleep FDA approves Intermezzo, the first middle-of-the-night insomnia drug

Malls Tracking Shoppers With Cell Phones Mall officials say data will remain anonymous

What's On Your Mind? Capital One, Thermador Our daily look at consumer reviews

November 23, 2011

Feds Conduct Undercover Probe of For-Profit Colleges Investigators created 12 phony "students" to measure schools' performance

If Nothing Else, Consumers Still Sold on Technology Overall consumer sentiment is down but confidence in technology is up

Healthy Thanksgiving Sets Pattern For Holidays But over-indulging can escalate through the holidays

Shopping Advice: Be Careful Out There Attorneys General weigh in with holiday shopping tips

Black Friday Flat Screen TVs Draw Complaints You might want to take a pass on these bargains

Five Things To Remember About Gift Cards This year, gift cards come with both pros and cons

Merck Pays $950 Million To Settle Vioxx Charges Popular drug was marketed for unapproved uses

What's On Your Mind? DIRECTV, Old Navy, US Fidelis Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Dodge Journey, Fiat 500 Recalled to Fix Brakes
• Heath/Zenith Recalls Motion-Sensing Wall Switches

November 22, 2011

FCC Finds AT&T/T-Mobile Merger Anti-Competitive Justice Department lawsuit challenging the merger is also pending

How To Make Every Shopping Day 'Black Friday' Don't be shy about asking for discounts, expert suggests

Feds Toughen Rules on Work-At-Home Schemes Promoters must provide more information to help consumers evaluate their programs

Feds Send Refunds to Defrauded Consumers Counterfeit check and prize scam victimized 200

Business Recovery Services Held in Contempt BRS "helps" individuals scammed by business opportunity schemes

Report Finds Toxic Toys Galore This Holiday Season Store shelves overflowing with toxic and dangerous toys

Report: Telecoms Among Top Corporate Tax Dodgers AT&T, Verizon enjoyed $27 billion tax break, study finds

Study: Food Fraud Is On The Rise Not all food is what you think it is

Newspaper Finally Abandons Effort to Block Publishing of Excerpts Las Vegas paper tried to keep its readers from quoting its articles online

What to Watch Out For This Holiday Shopping Season Hidden fees, high shipping charges, return policies are all potential trouble spots

Consumers Feeling Glum as Holiday Season Opens Survey finds 37% of consumers say they are worse off than last year

Why High Gas Prices Haven't Caused Inflation Economists find big difference between now and the 1970s

Retailers Hoping To Connect With Consumers This Holiday Season Retail consultants advise stores to return to old-fashioned service

What's On Your Mind? Cash Savers, Samsung, Delta, American Home Shield Our daily look at consumer reviews

November 21, 2011

Chrysler Ousts Head of Fiat 500 Program Laura Soave takes the fall for disappointing sales

Feds Shut Down Mortgage Modification Scams on Yahoo and Bing Similar ads were yanked from Google last week

Pool Products Distributor Settles Charges of Anticompetitive Tactics Pool Corp. agrees not to use threats and coercion to stifle competition

Existing Home Sales Show Surprising Increase In October But failed contracts, amid tighter lending standards, surge

DOT Fines Spirit Airlines for Violating Price Advertising Rules Billboards, posters didn't include all information about taxes and fees

Smartphone Battery Drain a Common Problem But a new 'super battery' may be on the way

Breast Cancer Risk Higher with Combo Hormone Therapy UCLA study finds higher risk with estrogen-progestin combination

Congress Slashes Legal Aid Budget Cuts will make it harder for low-income consumers to get help when they need it

Consumer Groups Want Stronger Protection for Prepaid Card Users Urges rules similar to those covering debit cards used with traditional bank account

Roads, Airports Expected To Be Crowded For Holiday Travel Weak economy not expected to be a deterrent

How Not To Blow Your Diet At Thanksgiving Researchers say environmental cues influence our eating habits

What's On Your Mind? Boost Mobile, Bank of America, Hertz Our daily look at consumer reviews

November 20, 2011

Under Pressure From Feds, Google Shuts Down Bogus Mortgage Ads Google says it has suspended deals with more than 500 advertisers

November 18, 2011

Tablets Top Shoppers Lists This Season They also are tops on gift lists, not coincidentally

Vudu Gets an Upgrade for the Holidays Movies and TV episodes can now be downloaded, not just streamed

FDA Removes Breast Cancer Treatment Approval From Avastin Drug can still be used to treat colon cancer

Housing Market May Be Showing Signs Of Life Fed official says sector needs more help

VW Fuming Over Obama's Preference for Hybrids, Electrics German automaker's turbodiesels already come close to 50 mpg

90+ Population Expected to Quadruple by 2050 Majority of the current 1.9 million nonagenarians have one or more disabilities

Stanford Develops New Model to Detect Early Cancer Many tumors now grow for 10 years or more before they're detected

Gas Prices Sink As Oil Prices Rise Pump prices fall nearly five cents a gallon in last week

Working In Smoke-Free Environment May Prolong Life Mayo Clinic researchers find fewer heart attacks where smoking is banned

What's On Your Mind? iPhone, Providian Bank Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• GM Recalls 2012 Chevrolet, GMC Trucks

November 17, 2011

Consumer Reviews And Stats Benefit Consumers And Retailers, Study Finds Negative observational behavior doesn't dampen sales

Busy Hurricane Season Draws to a Close Insurers urge coastal homeowners to prepare now for next year

Multivitamin Use May Increase Unhealthy Behavior, Researchers Say Users may assume benefits that aren't really there

Student Loan Problems? Feds Want to Hear From You Consumer Financial Protection Bureau opens inquiry into student loan market

Google Music Takes Aim at iTunes New service is latest move in competition with Apple

Hybrids Safer For Drivers but Not For Pedestrians Study cites higher weight, quieter operation

Settlement May Be Near In Walmart-Netflix Class Action Suit Walmart said to be ready to start writing checks

Study: 20 Percent of Americans Have Hearing Loss Researchers say problem more widespread than they thought

Smucker Recalling Peanut Butter Over Possible Salmonella No illnesses reported from product, company says

What's On Your Mind? Sirius XM, AAA, Spirit Airlines, ILD Teleservices Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Columbia Sportsware Recalls Battery-Powered Jackets
• Ready Pac, Raley's, Trader Joe's, Safeway Bagged Salads Recalled
• KEDS Recalls 'Know It All' Girls' Shoe

November 16, 2011

Feds Propose Tough New Fuel Standards, Automakers Gasp 54.5 mpg by 2025 will add $2,000 to the average price of a car, feds estimate

Chase Ordered to Pay $1.9 Million for Recommending Unsuitable Investments Chase also ordered to pay $1.7 million fine

Consumers Catch A Break In October Prices actually go down last month

Feds Complete Action Against Hope Now Modifications Mortgage modification scheme victimized troubled homeowners

Hockey Web Site Owner Indicted on Copyright Charges Sites sold DVDs and video clips of copyrighted hockey broadcasts

U.S. Postal Service Annual Loss Totals $5.1 Billion Still losing business to the Internet

Don't Blame the Tropics for the Flu Study finds flu strains migrate and evolve around the world

American Express Offers $25 Credit On 'Small Business Saturday' Consumers get money back for spending at small businesses

Millions Will Dine Out This Thanksgiving 14 million plan to dine out as they prepare for Black Friday

Facebook Scams Snare Victims With 'Freebies' Scams offer free coffee and airline tickets

How To Lose Weight and Keep It Off Johns Hopkins researchers say they have the answer

What's On Your Mind? Budget Blinds, Regions Bank, ADT, Speedy Cash Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Liebherr Expands Recall of Refrigerator-Freezers
• Family Dollar Recalls Kidgets Animal Sock Slippers
• Nissan Recalls 370Z and Infiniti G37 Models
• Build-A-Bear Recalls Teddy Bear Swimwear Set

November 15, 2011

Consumers Keeping Economy Afloat Retail sales showed surprising strength last month

On-the-Job Chemical Exposure May Be Linked to Parkinson's Implicated chemicals are widely used and persist for long periods of time

USDA Funding Broadband Deployment in 15 States Program is meant to bring high-speed Internet to rural areas

ACE Rent-A-Car Tops 2011 J.D. Power Survey Despite complaints, satisfaction with rental car companies said to be rising

$30 Million Judgment in Bogus Government Grant Case "Grant Connect" used Obama photos to peddle its services

Chimneys on Wood Stoves Reduce Pneumonia in Children Carbon monoxide levels much higher in homes where open wood stoves are used

Engine Plant Layoffs Hint at Fiat 500 Sales Slump Slow sales ramp-up creating backlog of the sporty little cars

Survey: Consumers Support Stronger Fuel Economy Standards Oveer three-fourths say government should enforce higher standards

Super-Super-Fast Network Now Links Energy Labs New network is for crunching climate data, astrophysics visualizations

Reconsidering Black Friday: Is It Really Worth It? As Black Friday gets longer, demands on consumers - and employees - increase

Fundraiser Claiming To Aid Veterans Banned In Oregon State says group gave no money to charity

What's On Your Mind? Sears, LA Weight Loss Centers, Kitchenaid Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Michaels Stores Recalls Ashland Brand Glass Vase

November 14, 2011

Banks Pay $165 Million to Cover Credit Union Losses Citigroup, Deutsche Bank first two banks to reach settlement agreement

First Fine Levied for Lengthy Tarmac Delays American Eagle ordered to pay $900,000 for Chicago delays

Auction Opens for New York, DC Airport Slots Delta, US Airways trading some of their slots at LGA, DCA

Schumer: Layaway Fees Rival Even the Highest Credit Card Rates NY Senator wants retailers to prominently disclose "sky-high" fees

Massachusetts Fines Starbucks For Undisclosed Fee On Coffee Consumers paid fee when they bought less than one-pound

Gift Cards Safer Than They Once Were, But Not Completely Safe New rules cut down on excessive fees

Feds Probe Fire in Wrecked Chevy Volt Safety of lithium ion batteries questioned after car catches fire

Lawsuit Accuses Aaron's of Unfair Consumer Practices Furniture leasing company misleads consumers, suit charges

Understanding Bank Math Helps Avoid Overdraft Fees Consumer claims one withdrawal results in two overdraft fees

Review Your Credit Card Bill For Surprise Charges Consumers chagrined by monthly charges they fail to notice

What's On Your Mind? Emerson, Jackson Hewitt,Marriott, Black And Decker Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Apple Recalls Early iPod Nanos

November 11, 2011

Apple iPhone Battery Fix Not Working, Some Users Say Some, posting on message boards, say the problem is now worse

Consumer Confidence On The Rise This Month University of Michigan survey finds consumers more optimistic

Warning Label Urged for St. John's Wort Supplement may interfere with other drugs, consumer advocates warn

Google TV II Will be Minus the Logitech Revue Logitech CEO condemns the Revue as a gigantic mistake

hhgregg Sets Thanksgiving Midnight Opening Retailers moving Black Friday up to Thursday night

Metro Dream Homes Founder Convicted in Mortgage Fraud Scheme Promised to pay off homeowners' mortgages but left them to fend for themselves

Foreclosure Activity Picks Up Again One state tries to do something about it

Feds Approve First Cord Blood Product HEMACORD is for use in stem cell transplant procedures

Gas Prices Rise Slightly During The Week Higher oil prices stopped the price slide at the pump

What's On Your Mind? eHarmony, Natural Health Network, Virgin America, Dollar Rent-A-Car Our daily look at consumer reviews

November 10, 2011

Walmart Backpedals on Plans for Healthcare Services Company says its earlier statement was "overwritten and incorrect"

Starbucks Juiced Up Over Its Latest Acquisition Maybe there's a reason the word "coffee" was dropped from the logo?

Walmart Moves Black Friday Up a Few Hours Selected items will go on sale at 10 p.m. Thanksgiving night

FBI Busts Estonian Malware Ring Operation Ghost Click reportedly infected four million computers

Morgan Stanley Fined $1 Million for Excessive Markups Firm ordered to pay $371,000 in restitution to customers

Study: Most Smokers Wish They Could Quit More than half have tried to quit within the last year

High-Powered Magnets a Deadly Danger to Children Increasing reports of children swallowing magnets, with severe consequences

Feds Block Sale of Flammable Mattresses Judge grants injunction against Brooklyn Sleep Products

Survey Finds Widespread Online Bullying 88% of teens report witnessing bullying

Polaroid Introduces Instant Camera For Digital Age Camera uses digital technology to produce instant prints

Growing Number Of Home Buyers Don't Need A Bank Cash is king when it comes to distressed properties

What's On Your Mind? Chase, Ramada Plaza, Ashley Furniture Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Joss Rock-Climbing Cams Recalled
• Wolfgang Puck Electric Grills Recalled
• Arctic Cat Recalls All-Terrain Vehicle

November 9, 2011

Feeling Ill? Head for the Nearest Walmart Retail giant wants to provide primary healthcare services

Pre-Birth Brain Growth Problems Linked to Autism NIH-funded study finds heavier brains in autistic children

'Scam Recovery Kit' Promoters Found in Contempt Company owners face $1,000 per day fines

Feds Fine Online Ticket Agent for Code-Share Violations BusinessJet Class didn't adequately disclose code-share flights

Union Defends AT&T/T-Mobile Merger CWA says deal will help counter Sprint's 'outsourcing and anti-worker record'

Smoking Costs More Than Just Your Health Average smoker can spend over $3000 a year

Missouri Settles With Defunct Auto Warranty Firm State says company misled consumers about coverage

Gas Prices Appear Poised To Rebound Oil prices approaching $100 a barrel again

Toys R Us Lists Hot Toys For Holidays But most are $50 or more, so be selective

Toyota Recalls 420,000 Cars To Deal With Steering Issue Third steering-related recall since 2006

Feds Test Emergency Alert System Today First time the system's been tested nationwide

Consumer Protection Bureau Wants Simpler Mortgage Closings 'Know Before You Owe' project aims to cut closing-document clutter

What's On Your Mind? Chase, Merchant Contests, ER Solutions, Ancestry.com Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Toyota, Lexus Models Recalled to Fix Steering Problem

November 8, 2011

FTC: Kids' Site Collected Personal Information Without Parents' Permission Skid-e-kids made deceptive claims in its privacy policy, agency alleges

ScanScout Tricked Consumers Who Wanted to Block Ads, FTC Charges Company settles charges it misled consumers about the effect of blocking cookies

Justice Department 'Ready and Eager' to Go After AT&T Attorney General Holder dashes talk of AT&T/T-Mobile settlement

Judge Blocks New Graphic Cigarette Warning Labels Said tobacco companies will probably win their suit against the new labels

Mortgage Delinquency Rate Rises For First Time Since 2009 Nearly six percent of borrowers 60 days or more past due

Bogus Health Discount Scheme Faces $15 Million Penalty United States Benefits LLC claimed to offer health insurance coverage

Stroke Risk Factors May Lead to Cognitive Problems High blood pressure, other stroke risks can have wide-ranging effects

Boomers Rush To and From the Altar 50+ crowd setting new record for marriage ... and divorce

Information On Bill May Affect Credit Card Payments Listing minimum payment could cause consumers to pay less

What's On Your Mind? Firestone, American Airlines, Fast Cash, Carfax Our daily look at consumer reviews

November 7, 2011

TSA Deploys 'Enhanced Privacy' Screening at 8 Airports New imaging technology eliminates specific images, speeds process

Study: Graduated Licensing Programs Reduce Fatal Teen Crashes NIH-funded studies confirm benefits of limiting young drivers' exposure

Allergists Say Air Fresheners Can Have a Downside What smells nice can make you sick, doctors say

Black Friday Becoming Black Midnight Big retailers opening at midnight to get a jump on Black Friday

Nissan Leaf Leaves Buyers Suffering 'Range Anxiety' Nissan insists the cars can go 100 miles on a charge ... but can they?

Best Buy Buys Out Its Mobile Partner Cell phones and tablets are the chain's growth leaders

Bank's Debit Card Fee Fiasco May Be Sobering Lesson For Businesses Can consumers build on their major victory?

Illinois Sues Marketers Of Pre-Paid Calling Cards Consumers claim cards short change them on minutes

Bill Would Allow Robo-Calls To Cell Phones Indiana Attorney General leads effort against it

What's On Your Mind? Gateway, US Bank, Fisher Price, DIRECTV Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Bio Gaudiano Recalls Organic Olives Stuffed with Almonds

November 4, 2011

Food Recalls Jump In Third Quarter Food allergens and Listeria the main reasons

Credit Union Membership Surges As Consumers Bail On Banks Credit Unions get 650.000 new members in last month

Study: Prolonged Sitting Raises Cancer Risk Short breaks every hour can reduce risk

Thanksgiving Flights Likely to be Stuffed This Year Fewer travelers expected but fewer flights, smaller planes make crowding likely

Gas Prices Dip Nearly Three Cents a Gallon In Last Week Stronger dollar appears to provide motorists a break at the pump

Defrauded Businesses, Non-Profits Get Refunds Checks are in the mail to victims of telemarketing scam

Hoodia Promoters Agree to Shed Millions of Dollars Claims for weight-loss supplement were deceptive, FTC charged

What's On Your Mind? Ashley Furniture, Sirius, Debt Relief Network, Bunn Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Under Armour Recalls UA Defender Chin Straps

November 3, 2011

'Privacy' Bill Threatens to Censor Huge Swaths of the Internet "End of the Internet as we know it," says Congressional critic

Amazon Unveils Kindle Lending Library A perk for Amazon Prime members may help sell Kindles, Amazon hopes

Study Suggests Tougher Chantix Warning Label Researchers say risks of anti-smoking drug outweigh the benefits

Government Agencies Ordered To Probe Drug Shortages But reasons for shortage may be numerous

Apple Pinpoints Battery Problem In iPhone 4s Bug found in operating system, fix promised within weeks

Are Automatic Renewals A Deceptive Practice? Question appears to have been asked, and answered, in 2006

Could Bad Credit Keep You From Getting A Job? It might, but researchers find no link between low score and poor performance

What's On Your Mind? Office Depot, Marriott, Wired Plastic Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Cub Scout Wind Tech Jackets Recalled
• Libbey Glass Recalls Fantasy Glass Bowls
• Dutailier Group Recalls Drop-Side Cribs
• Battat Recalls Toulouse-LapTrec Magnetic Sketchboards

November 2, 2011

Five Minivans Earn Top Safety Pick Awards But Kia Sedona and Nissan Quest fall short on rollover protection

Beware The 'Hot' Car Scam Buying a used car on the street can be risky

Broadcasters May Have To Be More Upfront About Political Ads Proposed regulations would require online info about ads and their sponsors

States Want Feds to Crack Down on Cramming FCC should adopt tougher rules to protect consumers

Pet Food Seen as Human Salmonella Risk FDA steps up testing of pet food and treats

Doctors Face 7% Cut in Medicare Fees Annual exercise in futility begins, thanks to dysfunctional 1990 law

Buying With Plastic Just Might Extend Your Warranty Your credit card may provide coverage you don't know about

What's On Your Mind? Target, First Mortgage West, LG Our daily look at consumer reviews

November 1, 2011

CDC: Epidemic of Prescription Painkiller Overdoses Painkiller overdoses kill more Americans than heroin and cocaine combined

Feds To Review Four Million Foreclosures New hope for those wrongfully foreclosed upon

Bank of America Cancels $5 Debit-Card Fee Other banks left BA standing alone to face enraged consumers

More Banks Blink, Cancel Debit-Card Fees SunTrust, Regions join Chase, Wells Fargo in bowing to consumer outrage

Judge Upholds Cell Phone Radiation Disclosure Requirements San Francisco city ordinance is upheld over industry's objections

Company Sues to Block Posting of Consumer's Complaint Challenge to federal complaint site proceeds in secret

What Happened Aboard JetBlue Flight 504? Cockpit to tower tapes suggest a dangerous situation

Think Twice Before Trying hCG For Weight Loss Hormone not proven to help you lose weight

What's On Your Mind? US Airways, Credit One, Nationwide Insurance, Nationstar Mortgage Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Disney Fairies Plastic Trikes REcalled
• Winchester Hunting Knife Sets Recalled
• IKEA Recalls Wardrobe Mirror Doors

October 31, 2011

Does the iPhone 4S Have a Battery-Life Problem? Software bug may be to blame but so far Apple's not talking

Super-Sized Candy Bars Are Super Sellers Convenience stores report brisk sales of big bars

Reducing the Threat of Strokes CDC suggests ways to deal with the risk of "brain attacks"

Google Poses New Threat to Groupon Search giant "bundles" daily deals from smaller sites

Air Travel: Downside To the Holidays Travelers will find fewer seats, more expensive tickets, and unpredictable weather

Should You Cook For Your Dog Or Cat? Not without a veterinarian's advice

'Bank Transfer Day' Declared For Nov. 5 Grassroots effort urges consumers to bail on big banks

Consumer Champion Virginia Knauer Dies Consumer advisor to three presidents, she proclaimed good business was good consumerism

What's On Your Mind? US Search, Dish Network, Avis Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Wegmans Recalls Turkish Pine Nuts

October 30, 2011

Redbox Raising Prices; Blames Debit-Card Fees But didn't the feds order lower fees on debit-card transactions?

October 28, 2011

Feds Fine South African, LAN, Caribbean Airlines Carriers violated price advertising rules, delayed baggage reimbursements

Study Finds Problems with Red-Light, Speed Cameras Safeguards needed to protect drivers and municipalities

Consumers Complain Of Slow Service At PlanetRX But they note there is no delay in charging their credit cards

Large Calories Come In Small Packages Protect yourself from the dark (chocolate) side this Halloween

Birmingham Financial Federal Credit Union Seized by Regulators Normal services will continue in a new location, regulators say

Viewing the Carnage, Big Banks Pass on Debit Card Fees Bank of America finds itself abandoned on the field of battle

Gas Prices Dip Slightly In Last Week But positive economic news may push them up again

Is Consumer Debt At The Root Of Our Economic Woes? 1970s credit standards might have prevented our problems

What's On Your Mind? United American Insurance, craigslist, Cipro, Capital One Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Hand Trucks Sold at Home Depot are Recalled
• Volvo Recalls C70, S60 Models
• Trek Bicycles Recalled

October 27, 2011

Airbnb Visit Goes Well, Despite Pesky Street Person We try out an Airbnb rental in NYC and save big bucks

Study Finds All Human Brains Pretty Much Alike Architecture is the same despite individual and ethnic genetic variations

Study: Limits Of Wireless Capacity Fast Approaching Under the best of circumstances, wireless networks have far less capacity than land lines

FTC: Debt Collectors Posed as Attorneys, Process Servers Judge freezes Rincon Debt Management's assets

Reducing IVs Could Save Billions in Medical Spending Simple changes could help reduce spiraling healthcare costs, researchers say

Economy Grows Faster Than Expected In Third Quarter Consumers and businesses shake off the pessimism

New Email Scam Purports To Be From Gaddafi Partner A remake of the old African prince scam

Thai Flooding Drowns Out Toyota Production, VW Surges Toyota plants suffering a shortage of parts because of flooding in Thailand

Credit Scores Go Behavioral New scores seek to predict your behavior

Hey Buddy ... Wanta Buy a Bridge Ad? NY's Hudson River bridges sell ads on toll-crossing arms

What's On Your Mind? State Farm, Dish Network, TurboTax, PlanetRX Our daily look at consumer reviews

October 26, 2011

California Files 'Greenwashing' Lawsuit Against Water Bottlers Companies falsely claim bottles are "100% biodegradable," suit charges

Six Charged in Alleged Sports Memorabilia Scams Fans paid big bucks for phone "game used" jerseys, feds charge

BPA's Effects May Start In the Womb, Study Says Controversial chemical may affect nascent girls but not boys

Study: Strawberries Can Block Some Damage From Alcohol Test on rats shows the fruit protected stomach lining

Study Links Soda To Teen Violence Researchers find correlation between number of sodas and violent acts

Feds To Help Students Make Better Student Loan Decisions Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to offer financial aid shopping sheet

Whats On Your Mind? Alamo Rent A Car, Pergo, SlimFast, Chase Mortgage Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• GE Recalls Gas Rangetop with Grill
• Bad Boy Recalls Buggies
• GM Recalls 2012 Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Terrain Models

October 25, 2011

Home Prices Are Still Falling Fed official calls for action on housing to stimulate the economy

Netflix Feels Consumers' Wrath In Bottom Line Company's stock takes a pounding

Do You Qualify For the Government's New Refinancing Plan? Plan is limited in scope; fewer than 1 million may qualify

FAA Warns of Corrosion on Boeing 757 Tails Pilots could lose control of the aircraft if maintenance is inadequate

Virgin America Flight Attendants May Unionize Transport Workers Union seeks representation election

Seafood Fraud Found in Boston DNA tests confirms 1 in 5 fish samples were mislabeled

Ancient Cold Remedy Makes a Comeback This cold season, save money on cold treatments

Consumers Don't Read Food Labels As Much As They Think Label's position on package may influence how many people read it

What's On Your Mind? Maytag, Timeshares Only, Rusty Wallace Kia, Conseco Insurance, Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Big Lots Recalls Glider Recliners

October 24, 2011

Apple's Next Frontier: A Single Remote Steve Jobs' legacy may still be waiting to be introduced

Ghoulish News for Ghosts & Goblins: Treats Are More Expensive Pumpkin, peanut, sugar crops haunted by bad weather

Washington State Study Shows Declining Living Standard More people find themselves falling behind

Danish Study Finds No Increased Cancer Risk in Cellphone Users Risks could go up with longer-term usage, however

New Legislation Forces Longtime Student Lender Out of Business Access Group will service existing loans but won't write new ones

More Anti-Foreclosure Help May Be On The Way But is it too little, too late?

Is 'Super-Sizing' A Search For Status? Researcher sees the psychology behind large portions

Lifestyle Changes May Be Key To Fountain Of Youth More important than drugs and other health products

What's On Your Mind? Winners International Sweepstakes, TravelNow.com, Kirby Vacuums Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Clipped Spinach Sold in Los Angeles Recalled

October 22, 2011

Google Weighing a Bid for Yahoo? Report says Google may try to snatch Yahoo out of the arms of Microsoft

Utah Credit Union Drops Payday Loans After Press Reports But big banks and Indian tribes are still edging into the market

Utah Leads in Thoughts of Suicide, Georgia is Lowest Study is first to pinpoint state-level suicidal trends

October 21, 2011

Barbie Sports A Tattoo And Some Parents Aren't Happy But doll is a collectors' edition, not designed for mass sales

U.S. Natural Gas Supplies Continue To Grow Unlike oil and gasoline, natural gas prices are going down

New York Probes Breast Cancer Awareness Campaigns More and more October campaigns claim to benefit breast cancer research

Gas Prices Edge Slightly Higher In Last Week Supplies remain tight despite reduced demand

FDA Chemist Pleads Guilty in Insider Trading Scheme Defendant misused FDA data on new drug applications

What's On Your Mind? CheapTickets.com, Priceline, Chase Mortgage Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• ADT Recalls Carbon Monoxide Detectors
• Target Recalls Frog Masks
• Electric Motion Recalls Lithium-poly Bicycle Batteries

October 20, 2011

How To Break the Expensive Big-Screen TV Habit Be cheap, think small and improvise, say our resident tinkerers

Clearer Food Labeling Proposed Institute of Medicine thinks food packages could be a lot more informative

Facial Recognition Technology Raising Privacy Concerns Sen. Rockefeller Wants FTC to recommend legislation

Student Debt To Hit $1 Trillion By Year's End Students strapped before they start a career

Report: Doctors Prescribe Too Many Stomach Drugs For Infants Researcher says doctors are treating 'normal condition'

Existing Home Sales Fall In September Median home value also declines

What's On Your Mind? Sony, Facebook, Fifth Third Bank, Wild Blue Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Guidecraft Recalls Twist 'n Sort Toys
• LittleLife Babby Carriers Recalled

October 19, 2011

Feds Mandate Independent Safety Testing of Toys Long overdue, consumer and parent groups say

New Recommendations to Guard Against Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Pediatricians, federal agencies urge parents to stay up to date on safety procedures

Feds Halt Federal Jobs Scam Defendants sold information consumers could get for free

'Mr. Magoo' Bank Robber Suspect Turns Himself In Serial bank robber was known for being calm and polite

FBI Tries to Identify Items Possibly Involved in Kidnappings David Parker Ray died in prison, may have kidnapped, tortured missing women

Poll: Customers Ready To Switch Banks Over Debit Card Fees Researcher find lower income customers more accepting of the fee

Social Security To Pay 3.6 Percent More In 2012 First increase in two years

Starbucks Goes 'Blonde' In Pursuit of 'Lite' Crowd Don't want too much coffee in your coffee? Here's the answer

Illinois Accuses Three Firms Of Mortgage Fraud Crackdown on foreclosure rescue and debt settlement continues

California Foreclosure Activity Spikes Back Up Second quarter improvement may have been a mirage

What's On Your Mind? BMG Music Club, Government Grant Scam, Whirlpool, Samsung Our daily look at consumer reviews

October 18, 2011

iPhone 4S Off To Strong Sales Start But a few launch hiccups reported

Hidden, Unexpected Fees Lead Working Poor to Close Bank Accounts Ranks of the "unbanked" increase, making it harder for families to save

FBI Looking for 'Mr. Magoo' Bank Robber Calm, cool and collected, Mr. Magoo has worked his way through 12 banks so far

Heavy Drinking Creates an Economic Hangover CDC calculates cost of excessive boozing at $224 billion

Car Rental Companies Becoming More Aggressive in Pursuing Damage Claims Consumers need to be proactive in documenting the condition of their car at turn-in time

Get-Rich-Quick Infomercial Fades To Black Firm promoting promissory note trading scheme told to stop

Serious Knee Injuries To Children On The Rise Likely due to increased sports activities

Bogus Government Grant Operators Permanently Banned Defendants accused of defrauding consumers

What's On Your Mind? Wyndham Vacation Plus, Burlington Coat Factory, JK Harris, Capital One Our daily look at consumer reviews

October 17, 2011

Orbitz Fined for Violating Price Advertising Rules Homepage didn't display all the taxes and fees customers faced

Wall Street Protesters May Be Onto Something Snicker all you want but the protests are drawing wide public support

Wireless Providers To Provide 'Bill Shock' Warnings Voluntary agreement between government and wireless providers

Lowes Closing 20 Stores, Cutting Nearly 2,000 Jobs Sagging housing market takes its toll on home center chain

Looking For Job Killers? Look at Gas Prices, Study Suggests "Needlessly high" gas prices draining $200 billion out of economy

Not Much New With Broccoli, Study Finds Researchers say things are about the same as always in the broccoli patch

Study: Cell Phones Exceed Exposure Limits For Children Current standards for radiation set for large adults

Profanity in Media Linked to Youth Swearing, Aggression Study ties youthful misbehavior to media habits

Recession Fears Fading, So Oil Prices Are Rising (Again) A classic good news, bad news scenario

Are All Flat Screen TVs Fire Hazards? There may not always be fire where there's smoke

What's On Your Mind? Experian, Netflix Our daily look at consumer reviews

October 14, 2011

Consumers Frustrated With Travel Booking Sites Are there now better ways to plan trips?

Where's the Fruit? Class Action Lawsuit Asks Fruit Roll-Ups, other General Mills snacks are mostly sugar, the suit alleges

More Restaurant-Style Foods Offered For Home Marketers push dining out taste on eat at home budget

Walmart Shutters Its Marketside Stores Massive chain's first experiment with smaller stores judged a flop

Gap Closing 200 North American Stores Continues to shift emphasis overseas

Penny Auction Deals May Not Be So Sweet Consumer Reports find many bidders spend big bucks, leave empty-handed

Gas Prices Stop Falling, Head Higher Price decline ends even though economic worries don't

Consumers Fried Over Fizzled TVs Flat-screen TVs' longevity leaves a lot to be desired

Recalls

• Giant Eagle Recalls Shredded Lettuce & Deli Sandwiches

October 13, 2011

Sony Recalls Flat-Screen TVs Because of Fire Risk Recall of 1.6 million Bravia LCD TVs is latest in a long line of Sony blunders

More Teens Using Condoms, CDC Finds 8 in 10 teen males used a condom for their inaugural sexual excursion

Halloween Is a Scary Time for Allergy, Asthma Sufferers Costumes, candy, decorations can all cause serious, unexpected problems

Beware The Fake Netflix Android App Backdoor malware steals users' log-in information

Best Place to Buy an iPhone 4S? Best Apple service doesn't fall far from the tree, mystery shoppers find

Blackberry CEO Apologizes For Outage Can't give estimated time for restoration

Some Praise For Bank Of America Connecticut's Attorney General gives the bank some credit

Foreclosures Down, But Show Signs Of Picking Up Again Process is also taking longer to complete

What's On Your Mind? American Home Mortgage, TravelNow, Mitsubishi, Progressive Business Publications Our daily look at consumer reviews

October 12, 2011

Consumer Anger Isn't Netflix' Only Problem Company beefing up its Washington presence as challenges mount

Study: Majority Of Medical Advisors Have Industry Ties Researchers find more conflicts of interest among people setting health care guidelines

Overweight? Be Ready to Buy a Second Seat on AirTran Low-fare carrier adopts the "customer of size" policy of its new parent

Class Action Disputes Frontier Internet Fees Suit claims Frontier defrauds Internet customers

Study: Vitamin E Supplements Increase Prostate Cancer Risk Supplements offers no real benefit and "very real risks," researchers warn

Cybersecurity Threats To Increase In 2012 Georgia Tech researcher predict current threats will expand

Two Former Executives Of Bailed Out Bank Indicted United Commerce took $300 million from taxpayers

Blood Test May Predict Alzheimer’s Progression Could provide useful information for families and caregivers

What's On Your Mind? Chase, Verizon Wireless, Your Baby Can Read Our daily look at consumer reviews

October 11, 2011

FrostWire Settles Charges Its Software Exposed Consumers' Files Company agrees to change its default settings

Car Dealer Concealed GPS Devices in Cars, Florida Charges GPS was then used to repossess cars, even when payments were current, state alleges

Broccoli's Health Benefits Require The Whole Food, Not Supplements And don't overcook it, either

Think Behavioral Ad Targeting Isn't Personal? Think Again Researcher finds websites are widely sharing personal information, including names

Survey: U.S. Has More Cell Phones Than People And why consumers should prepare for higher bills

'Big Box' Stores May Not Install Gas Appliances Safely Maryland investigation finds two-thirds of gas water heaters not properly inspected

Don't Fall For 'Smishing' Scams Text-based scam shows up in Washington State

Indiana Stepping Up Anti-Foreclosure Efforts New state law gives distressed homeowners more rights

What's On Your Mind? Verizon, Capital Accounts, Magic Chef, Allied Cash Advance Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• BOB, IronMan, Stroller Strides Jogging Strollers Recalled

October 10, 2011

Class Action RICO Complaint Seeks to Swat Flycell Monthly charges for ringtones amount to cramming, suit alleges

Home Foreclosures Causing a Public Health Crisis Study points to higher incidence of illness in areas with high foreclosure rate

Local News' Future: The Web Americans increasingly turn to the Internet for local information

Banks Awash in Cash, Which Isn't Good News Investors flee stock market, park money in banks which have no use for it

Cheaper Ways To Text Are Coming New apps allow consumers to bypass costly text charges

Netflix Reverses Course, Drops 'Qwikster' Name But the separate fees for streaming and DVDs remain

Data Shows 'Consumer Recession' Continues Consumers actually fared better during the recession

Oregon Sues Loan Modification Firm, Settles With Another States stepping up pressure on abusive modification consultants

What's On Your Mind? American Express, Just Flowers, Green Dot, Sears Optical Our daily look at consumer reviews

October 8, 2011

Free Debit Cards Aren't Extinct, Or Even Hard to Find Banks large and small, as well as credit unions, are trying to win your business

October 7, 2011

Chemical Industry Asks FDA to 'Clarify' BPA Stance Controversial chemical no longer used in baby bottles, sippy cups, industry says

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Nominee Faces Senate Vote Richard Cordray cleared by Banking Committee but now faces a vote in the full Senate

Feds May Divert Subsidies To Pay For Rural Broadband Universal Service Fund could be used to build broadband facilities

FDA Approves Cialis to Treat Prostate Enlargement The drug was developed to treat erectile dysfunction

Christian Rock Concert Promoter Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud FBI: Campaign to finance battle of the bands events was a Ponzi scheme

Private Sector Jobs Grew Last Month Economy may not be as bleak as some forecasters say

CDC: 60% Increase in Reported Traumatic Brain Injuries in Young Athletes Greatest numbers of E.R. visits caused by bicycling, football, and playground activities

NY Law Firm Hit With $2 Million Fine for Foreclosure Irregularities "No excuses for sloppy practices," U.S. Attorney argues

Gas Prices Drop Another Five Cents A Gallon Economic fears keep energy prices in check

Home Ownership Tumbles 1.1 Percent In One Year Census Bureau reports shows heavy building in South and West

What's On Your Mind? Bank of America, One Click Cash, US Fidelis, Avis Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• IKEA Recalls Children's Folding Tent

October 6, 2011

Beware of 'Google Team 2011' Scam Email message asks you to update your payment information

Defendant in Grant-Writing Scheme Ordered to Pay $1.68 Million Meggie Chapman ran telemarketing operation for Grant Writers Institute

Feds Embark on Study to Learn Why People Smoke Study will follow 40,000 smokers to try to understand their behavior

Costa Rican Company Named in $670 Million Fraud Scheme Indictment alleges conspirators stole millions from victims worldwide

Texting While Driving More Dangerous Than Previously Believed Texas study finds it doubles reaction times

Mortgage Rate Falls Below Four Percent But would-be buyers still can't qualify

Apple After Steve Jobs May Not Seem The Same Tech titan's death casts shadow over latest product launch

Online Job Hunting Appears To Pay Off After All Study finds Web more powerful tool than it was seven years ago

What's On Your Mind? Eharmony, Microsoft, Providian, Apple Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Volkswagen Recalling VW, Audi Models to Fix Diesel Engines

October 5, 2011

Children Often Victims of Furniture Tip-Overs Heavy furniture, electronic equipment should be securely anchored

Expert: Holiday Air Travel To Be Expensive, Stressful Consumers to face fewer choices and more fees

Outlook For Job Seekers Not Promising September layoffs surged

Cantaloupe Listeria Death Toll Hits 18 Recalled cantaloupes should be off shelves by now

Samsung Seeks Injunction to Block Sales of iPhone 4S in France, Italy Patent infringement battle heats up; Apple seeking a "free ride?"

Federal Court Closes Deceptive Mortgage 'Rescue' Program Distressed consumers paid $1,495 but got no services

Ford Kills Escape Hybrid Option Three four-cylinder engines will be offered in 2013 models

New York Sues Bank Of New York Mellon City and state claim pension funds were defrauded

Beware Of Chimney Repair Scams They usually appear with the first sign of cold weather

What's On Your Mind? Experian, Geek Squad, Hertz, CoverGirl Our daily look at consumer reviews

October 4, 2011

Apple Unveils Next Generation iPhone iPhone 4S to be available on Sprint for the first time

Report: Fannie Mae Looked The Other Way On Robo-Signing Agency may have been warned eight years ago

Despite a Constant Demand, Parents Cut Back on Diaper Purchases Why don't manufacturers cut prices to boost sales? Good question. Read on ...

Facebook Can Provide Clues to Problem Drinking College students' postings tell a lot about their relationship with alcohol

FTC Wants to Strengthen Mail-Telephone Rules Changes would keep rules relevant in the Internet age

CDC: 112 Million Annual Incidents of Drunken Driving Study finds nearly 300,000 drunks on the road each day

Study Links Aspirin To Sight Problems Aspirin users twice as likely to develop late-stage macular degeneration

Feds Require Changes to Four Loko Malt Beverage Packaging Supersized, high-alcohol beverage will tone down its claims

California's Reader Privacy Act Signed Into Law Bill will protect Californians' reading habits

GPS Inventor Joins Fight Against Warrantless GPS Tracking Supreme Court urged to block government abuse of surveillance technology

Boomers, Elders Finding Housing Unaffordable American dream getting harder to sustain, AARP study finds

Michigan Court Narrows State's Medical Marijuana Law Limit on number of plants that can be possessed upheld

What's On Your Mind? Dish Network, Quicken Loans, Frigidaire Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Ballard Designs Recalls Step Stools

October 3, 2011

Google Update Gives Nod to Big Brands, Google's Own Properties Latest rejiggering of search results raises questions about Big G's objectivity

Is Your Investment Adviser an RIA? The answer is an emphatic "no." States cracking down on misuse

'The Daily' Plans an Android Edition Soon HuffPost buys grassroots site, tops 1 billion pageviews

Google Prepares to Launch 'Circular-Inspired' Ads Search giant wants to make Internet advertising look like the Sunday paper

High Blood Pressure Becoming More Pervasive More than 55 million suffered from it in 2008

Web Start-Up Delivers Handmade Goods Subscribers won't know what they're getting until it arrives

Bankers' Association Blames Government For New Fees Says banks now losing money on debit transactions

Consumers Have Alternatives to Big Banks Don't like big banks' fees? Take your business somewhere else

New England Consumers Overcharged 'Millions' For Energy, States Say Massachusetts and Connecticut seek rate rollback

What's On Your Mind? Bank of America, Hotels.com, Emerson, Target Our daily look at consumer reviews

October 1, 2011

The Math Behind Bank Of America's New $5 Fee Not a figure pulled out of thin air

September 30, 2011

Raymond James Ordered to Refund Unfair Commissions Brokerage house must repay $1.69 million in overcharges

Debt Collector Ordered to Stop Abusing Consumers Collector also deceived its small-business clients, FTC charges

Consumers Not Sold On Reducing Sodium In Diets Most don't know how much they consume each day

A&O Investment Scam Draws Lengthy Prison Terms More than 800 victims, many of them elderly, lost their savings

Consumers' Income Not Growing If you aren't earning more, it's hard to spend more

Bank Greets Swipe Fee Rule With Debit Card Fee New, lower swipe fee rule takes effect tomorrow

Gas Prices Drop Sharply In Last Week Consumers in the north west pay the most

What's On Your Mind? PUR Water Filters, Apple, Holiday Inn Express, T-Mobile Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Chrysler Recalls 2012 Models With 3.6l Engines

September 29, 2011

Looking for AT&T Supporters? Just Follow the Money Campaign contributions go to politicians who toe the line, Free Press reports

Cosmetics Industry Backs Away from Formaldehyde in Hair Straighteners Expensive salon products pose a risk to consumers

Study: Tobacco Companies Hid Data About Radioactive Particles In Smoke Researchers say industry had the information in 1959

Feds Ban Spammer Who Sent 'Mind-Boggling' Number of Messages Text messages offered supposed help with mortgage modification

Kindle Hopes Its Fire Will Singe the iPad Tablet war heats up as giant retailer soups up its ereader

British Survey Finds Online Romance Scams Are Widespread More people fall victim than are reported to the police, researchers say

Activist Group Challenges New Net Neutrality Rules Objects to leeway granted wireless networks to control traffic

Illinois Files Four Mortgage Fraud Lawsuits Companies accused of trying to exploit loophole in law

What's On Your Mind? Trilegiant, Fancy Feast, Response Mortgage, Best Buy Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Five More Manufacturers Recall Fuel Gel

September 28, 2011

Internet Marketer To Pay $800,000 To Settle Florida Charges Free offers saddled consumers with monthly charges

Reebok To Pay $25 Million To Settle Deceptive Ad Charges Claimed its shoes toned legs and butt just by walking

Feds Admit They Removed Malpractice Data to Protect Physicians Public database, built and maintained with public funds, now closed to the public

Listeria Outbreak From Cantaloupe Turns Deadly Recalled produce kills at least 13 so far

Lawsuit: Cows Were Killed to Raise Milk Prices Dairy industry milks consumers by restricting supplies, suit alleges

Doctors: Patients Using Too Much Medical Care Doctors admit to ordering services out of fear of litigation

Health Insurance Now Costs More Than a Ford Fiesta Higher costs for both employer and employee

What's On Your Mind? Wells Fargo, Whirlpool, Samsung Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Little Tikes Expands Toy Workshop, Tool Set Recall
• Toy Racing Cars Recalled

September 27, 2011

California Will Charge Online Sales Tax Measure is intended to pave the way for Congressional action

Obama Urged to Stand Fast on Kids' Nutrition Food manufacturers working to undermine voluntary guidelines on marketing to children

Americans Making Risky Health Trade-Offs to Save Money Survey finds many are skipping dosages, not filling prescriptions

Home Prices Show Slight Growth In July But prices still lower than last year

FDA: Avoid Oysters from Hood Canal Area The succulent bivalves may contain Vibrio bacteria

Feds Fine Virgin Atlantic for Advertising Violations Internet ads didn't properly display information on taxes and fees

Study: Teens Not Getting Enough Sleep Lots of health problems and risky behaviors associated with sleep deprivation

Need A Job? What Employers Are Looking For Education and training appear to be the key

When It Comes To Savings Goals, Less Is More A single savings goal yields better results, researchers say

Minnesota Sues Two For-Profit Colleges Over Aid Issues Joins feds, other states

What's On Your Mind? UPS, Government Grant Scam, Sprint, Priceline.com Our daily look at consumer reviews

September 26, 2011

Problems Getting Pregnant? Try These Tips OB/GYN offers steps to avoid fertility drugs

Seniors Suffer in Silence as Economy Stumbles Older adults severely affected by economic downturn

Falls Still a Leading Cause of Fatal Injuries in Seniors Making homes safer, staying in shape can help reduce the risk

Consumers Find Their Source Of News Reliable But still view overall news media unfavorably

FBI Warns Against Pointing Lasers at Aircraft St. Louis man arrested after pointing his laser at a police helicopter

Wall Street Bear Predicts Sharp Drop For Gold 'Dr. Doom' says prices could hit $1,100 an ounce

Free Checking Becoming Endangered Species More banks adding fees, raising minimum balance requirements

Expert: Consumers Should Negotiate More On Price In soft economy, more things are negotiable

Best and Worst States for a Divorce? If you're in a hurry, Idaho and Nevada lead the pack

Netflix Inks Streaming Content Deal With DreamWorks Netflix edges out HBO

What's On Your Mind? Hollywood Video, Anchor Hocking, Geico, Discount Tire Our daily look at consumer reviews

September 25, 2011

Can Herman Cain Deliver? Consumers Think So Cain's Florida straw poll win shocks party elders

September 23, 2011

Fiat Pulls Even With Mini Cooper as Consumers Cheer Them On The little cars are winning high marks from U.S. consumers

What To Expect From The Fed's 'Operation Twist' Financial experts don't seem impressed

Feds Sue Sites That Impersonate Federal Agencies Bogus sites target consumers seeking mortgage, tax, debt relief services

Should You Build Savings Or Pay Off Debt? Consumers believe debt reduction is more important

Congressmen: USPS Needs New Business Model, Not Closure Bipartisan group suggests using Post Offices as retail outlets

Gas Prices Down On Recession Fear Average price drops seven cents in last seven days

An Emergency Preparedness Plan For Your Pet Animal groups offer advice

What's On Your Mind? The Hartford, Cuisinart, Samsung, Facebook Our daily look at consumer reviews

September 22, 2011

FTC Sues to Stop Phony 'Free Trial,' 'Risk-Free' Offers Consumers lost $450 million at the rate of $79.95 per month in negative option deals

Record Number of Swimmers Sickened by Contaminated Water Best to stay out of warm lakes and ponds; use good hygiene in pools

New York Training Firm Accused Of Running Scam Allegedly trained consumers for phony security guard jobs

'Products At Work' Banned From Soliciting in Iowa Company's claims to help disabled are misrepresentations, state charges

Journalism Groups Make Malpractice Database Public Obama Administration blocks doctor discipline records, threatens reporter

A 'Man Cave' Doesn't Detract From Home's Resale Value But economist says "don't go crazy"

Insider Predicts October iPhone 5 Release Speculation builds that new phone will be out next month

Wall Street Turning In An Ugly Week Traders seem to smell a recession

What's On Your Mind? AT&T, Hertz, Lenovo, Chase Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Specialized Components Recalls Bicycle Forks
• Next Bicycles Recalled

September 21, 2011

Cadmium in Children's Jewelry to be More Tightly Regulated Cheap metal jewelry may contain potentially harmful traces of the toxic chemical

Can't Pay Your Alimony? Don't Panic The scenario is not unusual and there are solutions, but prompt action is needed

OnStar Doesn't Give Up Easily ... Sometimes Even after it's canceled, OnStar keeps tracking you, but won't help you

Existing Homes Sales Jump 7.7 Percent In August Real estate market shows signs of life

Forget Congress, Google Has Big Public Perception Problems The onetime darling of the cyberworld is seen as a bully

Americans Growing More Concerned About Financial Future Many worry about saving for retirement

Consumers' Top Turn-Off? Rudeness Uncivil behavior quietly sabotages bottom line, researchers find

Are You Immune To Advertising? Probably Not Despite what you think, you're susceptible

What's On Your Mind? Sirius XM, Vizio, Whirlpool, Citibank Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• BMW Recalls 325i, 328i Models

September 20, 2011

Google Introduces Wallet App on Sprint Pay for your grande latte with your phone

Study: Adding Collectible Toy To Healthy Meals Make Them Desirable Kids' meal toys could be force for good

Despite Medical Marijuana Laws, Pot Arrests Soar FBI reports police vigorously enforcing the law

Budget Cuts Could Slice Benefits for Pregnant Women, Infants WIC provides food, counseling and referrals to 9 million women and children

Texas Car Dealers Falsified Smog Testing Dealers substituted reports from "clean" cars for "dirty" ones

Suit Charges MacBook Pro Won't Stay Charged Power supply is inadequate to fully charge the machine's battery, class action alleges

Diabetes May Significantly Increase Dementia Risk Controlling diabetes takes on added importance, researchers say

Pennsylvania Snags SAS Group for Internet/Infomercial Complaints Company's "free" products weren't free and shipping charges were excessive, state charges

Nevada Goes to War Against Bank of America Attorney General seeks to terminate earlier Countrywide settlement

Getting A Mortgage Is Increasingly Difficult Lenders toughen underwriting standards to prevent defaults

What's On Your Mind? Just Flowers, Progressive Insurance, Chantix Our daily look at consumer reviews

September 19, 2011

Feds Take Down Malpractice Database No explanation given for removal of data that has been public for 15 years

Budget-Trimming Suggestions From Opposite Ends of the Spectrum Unlikely allies identify -- and agree on -- $1 trillion in savings

Parents Turning Kids' Car Seats Around Too Early Poll shows most parents not following current safety advice

Michaels Pays $1.8 Million To Settle Deceptive Marketing Charges New York

Restoring Consumer Confidence Key to Economic Recovery "Trust deficit" hurting recovery in housing, mortgage executive argues

Netflix Separates DVD Business From Web Streaming DVD service will take the name 'Qwikster'

Beware the 'Financial Recovery Awards' Scam Canadian scam targets flood-damaged areas

What's On Your Mind? Old Spice, Tracfone, Advertising Checking Bureau, Payless Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• John Deere Recalls Lawn Tractors with Kawasaki Engines

September 18, 2011

Postal Service Can't Count on Public Support as it Scrounges for Funds Both the agency and its workers are unpopular with voters, weakening their position with Congress

September 16, 2011

Seven States Sue to Block AT&T's T-Mobile Takedown Transaction would "substantially lessen competition," states argue

Kansas City Man Convicted of Attempted $100 Million Fraud Scheme Investors were offered "bonded promissory notes," which are non-existent

Feds Fine Lowestfare.com for Code-Sharing Violations Travel site didn't adequately disclose when flights were being operated by another airline

Children's Poisoning From Medication On The Rise Kids getting access to dangerous medicines, researcher finds

Postal Service Faces 'A New Reality' USPS wants to cut processing facilities, "adjust" service standards

Indiana Warns Politicians About 'Robo-Calls' State law restricts political uses of auto-dialers

New Invention Could Prolong Smartphone Battery Life Researchers say it could extend battery life an average of 54 percent

Gas Prices Drop Four Cents In Last Week Lowest prices shifting back to southeastern states

Foreclosure Filings Surge In August But could there be encouraging news lurking in the data?

What's On Your Mind? GE Light Bulbs, Direct Shopping Network, Hotels.com Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Hyundai Recalls Santa Fe, Veracruz Models

September 15, 2011

Want to Crush the Middle Class? Just Eliminate the Mortgage Deduction Economy recovering but Congress could still squash it, economist warns

MOG Launches Free Music "Gas Tank," Rdio Adds Free Option Spotify's entry into the U.S. market has the music industry shaking, rattling and rolling

Feds Require Better Train Access for the Disabled Railroads, transit lines must ensure disabled passengers can board

Is Your Employer-Provided Cell Phone Taxable? Latest IRS guidance is that it's not, in most cases

Court Halts Amino-Acid Supplement Sales by Two Minnesota Companies CHK Nutrition, NeuroResearch Clinics alleged claimed their supplements could cure diseases

Latest Listeria Alert: Rocky Ford Cantaloupes FDA warns consumers not to eat Rocky Ford cantaloupe shipped by Jensen Farms

Feds Fine Bank of America $930,000 For Firing Whistleblower Bank took "illegal retaliatory action" against former Countrywide employee

Flu Deaths in Children Blamed on Lack of Vaccination Vaccination and rapid anti-viral treatment are keys to survival

Study: TV Watching Reduces Parent-Child Communication Reading does a better job of enhancing communication

Study: Suicidal Teens Don't Get Mental Health Services Intervention could reduce deaths, researchers say

What's On Your Mind? Credit One, Toshiba, Home Depot, Walmart Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Target Recalls Chefmate 6-Speed Blender
• Kubota Recalls Riding Mowers
• Kia Recalls 2007-2008 Sorrento
• Subaru Recalls 2011 Selected Outback, Legacy Vehicles

September 14, 2011

Walmart Launches Drive to Empower Women Giant retailer hopes to source $20 billion from woman-owned businesses

CDC Wants to Prevent 1 Million Heart Attacks & Strokes "Million Hearts" focuses in aspirin use, blood pressure, cholesterol, tobacco

Study: ADHD Increases Risk Of Serious Injury For 5th Graders Inattentiveness may make these kids accident prone, researchers say

H&R Block Pulls Back From 'Instant Refund' Loans for Another Year Republic, Jackson Hewitt, Liberty still making high-cost, short-term loans

Best Buy's Customers Love It But Don't Come Around Much Any More Amazon and big-box discounters biting into Best Buy's sales

Target's Missoni Roll-Out Crashes Website Partnership with Italian designer draws overwhelming traffic

Beware Royalty Resource Network Scam Using small newspaper ads to ensnare victims

Consumers Pile Up Second Quarter Credit Card Debt Analyst calls increase 'staggering'

What's On Your Mind? Chase, Virgin America, Miracle Ear, Guitar Center Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• John Deere Recalls Lawn Tractors
• Goldstar, Comfort-Aire Dehumidifiers Pose Serious Fire Risk

September 13, 2011

Obama Tax Plan Would Hit Municipal Bonds Charitable contributions could also be affected by limiting deductions on the "rich"

Who Liked the 9/11 Ads? You Did Consumers loved the Clydesdale tribute

Airlines Collect $1.38 Billion In Fees In Three Months Nearly half came from reservation change fees

Feds Probe Headlight Problem in Chrysler Minivans Lights can go out without warning

Record Number Of People Living In Poverty Census Bureau report shows 2.3 percent decline in real income

Consumers' Gasoline Costs Reaching Record Levels It could be a big reason the economy has taken a hit

Kicking The Habit Might Improve Your Personality Smoking linked to impulsive behavior

What's On Your Mind? VistaPrint, T-Mobile, Paula Deen Cookware, Nationwide Our daily look at consumer reviews

September 12, 2011

Student Loan Defaults On The Rise For-profit school default rate twice as high as public schools

Airlines Turn In Better On-Time Performance in July Fewer tarmac delays but more cancellations than one year ago

Aftermarket Auto Lights Distributor Agrees to Guilty Plea Company conspired to fix prices of aftermarket products, Justice Department charges

Payday Lender Ordered to Stop Garnishing Paychecks South Dakota lender faces trial on charges it illegally garnished wages

Toothpaste Shortfall Enrages Consumer Even extreme squeezing can't dislodge the last bit of toothpaste, suit charges

Predicting How Diet and Exercise Affect Weight Online simulation helps researchers find best diet-exercise combinations

AT&T Responds To Justice Department Lawsuit Argues deal won't hurt consumers

What's On Your Mind? Wildblue, Philips, Ethan Allen, Trilegiant Our daily look at consumer reviews

Feds Taking Another Look At Mortgage Modification Programs Officials hope to help more struggling homeowners

Robo-Caller Seeks Access To Bank, Social Security Data Scam surfaced in Massachusetts this month

September 10, 2011

U.S. Exporting More Gasoline, Diesel Fuel Could that explain why gas prices haven't fallen very much?

September 9, 2011

Wage Gains Mostly Consumed By Health Care Costs, Study Finds Many consumers aren't aware of how much they are paying

Google Buys Zagat, Moving Further Into Content Search giant increasingly competes with content providers it indexes

Walmart Revives Layaway, Just in Time for Christmas Other discounters have been eating Walmart's Christmas cookies

Obama Jobs Speech Lifts His Standing With Consumers Analysis of 28 million consumer comments shows Obama's star rising

Gas Prices Level Off In Last Week Fuel prices are about the same as a month ago

Bank Of America Not Closing Additional Branches Charlotte TV station issues retraction of previous story

What's Wrong With Flat- Screen TVs? A TV repairman says today's flat-screen TVs are poorly designed

Consumer Credit Rises in July But credit card spending drops

More Older Consumers Opting To Use Online Banking Both banks and consumers seem to agree on this one

What's On Your Mind? Capital One, National Lottery Board, Tronix Country, Sprint Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• KTM Recalls Off-Road Motorcycles
• Pottery Barn Kids Recalls Dolls

September 8, 2011

How To Read Food Expiration Dates And Lot Codes There's a lot of useful information on food labels

Critics Charge FDA Fails to Address Surgical Mesh Risks Public Citizen: Treatment for pelvic organ prolapse should be recalled

Mortgage Rates Fall To Record Low But that doesn't mean you can get a rock-bottom rate

FTC: 'Acne Cure' Mobile App Claims Are Baseless The apps generate colored lights that supposedly cure acne

CDC: Fewer Adults Smoke; Those Who Do Smoke Less It's an encouraging trend but even light smokers face health risks

Report: Bank Of America To Close 600 Branches Struggling bank announced 'streamlined' management earlier this week

Video: Motorola Droid Bionic Debuts Today Latest smartphone entry aimed at the iPhone

What's On Your Mind? Banfield Pet Hospital, Cuisinart, Aetna Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Target Recalls Embark Resistance Cords

September 7, 2011

Study: Downward Mobility Afflicting Middle-Class Kids A middle-class upbringing is no guarantee of a comfortable adulthood

Consumer Complaint Email Scam Targets Small Businesses Email claims to be from the Federal Trade Commission

Minnesota Sues Five Internet Payday Lenders Warns consumers these loans can bring a number of problems

New Jersey Sues Immigration Services Providers Accused of misleading clients about powers of notaries public

AARP Picks Best Employers for 50+ Workers Scripps Health, Cornell, NIH take top sports

AT&T, Sprint Battle May Go Into Extra Innings With Congress back in session, both sides take off the gloves

Stock Brokers Fined for Improper Handling Fees Firms understated commissions by mischaracterizing charges as handling fees

Ticks May Be Infecting U.S. Blood Supply CDC: Blood donors should be screened for tick-borne parasite

Sprint Sues To Block AT&T/T-Mobile Deal Action follows similar suit by Justice Department

Netflix Losing Streaming Content From Starz Entertainment Starz apparently concerned consumers don't pay enough to view content

What's On Your Mind? Whirlpool, Consumer Resource Connection, Wells Fargo Our daily look at consumer reviews

September 6, 2011

Facebook Posse On the Trail of Pepsi False rumor campaign urges God-fearing consumers to boycott Pepsi

Lawsuit Blames SimplyThick For Death of 4-Month-Old Child died one day after FDA issued a warning about the product

Postal Service Running Low on Time and Money Bail-out time? The "independent" USPS needs $5.5 billion ... fast

Spirit Celebrates One Year of $45 Carry-On Baggage Fee Airline says its "bold move" saves time and money; consumers not so sure

Bugs Without Borders: Bed Bugs Spreading Out, Digging In The little pests travel undetected and become very attached to their new homes

Florida Man Ran Cramming Scheme From His Jail Cell Telephone customers bilked out of $35 million

Suit: Safeway's Kona Coffee Is Mostly Not From Kona Class action charges supermarket misleads coffee consumers

Nevada Seeks To Amend Countrywide Settlement Claims lender materially breached original judgment

Consumers Cautioned About Debit Card Phishing Scam Scammer poses as employee of Wells Fargo

What's On Your Mind? T-Mobile, Citibank, Dish Network Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Honda Recalls Nearly 1 Million Cars

September 5, 2011

Consumers Rally Around Apple in Wake of Jobs' Retirement Iconic executive's departure doesn't dim enthusiasts' love for the company

What's On Your Mind? Hertz, Kia, Emerson Our daily look at consumer reviews

September 2, 2011

Consumer Groups Walk Out of Failed Window Covering Standards Talks Hundreds of children killed, injured by cords on window coverings

Tests Find Roundup Weed-Killer Widespread in Water, Air Chemical was found "consistently" in air and water samples

Gas Prices Up A Nickel A Gallon In Last Week Fuel more expensive for Labor Day Weekend

Beware Travel Scams This Labor Day Weekend Fraudsters are active on high-travel holidays

Report: U.S. To Sue Big Banks Over Mortgages Could be latest mortgage crisis fallout

Job Creation Grinds To A Halt In August Economist calls trend 'disturbing'

What's On Your Mind? EZ Lube, BlockShopper.com, RCA Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Camsing LED Night Lights Recalled

September 1, 2011

FTC: Crude Oil Prices Main Factor in Retail Gas Prices But agency says it is looking at possible refinery antitrust violations

Sprint Disputes AT&T Jobs Claims Says merger will reduce, not add, American jobs

States Challenge Backpage.com Over Sex Trafficking 46 attorneys general want prostitution ads taken down

Pourable Gel Fuel Recalled After Multiple Deaths, Injuries ConsumerAffairs.com challenges decision to withhold video of gel fuel exploding

California Senate Approves BPA Ban for Baby Bottles, Sippy Cups Bill now heads back to the General Assembly for a final vote

Americans Drinking Too Many Sugary Drinks Public health groups hope to cut average consumption to three cans per week

AARP: 1 in 11 Older Americans At Risk of Hunger Nearly 9 million 50+ Americans face "food insecurity"

FBI Warns of Bogus Check Scam Checks appear to be issued by UT-Battelle LLC

Seniors Warned About Medicare Scams Telemarketers seek seniors' personal data

Demand For Small Used Cars Surges High gas prices make small a lot more attractive

Fake Lottery Scam Still Making The Rounds Makes new appearance in West Virginia

Arizona 'Charity' Fundraiser Barred From Iowa Attorney General uses recorded calls to crack down on fraud

What's On Your Mind? Best Buy, Wells Fargo, Maytag Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• BMW Recalls 300-Series Models from 2002-2005 Model Years

August 31, 2011

Consumers Leading Opposition To AT&T T-Mobile Merger The people who use the products haven't been enthusiastic about the deal

Marijuana Legalization Gets Another Boost Black government employees say it's time to end the War on Drugs

Feds Sue To Block AT&T Acquisition Of T-Mobile Justice Department says consumers would be harmed by the deal

Uterine Stem Cells Used to Treat Diabetes in Mice A similar treatment could someday help human diabetes patients

JetBlue Fined for Violating Advertising Rules Emirates fined for improperly limiting delayed baggage reimbursements

Generic Drugs Need Better Warning Labels, Public Citizen Argues In petition to FDA, consumer group seeks change in labeling policy

Gas Prices Rising Again Traders pushing oil prices up on stimulus expectations

HP Says It Will Produce More TouchPads But will they still sell for $99?

Seniors Warned About Telephone Scammers Telemarketers pretend to be associated with Medicare

What's On Your Mind? Sports Authority, Classmates.com, T-Mobile Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• BMW Recalls 2009 X5 Models

August 30, 2011

Why Isn't That Product Recalled? Recall process requires both consumer and business input

Bay Area Cities Gang Up to Warn About Cell Phone Radiation San Francisco Mayor Signs Nation’s First Cell Safety Ordinance

Hurricane Damage? Good Luck Getting Fair Claims Payments CFA warns homeowners will have to "dig deeper into their pockets"

Home Prices Rise In Second Quarter Is this the turnaround, or another false start?

