Current Events in November 2022

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2022

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    Amazon unveils Cyber Monday deals

    The discounts will go into effect Saturday, November 26

    Amazon’s Black Friday sale is still days away, and now the company is getting shoppers ready for what’s to come after that – Cyber Monday sales. 

    While some of Amazon’s Black Friday deals are already underway, the company announced that Cyber Monday sales will start promptly on Saturday, November 26, and run through Monday, November 28.

    The sale is expected to feature some of the biggest brands of the holiday season – Mr. Coffee, Anastasia Beverly Hills, and Bose, among several others. 

    Leading up to both the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, Amazon will offer discounts on a handful of items every day. This is in addition to the daily Deal of the Day and will feature brands like Adidas, Casper, SodaStream, Oakley, and more. 

    Here’s what will be discounted

    Similar to its Black Friday sale, during Cyber Monday, Amazon plans to drop new deals every 30 minutes of the three-day savings event. However, the company has already announced many of its biggest sales for this upcoming weekend: 

    • Up to 30% off Solo Stove fire pits 

    • Up to 45% off BLACK+DECKER tools

    • Up to 30% off American Girl dolls and accessories, LEGO sets, and Bluey toys

    • Up to 70% off select Alexa devices – including Fire TV and Echo 

    • Up to 40% off clothes from HappyNation

    • Up to 50% off Gap clothing and accessories

    • Up to 25% off items from Snoop Doggie Doggs 

    • Up to 60% off Ring and Blink devices and accessories

    • Up to 30% off accessories from Anker

    • Up to 25% off Kourtney Kardashian’s Lemme vitamins

    • Up to 40% off Mr. Coffee coffeemakers

    • Up to 30% off hair products from T3 

    • Up to 50% off DASH air fryers and meat thermometers

    • Up to 30% off Segway, Jetson, and Hurley e-scooters and bikes

    • Up to 40% off Bose, Sony, and JBL headphones and speakers

    • Up to 30% off Marvel clothing and toys

    • Up to 40% off Tommy Hilfiger clothes and accessories

    • Up to 45% off clothes from Simple Joys by Carter’s and Amazon Essentials

    • Up to 40% off eero mesh Wi-Fi systems

    • Up to 40% off BALEAF athletic clothing

    • Up to 40% off Skullcandy and Shokz headphones

    • Up to 50% off premium beauty brands – Anastasia Beverly Hills, Murad, and more

    • Up to 30% off Peloton accessories and clothing

    Support small businesses and get gift ideas from influencers

    While Amazon is hosting sales on some of the biggest national brands, there is also opportunity for shoppers to support small businesses this holiday season. 

    Resources like the Small Business Gift Guide, the filter to shop for emerging brands, and the link to shop Amazon Handmade, allow consumers to shop for a wide range of gifts while supporting small businesses. These links feature affordable gift guides, ideas for stocking stuffers, and recommendations from celebrities. 

    In addition, social media influencers have partnered with Amazon to share their gift ideas for Cyber Monday and the rest of the holidays. Storm Reid, Remi Bader, Vinnie Hacker, and Dixie D’Amelio have covered nearly every gifting category – apparel, handbags, home goods, electronics, teens, technology, and more. 

    Amazon’s Black Friday sale is still days away, and now the company is getting shoppers ready for what’s to come after that – Cyber Monday sales. While...

    Here are the five cities with the lowest first-year homeownership costs

    Two Midwestern cities are the most affordable

    Buying a home is more costly than it has been in a decade. Not only have prices risen dramatically since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, but interest rates are also rising.

    Some of those costs are frontloaded into the first year of homeownership. But that first year costs less in some cities than in others. People contemplating a move to a more affordable city might do well to consider those cities that are kindest to the housing budget.

    Analysts at SmartAsset, a financial website, compared 20 of America’s major cities, looking at five metrics. They considered a 20% down payment on the median-valued home, the average closing costs, monthly mortgage payment, property taxes, and homeowners insurance. 

    Indianapolis ranks first in terms of first-year affordability. The median home price is $220,500 – more than $100,000 below the national average. Closing costs average around $3,000. Property taxes are also low.

    It’s followed by another Midwestern city, Columbus, Ohio. The median home price is $236,000 and the average closing costs are second-lowest in the study at just $3,541.

    Philadelphia ranks third. While median home prices are higher than in Indianapolis and Columbus,  upfront costs to get into a home are around $55,016. The City of Brotherly Love might rank higher but its average closing costs of more than $8,000 are the second-highest in the study.

    Number four and five on the list are both major cities in the South. Houston ranks fourth with an affordable median home value of  $261,500. Upfront costs, including closing costs, averaged $56,400 in 2022. First-year housing costs average $79,000.

    Rounding out the top five is Jacksonville, Fla. Buying a home there will cost $85,631 in the first full year of homeownership, including $64,062 in upfront costs and $21,569 in annual recurring expenses.

    California cities are a lot more expensive

    Those five housing markets are huge bargains compared to the most expensive cities. The top four most expensive cities in the first year are all in California – San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles, and San Diego.

    That said, no city escaped first-year homeownership costs increases, which, according to SmartAssets, increased dramatically this year. The average monthly mortgage payment exceeds $1,000 in all 20 cities in the study. 

    Buying a home is more costly than it has been in a decade. Not only have prices risen dramatically since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, but interest r...

    Here are five ways to avoid holiday package delivery hassles

    When ordering online during the holidays, take nothing for granted

    By this time next week FedEx, UPS, Amazon Prime, and other shipping trucks will be busy delivering all the merchandise purchased on Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

    To make sure the deliveries go smoothly, avoiding everything from porch pirates to crushed boxes, here are some tips from shipping experts.

    Don’t assume that your purchase will be delivered on time and in perfect condition. It might, but with millions of packages in the system, anything can happen.

    If you are having a valuable or fragile item delivered to your home, it may be wise to purchase shipping insurance. For fragile items, it will also pay to ship them overnight, since the less time the item spends in the system the better. 

