More Problems for Toyota: Now It’s Prius Brakes & Lexus Hybrid
February 4, 2010
A problem with the brake system in the 2010 Hybrid Prius is the latest in a series of safety issues causing a crisis for Toyota. The U.S. Transportation Department opened an investigation into brake problems in the Toyota Prius. And now Toyota is expanding its own investigation to the Lexus Hybrid as well. Click Here to see a report from ABC News which has been leading the way in exposing the safety issues with Toyota vehicles. Read more
Toyota Says Fix Is In for Safety Problems
February 1, 2010
Toyota has announced it’s come up with a fix for the sticking gas pedals that led the company to recall millions of vehicles. Toyota customers have been in a state of concern and confusion since the problems came to light. The company is taking decisive action now, but many are asking if it’s too little too late. Click here for more information on what’s being done.
Deals & Steals: Secrets from the Coupon Mom
January 26, 2010
If you’re trying to save money by clipping coupons, you might want to take a pointer or two from the Coupon Mom. She’s been saving money for years, and now she can help you save, too. Click here to watch a profile on the coupon mom from KTRK TV in Houston.
How to Help in Haiti and Not Get Scammed
January 20, 2010
By Nicole Mayer:
The devastation in Haiti has many of us thinking: what can I do to help? Ambassadors leading the aid efforts say the best thing to do is donate money. But how do you know the money you donate is going to the right place? The best advice is to do your research. Click here for more information on how to avoid scams and to watch a CNN story on giving aid to Haiti.
Calls to Tax Banks to Recoup Taxpayer Losses
January 13, 2010
The Obama Administration is moving forward with efforts to tax banks, because they’ve been so tone deaf in calls to help Main Street after receiving billions in aid from taxpayers. Click here to watch an ABC News report on the call to tax the banks.
Chase Freedom Credit Cards - A New Way To Trick You
January 13, 2010
By Terry Smiljanich:
You’ve got to hand it to the credit card companies. When it comes to trickery and misrepresentation, they can outdo P.T. Barnum.
JP Morgan Chase is a prime example. Take its new “Chase Freedom” credit card “bonus offer.” A pretty straightforward internet come-on states:
“There’s never a better time to use your Chase Freedom credit card. Earn 3% Cash Back for every eligible dollar you spend up to $1,500 on purchases between January 1 and March 31st . . .” To emphasize the point, a large banner proclaims: “3% CASH BACK.”
The ad lists certain categories of purchases for which the offer is limited, but it’s pretty clear that you will get 3% cash back on most purchases up to $1,500. Do the simple math and that comes to a potential maximum cash back of $45 at the end of the three month period. What could be more clear?
But wait. What’s that footnote? Oh, just the usual gobbledygook about limitations on the kind of merchants, non-transferability, etc., etc. But right in the middle of the fine print footnote is this incredible statement:
“Maximum bonus reward accumulation during the promotional period is $20″
Say what? Again, do the simple math. A $20 dollar maximum cash back on the maximum limit of $1,500 in purchases comes to 1.3%, not 3% as advertised!
In simple English that even Chase can understand, “3% cash back” is a bald-faced lie. Either the wizards at Chase, one of the largest financial institutions in the country, are mathematically challenged (not pretty to contemplate), or they simply chose to misrepresent the offer and hope that their potential customers either flunked 8th grade math or, more likely, didn’t read the fine print that would have told them that the big, bold words at the top of the page were a complete lie.
When asked to comment on this clear misrepresentation, Chase chose not to respond to our inquiries. I guess they couldn’t come up with a legitimate excuse for such a clear falsehood.
Banks: The New Loan Sharks
January 7, 2010
In the ongoing efforts of Consumer Warning Network to expose why banks are allowed to charge outrageously high interest rates, we caught the attention of national business columnist Al Lewis. Click here to check out Al’s segment on Fox Business Channel about how credit card rates are blurring the line between banks and loan sharks.
Foreclosed Homeowners Get Revenge
January 7, 2010
Losing a home to foreclosure is a painful process, that can leave you angry and resentful. Many homeowners say lenders won’t work with them to save their homes, no matter how hard they try and that leads to something that’s being dubbed “debtor’s rage.” WFAA in Dallas recently did an interesting report on how some foreclosure victims are getting revenge by trashing their homes. Click here to check out the report.
Best Gas Mileage - Hybrid or Sports Car?
December 11, 2009
When it comes to gas mileage, does it matter if you’re a lead-footed, hybrid driver or slow and steady sports car enthusiast? It’s a curious question. What matters more: the type of car you drive or the type of driver you are? Click here to find out.
Congrats on Another Emmy Win!
December 9, 2009
Please join us in congratulating Consumer Warning Network Editor Angie Moreschi on winning an Emmy award for her health magazine program, Smart Health , on PBS’s WEDU in Tampa. This is Angie’s 8th Emmy Award. This win is for the July 2008 episode of Smart Health. The show included stories on several important health issues including:
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Recalls and Product Safety News- Schylling Associates to Pay a $200,000 Civil Penalty for Violation of Lead Paint Ban and for Failure to Report
- Dollar General Recalls Toy Guns Due to Choking Hazard
- Children's Toy Jewelry Sets Recalled by Playmates Toys; Charms Violate the Total Lead Standard
- Children's Jackets with Drawstrings Recalled by GTM Sportswear Due to Strangulation Hazard
- Children's Hooded Sweatshirts with Drawstrings Recalled by New Mode Sportswear Due to Strangulation Hazard
- Children's Greeting Cards with Bracelets Recalled Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard
