Thursday, September 29, 2005
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.Beware Sales of Flood-Damaged Cars
Some estimates say that half a million cars have been damaged by hurricanes in the south, and some of them may wind up in other parts of the country for sale to unsuspecting buyers. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.Dell to Ship PCs to Post Offices Only
Don't be surprised if your new Dell computer doesn't arrive on your doorstep via UPS. They are switching most residential deliveries to the USPS, but computers will only be delivered as far as your local post office branch. You will have to go there to pick it up yourself! For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Fruit/Veggies Protect Against Lung Cancer
A new study suggests that people who eat five servings of fruit and vegetables a day had a 46% lower risk of lung cancer. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Bad Deal: Life Insurance for Children
For just 11 cents a day you could protect your child's future. That's the pitch by some life insurance companies trying to sell you a policy on your baby, or child under 12. This is insurance you can live without. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.New Memory Chip Thwarts Music Piracy
Soon you may be buying music on a tiny media card (like the ones used by digital cameras), and it will have built-in protection against copying. It might also have additional music that is hidden, and can be unlocked if you pay an additional fee. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Monday, September 26, 2005
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.Additional Ways to Earn Frequent Flier Miles
There are a number of online services that help you earn additional frequent flier miles without having to fly. The WSJ reviews four of these program. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Thursday, September 22, 2005
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.Court: Spam Sent to Cellphones is Illegal
In a victory for consumers, an appeals court in Arizona has ruled that sending unsolicited commercial text messages to cellphones is illegal under the same law that makes telemarketing calls to cellphones illegal. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Comparison Shop Online for Doctors/Hospitals
To find a doctor or hospital, more and more patients are using the Internet as a research tool. This NY Times article shows you how some people use the web to shop for medical care. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Survey: Gas Prices Fuel Change in Driving/Shopping Habit
More than half of consumers are cutting back on gasoline purchases in part by fundamentally changing where, when, and how they drive and shop, according to a survey released today by Consumer World [ http://www.consumerworld.org ], a leading public service, consumer education website.
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.Net Access Coming to Airlines
A new survey suggests that by 2007 about half of airlines will be offering email, Internet access, and use of cellphones. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.Invention Thwarts Secret Picture Taking
A new invention may thwart your taking a digital picture of something you shouldn't, such as a prototype at a trade show, or maybe even a lockerroom. Be sure to see the video in the link provided in the story. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Saturday, September 17, 2005
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.Everybody Love (to Show Off) a Bargain
Believe it or not, more people in Great Britain love to show off clothing they bought at bargain prices than more expensive garments. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Debit Card Hold on Gas Purchases Can Backfire
Drivers in Florida and New York have complained that unusually large amounts of money in their checking accounts are being put on hold when they use a debit card to pay for gasoline. Some gas stations have allegedly been tying up $100 for up to three days. This can cause a ripple effect of bounced checks and bounced check charges for consumers who keep a low balance. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Beware of Flood-Damaged Cars
It is estimated that between 250,000 and 500,000 cars may have been flood-damaged after hurricane Katrina. What happens to these cars? The insurance company "totals" them, and then they get auctioned off (normally for parts only). Some dealers, however, may try to pass off these cars without disclosing their watery past. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Cingular Expelled from Local BBB
In an almost unheard of move against a big name company, the upstate NY Better Business Bureau expelled Cingular from its membership because of 20 unanswered complaints and 200 complaints over the past three years. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Friday, September 16, 2005
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.How Will Airline Bankruptcies Affect Me?
With Northwest and Delta both filing for bankruptcy protection this week, consumers are asking if their plans (and planes) are going to be disrupted. Here are some answers. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Thursday, September 15, 2005
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.Gillette Intros 5-Bladed Fusion Razor
Mach3, step aside. Gillette's upping the number of blades in its newest razor, unveiled yesterday to five. That puts Schick's Quattro one blade back in the blade race. The razor and blades will be expensive, with a single blade and razor in a package costing $9.99. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Verizon Offers Net at Speed of Light
Well, not exactly the speed of light, but using fiber optics is the way they transmit Internet signals in their new Fios service. The WSJ's Walt Mossberg put the new service to the speed test. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.Beware Fake Microsoft Anti-Spyware Site
The latest in scams is a website that looks like the Microsoft Windows Security Center (a non-existent website). It lures you into thinking it has found spyware on your computer, and offers to fix it for just $10. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Don't Fall for Jury Phone Scam
If you get a call claiming that you failed to show up for jury duty... hang up! It's a scam, trying to get personal information out of you. This scheme has shown up in at least nine states. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.Get Amazon Bucks Fee-Free at Coinstar Machines
Many people refuse to use Coinstar -- the coin counting machines in supermarkets -- because of the 8.9% fee they deduct. Now you get get Amazon gift certificates at 3500 Coinstar locations in equal exchange for your coins (with no fees). For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
More Buyers Choose Risky Mortgages
The Wall Street Journal reports that one in five families have bought a house priced above their original price limit in the past three years. Also, 1/3 say that have taken out loans using "creative financing" in order to buy the home. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Monday, September 12, 2005
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.Buy.com Enters Price War with Amazon
In an effort to outdo Amazon, Buy.com has begun offering 10% off Amazon's price on books. They will still offer free shipping on orders of $25 or higher. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Your Rights at Sea are Limited
If you go on a cruise, don't bother packing your consumer rights. They may not apply once you are at sea. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Sunday, September 11, 2005
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.NY Man Sued for Online Dating Lies
Does truth in advertising apply to online dating ads? We may find out soon when a NY court decides if a guy who claimed in an online ad to be single, when he was really married. And that is only part of his bag of tricks, allegedly. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Cingular, Sprint Give Katrina Victims a Break
Cell companies are offering concessions to those affected by Katrina in New Orleans and Biloxi. Automatic discounts will be applied to their bills, roaming charges will be waived, and no shutoffs will occur for 30 days. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
How to Use a Cellphone Overseas
With so many people in the US are hooked on their cellphones, naturally they will want to stay connected when they go overseas. But, will your cellphone work over there? Here are tips on how to use a cellphone overseas. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Thursday, September 08, 2005
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.15 States Sue Over Lax Energy Standards
Fifteen states and New York City have sued the federal Department of Energy claiming that new energy efficiency standards for appliances are not strict enough to save signficantly on electricity costs. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Beware the Katrina Swindlers
Hurricane Katrina caused the biggest nature disaster this country has ever seen. Now crooks are turning the suffering into more scams than ever before. There are now 2300 sites claiming to help flood victims, but not all of them are legitimate. The details are in this NY Times story. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.New Roof Rules Limit Carmakers' Liability
It sounded like a good thing: require heightened standards for car roofs. Tuck in the proposal, however, is a provision that says carmakers cannot be held liable for damages if their roofs meet federal standards. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.Beware Phishy Red Cross Email
It only took a week, but the crooks have started using the name of the Red Cross and Katrina relief efforts to separate you and your credit card information. Beware of any email asking you to donate to help the relief effort. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Open Your Home to Katrina Evacuees
There are several websites where people can offer Katrina victims housing for the short term:
http://www.myfamilycanhelp.com
http://www.nola.com
http://www.openyourhome.com
http://www.myfamilycanhelp.com
http://www.nola.com
http://www.openyourhome.com
Cancer Risk: 5 Worst Foods to Grill
Everything that tastes good is bad you, it seems. Here are five foods, which when grilled well done, can create cancer-causing compounds called HCAs. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Monday, September 05, 2005
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.411 Directory for Cellphones Coming
It has been a blessing to virtually never get a telemarketing call on our cellphones. On the other hand, it is hard to find out someone's cellphone number unless they tell you. Starting next year, however, a directory will be published with cellphone numbers of people who use various cell companies. Don't worry, the cell company will not turn over your name and number unless you OPT-IN to the directory. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Sunday, September 04, 2005
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.Even the Rich Clip Coupons
A survey of over 800 consumers earning over $125,000 shows that nearly three out of four of them clip coupons, and two-thirds of them shop at discount and warehouse stores! Whodda thought that bargain shopping would become fashionable! For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Donor Beware After Katrina
In the wake of Katrina, no doubt a host of charity scams will emerge. Don't give to telemarketers! Beware of phishy emails that might lead you to lookalike sites of famous charities. Visit known websites directly, by typing in their URL. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Many Reluctant to Bank Online
Eventhough many people will buy goods from online stores, a significant number of them refuse to bank over the Internet. This NY Times article explains why so many are reluctant to bank online. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Preparing Your House for a Hurricane
Hurricane season runs until November 30, so if think we're out of the woods already, hold onto your shutters. This article contains advice on buying proper insurance coverage, as well as how to physically prepare your house for nature's wrath. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Friday, September 02, 2005
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.Where to Report Gas Price Gouging
If you spot a gas station that you believe is price gouging, you can report it to the Department of Energy (which will in turn pass on the information to the FTC). For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Thursday, September 01, 2005
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.Get 500 FF Miles for Red Cross Donation
If you are going to donate to the RED CROSS to help the Katrina hurricane disaster victims, American Airlines will give also you 500 frequent flier miles (for donations of $50 or more). Read the rules at the link above. To give directly to the Red Cross, you can use this link (to bypass the very busy Red Cross site): https://www.redcross.org/donate/MMRedir.ASP?CID=HUR-AA . For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Don't be Fooled by Disaster Scams
In the wake of hurricane Katrina, we can expect to see "disaster scams" crop up. They will tug on your heart strings and ask you to donate to help the victims of the storm. Don't fall for it when the offer comes from an unknown organization or one that sounds like the real one. Give, but give wisely. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Calls from PC to Phones Take Off
Newer voice over IP services (VoIP) allow you to call from your to PC to real telephone numbers, often at a lower cost than regular VoIP service that goes from phone to phone. Smart consumers are trying VoIP Buster , where for a payment of one Euro, you can PC to phone in the US and to 24 foreign countries free. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Wi-Fi Comes to Digital Cameras
Wouldn't it be nice if you could wireless send pictures from your digital camera to your laptop or computer? Well, now you can with a new Nikon camera model, and soon with Kodak too. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