    And it goes without saying, always get tracking numbers for your purchases and check the shipping progress periodically.

    Watch out for scammers

    You can expect scammers to step up their game in the wake of the year’s busiest shopping days. Don’t be fooled by texts, calls, or emails about a “missed delivery.” 

    If a real delivery company misses you, it will leave a notice on your door with instructions on how to pick up your order. If you receive a missed delivery notice, examine the form carefully to make sure it is authentic and only then follow their instructions. 

    It’s also important to remember everything you have ordered so you know what is coming and when. Don't click on any links. Instead,  go to the delivery carrier's website directly or log in and use the retailer's tracking tools. 

    If you think you might not be home when a delivery is made, request a signature. While that may entail an extra change it means the delivery company won’t leave a package on your doorstep, where it might tempt a porch pirate.

    Don’t let packages sit on the porch

    If a package is dropped on your porch, make sure you get it inside as quickly as possible. Packages left sitting outside are particularly vulnerable to theft.

    If you don’t expect to be home when the package is delivered, have it delivered to your place of employment, if possible. You could also ask a neighbor if they would be willing to accept the package for you.

    UPS and other delivery services have contracts with retail chains, whose stores will accept a package and hold it until the recipient can show up to collect it.

    Finally, open the box as soon as it is delivered. Look for signs of damage or tampering. If you see something that doesn’t seem right, contact the seller right away. Make sure you understand the merchant’s return policy for damaged or unwanted items. 

    By this time next week FedEx, UPS, Amazon Prime, and other shipping trucks will be busy delivering all the merchandise purchased on Black Friday and Cyber...

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      Amazon and FBI impersonation scams move to the front burner

      Expert tips on how to keep your personal data and money from winding up in the wrong hands

      The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reports that impersonation scams are the number one consumer complaint with close to 300,000 in the last year. And who better for a scammer to try and undermine but the kajillions of shoppers Amazon has?

      So far this year, Amazon scam analysts found that fake order confirmations accounted for more than 50% of all Amazon impersonation scams reported by its customers. Most of the time, the ruse was to try and trick a customer into confirming a supposed purchase – and do it ASAP!

      But when the target realizes that they didn’t make that purchase and tries to cancel the fake order by clicking a link or calling the supposed “customer service” number, the scammers are ready and waiting to steal their personal or financial information. 

      The FBI is getting hit with a slew of new impersonation scams, too, with fakers calling consumers claiming they’re an FBI agent collecting on a legal judgment entered against the person. That’s probably even more menacing than your typical impersonation scam because the threat of being arrested or being on the wrong end of the law is the last thing anyone wants to hear.

      Bone up on your Amazon impersonation know-how

      The third and fourth quarters of every year are the high season for scammers and with online shopping starting to peak, being vigilant is a must. To help readers, Amazon shared a slate of shopping tips so everyone can get in on the action of taking down scammers.

      Verify purchases on Amazon. If you receive a message about the purchase of a product or service, do not respond to the message or click on any link in the message. Instead, log into your Amazon account or use the Amazon mobile app and confirm that it is really in your purchase history before taking any action.

      Trust Amazon’s App & Website. “Amazon will not ask for payment over the phone or email, only in the Amazon mobile app, on Amazon.com, or in one of Amazon’s physical stores,” an Amazon spokesperson told ConsumerAffairs. “Amazon will not call and ask you to make a payment or bank transfer on some other website.”

      Be wary of false urgency. Getting a target all worked up is a scammer’s passion. They often try to create a sense of urgency to persuade you to do what they’re asking, but if someone calls and tries to move you into “now” mode, be careful – even if they say they’re your grandson and they’re in jail.

      Don’t be pressured into buying a gift card. Gift cards are another fave of scammers, but Amazon said that it will never ask anyone, anywhere, anytime to purchase a gift card – and no legitimate sale or transaction will require you to pay with gift cards, either. Amazon shoppers can learn more about common gift card scams on Amazon’s help pages.

      Contact Amazon. “If you’re ever unsure, it’s safest to stop engaging with the potential scammer and Contact Amazon directly through the Amazon app or website. Do not call numbers sent over text or email, or found in online search results,” the company spokesperson said. 

      “Remember Amazon will not ask you to download or install any software to connect with customer service nor will we request payment for any customer service support.”

      If you smell something fishy, report it. If you think something is a little weird – like an email from Amazon – the company would like you to do it a favor and report it immediately. You can either report a suspicious message to the company at stop-spoofing@amazon.com or you can use its self-reporting tool. Either way, you’ll be helping out all your fellow Amazon shoppers. 

      FBI scam warning advice

      The tips the FBI shared that people can use to spot and stop an impersonation scammer go like this: 

      Know that government agencies don’t call and demand money or personal information. It doesn’t matter if you owe money, no honest-to-goodness government representative will ever call anyone to threaten to arrest them, freeze their accounts, or take their property.

      Never pay anyone who tells you to pay with gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers. Again, no government agency, including the FBI, demands payment by any of those means. Anyone who does is a scammer. Always.

      Don’t trust caller ID. Sorry to have to break the news to you, but scammers are getting smarter. Nowadays, they use technology to fake the number they call from. “Never call back phone numbers from your caller ID or voicemails,”  the agency warns.

      Check with the FBI if you think the call or email is real. If you’re worried about an email you get – one that claims it’s from the FBI – contact one of its field offices to check out the call before you act.

      The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reports that impersonation scams are the number one consumer complaint with close to 300,000 in the last year. And who b...

      Your smart TV giving you fits? You might be able to fix things with a new, inexpensive streaming device.

      Streaming expert offers suggestions and how to get around any issues

      Black Friday and Cyber Monday are about to come out of the shadows and into their “BUY NOW!” bombardment mode. Sales pitches are expected to center around better picture quality and bigger screens, but some are going to be angled towards better software that will make smart TVs even smarter. One TV techster says you might want to stick with what you’ve got.

