CONSUMER NEWS
Brantley County Sheriff warns scammers are exploiting wildfire aftermath with fake law-enforcement bond calls
Read full article: Brantley County Sheriff warns scammers are exploiting wildfire aftermath with fake law-enforcement bond callsAs Brantley County continues to deal with the aftermath of devastating wildfires, the Brantley County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about scammers targeting the community and posing as law enforcement.
I-TEAM: Multiple complaints reported about seats in recalled Hyundai Palisade models before toddler suffocated
Read full article: I-TEAM: Multiple complaints reported about seats in recalled Hyundai Palisade models before toddler suffocatedTwo-year-old Lucia Ayala died on March 7 as she, her mother and an older sibling were sitting inside the family’s parked Hyundai Palisade as their father shopped inside a store in Akron, Ohio. According to Akron police, the little girl was pinned by a 3rd row seat of the SUV when it closed on her, trapping her between the seat back and the seat. The girl’s mother can be heard frantically trying to free her as witnesses called 911 for help.
Grad to grown-up: The money skills your teen needs that aren’t taught in school
Read full article: Grad to grown-up: The money skills your teen needs that aren’t taught in schoolA recent survey found that just 38% of Americans learn about money from their families, and only 15% learn it in school. So, what should your grad know before that first paycheck?
Do you or a loved one rely on Medicare? Don’t miss this town hall on preventing fraud
Read full article: Do you or a loved one rely on Medicare? Don’t miss this town hall on preventing fraudA free town hall on Thursday in Jacksonville will bring together several agencies and experts to help those with Medicare spot and prevent possible fraud.
Politics & Power: Rising tariffs, gas prices squeeze small business margins across the South
Read full article: Politics & Power: Rising tariffs, gas prices squeeze small business margins across the SouthFlorida State University business analyst Wayne Hochwarter joins News4JAX anchor Bruce Hamilton on this week's episode of Politics & Power to discuss whether tariffs should be adjusted to shield small importers; what short‑term relief (tax credits, grants, fuel support) would help Main Street; and how state budgets should adapt to tourism and construction slowdowns.
What are your insurance claim options after a wildfire & how can you protect your property beforehand?
Read full article: What are your insurance claim options after a wildfire & how can you protect your property beforehand?Sean Way, owner of Sunsera Insurance Agency in Jacksonville, joined us on The Morning Show with important information for homeowners about protecting their property amid ongoing wildfires.
Prize Patrol: What’s fueling the renewed sweepstakes trend & how can you protect yourself from scams & rip-offs?
Read full article: Prize Patrol: What’s fueling the renewed sweepstakes trend & how can you protect yourself from scams & rip-offs?From a pop-culture staple in the 1950s to the popularity of Publisher’s Clearing House in the 1980s, a blast from the past is back in a big way: Sweepstakes.
Affordability emerges as central issue in Florida governor’s race as candidates outline competing approaches
Read full article: Affordability emerges as central issue in Florida governor’s race as candidates outline competing approachesFrom rising housing and insurance costs to everyday expenses, affordability is taking center stage on the Florida gubernatorial campaign trail, reflecting what experts say is a growing strain on residents’ quality of life.
Romance scams cost Northeast Florida residents millions — how to protect yourself
Read full article: Romance scams cost Northeast Florida residents millions — how to protect yourselfFraud is broad and is a growing problem across all of Northeast Florida, from romance scams to fake bank alerts. We got important advice from law enforcement to help you protect yourself.
How to keep your current electronics clean & working longer
Read full article: How to keep your current electronics clean & working longerIf your phone, TV, or computer has been acting glitchy lately, Consumer Reports says you may not need to replace it just yet because dirt and debris are often the hidden culprits behind everyday issues.
Making sure your grill is safe for summer
Read full article: Making sure your grill is safe for summerIf you haven’t fired up your grill since last summer, now’s the time to give it some attention. Consumer Reports says a little maintenance before grilling season can help your grill run better, last longer, and—most importantly—stay safe to use.
Consumer Reports Investigation: Are energy drinks risky for teens? What parents should know
Read full article: Consumer Reports Investigation: Are energy drinks risky for teens? What parents should knowEnergy drinks are everywhere these days. Many of them look like sports hydration drinks and taste like candy. But a new Consumer Reports investigation finds what’s inside those drinks may be more than you’re bargaining for.
How to keep your current electronics clean & working longer
Read full article: How to keep your current electronics clean & working longerIf your phone, TV, or computer has been acting glitchy lately, Consumer Reports says you may not need to replace it just yet because dirt and debris are often the hidden culprits behind everyday issues.
Making sure your grill is safe for summer
Read full article: Making sure your grill is safe for summerIf you haven’t fired up your grill since last summer, now’s the time to give it some attention. Consumer Reports says a little maintenance before grilling season can help your grill run better, last longer, and—most importantly—stay safe to use.
MORE CONSUMER HEADLINES
Earning above poverty line but still feel broke? Here’s what to do
Read full article: Earning above poverty line but still feel broke? Here’s what to doMillions of people earn more than the poverty line but still feel one emergency away from financial disaster. Psychologists call it peniaphobia, a growing fear of running out of money.
Rising costs push Jacksonville near top of nation for credit card debt
Read full article: Rising costs push Jacksonville near top of nation for credit card debtA growing number of Americans are carrying significant credit card debt, and new data shows Jacksonville ranks among the highest in the nation.
Digital dangers: How to avoid scammers using AI & other tech to commit crimes without contact
Read full article: Digital dangers: How to avoid scammers using AI & other tech to commit crimes without contactThe latest numbers reveal that cyber criminals stole more than $16 billion last year, and nearly 6.5 million people reported fraud or identity theft, which is about one victim every five seconds.
Artificial color confusion: What do those labels on your food really mean?
Read full article: Artificial color confusion: What do those labels on your food really mean?A recent change by the Food and Drug Administration has consumer advocates worried that food labels are about to get a lot more confusing.
What big-ticket items to buy in April if you want to save
Read full article: What big-ticket items to buy in April if you want to saveAs spring gets underway, retailers often start discounting products tied to outdoor living, yard work, and seasonal cleaning, making this a smart time to shop if you know what to look for.
Jacksonville gas prices surge: Regular hits $4.25, diesel sets new record
Read full article: Jacksonville gas prices surge: Regular hits $4.25, diesel sets new recordIn Jacksonville, AAA reports the average for regular gas at $4.25, up from $2.87 just a month ago, and premium gas at $5.00, up from $3.69.
Former Fernandina Beach Winn-Dixie reopens Thursday as Aldi; gift card giveaways for first 200 customers
Read full article: Former Fernandina Beach Winn-Dixie reopens Thursday as Aldi; gift card giveaways for first 200 customersA former Winn-Dixie in Fernandina Beach will open Thursday after being converted into an Aldi, according to our news partners at the Jacksonville Daily Record.
Florida court shuts down online gift card business over ‘unfair, deceptive’ conduct, imposes over $800K in civil fines
Read full article: Florida court shuts down online gift card business over ‘unfair, deceptive’ conduct, imposes over $800K in civil finesA Northeast Florida gift card company and its owner have been permanently banned from doing business in Florida. The decision, which was sparked by dozens of consumer complaints, was handed down against Gift Card Deal Marketplace Inc., which operated as giftcarddeal.com, and its owner, after a judge found the company was cheating customers.
Closure of 2 Harveys Supermarkets in Jacksonville could create ‘food desert,’ councilman warns
Read full article: Closure of 2 Harveys Supermarkets in Jacksonville could create ‘food desert,’ councilman warnsThe Winn-Dixie Company LLC confirmed on March 28 to News4JAX news partner The Jacksonville Daily Record that it will close two Harveys Supermarket locations in Jacksonville in May.
Seafood industry experts warn supply disruptions are pushing seafood prices higher
Read full article: Seafood industry experts warn supply disruptions are pushing seafood prices higherFamilies across Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia are noticing higher seafood prices this Lent, particularly for Friday fish fries and restaurant meals. A major local supplier says rising global shipping costs and tariffs are behind the increases.
Easy ways to save on the increasing costs of streaming services
Read full article: Easy ways to save on the increasing costs of streaming servicesStreaming price hikes have become so common that they’ve earned a nickname: “Streamflation,” and Consumer Reports says those rising fees can quickly add up, especially for the roughly half of American households with three or more services.
Newly opened ‘larger format’ Publix store in SilverLeaf features wine bar, expanded deli menu, custom pizzas
Read full article: Newly opened ‘larger format’ Publix store in SilverLeaf features wine bar, expanded deli menu, custom pizzasFeaturing a wine bar, an expanded deli menu and custom-made pizzas at the in-store cafe, the new Publix in SilverLeaf offers experiences shoppers used to have to travel to Tampa to see.
Bait-and-switch? Study finds most ‘Mayport Shrimp’ dishes served in Jacksonville area are actually imported
Read full article: Bait-and-switch? Study finds most ‘Mayport Shrimp’ dishes served in Jacksonville area are actually importedA study by SeaD Consulting on behalf of the Southern Shrimp Alliance found that nearly 60% of randomly sampled restaurant shrimp in the Jacksonville area are being falsely represented as local, American wild-caught product, including shrimp marketed as iconic “Mayport Shrimp.”
How to avoid falling victim to a recall text scam
Read full article: How to avoid falling victim to a recall text scamWhether it’s a child car seat, kitchen appliance, or lawn tool, recall notices warn you of a potential safety risk. Now there’s a new warning from Consumer Reports: scammers are trying to trick you with phony recall notices.
TELL US: Has a romance scammer targeted you? Your story could help others!
Read full article: TELL US: Has a romance scammer targeted you? Your story could help others!Over the last five years, at least one local law enforcement agency has seen an 80% increase in fraud cases, and some of those involve scammers preying on the lonely.
If you know anyone serving in the military, read this! Help spread the word about AI scams targeting service members
Read full article: If you know anyone serving in the military, read this! Help spread the word about AI scams targeting service membersAccording to the Federal Trade Commission, service members, veterans, and their families reported losing an estimated $178 million to imposter scams last year alone. And experts say misinformation is surging --- driven by artificial intelligence -- as the U.S. conflict with Iran unfolds.
How to save the most on your shopping bills with digital coupons
Read full article: How to save the most on your shopping bills with digital couponsCoupons have been part of grocery shopping for generations. But today, the savings are often digital – loaded in the store’s app, which you can sometimes combine with other deals.
Publix to open new store in SilverLeaf on March 26; features wine bar, expanded deli menu
Read full article: Publix to open new store in SilverLeaf on March 26; features wine bar, expanded deli menuPublix is having a grand opening for its SilverLeaf location on March 26, featuring a wine bar and an expanded deli menu.
JEA offers daily water-use alerts as Northeast Florida faces Phase II water shortage
Read full article: JEA offers daily water-use alerts as Northeast Florida faces Phase II water shortageJEA is sending daily water-usage, leak and high-bill alerts to customers to help them manage utility use, avoid unexpected charges and protect local water supplies as Northeast Florida faces ongoing dry conditions.
Hyundai stops sales, recalls 60K SUVs after 2-year-old dies; Do you have a 2026 Palisade Limited or Calligraphy?
Read full article: Hyundai stops sales, recalls 60K SUVs after 2-year-old dies; Do you have a 2026 Palisade Limited or Calligraphy?After a young child reportedly died because of an electrical issue with the power-folding seat, Hyundai issued a stop sale and recalled both the 2026 Palisade Limited and the 2026 Palisade Calligraphy.
Consumer Reports tests helpful accessible home gadgets
Read full article: Consumer Reports tests helpful accessible home gadgetsConsumer Reports tested dozens of jar openers, grippers, and other household helpers to find which ones actually work well for people with arthritis, injuries, disabilities, or limited strength.
AAA: Florida gas prices surge 84 cents in 12 days, more increases possible
Read full article: AAA: Florida gas prices surge 84 cents in 12 days, more increases possibleOver the past 12 days, according to AAA, the state average for gas prices in Florida rose 84 cents, adding about $12 to the cost of filling an average-sized gas tank.
Consumer Reports investigation: More braiding hair tested for dangerous chemicals
Read full article: Consumer Reports investigation: More braiding hair tested for dangerous chemicalsIn a new investigation, Consumer Reports tested 30 additional braiding hair products, including human hair, plant-based hair, and other synthetic braiding hair products. All 30 products also contained VOCs, including acetone and small amounts of known carcinogens.
How much caffeine is really in your coffee?
Read full article: How much caffeine is really in your coffee?Black, hot, over ice: the ways we drink our coffee are endless, and for many of us, it’s an essential part of our morning routine. But there’s a catch, too much caffeine can leave you jittery, wide awake at midnight, or nursing a headache.