Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.FTC Settles with Sony BMG Over Secret CD Tricks
As part of its copy protection scheme, Sony BMG secretly put software on consumers' computers to thwart copying and to monitor habits. The company will now pay up to $150 for damage done to individuals' computers. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.Some Online Ads Now Watching You
Some advertising networks are using ads that place a small cookie on your computer, and secretly follow you from website to website. Then, they serve up ads more customized to your interests. Some privacy advocates are worried about this technology. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Monday, January 29, 2007
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.Cingular, Priceline, Travelocity Settle Spyware Case
Why does spyware continue to exist? Because big companies (knowingly or unknowingly) pay for it. If you cut off the stream of money, spyware companies will disappear. That is the philosophy of the NY AG's office that just settled this big case again some big name companies. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.Why Not to Buy Windows Vista Now
PC World says that you may do better to wait than to buy Windows Vista now. Here's why. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.States Seek to Rein in High Home Insurance Prices
In some parts of the country, the price for a homeowners policy is skyrocketing. Now some states are trying to force insurers to cut rates by up to 25%. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.Should You Buy Insurance Against Airfare Increases?
Farecast is now selling insurance of sorts, that fares you see today online won't change substantially over the next week. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.Paying Points Almost Never Pays Off
This story asserts that paying points when you finance or refinance your mortgage is often the more costly than taking a higher rate with no points. Although one can figure out the breakeven point, most people don't remain with their new mortgage long enough to reach that point. MrConsumer says: look into your crystal ball a little more carefully when deciding whether to take out a mortgage with points. If you know you will be in that house with that mortgage beyond the breakeven point, you will save money with the lower rate by paying points. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.How Long Should You Keep Tax Records?
The WSJ's tax expert says you should keep tax records for at least three years, and certain records longer. Consumer World suggests you keep them for decades, if you have the storage space. When it comes time to figure out how much you contributed to your IRA, for example, without those records, it may be impossible to know for sure. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.Consumer Reports Retracts Infant Carseat Story
With strained peas on its face, Consumer Reports today retracted a story it published earlier in the month claiming that most infant carseats tested flunked safety tests. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Office 2007 Goes on a Diet
The NY Times' David Pogue says that Microsoft Office 2007 has joined the rest of bloated Americans and has gone on a diet. He reviews the slimmed down, less bloated version. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.Will Apple Have to Change the iPhone Name?
Apple doesn't own the trademark for the iPhone, Cisco does. Why in the world would Apple knowingly use the name iPhone when it doesn't own it? The legal analysis follows. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.Supreme Ct to Hear Insurance/Credit Card Case
Some insurance companies use your credit report report and score to determine how high or low a risk you are. If they determine you are other than low risk (entitled to the lowest insurance rates), do they have to notify you that they reached their decision based on your credit report? That is part of the question before the court. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Monday, January 15, 2007
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.The Best Time to Buy to Save the Most
Here are some tips of when you can get the best deals on various categories of goods. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Labels: bargains, consumer, shopping
Anyone Can Now Become a Phishing Scammer
A new kit is being sold online to let average crooks become sophisticated phishing scammers. How lovely. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.Cell Users Disproportionately Subsidize Rural Landlines
Over the years, billions of dollars have been collected from cellphone users to help local phone companies provide landlines to hard to reach areas. Some say it is time to revise the subsidy scheme. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Beware Costly Credit Card Trends
2007 is sure to bring changes in your credit cards. Watch out for fee hikes, disappearing rewards, lifting of caps on balance transfer fees, and more. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.Some Spam Comes with Death Threats
As if regular spam were not bad enough, now some junk email warns that there is a contract on your life (but you won't be killed if you pay us $80,000). For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.Group Says Insurers Gouging Homeowners, Drivers
The Consumer Federation of America says that profits for homeowners and car insurance companies have reached record levels and that that means that consumers are being charged too much for policies. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.How to Keep Your Credit Rating Healthy
Almost 90% of people say they manage credit responsibly, yet 1 in 4 have lousy credit ratings. Here are tips to improve your credit score. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Friday, January 05, 2007
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.FTC Settles Weight Loss Cases for $25 Million
The FTC has settled major cases again several makers of weight loss pills claiming they did not have proper substantiation for the claims they made in advertising. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.Coke Enviga's Calorie Burning Claims Challenged
Drink three cans a day and burn 100 calories is the claim made for Coke's new green tea and caffeine drink, Enviga. Some consumer advocates are not buying the claim. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.Apple Sued Over iPod-iTunes Closed Network
Apple just revealed that it has been sued by a consumer complaining about the too cosy nature of the iPod and iTunes, preventing the playing of downloaded music on competing devices. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.Warranteed Products Often Replaced w/Refurbs
If a product you own is still under warranty and it goes on the blink, you are likely to get back a refurbished one from the manufacturer, rather than a new one. Many consumers are surprised and disappointed. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
