Consumer Protection

Watch out for scammers who prey on consumers after natural disasters

Rita R. Robison / October 31, 2012

Natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, and firesoften bring out scam artists who take advantage of the victims. Some […]

Recall of the Week: Tricam Industries Easy Reach step stools due to fall hazard

Rita R. Robison / October 29, 2012

Tricam Industries Inc. is recalling about 84,000 Easy Reach step stools. The top step/standing platform can break, posing a fall

Chemical industry spending staggering amounts to continue to use toxic chemicals in food and consumer products

Rita R. Robison / October 26, 2012

After posting an article yesterday about the Breast Cancer Foundation’s recommendations for reducing toxic chemical use to prevent cancer, it

Breast Cancer Prevention Partners offer tips for cancer prevention

Rita R. Robison / October 26, 2012

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I agree with the Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, or BCPP, that it’s time to

Recall of the Week: Taphandles ceramic beer tap handles due to laceration hazard

Rita R. Robison / October 21, 2012

Seattle-based Taphandles LLC is recalling about 24,000 ceramic beer tap handles. The tap handles can break during normal use, posing

BBB: Be sure you choose a reputable company if you’re buying colored contact lenses for Halloween

Rita R. Robison / October 20, 2012

Looking for colored contact lenses in time for Halloween? The Better Business Bureau recommends keeping an eye out for retailers

Recall of the Week: Kellogg’s Mini-Wheats cereal due to fragments of metal mesh

Rita R. Robison / October 14, 2012

Kellogg Co. is recalling about 2.8 million packages of unfrosted and Frosted Mini-Wheats cereals due to possible contamination of fragments

Big profit banks using benefits from federal incentive program to reduce mortgage rates for themselves rather than helping consumers

Rita R. Robison / October 13, 2012

It’s ironic and frustrating. The American economy collapsed due to a hyped up housing market based on faulty mortgage packing

Feds file mortgage fraud lawsuit against Wells Fargo Bank

Rita R. Robison / October 9, 2012

Federal prosecutors filed a mortgage fraud lawsuit today against Wells Fargo Bank alleging that, as a result of Wells Fargo’s

This week's top 10 money tips

1. Take a look at this list of unique Father’s Day deals.

2. Be sure to take the time to check out the new requirements for student loan borrowers before July 1, 2026.

3. Save money on tomatoes – which have gone up 40 percent over the last year – by shopping local, comparing tomato varieties, using canned for cooking, and stocking up when prices drop.

4. Look at Costco for recent price cuts on some of its Kirkland products.

5. Use of cash or a debit card rather than a credit card results in higher costs for those consumers unlike credit card users who get rewards to offset the increased prices companies need to charge to pay for credit card swipe fees.

6. Get three written estimates, ask for itemized pricing, and do minor plumbing fixes yourself to keep plumbing costs down.

7. Check out these recommendations on what not to keep in your purse or wallet to avoid financial loss and identity theft.

8. Watch out for mortgage assistance relief companies who mislead consumers into paying unlawful upfront fees and don’t help with mortgage problems.

9. Compare mortgage rates when you buy a home so you don’t make a $62,000 mistake – the cost of not comparing mortgage rates.

10. Check out this list of items not to put in your will.

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June 11, 2026