Consumer Protection

Beware of online teeth whitening offers, BBB warns

Rita R. Robison / April 5, 2011

The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers to be extremely wary of pervasive online ads offering the promise of a […]

Has your child’s identity been stolen?

Rita R. Robison / April 5, 2011

An 8 year old is in foreclosure on a home in another state. A three-year-old is being sent to collection

Tylenol 8 Hour Extended Release Caplets are being recalled due to musty odor

Rita R. Robison / April 3, 2011

McNeil-PPC Inc., a Johnson & Johnson company, is recalling 34,000 bottles of Tylenol 8 Hour Extended Release Caplets due to

Product Safety Alert: Deadly dangers from water-walking balls

Rita R. Robison / April 3, 2011

Consumers should stop taking part in water walking, a new type of water-related recreational activity, due to the potential risks

Elizabeth Taylor memorabilia sold at premium prices likely to decrease in value

Rita R. Robison / March 30, 2011

By Rita R. Robison Be extremely careful if you’re going to buy Elizabeth Taylor memorabilia and commemorative items following the

Boomer consumers: Watch out for travel scams as you and your kids plan spring break, summer trips

Rita R. Robison / March 28, 2011

By Rita R. Robison Each year, travel scams cost American consumers $12 billion annually. To avoid disappointment and losing money,

Recall of the Week: Lasko box fans due to fire hazard

Rita R. Robison / March 27, 2011

By Rita R. Robison Lasko Products Inc. is recalling about 4.8 million box fans. An electrical failure in the fan's

Parents and grandparents: Are your poisons and medications locked up?

Rita R. Robison / March 26, 2011

By Rita R. Robisons A 12-month-old boy sucked on the wick from an oil lamp. Immediately, he began choking and

Health care reform now one year old, but action is needed so progress isn’t lost

Rita R. Robison / March 23, 2011

By Rita R. Robison Today, I received an e-mail from Elisabeth MacNamara, president of the League of Woman Voters of

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