Studies Offer Practical Weight-Loss Advice Eat less at lunch and add dairy products

Missouri Sues Dog Breeder Under New Cruelty Law Action brought under Canine Cruelty Act

What's On Your Mind? Kodak, Experian, TravelNow.com, MyGen Online Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Petzl America Recalls Belay Devices
• Pacific Cycle Recalls Swing Sets Sold at Toys R Us

August 29, 2011

CORRECTION: Freedom Debt Relief Not Banned in Missouri Consumer incorrectly identified company that took her $1,298

The Droid Bionic Is Coming ... Or Not Never mind that Tweet, Motorola and Verizon say it's a hoax

Mesothelioma Genetic Link Found by Researchers Gene mutation makes individuals more susceptible to asbestos-caused cancers

New Campaign Targets Drunken Driving "Drive sober or get pulled over" ad campaign rolls out

Virginia Sues Mortgage Modification Company R.L. Brad Street alleged charged customers $3,000 upfront

American Airlines Blew It As Irene Arrived Study finds American was the worst at keeping customers informed

Mississippi Steps Up Efforts Against Counterfeit Products Establishes intellectual property crimes center

Study: Veterans More Likely to Have Marital Problems Divorce, extra-marital sex higher among vets, researchers find

Pending Home Sales Drop In July Another sign housing is running out of gas

Study: Half The Population To Be Obese By 2030 Obesity, replacing smoking are top preventable health problems

States, Feds Put Squeeze on Government Grant Scammers Fifteen entities put out of business

What's On Your Mind? Bank of America, Pyrex, Readers Digest Our daily look at consumer reviews

LivingSocial Faces Groupon-Style Expiration Date Lawsuits Consumer protection laws ban expiration dates of less than five years on gift certificates

August 26, 2011

The Prius Grows Up - the Prius+ Seats Seven Green Consumers Toyota needs a Prius that can grow as its customers' families expand

Cell Phone Carriers Brace for Hurricane Irene A perfect storm: high winds, floods, power outages, heavy usage

Michigan Patient-To-Patient Marijuana Sales Struck Down State's attorney general sought ruling from appeals court

Lawsuit Challenges FBI's Citizen Surveillance System eGuardian gathers a suspicious amount of "suspicious activity reports"

Food Day Lesson: Eat Real Teachers prepare a healthy-eating curriculum for kids and parents alike

American Laser Skincare Providing Refunds In Pennsylvania Agrees to make changes in refund policy

Using Social Media In A Natural Disaster Facebook, Twitter, can be effective communication tools

Watch Out for Storm-Related Scams Hurricane Irene likely to bring scam artists in her wake

HPV Vaccination Rates Trail Other Teen Vaccines Poor and minority teens less likely to be protected

Gas Prices Rise Slightly In Last Week Prices could rise even more because of East Coast hurricane

What's On Your Mind? Homelite, Enterprise, AT&T Our daily look at consumer reviews

August 25, 2011

Why Good Mortgage Modification Deals Go Bad Lenders, homeowners often have trouble completing the mounds of paperwork that's required

Thai Airways Fined for Violating Price Advertising Rules Carrier fined $70,000 for not displaying full fare information

FTC Shuts Down 'Government Grant' Scheme Defendants promised "guaranteed" $25,000 federal grant

Pressure Grows On Government To Stimulate Housing Real estate market isn't recovering, despite hopeful signs

Is Your Desk Making You Sick? Eating at your desk really isn't a healthy habit

Feds Stop Mortgage, Debt Scams Companies promised to help consumers but merely took their money

Recharge Your Cell Phone By Walking Engineers find a way to capture energy from footsteps

Investors Warned Of Gold Stock Scams Inflated claims may lead the unwary to make unwise decisions

Botox Approved for Some Types of Incontinence Patients with spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis may benefit

Researchers: Scented Laundry Detergent Could Be Hazardous Two carcinogens found in one brand

What's On Your Mind? Expedia, Golden Rule, SunTrust Our daily look at consumer reviews

August 24, 2011

End of an Era: Steve Jobs Resigns Ailing CEO hands the reins to COO Tim Cook

Suggestion to Congress: Here's How to Save $380 Billion Time to end subsidies to environmentally harmful industries?

Women See Value of College; Men, Not So Much Pew survey finds women generally have a more positive view of higher education

Gold Plunges 7% in Two Days - Has the Bubble Burst? Whether it's market forces or pure panic, gold is starting to flake

Google Pays $500 Million in Prescription Drug Ad Settlement Company allowed online Canadian pharmacies to advertise illegal importation

Will Next Stimulus Be For Housing? Some analysts say helping housing could help the economy

Is The iPhone Next Headed For Sprint/Nextel? Rumor has it Sprint will be the third carrier to get it

Bogus Traffic Ticket Email Carries Virus Tries to make the recipient click on attachment

U.S. Banks Growing More Profitable Fewer bad loans cut bank losses

What's On Your Mind? Just Flowers, T-Mobile, Pampers Our daily look at consumer reviews

August 23, 2011

New Airline Passenger Protections Now In Effect New rules cover lost baggage, delays, being bumped, full fee disclosure

5.9 Earthquake Takes East Coast by Surprise USGS warns tremor may have been a foreshock and worst may be yet to come

Study: Small Firms Over-Paying For Health Insurance Lack of information leads to lack of competition, researchers say

Debt Relief USA Relieved of its Debt $20 million judgment suspended because the company filed for bankruptcy

Nexium, Prilosec Called Dangerous, Habit-Forming Proton pump inhibitors are overprescribed, Public Citizen tells FDA in petition

Consumers Irate At Missing HP's $99 Tablet Deal Retailers sell out quickly, leaving many disappointed consumers

Growing Split In Michigan Over Marijuana Kalamazoo charter amendment would de-emphasize marijuana arrests

Sodium Linked to Cognitive Decline in Elderly Sodium does more than damage the heart, researchers say

What's On Your Mind? LAPD, Dish Network, Best Buy, Zicam Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Fiskars Recalls SmartPower String Trimmers
• Target Expands Recall of Step Stools

August 22, 2011

HP's $99 Tablet Sells Out In Some Locations Tech world swoons over previously panned device

More Homeowners Falling Behind On Mortgage Payments Pace increases slightly in second quarter from first

Southwest Invades Atlanta's Hartsfield Low-cost carrier launches service from world's busiest airport

Verizon Strikers Return to Work ... for Now But union members could hit the bricks again if talks don't go well

Report: Bailed Out Banks Got $1.2 Trillion From the Fed The bailout was much larger than most of us knew

Windows Can Be Overlooked Home Hazard 5,200 children fall out of windows each year

GM Wants to Void Pre-Bankruptcy Warranties "New GM" says it shouldn't be responsible for "Old GM" problems

What's On Your Mind? Thrifty, Verizon Wireless, eHarmony Our daily look at consumer reviews

August 21, 2011

Stonebridge Joins Vertrue in Iowa's Dog House State charges "buying clubs" use deceptive sales tactics

Judge Dismisses Suit Challenging Airline's 'Cashless Cabin' No law requires a business to accept cash, judge rules

Four Banks Fail Over the Weekend Total for the year so far is 64, behind last year's pace

August 20, 2011

Deceptive Car Ads Targeted by Washington State Many car ads are confusing and misleading, attorney general charges

Compound Helps Obese Mice Live Longer Researchers think it may also work for humans

August 19, 2011

Target Prepares to Launch Revamped Website New site said to more closely resemble the in-store experience

Debt Collector Comes Calling on Saab Troubled automaker faces repo proceedings

GM Unveils Plug-In Electric Cadillac Second all-electric model planned for 2013

Gas Price Decline Stalls Price at the pump shows little downward movement this week

AT&T Deletes Entry Level Texting Plan New subscribers to be offered unlimited text plans

Simple Test May Identify Stroke Risk People with narrow neck artery could benefit

Mississippi Nursing Home Operator Sentenced To Jail Kept 16 residents in three-bedroom home

What's On Your Mind? Hampton Bay, PeopleFinder.com, Western Renewal Service Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Porsche Recalls 2011-2012 Models
• Office Depot Recalls Realspace Desk Chairs

August 18, 2011

California Sues Law Firms in Alleged Mortgage Relief Scam "Mass joinder" suits were deceptively marketed, state charges

Home Sales Drop In July Appraisals prevent some sales from closing

Suits Coming Home to Roost in Cargill Turkey Case Oregon couple's suit cites company's long history of contamination

Overtime Case Against AT&T Moves Forward Mid-level managers claim AT&T owes them $1 billion in unpaid overtime

Texas Charges 143 Gas Stations Diluted Octane Content More than 1,000 instances documented, state charges

New York: Finance Company Took Advantage of Soldiers Rome Finance agrees to pay $3.5 million, SmartBuy still facing action

Wells Fargo Testing Charge For Debit Cards Customers in five states will pay $3 a month

Prices At Producer, Consumer Levels Jumped In July Is inflation about to make a return?

Owners Of Florida Mortgage Modification Firm Arrested Accused of ripping off distressed homeowners

What's On Your Mind? Budget, Sears, Credit Card Services, Verizon Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Itasca Fusion Hiker Boots Recalled
• Macy's Recalls Martha Stewart Enamel Cast Iron Casseroles

August 17, 2011

Pew Finds Cell Phones Ubiquitous ... and Useful Cell phones have become an essential element of modern life, study finds

Airbnb Launches New Customer Protections Short-term rental site reeling from reports of vandalism, theft

U.S. Gasoline Stockpiles Fall In Last Week Takes some of the downward pressure off prices

AT&T Filings May Cast Doubt On Its Main Pro-Merger Argument Documents filed with the FCC weaken claim that merger is needed to expand 4G nationwide

'Super Committee' Members Asked to Stop Fund-Raising Special interests should not have access to deficit reduction panel

Toddlers Do Well With Both Inhalation, Injection Vaccines, Study Finds NIH study finds protective response is the same for either delivery method

Amazon Publishing Signs Best-Selling Author Online bookseller fights back against publishing cartel

Video: Five Tobacco Companies Try To Block Graphic Warning Labels The new labels are set for use later this year

New York Telemarketer Blocked From Missouri Calls Company is accused of ignoring Do Not Call List

What's On Your Mind? T-Mobile, Amazon.com, Miracle Ear, American Home Shield Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• phil&teds Recalls Table-Top Clip-On Chair

August 16, 2011

Sham Breast Cancer Charity Organizers Plead Guilty Money raised to fight breast cancer was spent on personal shopping and travel

How Financially Prepared Are You For Old Age? Poll shows most Californians worry they can't afford it

Playing the Hits: Music Videos Finding a Home on the Web 40% of YouTube's audience watched music videos in July, comScore finds

Smucker Cuts Price Of Packaged Coffee Price cuts average six percent

As Gold Moves Higher, Economists Caution Investors The precious metal is near record highs; did someone say "bubble?"

Samsung, Sub-Zero, Miele Top J.D. Power Study More consumers researching appliances online before visiting the store, study finds

Gas Prices Fall More Slowly Than Oil Prices Consumers still find fuel a bit pricey despite big drop in oil

What's On Your Mind? Maytag, Key Bank, Dish Network Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Scoot 'n Zoom Riding Toy Recalled
• Browning 800 Mag Air Pistols Recalled
• EQ3 Recalls Scarpa Round Dining Tables

August 15, 2011

Colorado Fines Florida-Based Debt Management Company Enhanced Servicing Solutions agrees to $590,000 settlement

FBI Warns Online Car Shoppers of New Swarm of Scams Crooks sell cars they don't own, push non-existent "protection" plans

FTC: iPad, iPod Developer Violated Children's Privacy "Emily's Girl World" apps didn't seek parental permission to store children's data

Feds Give Tentative OK to Behavioral Ad Program FTC won't challenge Better Business Bureau's ad review program

Menthol Cigarette Debate Rages On New study suggests menthol makes it harder to quit

Smartphone Race Heats Up as Google Buys Motorola Mobility The purchase strengthens Google's ability to compete with Apple

BART Pulls the Plug on San Francisco Protestors Transit agency disrupts cell phone service to stymie protestors

AARP Marks Social Security's 75th Birthday Earned benefits provide lifelong protection to American workers

Critics Step Up Attacks On AT&T Merger Plans Company accused of trying to kill off competition

Feds Consider New Rules On Advertising Unavailable Products Grocery rule could be expanded to include other retailers

What's On Your Mind? Facebook, Express Scripts, Enterprise, US Search Our daily look at consumer reviews

August 14, 2011

Parents Hoping to Rein in Back-to-School Spending More generic brands likely to be in school backpacks this year

August 12, 2011

What To Make Of Wall Street's Wild Week Much of the blame falls on S&P, economist says

Apple's iPad Leaves Other Tablets in the Dust Samsung, H-P, Motorola, Blackberry can't make a dent in iPad

Airline Traffic Up 3.9% in May Traffic up from May 2010 but still below May 2008

Feds Fight Fatigue Among Train Crews New rules limit hours passenger train crews can work

9-1-1 System to Accept Texts, Photos and Video FCC says changes will help first responders

Gas Price Down a Dime a Gallon In Last Week Hawaii only state with average price over $4 a gallon

Maryland Files Charges Against Health Club Accused of misleading consumers

Minnesota Fundraisers Booted From Iowa Group had previously run afoul of the state's attorney general

What's On Your Mind? Citibank, AT&T, Lexus Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• GM Recalls 2012 Buick LaCrosse
• GM Recalls 2012 Chevrolet Impala

August 11, 2011

Consumer Groups Want Salmonella Declared Adulterants One dead, 107 sickened by outbreak of salmonella in ground turkey

Report Finds Social Networks Not All That Infuential Content sites and search still drive most of the traffic on the Web

Samsung TVs Tops in Sales ... and Complaints With 35% of US/Canada market, Samsung remains the top-selling brand

Florida Foreclosure Rescuer Faces Suit In Indiana State continues crackdown on advance fee schemes aimed at homeowners

Want to Reduce Drinking? Get Tough on Bars, Report Suggests Dram shop laws hold bars, liquor stores responsible for their drunken patrons' actions

Have Foreclosures Peaked? Foreclosure activity hits 44-month low last month

Anti-Trust Suit Charges Apple, Publishers Conspired to Raise Price of eBooks Companies conspired to stop Amazon's below-market pricing strategy, suit alleges

BPA: It's On The Money Study finds chemical on nearly all the world's currencies

Colorado Consumers Warned About Restitution Scam In fact, demands for an advance fee is usually a sign of a scam

Michigan May Change Medical Marijuana Law New legislation to be introduced in the fall

What's On Your Mind? AT&T, PNC Bank, DIRECTV, Orbitz Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Philips Recalls EnergySaver and Marathon Compact Fluorescent Dimmable Reflector Flood Lamps
• Audi Recalls R8 Spyder

August 10, 2011

Option One Agrees to $125 Million in Massachusetts Mortgage Modifications Settles charges of unfair lending, discrimination against Latino and African-American borrowers

Illinois Wants National Recall of Fuel Gel Products Recalling products "one by one won't cut it," state's AG declares

Feds Knew of Salmonella in Cargill Turkey for Months But Did Nothing 77 illnesses, one death so far blamed on salmonella outbreak in ground turkey

Internet Explorer IQ Hoaxer Says He'll Do It Again "I'll do it again and again and again," AtCheap.com operator vows

New Facebook App Bypasses Texting Charges Facebook Messenger already top app at iTunes

Federal Reserve Gives Wall Street A Lift Fed statement ignites a furious rally

Home Prices Dip Again, But Not As Much Decline between first and second quarters smallest in four years

What's On Your Mind? AOL, Verizon Wireless, Budget Car Rental, Baby Trends Our daily look at consumer reviews

Apple Enthusiasts Beware! iPhones Attract Scam Artists and Crooks Scams and thefts swirl around the popular devices; victims find little help

August 9, 2011

Corn Belt Fertilizers Blamed for Gulf of Mexico 'Dead Zone' Study finds fertilizer runoff fouls the Mississippi and, ultimately, the Gulf

TSA's ID Badges Plagued with Errors, Inaccuracies, Report Finds TSA knows of shortcomings but has done nothing to correct them

Gmail 'Snooping' Amounts to Eavesdropping, Boston Case Claims Non-Gmail users have not given their consent to Google's interception of their messages

10 Year-Old Shows Hacking Can Be Child's Play Pre-teen exposes security flaw in smartphones

U.S. Sues For-Profit Education Management Corp. Company allegedly violated rules barring incentive-based pay for recruiters

How To Make Your Passwords More Challenging To Hackers A password should make sense only to you (and maybe not even to you)

With Oil's Collapse, Motorists Should Feel Relief Sharply lower prices could be the result

An Easy Way To Lose Weight Cornell professor says 'mindless eating' the cause of a lot of weight gain

oBaz Takes Group Buying to the Next Level - Group Haggling Want something? Get your friends together and go for it

FBI Warns of 'Japan Consulate' Check Scam Victims asked to deposit check and forward a portion to another account

What's On Your Mind? Bank of America, Virginia Fast Auto Loans, IRS Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Emergency Exit Signs Recalled

August 8, 2011

Is Monitoring Kids' Online Activity A Waste Of Time? Psychologist says parents would do better with dialog

Class Action Calls Match.com a 'Scam' More than 90% of potential dates are "phantoms," suit charges

Bank of America Charged in Privacy Source Class Action Bank charges customers $12.99 a month for a service they may not have ordered

Wall Street Reacts To Credit Downgrade Stocks plunge, along with bond yields

IRS Flip-Flops on Ticket Tax Congressional fiddling created confusion, caused furloughs and delays

45,000 Verizon Workers Go On Strike Workers from Virginia to New England hit the bricks

Are You Addicted to Your Smartphone? Survey finds smartphone addiction is increasing rapidly

Bank of America Subsidiary Sued For Illegal Foreclosure Washington State says ReconTrust repeatedly violated the law

Maryland Marketer Pays $1.2 Million In Connection With Unauthorized Charges Florida cracking down on post-transaction marketing

What's On Your Mind? Cuisanart, eMachines, Vacation Property Resellers Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Honda Recalls 2.5 Million Cars, SUVs to Fix Software Glitch

August 5, 2011

Lawmaker Blasts GOP Over Food Safety Says House Republicans are weakening food inspection system

Postal Service Faces Pension Fund Default The Postal Service continues to lose money and is in danger of default

FBI Develops iPhone App to Help Find Missing Children Child ID stores identity information to speed up the search when children go missing

Grandparent Scam Gets Scarier Callers now know specific information about the families they're trying to defraud

Firefox Extension Defends Against Search Hijacking Schemes HTTPS Everywhere could improve browsing security overnight

ACLU Challenges Debtors' Prisons in Michigan Constitution prohibits jailing defendants too poor to pay fines

Jobs Picture Ever Bleaker for Older Workers Older workers face longer periods of joblessness

Wells Fargo, Fannie Mae Sued in Reverse Mortgage Case Class action seeks to head off illegal foreclosures and evictions

Air Canada Fined for Advertising Violations United fined for providing inaccurate information about baggage

iPhone Is Now Top-Selling Smartphone Samsung a close second in IDC rankings for second quarter

Study Says Medical Marijuana Mostly Used To Treat Pain California researchers look at who uses medical marijuana and why

Gas Prices Show Little Movement Despite Oil's Plunge But consumers could soon enjoy lower prices at the pump

What's On Your Mind? Sprint, Toyota, Pearle Vision, MyLife.com Our daily look at consumer reviews

August 4, 2011

Oil Prices Plunge, Will Gas Prices Follow? They will if history repeats itself

Urine Test Aids Prostate Cancer Detection May preclude painful biopsies

Big Banks Still Charging Stiff Overdraft Fees Fifth Third Bank charges highest rate, equalling 3,259% APR

Active Hurricane Season Predicted Storms may be more frequent and more intense, NOAA warns

FDA Approves First Treatment for Scorpion Stings Venemous scorpions found mostly in Arizona, victims are usually children

Cargill Recalls 36 Million Pounds of Ground Turkey Latest food safety safety crisis sickens 79, kills 1

The Secret To A Long Life: It's In The Genes Clean living not always a prescription for longevity

New Jersey Targets Mortgage Modification Schemes Seven firms face administrative actions

What's On Your Mind? Con Ed, ADT, Kohl's, TicketsNow.com Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Chrysler Recalls Minivans to Fix Airbag Problem
• Target Recalls Step Stools with Storage
• Build-A-Bear Workshop Recalls Lapel Pins

August 3, 2011

Your Cell Phone Knows Where You Are; Who Else Does? ACLU files 379 requests for more data on police tracking of citizens

Class Action Claims Microsoft Double-Bills Xbox Subscribers Automatic subscription renewal not authorized in contract, suit charges

Airbnb Rental Horror Story Keeps Getting Worse Another victim tells a tale of bizarre apartment vandalism

Gold Prices Surge To New Highs Investors looking for safe haven

Big Brother Wants a Longer Memory Feds want ISPs to keep one year's data on every customer

What's OnYour Mind? Dish Network, Netflix, AOL, Readers Digest Our daily look at consumer reviews

With Broadband, Is Speed All That Matters? Researchers say consumers need additional information about ISPs

Medicare Cutbacks Hit Nursing Homes Hard 11% reduction is just the beginning as deficit reduction efforts intensify

Can America Ever Pay Off Its National Debt? Over the last 60 years, it hasn't made much of an effort

Feds Focus On Turkey As Salmonella Outbreak Source One dead, 76 sickened so far

Recalls

• NexTorch Recalls Flashlight Batteries

August 2, 2011

Are We Headed For Another Recession? Some economists think we are

Feds Find Broadband Services Approaching Advertised Speeds FCC studied residential Internet service delivered to consumers in March

Texan Sentenced to Prison in Rare Coin Scam Quadriplegic was defrauded of $200,000, prosecutors charged

Men Becoming Coupon-Conscious, Study Finds Male shoppers' appetite for coupons driven by technology

Honda Civic Gets Trashed by Consumer Reports Magazine dumps the Civic in favor of the Hyundai Elantra

Delta Will Refund Ticket Tax Payments Other airlines still pondering how to handle unexpected windfall

Ford Recalling 1.1 Million Trucks Over Gas Tank Issue Metal straps securing fuel tanks can break

Debt Settlement Infomercial Producers Settle Colorado Charges Company accused of misleading listeners

States Sue Foreclosure Rescue Firms Illinois, Indiana take action on behalf of homeowners

What's On Your Mind? Just Flowers, Capital One, Old Republic Home Warranty Our daily look at consumer reviews

August 1, 2011

New Mileage Standards Should Mean Big Savings for Consumers Car makers, consumer groups expressing pleasure with new fuel standards

Gay Marriage Highlights Inequities in Tax Laws Anti-tax rhetoric likely to be put to the acid test as gay couples assert their rights

Military Families Often Abused by Predatory Auto Loans Federal Trade Commission drafting new rules to protect car buyers

American Express, Verizon Team On Phone Payment System Will your smartphone replace plastic?

Survey: Internet Explorer Users Less Intelligent Explorer users don't take kindly to the study

10 Attorneys General Back T-Mobile Acquisition By AT&T Break from other consumer advocates who oppose the deal

Sweepstakes Scammers Replace Moneygram With Green Dot Victims told to send money using pre-paid cards

What's On Your Mind? VW, Chase, All-Star Products, Best Buy Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Ford Recalls 1 Million Trucks to Fix Fuel Tank Straps
• Purina ONE Vibrant Maturity 7+ Dry Cat Food Recalled

July 30, 2011

Regulators Close Three More Banks The pace of failures is slowing as banks work their way through mountains of bad debt

USDA Warns Ground Turkey May Be Contaminated with Salmonella 77 illnesses reported in 26 states; source has not yet been identified

Recalls

• Volvo Recalls 2007 S80
• Disney Pogo Sticks Recalled

July 29, 2011

Pharmacists Say CVS Fired Them, Protected Drug-Impaired Employee Drug-addled pharmacy employee made mistakes, used drugs openly, suit alleges

No Debt Limit/Default Crisis at Apple Computer Once-mighty U.S. Treasury has less cash on hand than Steve Jobs

FDA Warns Birth Control Medicine Evital May Be Unsafe Emergency “morning after” pill is unapproved and may not work

Google TV Still Searching for Success Consumers dislike it so much, they are returning the set-top boxes

Researchers: Blueberries May Help Fight Cancer Small fruit continues to gain respect

JetBlue Launches Unlimited Travel Plans from Boston, Long Beach Three-month passes aimed at frequent business travelers

'Free Trial' of Hydroxatone Gets Expensive, Suit Charges Customers agree to pay $7.95, are then gouged for hundred dollars more, suit alleges

Nervous Financial Markets Get More Bad News Economy registered weak growth in second quarter

Average Gas Price Back Over $3.70 A Gallon Moving higher since the end of June

Fructose Linked To Heart Risks Too much of the sweetener in the diet harmful, researchers say

What's On Your Mind? Delta, Match.com, Toyota Our daily look at consumer reviews

July 28, 2011

Survey: Bank Customers Support Stronger Banking Regulation Consumers favor making banks better disclose checking account terms

Pending Home Sales Rise In June Contracts up over both May and last June

Facebook Uses Ads to Alert Users to its Facial Recognition Program Privacy organizations say the action doesn't go far enough; they want an opt-in process

Reassuring Findings in Study of Cell Phone Use by Children But analysis of underlying data reveals "quite troubling" trends

Judge Shuts Down 'Yellow Pages' Scam European operation targeted small businesses, nonprofits in North America

Apple Is Top Smartphone Manufacturer In U.S. Android remains the most popular mobile platform

Continental Cancels Flights For Lack Of Crew Could be signs of labor unrest

IRS Tells Airlines To Refund Ticket Tax To Consumers Some airlines have already raised ticket prices by the tax amount

Consumer Dispute? Try a Little Name-Dropping Companies will sometimes back down rather than take on a bigger adversary

What's On Your Mind? Virgin Mobile, Sirius XM, Experian Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Fisher-Price Recalls Little People Builders' Load 'n Go Wagons
• phil&teds Strollers Recalled
• Honeywell Recalls Electric Baseboard and Fan Heater Thermostats

July 27, 2011

JK Harris To Pay Refunds In West Virginia State says company misled consumers about resolving their tax issues

Free Online TV Viewing May Become More Limited Fox moves to limit next-day Hulu viewing

New Jersey Sues Modeling & Talent Agency Firms promised parents their children could become successful actors, models

21 Children Die in Hot Cars So Far This Year Feds step up efforts to warn parents not to leave children alone in cars

Senator Urges Regulators To Nix AT&T Merger With T-Mobile Al Franken says merger would harm consumers

McDonald's Makes Happy Meals Healthier But will kids be happy with apple slices and fewer fries?

What's On Your Mind? Target, Monroe Power, Premier Bank Card Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Kohler Recalls Glass Shower Doors

July 26, 2011

Google+ a New Growth Area for Spam Artists You too can make money at home in your spare time by betraying your friends

Post Office Eyes 3,700 Locations For Closing Could be just the first shoe to drop, however

Florida Sues Hurricane Shutter Company Firm allegedly took big deposits, didn't do the work

Hope For Homeowners? Home Prices Are Up And aid deadline extended by a day

Survey: Mobile News Sites Too Sluggish 94 percent of sites take longer than five seconds

Walmart Begins Streaming Movies Retailer makes third attempt to enter streaming market

Netflix Expects Consumer Backlash Over Price Hike Company issues lowered guidance for third quarter

Government Expanding Innocent Spouse Tax Relief Two-year time limit is being removed

Massachusetts Expands Probe Of Illegal Foreclosures May pull out of multi-state robo-signing settlement

What's On Your Mind? Liberty Mutual, AT&T, JetBlue, Countrywide Our daily look at consumer reviews

July 25, 2011

Investors Warned About Chasing High Returns in Uncertain Times Structured products, high-yield bonds and floating-rate loan funds can be risky

Automakers Oppose 56-mpg Fuel Standard for 2025 Consumer groups mount counter-offensive against Detroit ad and lobbying campaign

Food Labels May Have to Disclose Added Salt Water Content Food processors inject solution to increase weight and, therefore, price

New Software Can Help Spot Phony Reviews A lie detector for the Internet?

Papayas Suspected in Latest Salmonella Outbreak 97 cases reported in 23 states

Transportation Bottlenecks Skewing U.S. Gas Prices, Executive Says Cheaper U.S. oil doesn't get to all states

What Does the Debt-Ceiling Fight Mean to You? Political shenanigans in D.C. put your nest egg at risk

Because Of Congressional Inaction, Airline Tickets May Cost Less Federal tax suspended as FAA remains in partial shutdown

What's On Your Mind? GE Money Care, Crest Pro Whitener, Microsoft Our daily look at consumer reviews

July 22, 2011

Top 10 Places to Retire AARP picks 10 retirement spots that offer a "fabulous lifestyle without outrageous costs"

Gas Prices Still Creeping Higher Pump prices on the rise since early July

Google Now Issuing Infected PC Warnings Search can detect when computer is compromised

What To Do If You're Facing Foreclosure Be sure you don't fall for foreclosure scams

West Virginia Court Voids All Money Owed To Blue Hippo West Virginia consumers can hang up on debt collectors

What's On Your Mind? Budget Rent A Car, Frozen Food, Staples Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Ross Stores Recalls Acacia Chairs

July 21, 2011

10 Things the New Consumer Financial Bureau Can Do Right Now Some suggestions for the newly-hatched agency

Big Banks Wading Into Payday Loan Businesses Sky-high interest turns short-term loans into long-term debt

'Charities' Accused Of Exploiting Joplin Tornado Victims Missouri attorney general seeks injunction

Undercover Agents Charge Funeral Homes Violated Pricing Rules Chicago, D.C. Funeral homes allegedly didn't break down pricing as the law requires

Feds: Payday Lenders Tricked Borrowers Into Paying For a Debit Card Judge orders Swish Marketing to pay $4.8 million

Jokeshop Agrees to Stop Selling Contact Lenses Without a Prescription FTC doesn't see the humor in bloodshot vampire eyes

Refund Checks Being Mailed to Countrywide Customers Mortgage company overcharged 450,000 homeowners, FTC charged

Despite What You Read, Eating Raw Eggs Is Dangerous Nutritionist says eating raw eggs not healthy

Wells Fargo To Settle Mortgage Abuses For $85 Million Some subprime borrowers to receive compensation

How Accurate Are Calorie Listings On Restaurant Menus? Study finds some are off by a bit, others by a lot

What's On Your Mind? Diamond Resorts, Maytag, Strayer Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Homelite Recalls Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner Attachments

July 20, 2011

Visa, MasterCard Settle Antitrust Suit Merchants will now be able to steer customers to lower-cost payment options

Feds Force Unsafe Buses, Trucks Off the Road Violators being taken out of service until problems are corrected

Investors Continue To Dominate Housing Market Nearly a third of home sales are in cash

Frequent Falls May Be Early Alzheimer's Sign In study, subjects with Alzheimer's indicators had more falls

Non-Dentists Win a Round in North Carolina Teeth-whitening services don't require a dental license, judge finds

What Hotels Do Consumers Like Best? J.D. Power measures satisfaction in seven categories

Feds Issue New Rules to Clean Up Mortgage Advertising New FTC rule prohibits deceptive, misleading ads and claims

What Are The Best Rewards Credit Cards? There are a lot of things to consider, including annual fees

What's On Your Mind? Charmglow, BJs, Vertrue Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Target Recalls Children’s Task Lamps

July 19, 2011

'Reputation Management' Becoming Big Business on the Web Companies hire outside muscle to put the best face on their public personas

Does Second-Hand Smoke Cause Hearing Loss? An NYU study says it does in teens

New Jersey Travel Club Owner Arrested, Charged with Theft Consumers paid for vacation packages that never materialized

Illinois Charges Woman Sold Ads in Non-Existent Magazines Clients paid for ads that never appeared in magazines that didn't exist

Report Values Family Caregivers' Work at $450 Billion "Average" caregiver is a woman, 49, who also works outside the home

Feds Halt Timeshare Resale Scam Telemarketers claimed they had buyers lined up

Borders Book Stores May Start Closing Friday Forty-year run ends with liquidation when no buyer emerges

OnStar Available On All Cars Sunday Security system is becoming an after-market product

The View From The Other Side Of The Counter Why sales associates are sometimes rude

What's On Your Mind? Verizon Wireless, Match.com, Cash Yes Our daily look at consumer reviews

July 18, 2011

Older Adults at Risk as Summer Heats Up NIH offers tips on avoiding and treating heat stroke

Hyundai No. 1 In Brand Loyalty Survey Kia and Mini also show improvement

Report Finds Meat Harmful to Health & the Environment Food choices affect more than just health

Bank of America's Lawyer Plays Dirty, Suit Charges Homeowners' lawyer alleges improper tactics by bank's attorney

Scammers May Pose As Someone From Your Bank Scheme is operating in North Carolina, perhaps other states

DuPont Herbicide Kills Trees as Well as Weeds, Class Action Charges Imprelis blamed for deaths of white pines, Norway spruce trees

Mortgage Modifications An Unforgiving Process A typo can result in foreclosure

Online Car Shoppers Warned About Escrow Scams Don't let seller choose the firm holding the money

What's On Your Mind? Facebook, Cigarettes, CyberDefender, Lipton Our daily look at consumer reviews

July 17, 2011

Obama Nixes Warren, Picks Cordray to Head CFPB Bankers win, consumers lose and White House bows to GOP opposition

Feds Press Airlines For More Fee Disclosure New rule would break fees down into categories

July 16, 2011

Court: Federal Drug Sentencing Guidelines Too Harsh Punishment for Ecstasy-related crimes not scientifically justified

Court Rules TSA Adopted Body Scanners Improperly Agency did not solicit public comment before imstalling whole-body scanners

July 15, 2011

Ohio Brings Criminal Charges Against Tree Trimmers State is pursuing more criminal charges in consumer cases

Connecticut Questions Groupon About Expiration Dates Is a Groupon a coupon or a gift card? There's a big difference

Google-NSA Secrets Can Stay That Way, Judge Rules Spy agency won't confirm or deny its dealings with Google

FBI Breaks Up Internet Fraud Network Based in Romania More than 100 arrests yesterday as agents continue 10-year crackdown

LA, DC Confront Congestageddon Calamaties Freeway construction brings crawling traffic to a full stop

Where You Live Can Affect Health Insurance Premiums Employers pay more in some states than others

Gas Prices Nearly Seven Cents Higher In Last Week Prices have been rising again for two weeks

Consumer Prices Fell In June Lower gas prices hide increases in other sectors, however

Missouri Takes First Canine Cruelty Act Action State closes dog breeding operation accused of violating law

What's On Your Mind? Ticketmaster, Bank of America, Cambridge Credit Counseling Our daily look at consumer reviews

July 14, 2011

Spotify Takes a Bow on the Streaming Music Stage Swedish service offers 15-million-song library with three service tiers

Asking For Zip Code with Credit Card Purchase May Be Illegal Retailers may be going too far in gathering personal information

LivingSocial Adds 'Adventures' to Daily Deals Menu Adventure packages will create "bigger and bolder" experience, company promises

Foreclosure Report Tells Only Part Of The Story Yes, foreclosures are down now but a lot more are coming

Hearing Aid Business Booms as Population Ages You can't trust ads or high-pressure salesmen pushing specific brands

Today's Facebook Scam: Bogus Google+ Invitation Guess what? You and 50 friends can receive even more spam and scammy offers

Glass Top Patio Tables Still Shattering Video captures exploding table in the act

In A Nutshell: The Debt Ceiling Debate What does the government's debt limit really mean?

Michigan Joins Local Effort To Close Medical Marijuana Dispensary State's attorney general steps up campaign against marijuana law

What's On Your Mind? Aquafresh, Television, Medco, AT&T Our daily look at consumer reviews

July 13, 2011

Consumer Agency Cranks Up Bank Oversight as Business Interests Stew Another round of sparks is likely as Elizabeth Warren heads back to Capitol Hill

'Cramming' Costing Consumers $2 Billion a Year, Study Finds Senate Commerce Committee finds long history of fraudulent practices

Ohio Sues Mortgage 'Rescue' Company Florida-based Diversified Real Estate Consultants LLC ran up 37 complaints in Ohio

Mississippi Files Suit Against Oil Spill Fund State expresses frustration with claims process

Repairing A Leaky Bunn Coffeemaker Consumer-produced video suggests an easy fix

VW, Ford Take Top Spots in Quality Survey Study measures customers "overall feelings" about their cars

Nutritionists Review Latest Diet Books Professional dietitians offer their critiques

Atlantic Southeast Airlines Fined for Disabilities Violations Carrier fined $200,000, must upgrade facilities for disabled passengers

Americans Reset Retirement Expectations Recession proves to be sobering experience

What's On Your Mind? Travelodge, GE, Target, Grant Scams Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Chrysler Recalls Dodge Ram Trucks
• Meijer Recalls Touch Point Heaters

July 12, 2011

Netflix Rejiggers Its Pricing Structure Unlimited streaming/DVD rentals plan increased to $15.98

Are You Addicted To Food? Researchers call food addiction is "identifiable condition"

High Sodium, Low Potassium Diet Linked to Increased Risk of Death Change in Americans' diet is needed to lower health risks

Study: Yogurt, Nuts, Unprocessed Plant Foods Key to Weight Loss Choosing the right foods just as important as controlling calories

Opposition Builds To New Light Bulb Rules But rules likely to take effect in January

Pew Finds Serious Gaps in Oversight of U.S. Drug Safety More medicines coming from developing countries, where oversight is lower

Casey Anthony Hoax Befalls Unwary Facebook Users Want to see Casey confess? Good luck. You won't see it here.

Bank Deal May Speed Up Foreclosures Proposed settlement might end the current bottleneck

Firm Pledges $1 Billion To Promote Natural Gas Cars Will create new forms of fuel and develop refueling stations

What's On Your Mind? Sears, Dell, Comcast Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Scorpio and Absorbica Safety Lanyards Recalled

July 11, 2011

Study Finds Enforcement Cuts Distracted Driving Pilot programs in Syracuse, Hartford "significantly" cut texting, phoning

Bill to Ban BPA in Baby Products Moving Through California Legislature Other states have passed similar measures but none has California's economic clout

Target To Offer New Google/iriver E-Reader eBook market is about to get a lot more interesting

Are BPA-Free Containers Really BPA-Free? Yes and no, researchers say

Groupon To Track User Locations Issues new privacy policy

Oil Prices Fall, Gas Prices Rise Retail market lags in a volatile environment

N.J. Realtors Settle "Junk Fee' Lawsuits Suits challenged "administrative fee" charged at closings

Dell Optiplex Class Action Expanded Suit charges millions of machines had faulty components

Missouri Clamps Down On Auto Extended Service Contracts New law passes in wake of US Fidelis bankruptcy

What's On Your Mind? Memory Lane, Cuisinart, Family Dollar, Citibank Our daily look at consumer reviews

July 10, 2011

New Pet Feeder Claims to Take the 'Mess Out of Mealtime' Neater Feeder keeps dogs, cats from splattering their lunch every which way

Consumer Debt Rises For Eighth Straight Month Consumers using plastic to pay for day to day needs, analysts say

First Chicago Bank, Two Colorado Banks Fail Latest failure bring the year's total to 51 so far

July 8, 2011

Are Companies Cashing In On Breast Cancer? Researchers accuse some firms of 'pinkwashing'

FDA Warns Against Using Slimming Capsules, Soft Gels Tests show products contain controlled substances that can be dangerous

Ohio Sues Alleged Craigslist Scammers Consumers paid for video games, cell phones but got nothing

Texas Sues Encore Capital Group Charges firm violated Texas debt collection laws

ISP: Internet Service Provider or Internet Secret Police? Industry coalition will spy on consumers to dragoon movie, music “pirates”

Expected June Jobs Rebound Fails To Materialize Economy only produced 18,000 new jobs

Gas Prices Begin Moving Higher Again Average price rises more than four cents a gallon in last week

White House Offers More Aid For Unemployed Homeowners Forbearance period extended to one year

What's On Your Mind? Delta, Resorts Rescued, Boost Mobile, Facebook Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Task Force Electric Log Splitters Recalled

July 7, 2011

Feds Want Hybrids to Sound Off Pedestrians may not hear electric cars approaching, they fear

JPMorgan Chase Admits to Anticompetitive Conduct Agrees to pay $228 million to federal and state agencies

Report: America's Obesity Problem Getting Worse Mississippi leads nation for seventh straight year

Airline On-Time Performance Mixed in May Better than last month, worse than last year

Facebook And Skype Teaming Up Will provide free video calling feature to members

House Bill Could Derail Food Marketing Guidelines Advertising industry hopes it does

GM Car Buyers In Two States To Get Free Car Insurance Promotion designed to make new cars more affordable

What's On Your Mind? Priceline, Avis, LG, Columbia House Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Chanel Recalls Silk Scarves and Garments

July 6, 2011

WellPoint To Pay Indiana $100,000 To Resolve Data Breach Company failed to notify the State of the security lapse

Apple Sues to Stop Samsung from Releasing New Products Says it is "no accident" that new Samsung phones, tablets resemble Apple products

U.S., Mexico Sign Cross-Border Trucking Deal Agreement lifts tariffs, addresses safety concerns

Europe Set To Slash Those Staggering Roaming Charges Roaming market would be opened to competition

Feds Warn Airlines of Possible 'Human Bombs' Surgically implanted explosives seen as an emerging threat

Don't Pay For Coupons You Can Get Free Marketers offer 'free trial' that can end up costing big bucks

Panic in the Car Pool Lanes: Hybrids Must Exit California boots sole-occupant hybrids; Prius owners bereft

iPhone Sales Jump 1.2% From February To May Android remains the most popular mobile platform

What's On Your Mind? Your Baby Can Read, Amana, EZ-Lube, Dell Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Mizuno USA Inc. Recalls Baseball and Softball Gloves

July 5, 2011

Viking Range Agrees to $450,000 Penalty Failed to report a safety problem with its refrigerators' doors

Report: Verizon Wireless To End Unlimited Data Thursday Apple Insider confirms move to take place Thursday

Consumer Bankruptcies Fall In First Half Of Year Filings drop sharply compared to 2010

Survey Finds Support for Red Light Cameras Drivers not so sure about right-on-red cameras, though

Study: Antidepressants May Play a Role in Autism Researchers find "possible, though small, risk" from in utero exposure

Another Study Links Chantix to Heart Attack Risk Slight increase in risk of "adverse events" found among Chantix users

Economy Booming In At Least One State North Dakota boasts 3.2 percent jobless rate

Indiana Studying Changes To Marijuana Law Lawmaker calls the state's current statute 'draconian'

What's On Your Mind? Staples, Marriott, H&R Block Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Dollar Tree Recalls Glass Votive Candle Holders

July 4, 2011

Five Ways To Spot A Predatory Car Loan The wrong loan can make a car a lot more expensive

What Parents Should Know About Their Toddlers' TV Viewing Seemingly benign images can be frightening to youngsters

Study: Americans Eating More, More Often Researchers say the reason for obesity might not be that complicated

Scammers Using System For Hearing-Impaired To Target Businesses TTY relay used to add credibility to con

What's On Your Mind? US Fidelis, Consumer Credit Group Our daily look at consumer reviews

Italian Brewer Hopes to Revive Lunchtime Imbibing But first Americans have to actually take a lunch break

What's More Dangerous Than Texting While Driving? Using mobile apps behind the wheel an emerging threat to highway safety

July 1, 2011

Can Police Search Your Computer? Can They Demand Your Password? Consumers still have rights, even in the digital age, but don't always assert them

Skype Adds Video Calling for Android Phones Video calls can be made to iPhones, Macs, Windows PCs and televisions

Suit: L'Oreal Failed to Warn Anti-Frizz Serum Could Set Hair On Fire Class action charges L'Oreal knew of the danger but did not alert customers

Coalition Against Breast Cancer a 'Sham," New York Charges $9.1 million in public donations has been squandered, lawsuit alleges

Mortgage Rates Remain Near All-Time Low But few prospective home buyers qualify

Holiday Weekend Sees Cheapest Gas Since March But price decline may have stalled after two months

Consumers Form Personal Attachments To Smartphones, Study Finds It's more than just a device, it's like part of the family

Sounds Of Summer Can Be A Danger To Hearing Hearing specialist offers some advice

Supplement Maker Must Change Label, Feds Rule Company had received warning last October

What's On Your Mind? Comcast, Staples, T-Mobile, DeVry Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Live Better Vitamins Recalled
• GNC Recalls Women's Multivitamins

June 30, 2011

California Adds Sales Tax To Internet Sales New law targets Amazon.com and other out-of-state retailers

Don't Leave the Sunscreen at Home This Weekend Environmental group reviews 57 more sunscreen products

Google Exposes Government Demands for Personal Information Consumers worry about advertisers, but government spying is on the rise too

Chevy Impalas Burn Through Tires, Suit Charges GM recalled 2007-8 Impalas used as police cars but ignored others

Suit Charges AOL Worked Around Privacy Controls to Stalk Consumers Says companies repurposed Adobe Flash when consumers disabled cookies

Retailers Stunned By Fed's Final 'Swipe Fee' Decision Fed raises cap from 12 to 21 cents

Panel: Avastin Not A Treatment For Breast Cancer FDA advisors stand by previous decision

What's On Your Mind? Polaroid, Sprint, Fios Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Hamilton Beach Recalls Toasters

June 29, 2011

Sinus Sufferers Protest Proposed Sudafed Snooping California wants to keep track of all those pill-popping snifflers

What Ever Happened To MySpace? Social networking site reportedly going for fire sale price

Credit Card Scam Targets Hotel Guests Someone calls your room and asks you to confirm your card number

Spiffy New Bus Lines Could Derail High-Speed Train Plans Instead of billions to build a railroad, how about $20 to go to New York?

Here's the Skinny: Nivea Skin Cream Won't Make You Smaller Company agrees to stop making advertising claims it can't support

Reps. Frank, Paul Introduce Marijuana Legalization Bill Legislation would end federal prohibitions against marijuana use and production

Walmart Cuts Gas Prices By 10 Cents A Gallon But must be purchased using store cards

Pending Home Sales Jump In May It's another hopeful sign, but probably not a turnaround

Michigan Attorney General Targets Medical Marijuana Law Says it sanctions criminal activity

What's On Your Mind? Sirius XM, Cut-Rite Landscaping, Pinnacle Security Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Adventure Playsets Recalls Wooden Swing Sets

June 28, 2011

New Crib Safety Standards Take Effect Today Millions of dangerous cribs were recalled in recent years

Google Gets Social With Circles Latest from the 'plex -- Google+, a place to hang out with your circles of friends

Home Prices Rose In April But values remain lower than they were a year ago

Bank of America's 'PayPlan' Was Deceptive, Homeowners Charge Automatic payment plan was supposed to save customers money

Consumer Confidence Plunges In June Consumers sense the economy is faltering

Gays May Want to Marry But More Couples Are 'Living In Sin' Study finds cohabitation rate doubled in last decade among middle-aged Americans

Does BPA Make Men More Like Women? It does with mice, researchers say

Physicians Dropping More Privately Insured Patients Doctors increasingly turning down private health insurance plans

What's On Your Mind? Midas, ADT, Fast Cash Advance Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Infiniti G35, Nissan 350Z Recalled
• Purina Recalls Dry Cat Food in Three States
• Bar III Dresses Sold at Macy's Recalled

June 27, 2011

Google Offers May Deal Groupon a Bad Hand Search giant prepares to invade the daily deals market

West Virginia Sues 'Modeling Agency' Photographer, supposed agent made big promises but suit says he didn't deliver

Credit Agency to Pay $1.8 Million for Privacy Violations Company sold private information for marketing purposes

Analyst: Two New iPhones On The Way Apple said to be preparing September roll-out

Supreme Court Overturns Video Game Law California law sought to protect children from violent games

Cloud Site Dropbox Drops the Ball Popular data storage site accidentally unlocked users' accounts, suit charges

Oreck Sued for Halo Health Claims Class action suit says Oreck misled customers with unproven assertions

Video: The 10 Coolest Cars Under $18,000 Kelly Blue Book's list of inexpensive, yet fun rides

Cable Boxes Consume 'Startling' Amount Of Electricity U.S. boxes consume annual output of nine power plants

What's On Your Mind? Ford, Starbucks, Ikea, Polaroid Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Evergreen Produce Alfalfa Sprouts May Contain Salmonella
• Nature Relief Recalls Instant Wart and Mole Remover

June 26, 2011

Illinois Sues Heart Check America Says firm sells medical imaging many patients don't need

Diabetes Cases Are Skyrocketing Worldwide U.S. levels among the highest

June 24, 2011

Android Smartphones Have Highest Failure Rate, Blackberry the Lowest Too many manufacturers, not enough oversight, spells hardware trouble for Androidf

Kids Face Heightened Identity Theft Threats in Summer More time online means more opportunities for foul play

Study Calls Menthol Cigarette Marketing 'Predatory' Stanford researchers claim menthol smokes pushed hard in minority communities

'Old GM' Will Pay to Clean Up Mercury from Old Cars 12 states sued

Pessimism About National Economy Rises Latest Pew Center survey finds Obama's job rating down

Gas Prices Fall Another Seven Cents In Last Week Prices down for an eighth week

Legislation Would Provide Standard Definition Of 4G Lawmaker says consumers near clarity on speed, coverage and price

What's On Your Mind? State Farm Insurance, Premier Savings, Cuisinart Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Quick Kids Tennis Racquets Recalled
• Rugby Children's Pain & Fever Concentrated Drops Recalled

June 23, 2011

Ford Takes a Tumble, Toyota Surges Back in J.D. Power Survey Complex infotainment systems, fuel-saving technology confuse consumers

Mileage Tax Deduction Rises With Gas Prices Write off rises for last six months of year

Feds Open Probe Of Oil Price Rise FTC to look for signs of market manipulation

FCC Seeks $12 Million in Fines Against Crammers Companies sell services most customers never use and don't know they have

Ice Cream Shops in Meltdown Over Fox 5 Report D'Lites Emporium sues after being inducted into "Hall of Shame"

Report: Congress To Consider End Of Marijuana Ban Bi-partisan bill expected today

Researchers: 25% Of Calories Come From Snacks Snacks average more than 500 calories per day

Missouri Sues Meat Processor Over Hamburger Content State claims hamburger meat contained cow hearts

What's On Your Mind? GE, Burlington Coat Factory, ILD Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• American Honda Recalls Portable Generators
• Target Recalls Infant Girls Sandals
• Dole, Kroger Recall Italian Blend Salads

June 22, 2011

AAA Gets Ready to Handle Stalled Electric Vehicles Auto club is deploying fast-charging EV trucks

Kirby Hoovered Its Own Salespeople, Lawsuit Charges Company is accused of failing to pay minimum wage, violating labor laws

Spirit's Latest Fee: $5 For a Boarding Pass Travelers can print their own at home and save

FDA: Breast Implants Don't Last Forever Agency will revise warning label

The IUD: Safe After All? Gynecologists now recommend it for healthy women

Changing The Color Of A Stucco House Not That Difficult Painting stucco might require some extra prep work

Suit: Payday Lenders Conspire to Forge Checks on Consumers' Accounts Defendants steal money "from those who need it most," suit charges

Mystery Ingredient In Coffee Protects Against Alzheimer's Coffee has powers other caffeinated beverages don't

Vehicle Theft Worst In California, Survey Finds State has eight of top ten vehicle theft cities

What's On Your Mind? iTunes, Pyrex, Wells Fargo Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• NAPAfire and FIREGEL Pourable Gel Fuel Recalled

June 21, 2011

Former Taylor, Bean CEO Gets 40 Months $2.9 billion fraud scheme led to failure of major mortgage lender

Proposed Gout Remedy Too Risky, FDA Told Public Citizen says Ilarus' risk outweighs benefits

Suit Blames Toyota 'Smart Key' for Carbon Monoxide Death Woman left her car idling and was asphyxiated in her apartment

Existing Home Sales A Six-Month Low Nearly one third of buyers are paying cash

Feds Stop Bogus Mortgage Loan Modification Business Defendants ordered to pay almost $19 million to settle FTC charges

Cheap Imports Not So Cheap Anymore Rising prices of Chinese imports contribute to inflationary pressures

Texas Resolves Charges Against Online Ticket Seller Failed to deliver 'guaranteed' tickets to 2008 Olympic ceremonies

Synthetic Fat Substitutes Might Make You Gain Weight Researchers say they confuse the body, causing you to eat more

Graphic Warnings Intended to Scare Smokers Into Quitting All cigarette packs and advertising will soon display the gruesome images

Feds Offer $1 Billion Bailout For Homeowners Struggling homeowners eligible for interest free loans to make payments

Consumers Cautioned About Credit Insurance Maryland Attorney General calls it 'overpriced'

What's On Your Mind? Ethanol, Jenn-Air, Sally Hanson Nail Polish Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Christmas Tree Shops Recalls Animated Safari and Aquarium Lamps
• MTD Recalls TrimmerPlus Edger Attachments

June 20, 2011

New Safety Standards Outlaw Drop-Side Cribs U.S. hadn't updated crib safety standards for 30 years

Consumers Spending More Time on Apps than the Web Games and social networking are by far the most popular uses

Expert: To Help Housing, Stop Delaying Foreclosures Efforts to protect homeowners may be backfiring

Oil Prices Slide, May Mean Even Lower Gas Prices (For Now) Greek debt crisis pulls oil prices even lower

Chevy Sonic Gets Ready to Roll Only U.S.-made subcompact will sell for $14,495, get around 40 mpg

Supreme Court Gives Wal-Mart a Pass on Gender Discrimination Case High court finds too many variables to treat the case as a class action

Hackers Strike Again: This Time It's Sega But hackers don't get access to credit card data

Study: Portable Pools Pose Drowning Risk Most accidents occur at child's home

What's On Your Mind? Enterprise, Hydroxatone, Comfort Inn Our daily look at consumer reviews

June 19, 2011

Foreclosure Backlog Will Take Decades to Clear Out Banks' plodding pace isn't always bad news for consumers

Using More Olive Oil May Cut Stroke Risk But people who use olive oil may just eat healthier food

More Hearings On Avastin Later This Month FDA decision on breast cancer treatment is under review

June 17, 2011

Ohio Is Latest State to Sue Allcare Dental The chain abruptly closed its doors in January, leaving patients in distress

Levaquin Lawsuits: Inadequate Warning of Tendon Damage The risk of injury triples in older consumers, lawsuits charge

Marketing Experts Ask 'How Long Can Groupon Last?' Consumers should enjoy the discounts while they can

Employee Health Insurance Premiums Rise Dramatically But overall increase in health care costs appear to be slowing

At Cable TV Show, Netflix Is Four-Letter Word Cable industry appears to be looking over its shoulder

U.S. Fidelis Founders Facing Hard Time Missouri brings criminal charges against bankrupt brothers

Gas Prices Fall Another Nickel A Gallon This Week But the future is unclear, as oil prices remain volatile

Tainted Gas Reportedly Damaging Cars In Connecticut More than one gas station appears to be the source

What's On Your Mind? Maytag, Green Dot, Bank of America Our daily look at consumer reviews

June 16, 2011

Don't Fall For Cell Phone Radiation Scams Best solution is to talk less, use the speakerphone feature

Work-at-Home Scheme Ordered to Pay $10 Million Real Wealth, Inc. scammed thousands of consumers, feds charged

Michigan Expands Criminal Probe Of Mortgage Servicers Three more servicers receive subpoenas

Diabetes Charity Banned From Iowa For 10 Years Eighty cents of every dollar went to telemarketer

Scam Artists Discover the MoneyPak Consumers being swindled when they give out their MoneyPak number

FDA Warns of Heart Attack Risk for Chantix Users Smoking-cessation drug is effective but carries some risk

Coming Soon: TV You Can Smell Researchers say they added smell to the senses media can stimulate

Facebook's 'Tag Suggestions' Feature Raising Privacy Concerns Facebook's 'Tag Suggestions' Feature Raising Privacy Concerns

Oil Outlook: Demand To Exceed Supply Future holds higher fuel prices, report says

Senate Bill Would Crack Down on Oil Speculation Speculation a "private tax" on consumers, supporters of Sen. Sanders' measure say

What's On Your Mind? Cub Cadet, Barnes & Noble, State Farm Our daily look at consumer reviews

Foreclosure Filings Hit Four-Year Low But the housing crisis is far from over

Recalls

• Big Lots Recalls Metal Futon Bunk Beds After Child Dies
• 2011 Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep Models Recalled
• Porsche Recalls 911s to Tighten Wheels
• Emma's Garden Polka-Dot Girls' Dresses Recalled

June 15, 2011

A New Way to Find a Parking Space Streetline's "Parker" is a free parking app (not a free-parking app)

Lawyers Seek to Tie Zoloft to Birth Defects Studies have shown the popular antidepressant carries a slight risk of malformations

Lower Gas Prices Keep May Inflation Down But core rates rises at fastest pace in three years

Class Action Claims Avandia Harmed Diabetes Patients Thousands of individual suits still pending in the courts

GAO Finds Little to Support Congress' Abolition of ACORN Grass-roots consumer organization was driven into bankruptcy by conservative critics

Don't Get Rolled By Tire Warranties Manufacturers look for reasons to void a warranty

A New Wrinkle In Fake Payday Loan Scam Copy cat scammer claims to be police officer threatening arrest

Consumers Warned About Firepot Fuel Gels Popular decorator item can create fire hazard

Airlines Soar To Profitability On Fees U.S. passengers paid $5.7 billion in fees in 2010

What's On Your Mind? Verizon Wireless, Sears, Expedia Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Target Expands Recall of Child Booster Seats
• aDOORable Swing Bar Recalled

June 14, 2011

Latest Scam Email Claims to be From the FBI Recipients are instructed to send $350 immediately

Formaldehyde Added to List of Carcinogens Chemical industry opposes action, which has been pending for years

Used Car Prices Falling, Along With Hybrid Sales Shift occurring as a result of falling gas prices

Study: Doctors Prescribe Too Many Drugs Fewer drugs would save lives and money, researchers say

Fixing A Big Company's Mistake Is Rarely Simple One consumer's descent into customer service hell

CitiGroup Presssed for More Answers on Data Breach Connecticut attorney general says company has "failed to explain" the incident

Not All Sunscreens Are Created Equal Using the wrong sunscreen can result in sunburn, or worse

Study: 40 Percent Of Pacemakers Don't Help Researchers say guidelines for use of the expensive devices should be changed

Oregon Boots Telecom Provider Over 'Slamming' United Telecom sent packing in settlement

What's On Your Mind? Time Warner, Michigan Bulb Company, Sirius Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Harbinger Fitness Recalls Ab Straps
• Calphalon Recalls Contemporary Cutlery Knife Block Sets
• GE Recalls Zoneline Air Conditioners/Heaters
• Excite USA Recalls Toy Helicopters

June 13, 2011

Five Bad Ideas for Father's Day There are lots of things Dad will like. Here are some he won't.

Study: Just Working Longer Not Enough To Cover Retirement Expenses Some people might have to work into their 80s

Walmart Express Makes Its Debut Smaller stores go after dollar stores, convenience outlets

Richmond Students Charge Medical Tech School Is a 'Sham' Lawsuit says school lures students with promises of jobs but fails to deliver

Bad Apples: USDA Finds Pesticide Residues Grapes, strawberries also make the "Dirty Dozen" list

Saudis Reportedly To Raise Oil Output To Lower Prices OPEC reached no agreement on production at last week's meeting

While Real Estate Declines, Timeshare Sales 'Hold Steady' But resales by individual owners may be another matter entirely

Scientists Find Genes Related To Migraine Headaches Second study finds migraine treatment still lacking

What's On Your Mind? Cipro, International Association of Benefits, Citibank Our daily look at consumer reviews

June 12, 2011

Capital One Accused of Deceiving Credit Cardholders Promised 0% cash advances but charged 13% or more

June 11, 2011

P&G Settles Pampers Suit With Token Payment to Parents Parents get $1,000, lawyers get $2.7 million, P&G insists parents were wrong

June 10, 2011

Taylor, Bean & Whitaker Ex-CEO Sentenced To Prison Former company treasurer also sentenced on fraud charges

New Energy Efficiency Standards Should Save Consumers 'Billions' New regional standards make air conditioners, furnaces, heat pumps more efficient

Researchers Find Brain Receptor that Responds to Nicotine Targeting the receptor could reduce weight gain after the smoke clears

Sitting Is As Unhealthy As Smoking, Study Says Cardiologists say body doesn't work as well after long periods in a chair

Feds Close Down JCT Motor Coach Bus company an "imminent hazard," Transportation Department charges

IRS Revokes Tax-Exempt Status of 275,000 Organizations Contributions to the organizations will no longer be deductible

New York Warns Gas Stations Against Bait & Switch Advertising Prices displayed on signs must match prices at the pump

Judge Shuts Down Alleged Immigration Scam Baltimore business claimed it was authorize to prepare immigration papers

Treasury Calls Out Four Banks Over Mortgage Practices Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo and Ocwen criticized for their modification performance

Gas Prices Drop Another Six Cents This Week Pump prices remain stable despite volatile crude prices

Publishers Clearing House Warns of Sweepstakes Scams Sweepstakes "winners" should never send money to "claim their prize"

What's On Your Mind? KitchenAid, Scams, Royal Tech Windows, Prius Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• GM Recalls 2011 SRX to Fix Airbag Problem

June 9, 2011

Borders May Close 51 More Stores Lenders putting heat on bankrupt chain

Groupon Expands Location-Based Deals to Five More Cities Boston, LA, Phoenix, Seattle, DC can now access same-day-only deals

Ford Misrepresented Its SYNC Navigation System, Suit Claims Chicago lawyer wanted voice-activated option but didn't get it

Study: Chevy, Nissan Models Most Deadly In Crashes But electronic stability control appears to make vehicles more survivable

Citigroup Is Latest Big Company Hit By Hackers Attack happened last month; company is just getting around to warning its customers

FDA: High Doses of Zocor Can Be Harmful Agency adopts new labeling restrictions for the popular statin

Don't Look Now, But Gas Prices Are Headed Higher Again Oil traders see shortages ahead

New Jersey Sues Travel Company Owner (Again) Charged a second time with deceptive marketing prices

New York Sues Auto Dealer For Scamming Consumers Claims dealer ripped off customers to pay previous restitution to the state

What's On Your Mind? Grasshopper, Target, Verizon, Vizio Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Husqvarna Recalls TuffTorq Yard Tractors
• Kashi Recalls Frozen Pizza

June 8, 2011

Senate Refuses to Delay Debit-Card Swipe Fee Cap "A dark day" for banks but perhaps a bright one for consumers and retailers

Pfizer Suspends Sale of Arsenic-Containing Animal Drug 3-Nitro has been used by poultry producers since the 1940s

FCC Set to Regulate Loudness of TV Commercials Consumers have complained for more than 50 years about loud commercials

Study: Heavy Coffee Consumption May Cause Hallucinations Subjects hear a song that isn't there

JetBlue, Alaska Air Top Airline Satisfaction Ratings (Again) Travelers more content in 2011 but still unhappy about fares, costs

Study: Dieters Duped By Food Names Clever marketers can make their products sound healthier

Skype Skips a Beat, Millions Affected Is it the "Microsoft Effect" or just bad timing?

Facebook Weighs In Behind AT&T Joins Microsoft, Yahoo, rural interests and organized labor in supporting T-Mobile takeover

E. Coli Kills Virginia Child But bacteria not related to outbreak in Europe

Experts: Yo-Yo Dieting Better Than Obesity In the end, losing weight is better than not losing weight

What's On Your Mind? Michaels, Verizon, Polaroid Our daily look at consumer reviews

June 7, 2011

EPA Bans Most Toxic Mouse & Rat Poisons for Home Use New poisons will have to be enclosed in child-proof bait stations

Bankruptcy Rates Higher Among Cancer Survivors Insolvency rates highest along longest living survivors

It's The Gas Prices, Stupid It's not such a mystery why the economy is slowing down, is it?

Groupon Gets Into Grocery Coupon Business New process uses supermarket loyalty cards to deliver daily deals

Magazines Choose Best Family Cars of 2011 Kia, Ford, Mazda, Toyota among the top picks

Report: Nearly A Quarter Of Mortgage Holders Still 'Underwater' Not much change from the last quarter

Class Action Suit: Polaroid LCD TVs a Fire Hazard Company has allegedly known of problem since 2006 but has done nothing to warn consumers

Obesity Vaccine Reduces Food Consumption In Tests Gave lab mice more energy, made them less hungry

Preventing Excessive Weight Gain During Pregnancy Researchers find simple, but effective weight control system

What's On Your Mind? Apple, Nationwide, The Hartford The iPhone is a great gadget but could be a better phone

Recalls

• American Girl Crafts Jewelry Kit Recalled

June 6, 2011

Connecticut Tries to Rein In Kirby Sales Teams Door-to-door vacuum salesmen frequently accused of scamming elderly, making pests of themselves

A Birth Control Pill For Men? Columbia researchers say they are close

Banks Hyperventilate at Possible Loss of $16 Billion in DebitCardFees Last-minute Congressional arm-twisting may yet pull the banks' fat from the fire

Critics: New For-Profit College Regulation Not Enough Nearly half of all for-profit college students default on their loans

Things To Consider Before Getting A Student Loan Rule #1: Student loans are not dischargeable in bankruptcy

Another Study Links BPA With Lower Fertility Indian researchers present findings to Endocrine Society

Florida Homeowners Foreclose On Bank Of America The ultimate 'man bites dog' story

What's On Your Mind? T-Mobile, Emeril, Prescription Solutions Our daily look at consumer reviews

June 4, 2011

Study: Private Data Often Leaks From Popular Websites Study says websites should be held accountable for safeguarding data

June 3, 2011

Privacy Groups Profit From Google Buzz Settlement Class-action settlement rewards groups that work for privacy, freedom of expression

House Panel Unwinds Some Tobacco Oversight Pediatricians protest as politicians limit FDA's power

Electronic Arts Rolls Out Game Download Service Will sell games directly to consumers

Sony Hacked Again -- This Time it's SonyPictures.com More than 1 million consumers' records were stored in plain text, hackers say

Wal-Mart Chisles Gift Recipients, Class-Action Suit Charges Gift receipt is good for the sale price, not the list price of the gift

Bogus Charity Solicitor Used 'Blatant Lies,' Suit Charges Solicitor claimed to be raising funds to help people with disabilities

Job Creation Slows To A Crawl Economy adds just 54,000 new jobs in May

IHOP Prays for Relief from Houses of Prayer Ministries are endangering its trademark, pancake house argues

Gas Prices Change Direction This Week Average price moved up when prices surged in the Midwest

European "Super Bug" May Have Traveled To U.S. Virulent E. coli has killed at least 18 people in Europe

What's On Your Mind? La-Z-Boy, Maytag, Mexicana How long is a lifetime guarantee?

Recalls

• Toyotas Recalls Some Sienna, Venza Vehicles
• Toyota Recalls 53,000 Priuses to Fix Power Steering

June 2, 2011

Sharing Netflix Login Illegal In Tennessee Music industry leads charge against unpaid viewing and listening

New Insurance Rules Address Pre-Existing Conditions Premiums to drop as much as 40% in 18 states

Sony PlayStation Network Back Online Massive security breach affected more than 100 million accounts

For New Cancer Patients, It's Hard To Get Treatment Study finds many barriers to seeing an oncologist

Continental, US Airways Fined for Advertising Violations Advertising must show full price, including fuel surcharges

Beware the Itinerant Magazine Tricksters Summer brings a wave of door-to-door magazine sales crews

FDA Finds No Cancer Risk in Blood Pressure Medications Earlier study had suggested a small but significant risk in certain drugs

Minorities More Likely to Tweet Survey finds Blacks, Latinos use Twitter more than Anglos

For-Profit Colleges Face Tougher Aid Rules Government to require performance standards for graduates

Judge Orders American Airlines Back On Orbitz Court says American should not have nullified contract

What's On Your Mind? Costco, Lumber Liquidators, Richmond American Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Elna Sewing Machines Recalled

June 1, 2011

'State Record Retrieval Board' Doesn't Exist Washington state residents who fell for the scam will get refunds

Ice Cream Fans Suffer Melt-Down Over 'All Natural' Claims Class action accuses Ben & Jerry's, Breyers of misleading customers

A Happy Consumer May Start With A Happy Employee A rude employee may be a red flag

Feds Sue Prepaid Phone Card Vendors FTC charges cards don't deliver the number of minutes advertised

Law School Grads Sue Their Alma Mater Unemployed and deeply in debt, jobless lawyers say they were misled

Cell Phones: More Than A Decade Of Warnings This week's warning from the WHO is hardly the first

Classmates.com Goes Tripping Down Memory Lane United Online gives it the old college try, hoping to get that social Web thing right this time

Consumers Losing Confidence In Economic Rebound High gas prices depress optimism

New Medicare Scam Targets Part B Participants Seniors should be leery of promise of free glucose meter

What's On Your Mind? Michaels, Timeshare Solutions, VistaPrint Our daily look at consumer reviews

May 31, 2011

World Health Organization Warns Cell Phones 'Possibly Carcinogenic' “Time to take pragmatic measures” to reduce exposure, especially by younger users

Feds Charge Get-Rich-Quick Pitchman Bilked Consumers Promoters claimed big profits lurked in promissory note business

Biodegradable Products May Hurt The Environment They release more greenhouse gas, faster

Suit Alleges Heartgard Plus Cover-Up Drugmaker knew product was losing effectiveness in battling heart worm, fired scientist charges

Home Prices Fall Below 2009 Lows Values now at 2002 levels

Pediatricians Urge Kids To Avoid Energy Drinks Doctors say beverages may be harmful to children and teens

What's On Your Mind? HP, Kirby Vacuums, Readers Digest, Expedia Our daily look at consumer reviews

Michigan Doctor Charged With Selling Medical Pot Certificates Officials strictly enforcing medical marijuana law

Recalls

• Bell Sports Recalls Full-Face Bicycle Helmets
• Horizon Hobby Recalls Model Helicopters

May 30, 2011

Suit: AstraZeneca Negligent in Marketing Nexium Texas plaintiffs suffered bone fractures while taking the drug

What's On Your Mind? Nationwide, Payday Loan Scam, Vonage Our daily look at consumer reviews

Where Are Gas Prices Headed, Up Or Down? Wall Street giants predict coming price surge

May 29, 2011

Furnishing a Closet by the Sea Truman conducts a real-world test of the companies often pilloried by our readers

Firing Up the Grill? Take a Minute to do a Safety Check Grills can cause fires and carbon monoxide poisoning if not used properly

Atlanta Fire Department Recalls Free Smoke Alarms More than 18,000 smoke alarms may be counterfeit, could fail to work

Keeping Your Dog Safe In The Car Restraining harness is equivalent of canine seat-belt

Summertime Spells Danger for ATV Riders Accidents and fatalities rise with warmer weather

Recalls

• HP Expands Recall of HP, Compaq Laptop Computers

May 27, 2011

Drugged Livestock Endanger Public Health, Suit Argues Scientists sue feds for failing to crack down on antibiotics in animal feed

Pending Home Sales Plunge In April The latest grim news for housing

Start-Up Promises to Put Consumers in Control of Personal Data Personal.com organizes data into "gems" that consumers own and control

PayPal Sues Google, Claims Theft Of Trade Secrets Dispute involves Google's new mobile payment system

GAO Finds Big Problems in Mortgage Modification Program Government fails to act against loan servicers who fail to comply with program's requirements

Gas Prices Fall Another Eight Cents In Last Week Pump prices have steadily fallen since May 5

Illinois Widens Robo-Signing Probe Attorney General appeals to whistle-blowers

Report: Commercial Seafood Often Mislabeled Environmental group finds something fishy about seafood

Lack Of Activity At Work May Contribute To Obesity Today's jobs are more sedentary, researchers say

What's On Your Mind? BB&T, Hertz, Dish Network Our daily look at consumer reviews

May 26, 2011

Sole, Inc. to Foot the Bill for Undelivered Massage Chairs, Bidets, Etc. Washington Attorney General’s Office reaches settlement with online seller

'Free Vacation' Scam Targeted Spanish-Speaking Consumers Every contestant ‘won’ but vacations weren't delivered

FTC Nails Bogus Debt Reduction Businesses Multi-million-dollar settlements imposed on several businesses and their owners

Bank of America Pays $410 Million to Settle Overdraft Suit Millions of customers hit with fees because of debit-card transaction may see partial refunds

Kids With Computers Don't Read As Well Study suggests PCs are a distraction

Broccoli May Boost Defenses in Diabetics Study finds daily serving increases antioxidant capacity of the blood

Video: U.S. May Keep Data On Passengers For 15 Years Would apply to passengers traveling between U.S. and Europe

Suit Charges Fox Car Rental Fleeces Customers for Tolls Washington woman paid $100 service fee for two $3 highway tolls

Six Small Cars Earn Top Safety Pick Award Fuel efficient cars can also be safe, Insurance Institute finds

Government Unveils New Fuel Rating Stickers The fuel rating sticker on new vehicles is getting a major makeover

Foreclosures Still Weighing Down the Real Estate Market Three-year supply of foreclosures drives down prices, slows sales

What's On Your Mind? Classmates.com, Grant Scams, Capital One Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Eight Manufacturers Recall Pool and In-Ground Spa Drain Covers

May 25, 2011

AG: Bank of America In Default On Its Duty to Customers Connecticut AG demands action, says bank “can and should do more”

Beware The Apple App Scam Scammers seem to have discovered Apple

More Sony Computer Sites Hit By Hackers Why are hackers targeting the company?

eDebitPay Found in Contempt, Fined $3.7 Million Company offered a bogus "$10,000 credit line," FTC charged

Unlike That Loaf of Bread, the Glass of Wine Has Gotten Cheaper A good wine hard to find? Not anymore. They're everywhere. Salud

'Alarming' Increases Seen in Food Prices How much more can consumers stomach?

Republicans Accuse Warren of Lying, Democrats Apologize Taxpayers' time, money wasted, Public Citizen declares

Suddenly, More Electronic Payment Options Banks, Google plan to provide mobile payment systems

A New Look For Barnes & Noble's Nook Bookseller updates its e-reader and lowers the price

What's On Your Mind? New Millennium, AT&T, Cheap Tickets Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Walmart Recalls GE Food Processors
• STIHL Recalls Millions of Gas-Powered Yard Tools

May 24, 2011

Missouri Warns Of Joplin Tornado Aid Scams Feds declare public health emergency in Missouri

Retailer Frenzy: Everybody Wants to Sell Everything Walmart wants to sell appliances, Best Buy wants to sell cars

Coffee Prices Headed Higher Folgers, Dunkin' Donuts prices rising 11 percent

Toyota Supersizes the Prius Prius V is a tall hybrid wagon with lots of cargo room

Google Buys, Closes Sparkbuy Comparison shopping site focused on laptops

Financial Site Lists 'Worst Credit Cards On The Market' What's in your wallet?

Gas Prices Continue To Slowly Fall But long-term outlook may not be so encouraging

Many Women's Foot Problems Can Be Traced To Shoes Size and shape of shoes play a big role

What's On Your Mind? Walgreens, Emerson, Farberware, Skype Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Dream On Me Recalls Drop-Side Cribs

May 23, 2011

New York, California Launch Anti-Fraud Task Forces Attorneys general vow to battle evil-doers on behalf of consumers, taxpayers

Surprise! American Families Are 'Financially Fragile' Study finds middle-class families in weaker position than expected

West Virginia Sues Debt Settlement Lawyers "Enrollment lawyers" do "no substantive work," state charges

Pre-Term Infants Shouldn't Eat SimplyThick Product linked to illness and at least two deaths, FDA says

New 'Obamacare' Rule Limits Health Insurance Rate Hikes Premium increases of 10% will trigger a review process

Researchers Say New Studies Confirm Cell Phone Hazards "Stunning proof" ignored in North America, scientists say

Justice Sues to Block H&R Block Acquisition of TaxACT Says company is trying to remove a competitor

Panel: Toyota Hasn't Done Enough to Address Safety Issues But panel says company has made a good start

Experts: Don't Rely On Fuel Efficiency Gauges Test finds discrepancies between gauges and actual mileage

Foreign Buyers Show New Interest In U.S. Homes Falling prices, cheap dollar make property more attractive

What's On Your Mind? Toyota, Trilegiant, Magic Jack Our daily look at consumer reviews

May 22, 2011

AT&T Sued Over Data Charges Company accused of over-billing 20 million consumers

Arthritis Risk May Be Reduced By Healthy Diet Bad diet, obesity major contributors, researchers say

May 20, 2011

Family Data Plans May Be Next Wireless Push Pooling plans may offset resistance to tiered pricing

Is iTunes Floating Towards the Cloud? Apple inches closer to cloud-basing its iTunes library

Class Action Charges Michaels Was Negligent in Data Thefts Crafts chain failed to safeguard data, was late warning of customers of the thefts

Lawsuit: Time-Share Owners Fleeced Twice Defendants promised to sell units, then offered to file a legal action ... against themselves

Poll: Government Should Help Americans Get Ahead Education, job creation, equal opportunity, fair taxation enjoy broad support

Price of Gasoline Down A Dime In Last Week States with highest prices see most relief

Tobacco Company CEO: Smoking Is Addictive Altria chief reportedly makes admission in talk with shareholders

What's On Your Mind? Whirlpool, United Airlines, Wild Blue, GE Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Volvo Recalls 2010-2011 XC90s
• Honda Recalls 2012 Civics

May 19, 2011

FDA Pulls Diabetes Drug Avandia from Retail Sales The "blockbuster" drug has been linked with increased heart attack risk

Gas Prices Not Expected To Keep Americans Home Memorial Day Weekend AAA sees more travelers but fewer motorists, than last year

GM To Increase Chevy Volt Production Strong demand for expensive electric car, carmaker says

Nissan Apologizes, Sends $400 to Some Juke Owners Company misstated capacity of gas tank; some owners not convinced

Home Sales, Prices Fall In April Investors still a big part of the market

Allstate To Purchase Esurance And Answer Financial Consolidation taking place in the insurance industry

Consumer Agency Unveils Mortgage Disclosure Forms Seeks to make applying for a mortgage less confusing

What's On Your Mind? Best Buy, Dell, Christian Debt Consolidation Our daily look at consumer reviews

May 18, 2011

Court Certifies Class Action Case Against Chase Bank promised permanent low interest rates, then increased minimum payment

Judge Dismisses Doctor's Suit Over Online Posting Patient's son complained neurologist was insensitive

Gas Prices Drop Two Cents A Gallon Overnight Pump prices begin to catch up to crude oil

Dangerous Alzheimer's Drug Should Be Pulled: Public Citizen Higher dose of Aricept has serious adverse effects, isn’t effective

Homeowners Facing Big Premium Increases Home values may be down but replacement costs are rising rapidly

Business Credit Cards Put Millions at Risk Business cards lack protections of Credit CARD Act

Inside A Short Sale: A Homeowner Hits A Brick Wall Second lien-holder has all the power

Study Finds Pharmacies Prone To Medication Errors Software warning system falls short

Study: Older Drivers Tend To Make More Driving Errors Researchers say it's a natural part of aging

What's On Your Mind? Ford, Hotels.com, Maytag Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• PrimeTime Pig Ears, KC Beefhide Pig Ears Recalled
• Diggers Natural Treat Pig Ears Recalled
• Katie Brown Tea Light Candle Sets Recalled

May 17, 2011

Circle K Stores Agree to Help Curb Teen Smoking Stores will step up efforts to stop tobacco sales to underage consumers

Retired Judge, Prosecutor Seeks to Legalize, Regulate Marijuana James Gray plans to file for a California initiative to legalize the drug

Feds Charge Canadian Scam Artists Raked in $450 Million Consumers were lured into "free" and "risk-free" offers that were anything but

Imported Farmed Fish Not Adequately Tested, Report Finds GAO recommends FDA step up sampling for antibiotic residues

A Determined Consumer Finds Satisfaction By Going Local Dealing with the manufacturer was not so effective

Judge Rejects DirectBuy Class Action Settlement Proposed settlement provided little benefit to consumers, judge rules

Gold Marketer Faces Federal Fraud Charges FTC shuts down profitable gold telemarketing operation

No Surprise, There's New Interest In Fuel Efficient Cars AutoTrader.com finds costs of small cars going up

A Good Story Is Key To Getting A Peer-To-Peer Loan Investors willing to listen if you have a credit blemish

Indiana Do Not Call Law Now Covers Cell Phones State allows consumers to block telemarketing calls to mobile numbers

What's On Your Mind? Dish Network, Whirlpool, AllState Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Toyota Recalls Tundra to Fix Tire Pressure Monitor

May 16, 2011

Massachusetts Probing University of Phoenix Pressure on for-profit schools increases on both state and federal level

Suit: Hain Celestial Misrepresents Products as Organic Facial wash labeled as organic contains only one organic ingredient out of 19

Gas Prices Appear To Be Headed Lower But not very fast

Sony Begins PlayStation System Relaunch But Japan wants more security measures

Researchers Find Gene That Promotes Obesity Acts as a 'master switch'

Credit CARD Act Doing Its Job, Study Finds Interest rates and fees are stable, overlimit charges eliminated

Consumers Warned About ExtenZe Dietary Supplements Counterfeit version contains active ingredient in Viagra

Abusive Online Eyeglasses Merchant Enters Guilty Plea Used consumers negative comments to game the search engine results

What's On Your Mind? Charmglow, Chevy Malibu, Equifax Our daily look at consumer reviews

May 14, 2011

States Probing Gas Price Hikes Suspicious of sudden price spikes this week

May 13, 2011

Chantix Left Four Children as Orphans, Suit Charges Murder-suicide blamed on side effects of Pfizer's anti-smoking drug

Racketeering Suit Alleges ILD Teleservices Defrauds Millions Billing aggregator doesn't have the information required by law to process bills, suit claims

Consumers Pay More In April But economist says government understates inflation

A Bitter Pill? Feds Writing Google a Prescription Search giant faces criminal liability in online prescription dust-up

Incentives Returning to Many Toyota, Nissan Dealers Cash, interest-rate, lease incentives being unveiled in time for Memorial Day

Saab Financing Plan In the Ditch Production remains shut down while company looks for money

Video: What's the Real Price of Oil? Exxon CEO Says Real Price Of Oil Less Than $70 A Barrel

Gas Prices Down Slightly From Yesterday, Last Week Pump prices yet to follow market trends

Florida Sues For-Profit Nursing School School isn't accredited, students can't be licensed

What's On Your Mind? Mystery Shopper Scam, American Mint, Lenovo Our daily look at consumer reviews

Feds Settle With Work-at-Home Marketer Some tips to keep from getting stung

Recalls

• MacLaren Repeats Stroller Recall After More Fingertip Amputations

May 12, 2011

States Do Poor Job of Policing Physicians Minnesota is worst, Louisiana best in annual survey of state medical boards

Delaware Charges 'Missionaries' Ran Home Improvement Scam Elderly homeowners thought they were helping a missionary group

Study: Healthcare Costs Have Doubled in Nine Years Workers carrying larger share of the burden than employers

Fila Sued for Claims About its Workout Apparel Company claimed its BTS Apparel helped to tone muscles, improve workout efficiency

Suit Charges USAA Uses 'Sham Reviews' to Deny Medical Claims Military families cry foul after being denied treatment for injuries

Foreclosure Activity Drops Sharply In April But that doesn't mean things are getting better, analysts say

Gas Prices Make Big One Day Jump Pump prices increase despite big drop in futures market

Michaels Reports Widespread Debit Card Fraud At 80 Stores Thieves apparently attempted to steal debit card data

Study Links High BPA Exposure To Infant Abnormalities It's the latest study to suggest negative health effects from the chemical

What's On Your Mind? Paula Deen Cookware, Vizio,Unwanted Texts Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Meijer Recalls Infant Slipper Socks
• Knight Hawk Toy Helicopters Recalled

May 11, 2011

Gasoline Futures Plunge On Supply News Gas is still expensive but it got a lot cheaper on Wall Street today

Judge Refuses to Block Prudential Insurance Case Suit claims Prudential misappropriated deceased veterans' benefits

Love's Gone And All That's Left Is The Monthly Bill Loaning your credit card to a boyfriend can have serious consequences

Should Children Have Gastric Bypass Surgery? No, say a majority of parents

Study: Congressional Staffers Fear Powerful Lobbyists Corporate lobbyists flex their muscles on Capitol Hill

Prepaid Cards Can Deal Unemployed Workers a Losing Hand Report reviews 40 states’ unemployment compensation prepaid cards

FBI Warns of Charity Scams Following Southern Tornadoes Tornadoes spawn cluster of fraudulent appeals

Feds Warn 'Slim Xtreme' Weight-Loss Supplement is Dangerous It contains a substance withdrawn from the market for safety reasons

Gas Prices Edge Up Again Is it the end of a recent downward trend?

Study: Foreclosures Have Magnified Economic Impact People losing homes has ripple effect in the economy

What's On Your Mind? DishNetwork, Target, Sirius XM Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• GM Recalls Selected Chevy Colorado, GMC Canyon Vehicles

May 10, 2011

FDIC Seeks $2 Million Fine Against Republic Bank of Kentucky Probe found numerous violations in bank's Refund Anticipation Loan program

Microsoft To Buy Skype For $8.5 Billion Will the service remain free?

Feds Charge Utah Telemarketers Made 16 Million Illegal Calls 'Kids First' campaigns called numbers on Do Not Call list

Study Finds Little Hope Uninsured Families Can Pay Hospital Bills Most uninsured Americans are one illness away from bankruptcy

Feds Expand Probe Of Ford F150 Gas Tanks Owners report straps rust and break

Study: CARD Act Making A Positive Difference Pew researchers say skeptics were wrong

When Did Debt Become The American Way? Carrying a large credit card balance now considered normal

Satellite Broadband Little Help To Rural Areas, Report Says Rural providers say it's too slow, too expensive

Facebook a Magnet for Underage Users, Survey Finds Consumer Reports estimates 7.5 million Facebook users are under 13

CyberDefender Faces Class Action Suit Suit charges RegistryCleaner, other products don't do the job

What's On Your Mind? JustFlowers, Disney Cruises, GE Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Telstar Recalls Energy-Saving Light Bulbs
• Multi-Mex Recalls Amoxilina Dietary Supplements

May 9, 2011

Retail Workers' Careers Sabotaged by Database, Suit Charges Plaintiffs say they lost job opportunities because of unproven accusations

Bed Handles for Elderly Can Be Lethal Public Citizen wants rails recalled and banned

Feds: 'metoo' Clip-On Chairs a Danger to Children Company refuses to agree to a recall, offers "repair" kit instead

Gas Prices Headed Down, At Least For Now Prices may have peaked last week

Four 'Myths' About Gasoline Prices What you think you know about gas may not be true

A Tale Of Two Economies: Cars And Houses Why does one sell and the other doesn't?

What's On Your Mind? Gift Cards, DIRECTV, Hotels.com Our daily look at consumer reviews

When Self-Esteem Falls, People Pay With Credit Cards A bad day often results in a visit to the mall

Dermatologists Make Another Push To Regulate Tanning Salons Worried that consumers aren't being properly warned about dangers

May 6, 2011

New 'Do Not Track' Bill Would Protect Kids Online Bipartisan measure updates Children's Online Privacy Protection Act

Surprising Number Of Americans Got Jobs Last Month Economy may be stronger than many people thought

Password Protection Service May Have Been Hacked LastPass requiring users to change their passwords

Watch Out for Mother's Day Scams Scam artists are always looking for a plausible-sounding way to get their hands on your money

Texas Charges Scam Artists Selling Phony Antibiotic Scam targets Hispanics looking for Amoxicillin, state charges

Consumers Getting $11.8 Million in Q-Ray Bracelet Refunds FTC mailing checks to consumers who submitted a claim form

Gas Price Rise Stalls Just Shy Of $4 A Gallon Today's price slightly lower than yesterday's

Coffee, Sex, Can Be 'Triggers' For Stroke Researchers identify eight such risk factors

Missouri Shuts Down Commercial Dog Breeder Numerous violation of animal welfare laws cited

What's On Your Mind? Auto Service Warranty, Botox, GE, Trilegiant Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Toy Story 3 Bowling Game Recalled

May 5, 2011

Defunct Movie-Rental Chains Agree to Rewrite the Final Scene Vampires reached from beyond the grave to bleed their customers

Investment Income, Retirement Savings at Risk in Budget Battle Sacred cows won't be safe as Congress looks for revenue

Oil Prices Plunge Below $100 A Barrel Will gasoline prices follow?

TIPS May Provide Some Protection Against Inflation But like any investment, there is downside risk

Mattress Stains Shouldn't Void Warranty, Lawsuit Alleges Ohio man says Sealy refused to replace his defective mattress

Housing Prices Dip Below March 2009 Lows Research firm says we're in a double-dip housing recession

Suit: Aaron's Rent To Own Spies on Customers Does rental chain install spyware on computers it rents to consumers?

UBS Settles Fraud Charges With Feds, States Charged with bid-rigging in muni bond market

What's On Your Mind? Liberty Mutual, Litton Loans, Spirit Airlines,Kodak Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Ryobi Sheet Sanders Recalled
• Kohler Recalls Engines Sold with Husqvarna, Cub Cadet, and Troy-Bilt Lawn Tractors
• Dorel Asia Recalls Bunk Beds
• GM Recalls Chevy Cruze

May 4, 2011

California 'Do Not Track' Bill Moves Ahead Could become first state law to regulate online data collection

Blood Test For Alzheimer's Available Soon Alzheimer's Society calls for additional research

Sony, Epsilon Are No-Shows Before Congress Companies say they're too busy to testify about collossal privacy breaches

Gold And Silver Prices Plunge Just a correction, or something more?

Consumers Finding Fewer Incentives At New Car Showrooms Fuel efficient cars may be incentive enough

U.S. Sues Bank For Mortgage Fraud Deutsche Bank AG accused of false FHA certifications

What's On Your Mind? Sony, Mr. Coffee, Verizon, Vistaprint Our daily look at consumer reviews

NYC Postal Workers Stole Millions in Phony Tax Refunds Mail carrier convicted in complex scheme to generate, then steal refund checks

Don't Fall For Bin Laden Hit Video Scam The scam is beginning to show up on Facebook

Pinnacle Security Faces Fraud Charges In Missouri Just the latest state to take action

Companies Warned About Promoting Unproven STD Remedies FDA, FTC send warning letters to companies peddling fraudulent products

Recalls

• Bristol-Myers Squibb Recalls One Lot of Coumadin

May 3, 2011

California Candidate Sentenced for Threatening Prosecutors Former city council candidate threatened to rape, kill and burn county prosecutors

Companies Failed to Protect Employee Data Sensitive information on nearly 65,000 employees was compromised, FTC says

Suit Claims Muscle-Building Supplement Caused Liver Damage Magna Drol was recalled prior to victim's purchasing it online, suit alleges

Grape Tomatoes Recalled In Salmonella Scare Tomatoes were used in wide variety of products

Average Gas Price Poised To Hit $4 A Gallon This Week We're closing in on that psychological price-point

Does It Cost Too Much To Be Healthy? Researchers find high costs cause many to delay treatment

What's On Your Mind? Extended Warranties, Priceline.com, Bank ofAmerica Our daily look at consumer reviews

Sony Shuts Down Another Game Network After Hackers Attack Information on nearly 25 million Sony Online Entertainment users swiped

Ticketmaster Settles Deceptive Sales Practices Charges Maryland objected to ticket resale operation

New Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes Wins FDA Approval Tradjenta stimulates release of insulin after a meal

Secondhand Smoke Delivers Nicotine to the Brain Study shows how secondhand smoke may increase nicotine addiction

Recalls

• Tween Brands Recalls Justice Beaded Curtains
• Hyundai Recalls Some 2010 Santa Fe SUVs

May 2, 2011

Southwest Completes Acquisition of AirTran Merger opens up lucrative East Coast markets to Southwest

Most Americans Unwilling to Pay for Online News Harris Poll finds number is even lower than 15 months ago

Survey: Overdraft Opt-Ins Being Sold with Scare Tactics Banks succeeded in confusing and wearing down their customers

Florida Sues Three Foreclosure Rescue Firms State continues to be hard-hit by foreclosures

Honda Stops Taking Orders; Dealers Prepare for FewerSales,HigherPrices Many models will be in short supply from June through year's end

Medical Technology Students Sue Tri-State Institute Students complete their studies, only to learn the school was not accredited

ARCO, BP Gas Station Operators Sue BP Station operators charge BP manipulates pricing, supplies

Consumer Safety Tips For Storm-Ravaged South Many accidents occur in the wake of natural disasters

Teenager On Your Cellphone Account? Read This Make sure everyone understands how expensive international calls are

Government Begins Phasing Out Social Security Checks New enrollees must use direct deposit

What's On Your Mind? JC Penny, Toshiba, Prado Our daily look at consumer reviews

U.S. Tracks Down, Kills Osama bin Laden, Recovers His Body President Obama: "Justice has been done" - Crowds gather in NY, DC

Recalls

• RAW Organic Food Bars Recalled

May 1, 2011

Obama Urges An End to Oil-Gas Subsidies as Gas Price Nears $4 Cutting subsidies might not cut pump prices but would help the federal budget

Five More Banks Fail - 39 So Far This Year Fall-out from real estate collapse continues to claim victims

April 29, 2011

Feds Probe Stalling Problems in GM SUVs Inaccurate fuel-guage readings can lead to accidents

FTC Sounds Alarm about Alarm Salesmen Door-to-door alarm peddlers use deception and high-pressure

'Wal-Mart Shopping Spree' Scam Victims Getting Checks Most consumers will get about $18; checks should be cashed promptly

How To Deal With A Debt Collector About An Invalid Claim Make sure they know you know your rights

Primerica Finds Qualified Sales Agents In Short Supply The giant insurer has no trouble recruiting agents, but many fail licensing tests

Gas Prices Jump Another Six Cents In Last Week Average price just a dime away from $4 a gallon

Government Issues Guidelines On Marketing Food To Children Guidelines are still voluntary, however

Are TV Sets A Fire Hazard? More consumers are reporting smoke, sparks and flame

What's On Your Mind? Identity Theft, National CreditSolutions,Humana Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Kia Recalls Certain 2004-2007 Spectras

April 28, 2011

Mortgage Rates Fall, Pending Home Sales Rise Industry posting uneven, but notable improvement

New Jersey Outlaws 'Bath Salts' Designer drugs, though widely available, are extremely dangerous

States Want Feds to Crack Down on Underage Drinking FTC needs to limit alcohol advertising aimed at teens, attorneys general argue

Their Cars Are Shiftless, Many Honda Owners Complain But feds find no reason to open an investigation into Honda transmission problems

Gusher of Profits Not All Good News for Oil Giants Politicians, activists line up to demand windfall profits tax, reduced subsidies

CEO: Wal-Mart Shoppers 'Running Out Of Money' High gas prices taking a huge toll

'Odorless' Paint Stinks and is Sticky, Suit Charges Homeowner takes issue with Benjamin Moore's claims about Natura paint

Class Action Suit Claims Sony Was Negligent in PlayStation Hack Sony failed to maintain adequate security to protect its customers, suit alleges

Pew Study Finds Banks Still Rake In Overdraft Fees Calls for more transparent account disclosures

FDA Seeks Permanent Injunction Against Pennsylvania Dairy Rainbow Acres distributed raw milk in violation of federal law

States Investigating Life Insurance Companies Hundreds of millions of dollars could go to consumers and cash-strapped states

What's On Your Mind? ILD, Legal Helpers, T-Mobile Our daily look at consumer reviews

April 27, 2011

Apple Denies Tracking iPhone Users But it does maintain a database of WiFi hot spots

Michigan To Probe "Forged" Foreclosure Documents Who is Linda Green and why is her signature in so many different handwriting styles?

Suit Charges Nissan Covered Up Brake Defect Since 2004 Faulty sensor in ABS control unit endangers motorists, suit alleges

Sleepy's Gets Clean Bill of Health from Connecticut Attorney general finds no evidence company violated state laws

End of Class Actions? Supreme Court OKs AT&T Arbitration Clause "Crushing blow" to consumers locked in disputes with huge corporations

Sony PlayStation Network Hack Hits 77 Million Users Crooks get a treasure-trove of data in one of the biggest hacks ever

Chemical Flame Retardants Show Up In Dogs Chemicals remain in environment after discontinued use

Lousy Economy Still Influencing Consumers' Diets Can have beneficial effect, up to a point

Renters Spending More Of Their Incomes On Housing Buying is cheaper, but many can't qualify for mortgage

What's On Your Mind? Wisk, Cardmember Services, Lillian Vernon Our daily look at consumer reviews

April 26, 2011

West Virginia Sues Auto Title Loan Company Says Virginia firm has defied an investigative subpoena

Arkansas Sues Credit Repair Company TRW's services are ineffective and its fees are illegal, state charges

Texas Jury Delivers $13.8 Million Verdict Against Credit Repair Business Claimed they could help Texans get out of debt by exploiting "loopholes"

Consumers Not Required To Return Unsolicited Products What marketers don't want you to know

Chevrolet Volt & Nissan Leaf Earn Top Crash Ratings Little electrics sweep the first U.S. crash tests of mainstream electric cars

Survey Finds Many of Us Drowning in Data Rapid growth of data, transmission speed, reception appliances leaves many adrift

Home Prices Falling Faster A house is about the only thing that's getting cheaper

Storm Victims Warned of Common Scams Floods in South, Midwest leave residents prey to 'storm chasers'

Oil Price Rise May Not Be A Mystery History could simply be repeating itself

Latex Medical Gloves Should Be Banned, Public Citizen Tells FDA The gloves are a danger to patients and medical workers alike, the group argues

Missouri Settles With Another Auto Warranty Company Company accused of violating a number of consumer fraud laws

What's On Your Mind? Fisher & Paykel, Tom Tom, AT&T Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• ducduc Cribs Recalled
• Heartland America Recalls Wooden Stools
• Toro Recalls Power Clear Snowblowers and Recycler Mowers

April 25, 2011

Gas Too Cheap? So Says a California Lawsuit Gas stations sue Safeway, saying it is selling gas too cheaply

Refund Checks Being Mailed to Hispanic Mortgage Borrowers $1.5 million in refunds being made as part of settlement alleging discriminatory practices

Google, Apple Under Scrutiny Over Location Tracking Google defends its practices, Apple stays mum

FDA Approves New Vaccine to Prevent Meningococcal Disease in Infants Dangerous disease can result in death and serious complications

Consumers Still Find It Hard To Leave AOL Court settlement was supposed to make it easier

New Home Sales Jump In March, Sort Of Inventory at a 44-year low and sales still skimpy

Blumenthal: Time to Play Hardball on Gas Prices U.S. should convene a grand jury to look into rising gas prices

There Really Is A Difference Between Mac And PC Users Those stereotypes hold up in research

Could Dietary Supplements Have An Unhealthy Side Effect? They may lead to unhealthy behavior, researcher says

Researchers Claim Effective Shingles Treatment New treatment attacks the root of the condition

What's On Your Mind? BMG Music, GE, Hoover Our daily look at consumer reviews

April 24, 2011

JP Morgan Chase Settles Military Mortgage Lawsuit Bank will pay $56 million to settle claims it overcharged service members

April 22, 2011

Rascal Scooters Pays $100,000 for Do Not Call Violations Called consumers using phone numbers gathered from sweepstakes entry forms

Feds: Beauty School Lied to Get Federal Grant Money It's the latest in a series of for-profit school scandals

Men Claim Merck's Baldness Drug Made Them Impotent Company didn't warn side effects might be permanent, suit charges

Widower Sues Bank of America Over Mortgage Modification Numerous missteps, misrepresentations and misunderstandings are alleged

Gas Prices Up Again This Week, Highest Since 2008 But the pace of the increase has slowed

Apple, Android Phones Secretly Record Your Location Information could be sold to marketers

New York Man Accused of Running a $12 Million Ponzi Scheme Investors' money was supposedly invested in real estate, private mortgages

Double Whammy Facing Consumers: Gas And Food Costs Price of both necessities rapidly rising

Florida Debt Settlement Firm Banned From Missouri Vortex Debt Group accused of unfair and deceptive practices

What's On Your Mind? Price Tags, T-Mobile, Facebook, Sirius XM Our daily rundown of consumer reviews

Recalls

• Toyota Recalls Highlander, Rav4 Models

April 21, 2011

Data Breaches Due To Hacking On The Rise Survey shows hackers continue to be more active

Kia, Mazda Join the 40-mpg Club 2012 models of the Kia Rio and Mazda3 are billed as fun new fuel-sippers

Suit Says Nexium Caused Multiple Fractures Ohio woman was "simply walking" when a bone in her leg broke

California Seeks Jail Time for 'Tax Lady' Roni Deutch Deutch destroyed documents, failed to pay refunds despite court orders

Half of All States Now Have Smoke-Free Workplaces "No safe level" of exposure to second-hand smoke, CDC warns

Feds Taking Closer Look at Oil, Gas Prices Attorney General Holder: Gas prices "pinching pockets of consumers"

Is $6 A Gallon Gas On The Horizon? One economist says we could be paying it by summer

Attorneys General Blast Pabst for Selling 'Binge In a Can' One can of Blast can make a person legally drunk

A Realtor's Plea To Banks: Please Make Loans Sales rise in March, but are below year ago levels

How A Frustrated Consumer Became A Happy One By her own initiative, she found satisfaction

What's On Your Mind? John Hancock, FedEx, Mortgages Our daily look at consumer reviews

Utility Firms Settle Deception Charges With New York Consumers to get $2 million in restitution

Recalls

• Kiddieland Recalls Disney Princess Plastic Trikes
• Marineland Aquarium Heaters Recalled
• Photon Climbing Carabiners and Quickdraws Recalled

April 20, 2011

Students Don't Have to Lose Health Insurance on Graduation Day New healthcare law lets young adults stay on their parents' insurance

Gold Hits $1,500 as U.S. Credit Rating is Questioned “Rush to quality” set off by natural disasters, high oil prices, financial fears

Hyundai's Latest Gimmick: Guaranteed Trade-In Value What's the catch? Cars must be serviced by Hyundai dealers to qualify

Aviation Expert Says Boeing 737 Cracks Weren't Supposed To Happen The cracks raise questions about how an airliner 'ages'

Government Orders More Transparency For Airline Fees The changes are among new rules designed to benefit passengers

Five Ways To 'Green Up' Your Ride Here's a way to help the environment and improve gas mileage tool

Investment Adviser Pleads Guilty to Bank and Wire Fraud Charges Adviser was counsel to municipalities, credit unions, school districts

Taylor, Bean Chairman Convicted in $2.9 Billion Fraud Scheme Defendant once boasted he “could rob a bank with a pencil”

White House Declares 'Epidemic' of Prescription Drug Abuse Multi-agency effort aims to reduce misuse of opioids

Alzheimer's Diagnostic Guidelines Updated It's the first update in decades; NIH proposes use of biomarkers

FDA Approves Drug to Treat Two Rare Disorders Rituxan shown to help patients with blood vessel inflammation

What's On Your Mind? Chemistry.com, GE, Right Size Our daily rundown of consumer reviews

Recalls

• 7 Million Chesapeake Bay, Modern Light Tea Candles Recalled

April 19, 2011

Louisiana Suit Seeks Clean-Up of 'Fracking' Damage Exco well blew out in Caddo Parish, contaminated groundwater

Ooops, Slip-Up Exposes Private Data of 3 Million Texans Scam artists quick to hit the phones searching for more data

New York Wants Study of 'Fracking' Hazards State threatens to sue federal government if it doesn't take action

California Sues Over Pre-Paid Funerals States sues one of the nation's largest funeral trusts over pre-paid funerals

Housing Starts Rise In March But what that means for the housing market is not clear

Arthritis 'Miracle' Drug Caused Breast Cancer, Suit Charges Abbott Labs accused of not adequately warning Humira users

Admissions Rep Sues Pennsylvania Trade School Pennco Tech admitted every student who applied, suit charges

Mystery Shoppers Find Problems With Paid Tax Preparers Studies find shoddy work, high fees, problems with refund anticipation loans

Consumer Drops Taco Bell Lawsuit Over Meat Claims Company says it was right all along

'Jane Doe' Comes Forward in Match.com Case Dating site says it will start screening for sex offenders

Blogger Calls Out Facebook On Security Issues Says Facebook should take initiative to protect users

What's On Your Mind? Epson, DIRECTV, Paypal, Toshiba Our daily rundown on consumer reviews

Recalls

• Lithium-Ion Batteries Used in Magicshine Bike Lights Recalled
• Spot Recalls Satellite Communicator

April 18, 2011

Scam Alert: Don't Pay to Join Mortgage 'Relief' Lawsuits Watch out for lawyers promising guaranteed results, big damage awards

Woman Sues Match.com After Her Date Allegedly Raped Her Suit seeks an injunction requiring the dating site to check its members' backgrounds

Subprime Loans, Consumer Abuses Still Common in Auto Sales Car dealers aren't covered by new consumer protection laws

Nevada Realtor Arrested In Alleged Foreclosure Scam Investors should tread carefully in foreclosure auction process

Oil Prices Drop. Will Gas Prices Follow? Oil traders may be concerned there is too much oil

Why Do Credit Card Companies Lower Your Credit Limit? Ideally, creditors like you to keep your balance at 30 percent or below your limit

FDA Approves New Device to Treat Brain Cancer NovoTTF uses electrical fields to interrupt tumor growth

Audit Finds IRS Paid $500 Million In Unjustified Home Buyer Credits Many claimants already had houses

'To Catch a Predator' Catches One of Its Own Computer programmer convicted of unleashing botnet attack on his former allies

What's On Your Mind? Refunds, Credit Repair, Junk Mail, Timeshares Our daily look at consumer reviews

April 17, 2011

Feds Deal Bad Hand to Poker Sites Major sites shut down, owners indicted, assets seized

Six Banks Close In Last Week Toll for the year is running behind last year's total

April 15, 2011

Study: U.S. Meat, Poultry Widely Contaminated But meat industry calls the findings 'misleading'

Beware The 'Your Facebook Password Is Not Safe' Scam Spam email contains dangerous Trojan

Gas Prices Gain Another Eight Cents In Last Week Prices rise despite a drop in demand

Why Salt May Spike Your Blood Pressure Researchers say finding may lead to better understanding of the condition

Revolutionary Road: DC Motorists Protest Toll Road Taxes Dulles Airport's rulers are unelected and not empowered to extract taxes, suit charges

Consumer Prices Jump In March Energy and food costs lead the way

Suit Charges Capital One Used Robo-Signing to Collect Debts The bank and its lawyers cited non-existent and incorrect documents, suit charges

What's On Your Mind? Toro, AARP, Anchor Hocking, Capital One Our daily rundown of consumer reviews

Bogus 'Complaint Removal' Sites Prey on Small Businesses Scam artists mislead business owners targeted by angry customers

April 14, 2011

California Pyramid, Stock Scam Netted Millions Promoters convicted and face more than 20 years in prison

Feds Probe Toyota Airbag Problems It's the latest safety headache for Toyota

Injected Gel Could Spell Arthritis Relief Could also be used to treat other diseases, researchers say

Acai Berry 'News Reports' Are Bogus, Feds Charge Websites claim to be objective news reports touting supposed health benefits of acai products

FTC Socks Online Retailers for Missing EnergyGuide Information Law requires online sites to post EnergyGuide data on major appliances

Foreclosure Activity Falls In First Quarter But that doesn't mean the housing market is on the mend

Report Blasts Banks For Flawed Foreclosure Process But consumer groups say the consent agreement falls short

Wells Fargo Testing Micro-Chip Credit Card Experimental card is being offered to frequent overseas travelers

IRS Takes To YouTube With Last Minute Tax Tips Tax filing deadline is coming up fast

What's On Your Mind? Shopper Discounts, Collect Calls, Empire Today Our daily look at consumer reviews

Recalls

• Lennox Recalls Garage Heaters
• Monkeez & Friends Wrist Rattles and Baby Booties Recalled
• MTD Recalls Cub Cadet Riding Lawn Mowers
• Ford Expands Recall of F-150 Trucks, Lincoln Mark LT