      “Nearly all smart TV problems can be solved with an external streaming device, such as a Roku player, Fire TV Stick, or Apple TV streaming box,” CordCutterConfidential’s Jared Newman says.

      It’s as easy as pie in Newman’s estimation – not only can you plug one of those devices into your existing TV to get a much better smart TV experience, but you’ll save hundreds of dollars without tossing your current set and buying a new one.

      “This might be an obvious point for the tech-savvier among us, but I’ve heard from lots of folks over the years who’ve assumed they need to replace a perfectly good TV because of slow software, outdated apps, or weak Wi-Fi connectivity. While the TV makers might prefer that you buy an entirely new TV to fix these issues, I assure you there’s a better way,” Newman commented.

      What to look for

      It may be news to you – and, admittedly, it was news to us – but Newman claims external boxes/players are often faster than built-in smart TV software, and depending on your TV maker, they might have better app selections as an added bonus. 

      Before you jump and buy one, though, Newman suggests making sure you don’t have any existing problems with your Wi-Fi network. A call to your internet service provider might identify any problems and save you even more money.

      Among the streaming devices that Newman thinks will do the trick, he lists:

      Roku Streaming Stick 4K. “[It] is simple to use, supports both Dolby Vision HDR and HDR10+,” Newman said. The lowest prices ConsumerAffairs found were at BestBuy, Amazon, and the Roku store for $24.99 and at Walmart for a penny less at $24.98. 

      Roku Streambar ($130) and Streambar Pro ($180) give consumers the one-two punch of soundbars and streaming boxes, so going that route would give you an upgrade in your smart TV experience as well as better sound quality.

      Chromecast with Google TV (HD). Chromecast was one of the originators of streaming devices, and it’s still hanging in there and well-liked. Amazon offers the device for $18 and Best Buy and Google have it for $19.99. “A fine upgrade for older 1080p televisions … Unlike other streamers in this price range, its remote control has TV volume and power controls, so you don’t need to juggle a separate remote,” Newman claims.

      Apple TV 4K. Apple doesn’t do anything at entry-level price points, but Newman thinks that if someone can afford $99, this box is an excellent choice, because of its speedy performance and an ad-free menu system if nothing else. 

      Buying a new streaming device is only half the battle

      Newman warns that while buying a new streaming device will certainly have your TV doing new tricks, there might be some configuring to do with your smart TV’s settings.

      “Many modern smart TVs really want you to use their built-in software for the sake of ‘post-purchase monetization,’ and will switch to it by default when you turn the TV on,” Newman said, pointing out these smart TVs that may make the user jump through those hoops:

      • Samsung TVs

      • Vizio SmartCast TVs

      • LG TVs

      • Roku TVs

      • Fire TV Edition TVs

      • Google TVs

      Rather than get too deep in the technology weeds, if you have one of those TVs, you can check out Newman’s steps to adjust those settings easily at the bottom of this webpage

      Black Friday and Cyber Monday are about to come out of the shadows and into their “BUY NOW!” bombardment mode. Sales pitches are expected to center around...

      Holiday motorists will encounter record-high Thanksgiving gas prices this week

      But prices are also falling at a record pace

      Thanksgiving holiday motorists will encounter the highest gasoline prices on record this week but that isn’t expected to deter travel, even amid rising inflation and worries about an impending recession.

      In its annual projection, AAA predicts 54.6 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home this Thanksgiving. That’s an increase of 1.5% over 2021 and 98% of pre-pandemic travel volumes. In fact, this could be the third busiest year for Thanksgiving travel since AAA started tracking in 2000.

      “Families and friends are eager to spend time together this Thanksgiving, one of the busiest for travel in the past two decades,” said Paula Twidale, AAA’s senior vice president of Travel. “Plan ahead and pack your patience, whether you’re driving or flying.

      Most will drive

      AAA predicts most travelers will drive to their destinations, much like last year. Nearly 49 million people are expected to travel by car. 

      While Thanksgiving road trips have slightly risen – up 0.4% from 2021 – car travel remains 2.5% below 2019 levels. This year, the price at the pump may be a contributing factor.

      The AAA daily survey shows the national average price of regular gas is $3.66 a gallon, the highest on record. But trends are moving in motorists’ favor. Prices are falling each day and are now more than 11 cents a gallon less than seven days ago.

      On Friday, Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, reported the average price of regular had fallen more than four cents a gallon from Thursday, calling it the largest one-day drop ever recorded.

      Prices are highest in California

      Drivers will encounter the highest fuel prices in the nation in California. The statewide average price of regular is $5.25 a gallon. Hawaii is not far behind with a statewide average of $5.20 a gallon, followed by Nevada at $4.87.

      Motorists in Texas will find the cheapest gas prices in the nation, the only state with a two-handle statewide average of $2.99 a gallon. Mississippi is close behind with an average price of $3.12 a gallon, followed by Arkansas at $3.13.

      AAA reports air travel for Thanksgiving week is expected to be up 8% over 2021, with 4.5 million Americans flying to their Thanksgiving destinations this year. That’s an increase of more than 330,000 travelers and nearly 99% of the 2019 volume. 

      “Airport parking spaces fill up fast, so reserve a spot ahead of time and arrive early,” Twidale said. “Anticipate long TSA lines. If possible, avoid checking a bag to allow for more flexibility if flights are delayed or you need to reschedule.”

      Thanksgiving holiday motorists will encounter the highest gasoline prices on record this week but that isn’t expected to deter travel, even amid rising inf...

      DICK’S Sporting Goods releases Black Friday deals

      Stores will have extended hours on Black Friday

      With Black Friday just days away, consumers are narrowing down their holiday shopping lists. Now, DICK'S Sporting Goods has released its Black Friday deals, some of which have already started, as well as holiday gift ideas. 

      The gift guide, which is live now, will continue to be updated with new deals and savings opportunities through Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The sales cover a wide variety of brands, including YETI, North Face, Peloton, and more. 

      To add to consumers’ savings this holiday season, DICK’S will honor price matching. Any customer who proves that they can get the same item for a lower price at a different store will receive that same low price at DICK’S. 

      While DICK’s stores will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, the sporting goods company will have extended hours on Black Friday, with all stores staying open from 6:00 am through 10:00 pm. 

      What’s on sale?

      DICK’S kicked off its Black Friday offerings on November 20, and these sales will run through Saturday, November 26. Here’s what shoppers can expect: 

      • 30% off North Face hoodies
      • Up to $230 off select golf clubs
      • Up to 50% off Adidas shoes and clothes
      • 50% off Nishiki youth Pueblo bikes
      • Up to 30% off Nike shoes and clothes
      • Up to 60% off basketball hoops from Goliath & Lifetime
      • Select NCAA fleeces, quarter zips, and polos for $21.98 

      Then, starting on Thanksgiving Day and running through November 26, DICK’S will offer a few more sales for shoppers. 

      • 25% off Sorel shoes
      • $2,500 off the Prince 6800 table tennis table 
      • Up to 30% off Brooks shoes 

      Choose how to shop

      DICK’S customers can choose the shopping option that’s most convenient for them this holiday season: ship to home, in-store shopping, one-hour pickup, or same-day delivery with Instacart or DoorDash.

      Additionally, DICK’S ScoreCard members receive free shipping on all orders of $49 or more, and most DICK’S stores will have extended hours for shopping during the holiday season. 

      With Black Friday just days away, consumers are narrowing down their holiday shopping lists. Now, DICK'S Sporting Goods has released its Black Friday deals...

      Is it safe to buy from an online pharmacy?

      It is, as long as you make sure you’re dealing with a legitimate pharmacy

      With inflation eroding consumers’ purchasing power many people are looking for ways to save money anywhere they can. Some may be thinking about switching their prescription medications to an online pharmacy.

      You can save money but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says you should approach online pharmacies with caution.

      Not all websites that sell prescription drugs are the same. Over the years the FDA has identified some unsafe online pharmacies that claim to sell prescription drugs at deeply discounted prices, sometimes without even requiring a prescription. 

      Investigations have shown that some of these internet-based pharmacies often sell unapproved, counterfeit or otherwise unsafe medicines outside the safeguards and standards followed by licensed pharmacies.

      In some cases, an unsafe online pharmacy will set up fake “storefronts” to imitate licensed pharmacies. While many of these kinds of pharmacies are located outside the U.S., the FDA says they will go to great lengths to make you think their medicines come from countries with high safety standards. 

      But the fact is, consumers may have no clue where the drugs are manufactured. They could have been made in countries where there is no regulation or oversight.

      Red flags

      The FDA has established this website to help consumers judge online pharmacies for quality and safety. Here are some red flags indicating the pharmacy you’re considering isn’t quite what it appears to be.

      • The pharmacy does not require a doctor’s prescription

      • The pharmacy is not licensed in the U.S. and by your state board of pharmacy

      • It does not have a licensed pharmacist on staff to answer your questions

      • It ships pills that look different than what you receive at your usual pharmacy, or the medicine arrives in packaging that is broken, damaged, in a foreign language, has no expiration date, or is expired

      • It offers deep discounts or prices that seem too good to be true

      • It charges you for products you never ordered or received

      • It does not provide clear written statements about how it protects your personal and financial information

      • It sells your information to other websites

      What could go wrong?

      The FDA says consumers should avoid these pharmacies for a number of reasons. They may have too much or too little of the drug’s active ingredient. They could even not have any of the right ingredients.

      A legitimate online pharmacy always requires a doctor’s prescription to purchase prescription medication. The company should also list a physical address and telephone number in the U.S.

      There should also be a licensed pharmacist on staff to answer your questions. And any legitimate online pharmacy should be licensed with a state board of pharmacy.

      If you find a legitimate online pharmacy, you should be able to save money on your medication. Many of these online pharmacies are operated by major retailers, such as CVS, Costco, and Amazon.

      With inflation eroding consumers’ purchasing power many people are looking for ways to save money anywhere they can. Some may be thinking about switching t...

      What’s cheaper – eating Thanksgiving dinner out or cooking? ConsumerAffairs does the math.

      The lowdown on meal deals from Bob Evans, Cracker Barrel, Golden Corral, Boston Market

      If you’re going grocery shopping this weekend, better bring along the piggy bank and prepare to go head-to-head with consumers who want green beans and mac and cheese.

      While discount grocers like Aldi and Lidl have tried to create deals and packages to help Americans save money on their Thanksgiving dinner essentials, not everyone shops at those stores. And those who don’t better brace themselves because, as Foodmarket.com reports, they’ll be facing double-digit percent increases in the price of turkey, potatoes, stuffing, and canned pumpkin.

      Datasembly, a real-time product data company, predicts that this year’s Thanksgiving dinner will be vastly more expensive than 2021, with the average Thanksgiving dinner for a family of 8-10 costing consumers 17.8% more this year than last year.

      Gobble’ing up price increases

      The biggest issue is probably the turkey supply. Mark Jordan, executive director of Leap Market Analytics, said that U.S. turkey supplies are at their lowest level in more than 30 years. He told Foodmarket that the wholesale price of a frozen, 8-16 pound turkey is predicted to hit $1.77 per pound, up 28% from the same month a year ago.

      Jordan said that there should be plenty of big birds available because companies have been shifting a higher percentage of whole turkeys to make sure they could meet the holiday demand. But for shoppers who prefer turkey breasts, those might be harder to find and as for ham lovers, prices will be higher there, too. 

      On the other hand, about those side items

      Ok, let’s get serious about sides. If you love a good green bean casserole or pumpkin pie, you’re gonna have to pay more for those items too. Not that it’ll break the bank, but canned pumpkin is up 17% from 2021.

      Because of the Ukraine-driven grain shortage, Kraft Heinz was forced to raise its prices overall by 12.4% compared to a year ago so that means its mac and cheese will cost more.

      And the other little special sides usually reserved for Thanksgiving are also costing a pretty penny, too this year. Datasemby said that a 16-ounce box of stuffing costs 14% more than last year. And recent prices for a 5-pound bag of Russet potatoes averaged $3.26 – 45.5% higher than a year ago.

      But, there is some good news – if you like cranberry sauce and green beans

      Not everyone’s a fan of cranberry sauce – especially eaters in Kentucky, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Washington state according to a new Crestline study – but if it’s one of the chef’s musts, they’ll be saving money.

      Cranberry season was pretty good this year and prices were up less than 5% between the end of September and the beginning of November, Paul Mitchell, an agricultural economist and professor at the University of Wisconsin, told Foodmarket. 

      Green beans are a decent bargain as well, compared to everything else on the grocery shelves. According to the UDSA figures for the second week of November, green beans cost just two cents more per pound. 

      Restaurant deals may be better than going the homemade route

      It may be difficult for traditionalists to even consider such a thing, but a Thanksgiving survey by personal finance site FinanceBuzz found that 69% of Americans would actually consider getting their Thanksgiving meal pre-cooked from a local restaurant.

      Restaurant Business reports that the deals are a-plenty at chain restaurants, too. Here’s what their researchers found:

      Boston Market: $11.99 per person. Complete roasted turkey meals for 12 folks, complete with mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetable stuffing, spinach-artichoke dip and crackers, cranberry relish, bread rolls, and pumpkin and apple pie.

      Bob Evans: $85.99 for six ($14.33 per person). The chain’s Hot Family Meal To Go for six includes ham steaks, turkey, bread, stuffing, mashed potatoes with gravy, greens beans, corn, rolls, cranberry relish, and pumpkin pie.  

      Cracker Barrel: $14.99 per person. Thanksgiving Heat n’ Serve Feast for 8-10 includes turkey breast with gravy and all the fixings – sweet potato casserole, cornbread dressing, cranberry relish, yeast rolls, a choice of sides, and dessert.

      Golden Corral: $20.99 per person. For smaller families, this seems like a good deal: Ready-to-eat meals for 6-8 people with roast turkey, glazed ham and beef roast, paired with sides such as mashed potatoes with gravy, cranberry sauce, stuffing, plus whole pumpkin and pecan pies.

      If you’re going grocery shopping this weekend, better bring along the piggy bank and prepare to go head-to-head with consumers who want green beans and mac...

      Both the airline and the traveler win from add-on fees, a new report suggests

      DOT continues to fight the good fight for consumers on fare transparency

      The newest airline ancillary revenue report is out and, boy, oh, boy, are the airlines making bank off of those little ancillary fees.

      Adding together fees for baggage, seat selection, and boarding priority along with commissions gained from hotel bookings and the sale of frequent flier miles to partners, those cha-chings are on track to hit $102.8 billion worldwide in 2022, compared to $65.8 billion in 2021.

      The report – prepared by CarTrawler, the leading provider of online car rental distribution systems, and IdeaWorksCompany, the foremost consultant on ancillary revenue, says there’s actually a double benefit of ancillary revenue: one that creates a stable income source for airlines while also contributing to lower fares for consumers. 

      “Airlines generate indirect and direct sales, such as buy-on-board meals and more leg room, from ancillary revenue activity. When customers use a co-branded credit card or book car hire at an airline website, this generates indirect revenue. Partners share a portion of the sales generated from these activities with an airline,” Jay Sorensen, president, IdeaWorksCompany, told ConsumerAffairs.

      The report claims that airlines have turned to generating ancillary revenue mostly out of competitive necessity, but again suggests that the result has also lowered the overall cost of travel for consumers.

      For example, the 2013 global average one-way fare was $306.20, plus optional extras at $9.64, for a combined consumer cost of $315.84. Jumping to 2022, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) projected a one-way fare had decreased to $140.69. Adding in all the available optional extras at $17.68, the final total winds up at $158.37 – a 50% inflation-adjusted reduction over ten years.

      Airlines still need to make sure the consumer’s business is valued

      The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has made no bones about its dissatisfaction with certain airlines and how they treat their customers. Recently, the agency wrote $600 million worth of refund checks and fined six airlines for failing to honor their refund obligations.

      But with as much value as the ancillary revenue system means to airlines, the study’s analysts say that airlines need to make sure the consumer gets their respect, too.

      In Sorensen’s opinion, the very best airline practitioners will create consumer-facing strategies like offering bundles using a “good, better, and best” approach to speed the shopping process, and only describe bundled savings that are legitimate.

      That would certainly make the DOT happy – and none too soon. The agency plans on having all of its efforts on fare transparency wrapped up and making a new rule by the first of the year.

      That rule – if enacted – would significantly strengthen protections for consumers by ensuring any fees charged to seat a young child with an accompanying adult, change or cancel a flight, or travel with a first checked bag, a second checked bag, or a carry-on bag would be disclosed whenever fare and schedule information is provided for flights to, within, and from the United States. 

      Online airfare sellers will have to get in step with the rule, too. The department also wants to require that airlines provide usable, current, and accurate information to ticket agents so that they can display the carrier’s fare and schedule information, as well.

      The newest airline ancillary revenue report is out and, boy, oh, boy, are the airlines making bank off of those little ancillary fees.Adding together f...

      Mortgage rates are falling and home prices have leveled off - good news for buyers

      But industry experts say the return to an affordable market may take a while

      Home prices and mortgage rates are joined at the hip. When both go up, home sales fall. That appears to be happening now with benefits for buyers.

      A new report from real estate marketplace Zillow found that home prices have fallen sharply from their record highs reached earlier this year. High mortgage rates have simply made a home purchase less affordable for millions of people.

      "Home prices in October remained in suspended animation as more buyers, but especially sellers, took a wait-and-see approach to market conditions," said Skylar Olsen, chief economist at Zillow. "Fewer home sales is the hallmark of a housing market lull, but right now potential sellers sensitive to losing their historically low mortgage rates have as much, if not more, of a reason to wait for a robust spring season and hope for mortgage rate relief.”

      A report from Freddie Mac suggests that relief is on the way. The company, chartered by Congress to supply mortgage funds, reports the average rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage fell from 7.08% last week to 6.61% this week, the largest one-week decline in 41 years.

      ‘Long road ahead’

      “Mortgage rates tumbled this week due to incoming data that suggests inflation may have peaked,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist. “While the decline in mortgage rates is welcome news, there is still a long road ahead for the housing market.”

      But the improvement in the environment for buyers is significant. The difference in monthly payments on a $300,000 mortgage is $200 a month when the mortgage rate declines by 1%.

      That said, rates will need to keep falling to encourage both buyers and sellers to return to the housing market. Khater says it’s hard to tell when that might happen.

      “Inflation remains elevated, the Federal Reserve is likely to keep interest rates high and consumers will continue to feel the impact,” he said.

      Monthly payments are still elevated

      According to Zillow, the monthly mortgage payment on the purchase of a typical house, even when putting 20% down, was $1,910 in October. That's up 77% over October 2021 and a 107% increase — nearly $1,000 — from 2019. 

      And that’s just the principal and interest. Taxes and insurance are also part of the monthly payment, stretching affordability for many to the brink.

      While prices should continue to fall as buyers sit on the sidelines, Zillow notes prices may not fall that fast. Home inventory levels remain tight as fewer current homeowners put their homes on the market.

      Since many current owners have mortgage rates between 3% and 4% they may be reluctant to sell and purchase another home that has a mortgage rate two or three points higher.

      Home prices and mortgage rates are joined at the hip. When both go up, home sales fall. That appears to be happening now with benefits for buyers.A new...

      Five ways to avoid identity theft this holiday season

      Consumers should exercise extra care this time of year

      According to the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) “Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book,” identity theft was the most common category of consumer complaints in both 2021 and 2022.

      In identity theft, a criminal has gained enough personal identifying information on the victim to take over their identity. With a full name, address, and Social Security number, the scammer can apply for loans and credit cards in the victim’s name.

      Security experts say consumers are especially vulnerable during the holiday season when they spend more time online and may be distracted by the season’s frantic pace. Fortunately, there are five easy ways to avoid becoming a victim.

      Say ‘no thanks’ to department store cards

      You may be checking out at a department store and the clerk offers an instant discount if you apply for the store’s charge card. But experts say it’s best to take a pass.

      The application is almost certain to require writing down highly sensitive and personal information. That creates an unnecessary vulnerability. Ask yourself if the discount is worth the risk.

      Watch out for credit card skimmers

      Scammers can always find a market for stolen credit card information but around the holidays, they receive a premium. One way they steal this data is through the use of “skimmers,” placed on gas pumps and ATMs.

      Pay close attention to these self-service terminals before inserting a payment card. Be on the lookout for signs of tampering, such as loose parts or colors that don’t match.

      Pay close attention to your account statements

      If you’re like many consumers you might check your bank or credit card statement with a cursory glance each month. Around the holidays, especially, it pays to review each and every item.

      The faster you can identify and report a fraudulent charge the better the chance you’ll resolve the issue in your favor. Experts say you should check online accounts several times each week looking for a charge you didn’t make.

      Don’t click on email links

      Phishing scams can easily lead to identity theft and criminals often accomplish their goals through emails, disguised as from a legitimate company, instructing the recipient to click on a link. Doing so might take the victim to a web page where they will be told to enter personal information.

      Even if the email appears to come from a good friend or family member be suspicious if it contains a link. Check with the source to make sure it’s real before clicking.

      Be careful when shopping online

      If you are shopping at one of the major retailer’s websites you can be reasonably sure it’s safe. But when it is an unknown company that just happens to have that hard-to-find item at a great price, watch out!

      Make sure the page is trustworthy by looking for the lock icon on the left side of the URL. And regardless of the time of year, never make an online purchase using public wi-fi. To stay completely safe, never send personal information in an email that could be intercepted.

      According to the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) “Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book,” identity theft was the most common category of consumer complaints...

      Many toys with safety recalls are still being sold, consumer group warns

      A pediatric emergency physician offers parents tips on what to look out for

      When it comes to toys, safety standards are usually high. Unfortunately, not all recalled toys are removed from store shelves in a timely manner. Potentially dangerous products can stay in the marketplace where unsuspecting adults can still easily purchase those flawed toys. 

      A recent investigation into 16 recently recalled toys by the U.S. PIRG Education Fund found that half were still available for purchase, sometimes in multiples from U.S.-based online sellers including Facebook Marketplace and eBay, as well as several online toy shops.

      We're not talking about used toys, either. The vast majority were new in the box or new with tags.

      The dangerous toys were innocent-looking enough – stuffed animals, action figures, activity balls for infants, musical toys, bath toys, and a toddler’s riding toy – but many of the toys presented choking or injury hazards.

      Aflac?

      Among the dangerous toys that U.S. PIRG reported still being sold were those from major and otherwise trustworthy brands, including:

      Blue's Clues Foot to Floor Ride-on Toys – about 28,550 recalled because the ride-on toy can tip forward when a young child is riding it, posing fall and injury hazards.

      Kidoozie Play Tents and Playhouses – about 251,600 have been recalled because the fabric playhouses and play tents fail to meet industry flammability standards.

      Disney Baby Winnie the Pooh Rattle Sets – nearly 10,000 available thru Walgreens and recalled because of a choking hazard.

      6” Aflac Plush Promotional Ducks – 600,000 recalled because the items contain levels of certain phthalates (plastics that can contain a type of acid) and lead that exceed the federal content standards. ConsumerAffairs found a large number of what appear to be those same ducks still available on eBay.

      Cracking down on the problem

      The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is trying to crack down on the threat of recalled toys left in the marketplace and sent a warning letter to Facebook/Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg in July. “We are aware of the growing challenges with these kinds of ecommerce sites,” the CPSC told U.S. PIRG Education Fund. 

