CONSUMER NEWS
Rising corporate ownership of Jacksonville apartments is contributing to higher costs. Here’s who owns where you live
Read full article: Rising corporate ownership of Jacksonville apartments is contributing to higher costs. Here’s who owns where you live72% of local apartment complexes are owned by corporate investment firms
2024 Holiday Consumer Protection Guide for Floridians: Things you should know to enjoy a scam-free holiday
Read full article: 2024 Holiday Consumer Protection Guide for Floridians: Things you should know to enjoy a scam-free holidayAttorney General Moody released the 2024 Holiday Consumer Protection Guide for Floridians which contains information about scammers, shopping schemes, and cyber scams.
Annual inflation rises for 1st time since March with egg, beef, energy prices among the highest increases
Read full article: Annual inflation rises for 1st time since March with egg, beef, energy prices among the highest increasesInflation in the United States ticked up in October, driven by costlier rents, used cars, and air fares, a sign that price increases might be leveling off after having slowed in September to their lowest pace since 2021.
Disinfecting wipes have turned into a cleaning staple. Consumer Reports says they have some downsides
Read full article: Disinfecting wipes have turned into a cleaning staple. Consumer Reports says they have some downsidesConsumer Reports discovered the downside of disinfecting wipes and shared some safer alternatives.
Navy Federal Credit Union must pay more than $95 million for charging illegal overdraft fees
Read full article: Navy Federal Credit Union must pay more than $95 million for charging illegal overdraft feesNavy Federal Credit Union must pay more than $95 million after an investigation found it charged customers millions in illegal overdraft fees over a five-year period, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Consumer Reports shares the best poop-scooping techniques and gadgets for dog owners
Read full article: Consumer Reports shares the best poop-scooping techniques and gadgets for dog ownersIt’s a dirty job, but someone has to do it. Consumer Reports has the scoop on the best gadgets and techniques to scoop that poop.
Northeast Florida lawmakers demand audit of Jacksonville USPS facility over lost, delayed mail
Read full article: Northeast Florida lawmakers demand audit of Jacksonville USPS facility over lost, delayed mailCustomers have reported that important packages are being delivered to the wrong states, and in some cases, mail is being lost altogether. These issues have led to calls for a federal audit of the United States Postal Service (USPS).
Consumer Reports warns that dressers with higher risk of tip-overs are still for sale despite changes in law
Read full article: Consumer Reports warns that dressers with higher risk of tip-overs are still for sale despite changes in lawMany dressers are safer than before, thanks to new safety standards, but older models could still pose a deadly risk.
Addressing notable racial disparities in mortgage denial rates in Jacksonville
Read full article: Addressing notable racial disparities in mortgage denial rates in JacksonvilleThere is a housing crisis in America, and it includes a significant racial disparity in mortgage access, according to studies done by a group called Reinvestment Fund.
Disinfecting wipes have turned into a cleaning staple. Consumer Reports says they have some downsides
Read full article: Disinfecting wipes have turned into a cleaning staple. Consumer Reports says they have some downsidesConsumer Reports discovered the downside of disinfecting wipes and shared some safer alternatives.
Consumer Reports shares the best poop-scooping techniques and gadgets for dog owners
Read full article: Consumer Reports shares the best poop-scooping techniques and gadgets for dog ownersIt’s a dirty job, but someone has to do it. Consumer Reports has the scoop on the best gadgets and techniques to scoop that poop.
MORE CONSUMER HEADLINES
Flameproof blueprint: How to prevent fires in your home
Read full article: Flameproof blueprint: How to prevent fires in your homeAccording to the National Fire Protection Association, every 24 seconds, a fire department responds to a fire somewhere in the U.S. Even the simplest things can potentially catch fire.
Tell Us: FTC’s new rules should make ending subscriptions less of a hurdle. Have you had issues canceling memberships?
Read full article: Tell Us: FTC’s new rules should make ending subscriptions less of a hurdle. Have you had issues canceling memberships?The Federal Trade Commission this week released a final rule called “Click to Cancel,” which says online subscriptions should require the same amount of clicks to end as they do to sign up, and in-person signups should have the option to cancel online or over the phone.
Did someone tell you to pay a fine or bill with a gift card? Don’t do it! It’s a scam, the FTC warns
Read full article: Did someone tell you to pay a fine or bill with a gift card? Don’t do it! It’s a scam, the FTC warnsNo real business or government agency will ever tell you to buy a gift card to pay them. Here’s how to spot and avoid gift card scams.
Shroom Boom: Consumer Reports explains why mushrooms are having a moment
Read full article: Shroom Boom: Consumer Reports explains why mushrooms are having a momentIf you hadn’t noticed, mushrooms are having a moment. Along with finding them in the produce aisle, you’ll see them in snacks, broths, supplements, and even coffee and tea.
Baby walkers linked to thousands of injuries & multiple deaths, Consumer Reports warns
Read full article: Baby walkers linked to thousands of injuries & multiple deaths, Consumer Reports warnsConsumer Reports explains why baby walkers are so dangerous and what parents can do to protect their children.
Are natural sweeteners actually healthier? Consumer Reports finds out
Read full article: Are natural sweeteners actually healthier? Consumer Reports finds outWarnings about eating too much sugar have been around for years, but many of us find it hard to satisfy our sweet tooth without it. But now, a slew of potentially healthier and more natural sweeteners like coconut sugar, agave nectar, and date sugar are making waves. But are they any better for you? Consumer Reports finds out.
The Great (Canned) Pumpkin: What’s in a can of ‘pumpkin’ is a bit of a trick -- but still a treat!
Read full article: The Great (Canned) Pumpkin: What’s in a can of ‘pumpkin’ is a bit of a trick -- but still a treat!Fall is in the air, or is that the scent of pumpkin bread, muffins, and pumpkin pie? All recipes that depend on that little can of pumpkin… It might sound like a silly question, but do you really know what’s in the can? It's probably NOT pumpkin.
Consumer Reports shares top picks for espresso machines to feed your caffeine fix
Read full article: Consumer Reports shares top picks for espresso machines to feed your caffeine fixhere are many pro-style machines, but can any deliver authentic coffee shop flavor? Consumer Reports brews up some buying advice for the caffeinated among us.
Pumpkin spice priced nice: Kickstart holiday shopping early with these great deals in October
Read full article: Pumpkin spice priced nice: Kickstart holiday shopping early with these great deals in OctoberConsumer Reports reveals products at deep discounts to help kickstart the holiday shopping season.
BBB warns to watch for storm-chasing contractors to avoid scams after the storm
Read full article: BBB warns to watch for storm-chasing contractors to avoid scams after the stormAs Helene is approaching, the Better Business Bureau is reminding Floridians to be on alert for scammers looking to cash in after the storm is over.
Shift shock: How to avoid disappointment at your new job
Read full article: Shift shock: How to avoid disappointment at your new jobA 2024 survey reveals 69% of job seekers are hopeful that they will land the perfect job this year. But what happens when you sign on the dotted line, but the job isn’t what you thought it was going to be?
What to do after a data breach -- and how to protect yourself from one
Read full article: What to do after a data breach -- and how to protect yourself from oneWhether you’ve been a victim or want to proactively protect your personal information, Consumer Reports explains what you can do now before the hackers strike.
Consumer Reports urges retailers to stop selling ‘universal’ chargers marketed for e-bikes, e-scooters
Read full article: Consumer Reports urges retailers to stop selling ‘universal’ chargers marketed for e-bikes, e-scootersConsumer Reports is joining the Consumer Product Safety Commission in a warning about “universal” chargers for e-bikes, e-scooters, and hoverboards.
Nearly 138,000 beds are being recalled after reports of them breaking or collapsing during use
Read full article: Nearly 138,000 beds are being recalled after reports of them breaking or collapsing during useNearly 138,000 platform beds sold at major retailers including Amazon and Walmart are being recalled across the U.S. and Canada.
Child not quite ready for a smartphone? Consider smartwatch instead
Read full article: Child not quite ready for a smartphone? Consider smartwatch insteadConsumer Reports has the low-down on the high-tech watches that might be the perfect solution for parents who aren't ready to hand over a smartphone just yet.
If someone says you missed jury duty and need to pay a fine now over the phone, it’s a scam!
Read full article: If someone says you missed jury duty and need to pay a fine now over the phone, it’s a scam!Missing jury duty can come with real consequences. You could face a fine, go to court, or even get arrested. Scammers take advantage of that to get your money or sensitive information. But their story is a lie.