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.
Early-Bird Holiday Shopping Might be the Smart Move This Year
We're again being told to “get going now” on our holiday shopping this year. Wait too long, retailers warn, and you might not find everything on your gift-giving list.
Fraud Alert: Phone Scams Involving Amazon Impersonators Are Skyrocketing
Scammers impersonate all sorts of businesses, but Amazon is “a runaway favorite” of telephone fraudsters, according to a report from the Federal Trade Commission.
Pause on Student Loan Payments Ends in January; Here’s How to Prepare
The government-mandated pause on federal student loan repayments, interest, and collections—set to expire at the end of September—has been extended until Jan. 31, 2022. The Department of Education made it clear this is the “final pause.”...
Are You Sharing Your Wi-Fi with Amazon? If So, Should You Be Concerned?
Amazon Sidewalk, the retail giant’s new shared wireless network, is now up and running across the United States. If you have an Echo smart speaker or Ring security device, you may be powering Amazon’s “mesh network” without realizing it.
MoneyGram Refunds $125 Million to Scam Victims; Here's How to File a Claim
The FTC is trying to return $125 million to victims who wired money to con artists between 2013 and 2017 using MoneyGram. That money is part of a 2018 settlement with the FTC and Department of Justice.
The Pitfalls of Taking Out a Really Long Car Loan
When selecting vehicles and loan terms, most consumers focus on monthly payments. It seems like a simple way to make sure the car and financing fits their budget. But it can be a pricey mistake.
Best Cars for Teens: Vehicles That Are Safe, Reliable, and Affordable
Consumer Reports and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have combined their data to create an updated list of recommended used cars for teens.
Rental Car Woes: Sky-High Prices if Cars Are Even Available
Due to unprecedented lack of inventory and significantly higher-than-expected demand, rental car prices are sky-high at many vacation destinations across the country. And the problem is expected to get worse.
Federal Government Will Help Pay for COVID-Related Funeral Expenses
On April 12, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) started a reimbursement program to help those who lost loved ones in the pandemic. It will help cover the costs for funeral services and interment or cremation, up to $9,000.
Black Dollar Index Shines a Light on Corporate Commitment to Diversity
Corporate America raced to publicly embrace the social justice movement during this summer's Black Lives Matter protests. But are they? Is anyone keeping score? The Black Dollar Index (BDI) aims to hold these companies accountable for their promises.
Major Retailers Respond to COVID-19 with Expanded Holiday Gift Return Policies
Dealing with returns during a pandemic can be a challenge. A few prominent national retailers are trying to make the process easier.
Online Pet Scams Soar During Pandemic—Here’s How to Protect Yourself
Pet adoptions have skyrocketed during the pandemic, as people stuck at home decided it was a good time to add a furry family member. Scammers are trolling the internet looking for people who will pay hundreds of dollars to buy a pet that doesn’t exist.
Should You Upgrade to a 5G Phone? Checkbook Cuts Through the Marketing Hype
5G is breakthrough technology, but right now, in most parts of the country, it hasn’t yet arrived—and it won’t for several years. That hasn't stopped wireless companies from spending heavily on ads urging their customers to buy new smartphones.
Why You Should Delete Online Accounts You No Longer Use
Chances are you have online accounts that you haven’t used for years. These old and abandoned accounts can be a major security risk.
Con Artists Capitalize on Online Shopping Surge, Send Bogus Delivery Notices to Trick Consumers
Scammers are capitalizing on record e-commerce orders with a fresh wave of email and text message phishing attacks that look like they're from legitimate retailers and package delivery services.
Grocery Prices Are Up. Here’s How to Save at the Supermarket.
If you do the grocery shopping in your family, you’ve probably noticed that the grocery bills keep going up. Blame the pandemic for pushing up the prices of many staples. Here are some simple tips to help lower your food bills.
Drowning in Debt? Here Are Your Options, Good and Bad
The number of people saddled with excessive debt is growing. Help is available in the form of debt management, debt settlement, consolidation loans, and bankruptcy attorneys. Some are good choices; others could make your financial situation worse.
Financial Toolkit: How to Survive the COVID-19 Recession
Stimulus payments, expanded unemployment benefits, government loans, and payment accommodations from lenders have helped keep many families and businesses afloat so far. But as these programs end, millions will find their budgets stretched to the breaking point.
Latest Results from the American Customer Satisfaction Index Survey of Cell Phone Customers
Every wireless company claims to be the best, but consumer surveys tell a different story—some carriers are clearly doing a better job of delivering network quality, customer service, and value.
Your Car Needs Some TLC During the Coronavirus Outbreak
Driving patterns have changed dramatically because of the coronavirus outbreak. While you’re staying safe at home, your car sits for long stretches of time, and that can cause some mechanical problems.