Consumer Protection

BBB: Do research before purchasing a gift card

Rita R. Robison / November 29, 2011

The holiday season is nearly here. For those looking to give gift cards to family and friends, the Better Business […]

Recall of the Week: HeathCo motion sensing wall switches due to electrical shock hazard

Rita R. Robison / November 28, 2011

By Rita R. Robison HeathCo LLC is recalling about 75,000 Heath/Zenith and WirelessCommand motion sensing wall switches. When the switches

Recall of the Week: An Ashland brand glass vase sold at Michaels due to laceration hazard

Rita R. Robison / November 20, 2011

By Rita R. Robison Michaels Stores Inc. is recalling about 28,000 Ashland brand glass vases in the United States and

Wolfgang Puck combination grill/griddles sold by HSN are being recalled due to overheating and electrical shock hazards

Rita R. Robison / November 13, 2011

W.P. Appliances Inc. is recalling about 27,000 Wolfgang Puck Electric Reversible Tri-Grill/Griddles. A defect in the electrical wiring of the

Veterans often targeted in scams

Rita R. Robison / November 10, 2011

By Rita R. Robison As the nation observes Veteran’s Day, the Better Business Bureau warns consumers about scammers who exploit

Recall of the Week: Under Armour chin straps for football helmets due to laceration hazard

Rita R. Robison / November 6, 2011

By Rita R. Robison Under Armour Inc. is recalling about 541,000 UA Defender Chin Straps. The metal snap that connects

Johnson & Johnson slow to remove toxic chemicals from baby shampoo in U.S.

Rita R. Robison / November 2, 2011

By Rita R. Robison More than two years after health and parents’ groups asked Johnson & Johnson to reformulate its

Recall of the Week: Big Lots recalling Glider Recliners with Ottomans due to entrapment and finger crushing hazards

Rita R. Robison / October 30, 2011

Big Lots is recalling about 375,000 Microfiber Glider Recliners with Ottomans and Leather Glider Recliners with Ottomans. An exposed gap

Don’t let rip-off Halloween stores and websites ruin your celebration

Rita R. Robison / October 21, 2011

By Rita R. Robison More consumers are expected to celebrate Halloween this year than ever before and spending is estimated

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