      About 200,000 children go to an emergency room each year because of toy-related injuries or illnesses, according to the CPSC. The threats to children include recalled toys, counterfeit toys that don’t meet U.S. safety standards, and failure to heed warning labels. U.S. PIRG takes a deep dive into those issues and more in its 37th annual Trouble in Toyland report.

      “Toys overall are safer today. Injuries and recalls are down. But when 200,000 kids are going to emergency rooms every year for injuries involving toys, that’s clearly unacceptable,” said U.S. PIRG Education Fund Consumer Watchdog Teresa Murray.

      “Everyone – retailers, toy manufacturers, regulators, lawmakers, consumer advocates, and families – need to do more to protect children.” 

      Parents have a role to play in this issue

      It goes without saying that most parents would never put their kids in harm’s way with a toy that would likely be dangerous, including a recalled toy if they knew about any problems with that toy. But, guess what – in order for toys to be recalled, they have to be for sale.

      And that’s where a parent’s responsibility becomes more important, especially around gift-giving times. Whenever a child gets a new toy, Dr. Jerri Rose, associate division chief of pediatric emergency medicine, UH-Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital in Cleveland, says parent should inspect the toy thoroughly.

      Rose said the things parents should consider include: 

      • Are there small parts that can break off that the child could put in their mouth? A small part is defined by the CPSC as any object that fits completely into a test cylinder 1.25 wide by 2.25 inches long. This is about the size of the fully expanded throat of a child less than 3 years old. 

      • Could a piece of plastic or another part of the toy break easily and produce something sharp that could cut the child or poke an eye? 

      • Look at the label on the box or package. “Toys that are approved should say the age they’re approved for,” Rose said. 

      • Make sure that anything that’s electric says it’s UL-approved. 

      • Look for “non-toxic” labeling. 

      • If there are batteries, especially button batteries, make sure the compartments are secure and can’t be opened by a young child. Screws could come loose during shipping.

      • Is your child old enough to play with the toy responsibly? Just because a child is older than 3 doesn’t mean he can automatically be trusted to not put small parts in his mouth. Parents know their children best. 

      “There are a lot of toys out there that are perfectly safe for the appropriate age child,”  Rose said, noting it can be challenging when a family has children across a range of ages. 

      ConsumerAffairs scours product and government websites daily for recalls and toy recalls are a prominent part of our ongoing investigation. You can keep up with the most recent toy recalls here.

      When it comes to toys, safety standards are usually high. Unfortunately, not all recalled toys are removed from store shelves in a timely manner. Potential...

      Finding water inside your car? It’s more common than you think

      But there haven’t been that many recalls to address the issue

      Last week we reported that Mercedes-Benz issued a recall for some current model C300s because water could accumulate in the trunk area and pose a risk of an electrical short or fire.

      It turns out that many makes and model vehicles have problems with moisture accumulating where it shouldn’t be. However, recalls to address the issue have been few and far between.

      In recent months Nissan has issued a technical service bulletin (TSB) for the Rogue to address reports of roof leaks due to clogged sunroof drains, or water getting past roof rail mounts. Ford has issued a TSB to address complaints about water leaking through the map lights above the windshield.

      The Toyota RAV4 has drawn its share of online complaints about roof leaks. Some owners and automotive experts have pointed fingers at sunroof drains and luggage rack gaskets.

      Richard Reina, product training director at CARiD.com, says vehicles may spring leaks for a wide variety of reasons. It could be a problem with the manufacturing process – poor welds or missing or misaligned gaskets and seals.

      Poor repairs and neglected maintenance

      But it can also be a product of collision damage and poor repairs. Neglected maintenance can also result in debris collecting in drain hoses.

      “Based on owner complaints and factory TSBs, many water leaks seem to be caused by manufacturing defects,” Reina told ConsumerAffairs.

      According to the automotive blog motorsonwheels.com, water could be coming from the engine compartment. It notes that most cars have a cabin filter in the engine compartment that has a cover and seals to prevent water from leaking into the cabin. 

      Leaky seals, a result of improper installation of the filter, are often a source of water in the cabin. It can be repaired by having a mechanic replace all the covers and seals.

      In the case of the Mercedes-Benz recall, the company said it was acting because water in the trunk area could lead to various malfunctions, such as rear exterior lighting failure, unintentional rear seat folding, and rearview camera failure, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. It also increases the risk of a fire.

      Water collecting in the interior of a car or truck is never a good thing, and if severe could damage the vehicle’s resale value.

      Last week we reported that Mercedes-Benz issued a recall for some current model C300s because water could accumulate in the trunk area and pose a risk of a...

      What's the safest way to preserve Thanksgiving leftovers?

      Food safety experts weigh in on how to make the most of your meal this holiday season

      While the price of Thanksgiving dinner has been top of mind for many consumers this year, what about preserving all of those leftover meal items to last as long as possible? 

      Food safety experts are sharing their best tips on how to ensure that your family and friends are only eating foods that are fresh and safe this holiday season. 

      Pay attention to meat 

      With turkey being the star of the show for Thanksgiving dinner, it’s important to make sure that the meat is safe and cooked at the right temperature. Experts from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) encourage consumers to have a meat thermometer ready for Thanksgiving. 

      Turkey should be cooked to 165 degrees Fahrenheit in three key places: the thickest part of the breast, the innermost part of the thigh, and the innermost part of the wing. Checking each part of the turkey with a meat thermometer will ensure that the meat is cooked thoroughly and not overdone.

      This also goes for leftovers; be sure all food that is reheated is done so to the proper temperature. 

      “It’s important to keep food out of the danger zone, which is the temperature between 41 and 135 degrees,” said Alexis Hamilton, a postdoctoral associate and incoming assistant professor of food processing microbiology at Virginia Tech. “It’s important that foods pass through this range as quickly as possible. Basically, keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold.” 

      When it comes to preparing the turkey, experts from USDA also recommend not to wash it, and only to thaw it in the refrigerator. Washing raw meat can increase the risk of bacteria, while defrosting in the refrigerator allows the meat to thaw all the way through at a consistent rate. 

      Storing food

      When it comes to storing food, there are several key factors to keep in mind. For starters, all hot food should be left to cool before being transferred to the refrigerator or freezer. 

      On the other hand, leftovers can’t last forever, and it’s important to know when food has gone bad. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a chart that consumers can keep handy that details how long certain foods can last either in the refrigerator or in the freezer. However, should those foods go bad, consumers should look for: a weird taste, an odd texture, a bad smell, or mold. 

      If you’re really unsure whether or not something is spoiled or safe to eat, the USDA has a FoodKeeper app that’s available for both iPhone and Android. In the app, consumers can learn about how to safely handle and store over 650 food items, and get specific storage timelines for individual foods. 

      To prevent food from spoiling – and maximize your time with your Thanksgiving leftovers – the general rule of thumb is that most foods will last three to four days when properly sealed and stored in the refrigerator. That is unless they’re all eaten before then! 

      This rule stands for cooked meats, fish, macaroni and cheese, or casseroles. However, storing food in the freezer can extend the lifespan by months. Thanksgiving dinner can last through the new year if properly stored in an air-tight container or wrapped in tin foil, plastic wrap, or freezer paper. 

      “One trick I like to use is to put meals onto plates and place the amount for a few days in the fridge and put the rest in the freezer, where the foods will safely keep for a few months,” said Hamilton. “If you like Thanksgiving foods the best after a few weeks, I would suggest that you freeze the meal on Thanksgiving Day and defrost it when you want to eat it.” 

      While the price of Thanksgiving dinner has been top of mind for many consumers this year, what about preserving all of those leftover meal items to last as...

      Cold weather's coming and so are utility scammers

      Mobile phone security expert offers advice on how to keep a scammer from getting too far

      Is it cold where you are? Well, if you’re not feeling the pinch of the cost of heating your home, you probably will soon. The forecast for residential utility prices is up – way up – across the board.

      Natural gas is predicted to be 28% higher than last winter, heating oil up 27%, electricity up 10%, and propane up 5%. 

      And now that colder weather is starting to show its face, utility scammers are right behind with deals on how consumers – especially the ones trying to live within a budget – can save some money on their utility bills by doing rather commonplace things like inspecting your furnace, repairing your leaky roof, or cleaning your heating ducts.

      There are also scammers who may go for larger payoffs like offering to install solar panels on someone’s house.

      Fortunately – thanks to some insights from mobile communications company First Orion and tips from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) – ConsumerAffairs found some ways to help consumers keep their homes nice and toasty and their bank accounts from getting looted by those scammers.

      How to stay one step ahead of the scammers who show up at your house

      To stay ahead of winter weather-related scammers – and certainly before anyone hires a contractor who initiates contact – the FTC suggests the following:

      • Anyone know these guys? Get recommendations from people you know and trust, or maybe check with your contacts on NextDoor.

      • Show some proof! Ask contractors for IDs, licenses, proof of insurance, and references before paying for services. 

      • Sniff ‘em out online. Search online for the company’s name with words like “scam” or “complaint.”

      • “Could you please pay me in gift cards, ma’am?” “Pay by credit card or check, which offers you protections — never with cash, gift cards, or through wire transfer companies like Western Union or MoneyGram,” Terri Miller, a consumer education specialist at the FTC, said. “And only pay in full after the work is done and you’re satisfied with it.”

      • Get a contract.  Miller says smart consumers will avoid handshake deals. “Make sure all promises are in writing and that you understand what you’re signing,” she said.

      How to stay ahead of the ones that call

      Not every scammer will show up on your doorstep. There are those who live on the other side of the world who’ll call consumers up threatening to cut off their utilities, pitch them on a promise that the government will pay to put solar on their home, get some sort of tax rebate, or some cockamamie story about how they’ll never have to pay another utility bill ever again!

      “We’ve seen utility scams become more apparent since last March, with a noticeable increase in October. Ultimately, receiving free solar panels is too good to be true and likely is a scam attempt,” Kent Welch, chief data officer at First Orion, told ConsumerAffairs.

      "Threatening to shut off service for non-payment is another common tactic phone scammers use.”

      Welch tells us there are plenty of ways consumers can protect themselves.

      “The first recommendation I have for people is when receiving a call from a number that they don't know is simple, don't answer,” he said.

      “When a bad actor gets someone to answer their call, their goal is to pull whatever information they can out of them in the hopes of scamming them right then and there or adding new personal information to that person’s profile to scam them in the future.”

      Other tips Welch gave ConsumerAffairs include:

      Never give out your personal information over the phone if you do answer. “Utility companies do not demand banking information over the phone and won’t force you to pay by phone as your only option,” Welch said. He said that a scammer’s m.o. is to try and force urgency by making threats and pressuring people into making decisions quickly without being able to check the validity of their claims.

      If you do accidentally give away information, do not feel embarrassed. “These scammers are good at what they do. They make it hard to know if they are legit or not. That's why they steal so much money.” How much? First Orion estimates U.S. mobile subscribers received over 100 billion scam calls during the first six months of 2022 which shakes out to over 80 million successful scam attempts and cumulative financial losses as high as $40 billion.

      If you feel you've given personal information away or feel uneasy about an interaction, time is of the essence. Welch said the first call should be the utility provider to ensure it was them that called. If it wasn’t, the consumer should quickly contact the bank or credit card company tied to the information you shared with the scammers and inform them of the incident.

      “I know of several folks who have received these scam calls that threaten utility shut-off. In many cases, the recipient didn't even have an account with the utility company. In other cases, they had auto-draft set up and just checked their credit card or bank statement to confirm they weren’t behind in payment,” Welch said.

      Is it cold where you are? Well, if you’re not feeling the pinch of the cost of heating your home, you probably will soon. The forecast for residential util...