Welcome to Consumers’ Notebook, where we feature news-you-can-use and other timely information to help you become a more informed consumer. Check back often to read the latest pieces in our Notebook.
Update: Court Kills FTC’s Fraud-Fighting ‘CARS’ Rule
A U.S. appeals court has vacated the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Combating Auto Retail Scams (CARS) Rule, which would have banned bait-and-switch sales tactics and prohibited junk fees.
Update: Court Blocks New Rule Requiring Upfront Disclosure of Airline Fees
A federal appeals court has blocked a Department of Transportation rule that would have required airlines to disclose “ancillary” fees—extra costs for baggage, canceling a reservation, or changing a reservation—along with ticket prices.
Protect Yourself from Tax Return Identity Theft
Hundreds of thousands of Americans become victims of tax-related identity theft each year. The average time to resolve tax-return-theft claims is now 22 months. Here’s how to protect yourself.
Five Ways to Get Great Valentine’s Day Flowers for Less
Valentine's Day is right around the corner. Here are some tips on how to get beautiful blooms for less green.
What to Expect as You Prepare This Year’s Federal Tax Return
There are no new credits or deductions available for this filing season. However, the IRS has made its annual inflation adjustments for more than 60 tax provisions, including tax rate schedules and the standard deduction.
New Federal Rule Bans Hidden Hotel and Ticket Junk Fees
The Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Junk Fees Rule, which was announced in mid-December and will take effect in mid-2025, prohibits bait-and-switch pricing and other tactics used to bury junk fees and hide total prices for live-event ticketing and short-term lodging.
Government Lawsuit Alleges Three Major U.S. Banks Allowed ‘Fraud to Fester’ on Zelle
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has accused Zelle and three of the major U.S. banks that own the most widely available peer-to-peer payment system in America, of “failing to protect consumers from widespread fraud.”...
Watch Out: Fake Reviews Are Everywhere
While the research team at Checkbook.org spends enormous time and resources hunting down and eliminating ratings submitted by businesses, elsewhere, unfortunately, you can’t always trust online reviews.
Buying Toys on Overseas Websites Can be Risky
Cost-conscious consumers have discovered the convenience, low prices, and enormous selection offered by overseas-based websites (such as Temu, Shein, and Ali Express). While the price is right, consumer advocates warn that the safety of these products is not guaranteed.
Watch Out for Worthless Gift Cards
Thieves are increasingly hacking into gift card accounts and draining away their value. Take these steps to avoid buying worthless gift cards.
Don’t Overspend This Holiday Shopping Season
You’ve made your list and checked it twice. And when you go shopping, you want to get the most for your money and avoid trouble. Here are tips for finding the best deals and avoiding a holiday debt hangover.
New Rule Requires Airlines to Provide Automatic Refunds for Canceled or Delayed Flights
To simplify and speed up the process of getting refunds when flights are canceled, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued a new rule that requires airlines to promptly provide passengers with refunds when owed.
Why It’s Time to Ditch Passwords and Switch to Passkeys
The best passwords, even “long and strong” ones, are no match for today’s international crime rings. Many companies have begun to replace passwords with passkeys, which provide better security. Here’s how they work and what to expect.
How New Rules Could Change Real Estate Agent Commissions
As part of a settlement agreement for a class action antitrust lawsuit, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) has, for the first time in decades, changed the way home buyers and sellers interact with their real estate agents. Over time, the new procedures might help home sellers and buyers save money by lowering the commissions they pay agents.
New FTC Rule Will Make it Easier to Cancel Subscriptions
A new FTC rule will soon require companies to provide a “click to cancel” option. The goal is to eliminate the frequent hassles involved with ending unwanted subscription payments.
How to Wipe Your Data Before You Sell, Donate, or Recycle Unwanted Computers and Smartphones
Simply deleting unwanted files, and emptying the recycle bin, does not permanently destroy that data. Here’s how to do that.
Why Do Americans Pay More for Prescription Drugs?
The average American spends more than $1,400 a year on prescription medications. For many, that expense is a budget buster. In 2021, 9.2 million Americans couldn’t afford to take their medications as directed.
CarShield Will Pay $10 Million to Settle Deceptive Advertising Charges
Vehicle-service-contract company CarShield will change its business practices and pay a $10 million monetary judgment to resolve deceptive advertising charges brought by the Federal Trade Commission against its parent company.
Saving on Gas: Which Rewards Credit Cards Offer the Best Deals at the Pump?
Don’t assume that gas station credit cards offer the best discounts or rebates on fill-ups. General-purpose cash-back cards are typically more rewarding.
Credit Card Reward Programs Under Scrutiny by Federal Regulators
The lure of rewards programs encourage people to apply for credit cards and use them to earn free airline tickets or hotel nights. Federal regulators warn that new rules might be needed to protect consumers from unfair industry practices.