Consumer Affairs- | News Tribune

Feds crack down on bogus tech support schemers

Consumers forked over nearly a million dollars to 'fix' nonexistent problems

Few things strike more fear into the heart than being told that your computer is riddled with viruses, spyware and other malware. Your first impulse is to get the problem fixed and that's where the scammers come in.

More women traveling solo, statistics show

And the trend doesn't seem to be ending anytime soon

The concept of women traveling alone certainly isn't new, but according to the Travel Industry Association, it has gotten kind of trendy.

How to get the most out of your air conditioner this summer

According to the experts, it's all about preventive maintenance

With the summer season fast approaching, many people are either purchasing a new air conditioner or repairing the one they have. And many who have central air conditioning will need a bit of maintenance to make sure it's working at full capacity.

New type of flame retardant may resolve environmental fears

Scientists develop "nanocoating" that safely inhibits fire in furniture and mattresses

There's been a lot of concern about the potential health effects of existing flame retardants for furniture, fabrics and other material but now scientists are reporting development of an “exceptionally effective" new retardant that appears safer and more environmentally friendly.

Repeat offenders drive food recalls in 2013

Analysis finds 28% of recalls come from foreign objects

Crime statistics are often driven by repeat offenders and it turns out the same is true of food recalls. Nearly three out of four food recalls in the first quarter of the year came from companies that had issued two or more recalls during the period.

Get ready for new web browsers

New browsers are popping up and the mouse may be headed for extinction

Microsoft's Internet Explorer, Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox are instantly recognizable as today's top web browsers. But for how long?

Feds look at ways to make delis safer

Listeria, salmonella can be problems in both large and small delis

You might not think of delis as dangerous places but they can be a source of food-borne diseases. Listeria contamination is one of the trickiest problems to manage and two federal agencies have teamed up to study the problem.

Robocaller agrees to stop blasting consumers

Calls went to consumers who hadn't agreed to be blasted

A California company that calls itself CallFire has agreed to stop blasting illegal robocalls to consumers and pay a $75,000 fine.

Breakfast for kids and academic performance: A closer look

Researchers delve deeper to find the true link between hunger and academic achievement

Many people probably know that it's hard for children to pay attention in school without eating breakfast. But now a team of researchers has found out why that is.

License plate readers raise privacy concerns

Police departments stiff-arm requests for information on how they use the data

The American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California (ACLU/SC) and the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) have filed suit against the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, alleging that the departments are withholding data gathered from license-plate readers.

Congressional bill seeks safer cosmetics

Companies currently do not have to demonstrate new products are safe

A measure that's pending in Congress would require cosmetics manufacturers to certify that new products are safe before they begin selling them.

Tips on choosing an engagement ring

A good decision gets things off on the right foot

You're working up your courage to pop the question. Presenting just the right engagement ring during the proposal can't hurt your chances.

Helping your kids learn about money

There are lots of resources to aid financial literacy

What do sex and financial literacy have in common? Parents rarely talk about either of them with their children. But while sex education is now the norm in schools, many kids remain in the dark about money matters.

How much is your home contributing to your bad diet?

Researchers at Wexner Medical Center are trying to find out

When it comes to being fit and remaining healthy, a consistent level of exercise and proper diet is needed. But researchers say most people don't think about how their home affects their health.

Checks being mailed to "free government grant" scam victims

Most of the 22,000 victims will get back about 80% of their loss

Checks are going out to more than 22,000 consumers who fell for a scam that claimed to offer free government grant money. An administrator working for the Federal Trade Commission began mailing refund checks totalling approximately $1.7 million to 22,764 consumers on Thursday.