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.
New Law Targets Online Sale of Stolen and Counterfeit Merchandise
The bipartisan INFORM Consumers Act (Integrity, Notification, and Fairness in Online Retail Marketplaces), which took effect in June, should make it harder for crooks to sell stolen or counterfeit items—and make it more difficult for online marketplaces to ignore the growing problem.
Amazon Raises Minimum Purchase Requirement for Free Shipping in Some Zip Codes
How much do you need to order from Amazon, if you’re not a Prime member, to get free shipping? It now depends on where you live.
Boycott Your Federal Student Loan Payments? Experts Say That’s a Bad Idea
The resumption of federal student loan payments, which begins in October, will be a financial stretch for many borrowers. Some are looking for a way to push back.
Ready or Not, Federal Student Loan Payment Pause Ends August 31
After more than three years, the pause on federal student loan payments will end on August 31. The Covid-related relief program had suspended payments, froze interest, and prohibited collections for about 43 million Americans.
Fraud Alert: Fake ChatGPT Apps Commonplace in App Stores
App stores are flooded with bogus versions of ChatGPT, the popular new artificial intelligence tool.
Fraud Alert: IRS Refund Letter is Bogus
While the IRS does contact taxpayers by mail, it never sends letters about refunds. Keeping an eye out for these red flags will help you protect yourself.
Stay Safe in the Sun: Top-Rated Sunscreens, and How to Use Them Properly
The Skin Cancer Foundation says a good sunscreen, used properly, can dramatically reduce your skin cancer risk, and lower your chances of getting melanoma by 50 percent.
Publishers Clearinghouse Settles FTC Lawsuit About Its Popular Sweepstakes
Publishers Clearing House will change its online business practices and refund $18.5 million dollars to customers who “spent money and wasted their time” entering the company’s sweepstakes.
Seven Top Strategies for Being a Smart Consumer
We asked our editors and consumer-expert friends to tell us the most important ways to save money and avoid trouble. Here are their top seven strategies:...
FTC Accuses Amazon of Tricking Millions into Joining Prime
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) sued Amazon on Wednesday, accusing the company of enrolling customers into its Prime program without their consent—and then making it difficult for them to cancel.
Fraud Alert: Ticket Scams Are Skyrocketing
If you’re determined to get tickets to a sold-out concert or sporting event, you might jump at any offer that comes along. Scammers are counting on that desperation to steal your money.
Amazon and Microsoft Charged with Violating Children's Privacy Law
The federal government is putting tech companies on notice that it plans to go after them if they violate federal rules protecting children’s privacy.
Americans Are Keeping Their Cars Longer Than Ever
Unable to get decent deals on new vehicles, or find used ones they can afford, millions of motorists are keeping their cars longer.
New FCC Rule Requires Phone Companies to Block Some Robotexts
After years of focusing on illegal robocalls, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is trying to stop the flood of spam robotexts.
Travel Trouble: Don’t Let Passport Problems Wreck Your Trip
If you’re planning a trip outside the U.S. this summer and don’t already have a valid passport—or have one that will expire soon—you may have a problem. The current passport processing time is 10 to 13 weeks.
Why Car Prices—Both New and Used—Keep Going Up
With inventory abnormally low, prices historically high, and interest rates continuing to go up, it’s become harder for many Americans to afford a new set of wheels.
FTC Sues Company for ‘Unfairly Thwarting’ Consumers Trying to Reverse Disputed Credit Card Charges
Federal regulators say the company helped scammers stay in business and defeat chargeback attempts by victims hit with fraudulent charges.
IRS Makes Significant Inflation Adjustments for Tax Year 2023
With the 2022 federal tax filing season behind us, it’s time to look at the major changes that will impact next year’s returns. We describe the key provisions that will affect most taxpayers.
Some Airlines Finally Offer Free ‘Kid-Friendly’ Seat Assignments
One of the biggest challenges when flying with children is trying to book adjacent seats. Some major U.S. airlines have finally promised to guarantee family seating—if possible—at no additional cost.
Check Washing Makes a Comeback; Here’s How to Protect Yourself
Check washing has been around for decades, but it’s made a comeback in the last few years, with victims reporting losses ranging from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars.