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Consumer protection

Scammers Using Trump Tariff Confusion To Trick Online Shoppers, BBB Warns Scammers Using Trump Tariff Confusion To Trick Online Shoppers, BBB Warns
Scammers Using Trump Tariff Confusion To Trick Online Shoppers, BBB Warns Scammers are using the confusion surrounding President Donald Trump's changing tariffs to cover up missing packages and ignore refund requests. The Better Business Bureau says it's seeing more reports of shady sellers blaming "tariffs" and "customs delays" when products don't arrive. In many cases, the sellers vanish after taking your money. The BBB has warned that shoppers aren't typically responsible for tariffs after buying online and it's a red flag if a seller says your item is stuck in customs due to tariffs. "After 2 months of not receiving my product I have…
Cannabis Recall Issued In NY After Products Found With Pesticides Cannabis Recall Issued In NY After Products Found With Pesticides
Cannabis Recall Issued In NY After Products Found With Pesticides Nine cannabis products sold across New York state are being recalled after tests revealed potentially dangerous pesticide contamination, officials announced. The New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) issued the recall on Tuesday, June 10, for several adult-use cannabis products manufactured by IndoGrow LLC. It comes after products quarantined for testing issues were retested and found to contain unallowable levels of pesticides that could pose health and safety risks. Recalled Products Include: The Force Pre-Roll (SWDV01) Blue Coffee Flower (IC099-001-BC) Blue Coffee Pre-Ro…
Fair Lawn Spa Owner Suspended For Performing Unlicensed Medical Procedures, State Says Fair Lawn Spa Owner Suspended For Performing Unlicensed Medical Procedures, State Says
Fair Lawn Spa Owner Suspended For Performing Unlicensed Medical Procedures, State Says A Bergen County spa owner has been suspended from practice for five years and permanently barred from running a massage business after allegedly performing invasive procedures she wasn’t licensed to conduct, New Jersey officials said. Ana C. Velazco, of Fair Lawn, owner of Fabsilhouette — also known as Medical Massage Network — was sanctioned by the State Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy and the State Board of Medical Examiners for allegedly practicing medicine without a license, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Consumer Affairs announced on Wednesday, June 11. C…
Mold Risks Prompt Massive Recall Of 1.7M+ Air Conditioners Under Many Brand Names Mold Risks Prompt Massive Recall Of 1.7M+ Air Conditioners Under Many Brand Names
Mold Risks Prompt Massive Recall Of 1.7M+ Air Conditioners Under Many Brand Names Nearly 1.75 million window air conditioners imported by a New Jersey company have been recalled after reports of mold exposure and respiratory problems. Midea America Corp. issued the recall for about 1.7 million air conditioners sold in the US and around 45,900 in Canada, the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced on Thursday, June 5. Midea is headquartered in Parsippany, about 30 miles west of New York City. According to the CPSC, Midea discovered water could pool inside its U and U+ models, creating a risk for mold growth. Mold exposure can trigger respiratory infections,…
NY AG Sues Capital One Over $2B+ Savings Scheme After Trump's CFPB Dropped Case NY AG Sues Capital One Over $2B+ Savings Scheme After Trump's CFPB Dropped Case
NY AG Sues Capital One Over $2B+ Savings Scheme After Trump's Cfpb Dropped Case New York's attorney general is reviving a major consumer protection case that federal regulators dropped shortly after President Donald Trump returned to office. Attorney General Letitia James announced the lawsuit against Capital One on Wednesday, May 14. The suit accuses the banking giant of misleading savings account customers and withholding millions in interest. According to the lawsuit, Capital One used "bait-and-switch" tactics by advertising its 360 Savings account as a high-interest option. The company then secretly offered far better rates to new customers through a…
Eye Drops May Be Contaminated, Sparking Recall Of 1.8M+ Bottles Eye Drops May Be Contaminated, Sparking Recall Of 1.8M+ Bottles
Eye Drops May Be Contaminated, Sparking Recall Of 1.8M+ Bottles More than 1.8 million eye drop bottles distributed nationwide are being recalled because the products may not be sterile. AvKARE issued the voluntary recall for 1,819,080 cartons of eye drops in 75,795 cases. The Tennessee company said an audit by the Food and Drug Administration found manufacturing violations at BRS Analytical Services, the firm responsible for producing the eye care products. The drops were sold under AvKARE's label and shipped between Friday, May 26, 2023, and Monday, April 21, 2025. The FDA classified this as a "Class II" recall, which mean…
Ban On 'Junk Fees' For Tickets, Vacation Rentals Officially Begins: Here's What To Know Ban On 'Junk Fees' For Tickets, Vacation Rentals Officially Begins: Here's What To Know
Ban On 'Junk Fees' For Tickets, Vacation Rentals Officially Begins: Here's What To Know Hotels, vacation rentals, and ticket sellers must now show their full costs up front under a new federal rule  aiming to end "junk fees." The Federal Trade Commission's rule banning "junk fees" officially went into effect on Monday, May 12. The FTC passed the rule in December 2024 to prevent businesses from inflating prices by hiding mandatory costs through vague or hidden charges like "resort," "convenience," or "service" fees. Companies selling concert tickets, hotel stays, and short-term vacation rentals now must display all required fees in advertised prices online, in p…
8 NY Nissan Dealerships Must Pay $3.2M For Overcharging Customers: NY AG 8 NY Nissan Dealerships Must Pay $3.2M For Overcharging Customers: NY AG
8 NY Nissan Dealerships Must Pay $3.2M For Overcharging Customers: NY AG Eight Nissan dealerships across New York—including ones in Rockland County and on Long Island—have been ordered to pay more than $3.2 million for illegally overcharging over 1,700 customers who were trying to buy out their leased vehicles, New York Attorney General Letitia James announced.  According to James, who unveiled the agreement on Tuesday, May 6, the dealerships added bogus fees or inflated prices to final invoices, forcing customers to pay more than the amount promised in their original lease agreements.  The affected dealerships include:  Action Nissan in Ro…
$18.5M In Checks Going To Deceptive Sweepstakes Victims, FTC Says: See If You Qualify $18.5M In Checks Going To Deceptive Sweepstakes Victims, FTC Says: See If You Qualify
$18.5M In Checks Going To Deceptive Sweepstakes Victims, FTC Says: See If You Qualify More than 280,000 people will receive checks after they were targeted by misleading sweepstakes emails, federal regulators said. According to the Federal Trade Commission, more than $18.5 million in refunds will be sent to 281,724 consumers, the agency said in a news release on Wednesday, April 30. The FTC found that Publishers Clearing House misled shoppers through deceptive online marketing and emails. An FTC investigation found that PCH tricked predominantly older and lower-income people into buying products. The shoppers were given the false impression that making the pur…
Recall Issued For Popular Apple Juice Brand Sold In 28 States, Including PA Recall Issued For Popular Apple Juice Brand Sold In 28 States, Including PA
Recall Issued For Popular Apple Juice Brand Sold In 28 States, Including PA A voluntary recall has been issued for certain batches of a widely sold apple juice brand, according to an alert from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The juice was distributed across 28 states and comes in clear, round glass bottles with white metal screw-top lids packaged in four 10-ounce bottles per pack (six packs per case).  The recall was initiated due to concerns that were not detailed in the FDA’s official notice, but the agency classified the situation as a Class II recall, meaning use of the product could cause temporary or medically reversible health consequences. …
Cleona Big Lots Among 130+ Stores Reopening: See The Full List Cleona Big Lots Among 130+ Stores Reopening: See The Full List
Cleona Big Lots Among 130+ Stores Reopening: See The Full List Big Lots is ramping up its comeback plans under new ownership by opening more than 130 stores, including nearly two dozen in Pennsylvania and Virginia. The discount chain plans to reopen 132 stores across 14 states in May, Variety Wholesalers announced in a news release on Monday, April 28. Pennsylvania (13 stores) and Virginia (10 stores) are among the top states for returning locations. Big Lots will reopen 54 stores on Thursday, May 1, and 78 locations on Thursday, May 15. "The customer response to the newly expanded assortment of fresh inventory and great deals has been overw…
NY Delivery Drivers Can Get Their Share Of $4M Tip Settlement: Here's Who Qualifies NY Delivery Drivers Can Get Their Share Of $4M Tip Settlement: Here's Who Qualifies
NY Delivery Drivers Can Get Their Share Of $4M Tip Settlement: Here's Who Qualifies Delivery workers across New York who were shortchanged by the now-defunct alcohol delivery service Drizly can now file to receive their share of a $4 million settlement. The claims portal officially opened this week and eligible workers have until Saturday, July 15, to file, New York Attorney General Letitia James announced Wednesday, April 23. The payout stems from a December 2024 settlement in which James’ office found that Drizly—acquired by Uber and shuttered in 2024—misled customers into thinking tips left during checkout were going directly to delivery workers. In reality, those fund…
Airbnb Just Made Booking Less Annoying: Here's What Changed Airbnb Just Made Booking Less Annoying: Here's What Changed
Airbnb Just Made Booking Less Annoying: Here's What Changed Airbnb guests around the world will now see the full price – including all fees before taxes – right in search results. The vacation rental company announced the change on Monday, April 21. Airbnb's optional toggle feature to see full pricing is now standard for all users worldwide. The company said nearly 17 million guests had used the toggle since it launched in 2022. "With the global rollout of total price display, we're making it easier for guests to better understand the price they'll pay, and for hosts to succeed in a more transparent marketplace," Airbnb said. Airbnb first tes…
Discord App Exposes Kids To Child Predators: NJ AG Alleges In Suit Discord App Exposes Kids To Child Predators: NJ AG Alleges In Suit
Discord App Exposes Kids To Child Predators: NJ AG Alleges In Suit The Division of Consumers Affairs announced it is suing the Discord app, claiming it misleads parents and exposes children to predators, New Jersey Attorney Matthew Platkin announced on Thursday, April 17. The lawsuit claims Discord violated the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act, when it knew its safety features and policies could not protect kids who use the app, but refused to do better, Platkin said. Discord misled parents and kids about its safety settings for direct messages, Platkin alleges, leaving them vulnerable to sexual and violent content and to online predators who lurk in the app.…
Don't Fall For This EZ-Pass Text Scam Don't Fall For This EZ-Pass Text Scam
Don't Fall For This Ez-pass Text Scam Fraudulent text messages pretending to be from E-ZPass are alarming users with false claims of unpaid tolls and directing them to a deceptive payment website.  Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and avoid clicking any links contained in these messages. These fake texts are often sent from an international number and request the consumer to reply with "Y" to receive a link to a counterfeit payment portal in an attempt to steal personal information and funds from unsuspecting individuals. This smishing tactic is designed to steal personal information and funds fro…
$158K Stolen, Homes Left In Ruins, Pottstown Contractor Caught In NC: AG $158K Stolen, Homes Left In Ruins, Pottstown Contractor Caught In NC: AG
$158K Stolen, Homes Left In Ruins, Pottstown Contractor Caught In NC: AG A Pottstown contractor who wrecked homes and drained homeowners’ savings, pocketing more than $158,000 without finishing his jobs, will now spend years behind bars, the Pennsylvania Attorney General announced on Tuesday, March 18. Jared Blake Wyllie, 48, lured homeowners into signing contracts under his business, PROjex, LLC, falsely claiming to be a licensed contractor. He took massive upfront payments, did little to no work, and vanished—leaving behind destruction and financial ruin. He was sentenced to three to six years in state prison, plus two years of probation, and must repay his vic…
Scammers Stole $14M+ Promising Passive Income From AI-Powered Amazon Shops: FTC Scammers Stole $14M+ Promising Passive Income From AI-Powered Amazon Shops: FTC
Scammers Stole $14M+ Promising Passive Income From Ai-powered Amazon Shops: FTC A federal court has temporarily shut down an online business that regulators accused of deceiving consumers out of more than $14 million with false promises of big earnings through artificial intelligence-powered online stores, officials said. The Federal Trade Commission said Click Profit, operating under names like FBALaunch and Automation Industries, misled consumers into believing they could earn large sums in passive income by selling products on platforms like Amazon, Walmart, and TikTok. The FTC announced the legal action against Click Profit in a news release on Tuesday, Mar. 18…
NYers Can Now Report Soaring Drug Prices, Pharmacy Complaints Through New State Program NYers Can Now Report Soaring Drug Prices, Pharmacy Complaints Through New State Program
NYers Can Now Report Soaring Drug Prices, Pharmacy Complaints Through New State Program New Yorkers now have an easier way to report skyrocketing prescription drug prices and pharmacy issues, thanks to a new digital platform. The tool, called DFS Connect, was unveiled Monday, March 17, by the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) as part of a push to increase transparency and hold drug manufacturers accountable, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office said. It will allow residents to file complaints about prescription drug price spikes, particularly if a drug’s cost has risen by more than 50 percent in a year. Small, independent pharmacies can also report unfair business pr…
Child's Brain Injury Sparks Recall Of 10K+ Toddler Stools Sold On Amazon Child's Brain Injury Sparks Recall Of 10K+ Toddler Stools Sold On Amazon
Child's Brain Injury Sparks Recall Of 10K+ Toddler Stools Sold On Amazon More than 10,000 toddler stools sold on Amazon have been recalled after several children were injured in collapsing incidents — including one case where a child suffered a brain injury. The recall affects about 10,300 Onasti Toddler Tower Stools, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said on Thursday, Mar. 13. The stools can tip over or collapse during use, creating serious fall hazards. The plastic, foldable stools come in multiple colors, including beige, blue, gray, green, and pink. They're about 25 inches long, 24 inches wide, and 32 inches tall. The stools have an adju…
'A Rip-Off': Defunct CT Nursing School To Pay $5M For Defrauding Students, AG Says 'A Rip-Off': Defunct CT Nursing School To Pay $5M For Defrauding Students, AG Says
'A Rip-Off': Defunct CT Nursing School To Pay $5M For Defrauding Students, AG Says A multimillion-dollar settlement has been approved in the case against a defunct for-profit nursing school accused of misleading students and failing to provide promised training, officials said. Stone Academy and its owners will pay $5 million to settle claims of unfair and deceptive conduct, Attorney General William Tong said in a news release on Thursday, Feb. 27. The settlement resolves lawsuits brought by the State of Connecticut and former students. The school had campuses in East Hartford, Waterbury, and West Haven before permanently closing in February 2023. "Stone Academ…
CFPB Drops Capital One Lawsuit As Trump, Musk Target Federal Watchdog CFPB Drops Capital One Lawsuit As Trump, Musk Target Federal Watchdog
Cfpb Drops Capital One Lawsuit As Trump, Musk Target Federal Watchdog The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has dropped a lawsuit against Capital One as concerns grow about the federal agency's future. The CFPB will no longer pursue legal action against Capital One, according to a court filing on Thursday, Feb. 27. The case, filed in January, claimed the banking giant misled customers and withheld more than $2 billion in interest payments. The company based in McLean, Virginia, supported the dismissal. "We welcome the CFPB's decision to dismiss this action, which we strongly disputed," a Capital One spokesperson said in a statement to the Daily Voice…
$39.5M In Fake Sports Gear Seized In Massive Crackdown Before Super Bowl LIX $39.5M In Fake Sports Gear Seized In Massive Crackdown Before Super Bowl LIX
$39.5M In Fake Sports Gear Seized In Massive Crackdown Before Super Bowl LIX Authorities confiscated $39.5 million worth of counterfeit sports merchandise ahead of Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans. More than 214,500 items were seized in the year-long crackdown, Immigration and Customs Enforcement said in a news release on Wednesday, Feb. 5. "Operation Team Player" targeted fake jerseys, hats, jewelry, and other memorabilia being sold to fans. Led by the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center), the operation involved Homeland Security Investigations, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and major sports leagues.  The initia…
Not So Secure: Data Blunder Left Home Security Cams Open To Outsiders, NY AG Finds Not So Secure: Data Blunder Left Home Security Cams Open To Outsiders, NY AG Finds
Not So Secure: Data Blunder Left Home Security Cams Open To Outsiders, NY AG Finds New Yorkers can feel a little more secure when it comes to their home security systems. Three companies that distribute Eufy home security cameras agreed to a $450,000 settlement for failing to secure consumers’ videos, New York Attorney General Letitia James said Tuesday, Jan. 28. The companies – Fantasia Trading LLC, Power Mobile Life LLC, and Smart Innovation LCC – were plagued with troubling data security vulnerabilities, making them accessible to anyone with the relevant link, even without authentication, the investigation found. The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) began looking …
Southwest Airlines Sued, Frontier Fined For Chronic Flight Delays: Feds Southwest Airlines Sued, Frontier Fined For Chronic Flight Delays: Feds
Southwest Airlines Sued, Frontier Fined For Chronic Flight Delays: Feds The federal government is suing Southwest Airlines and fined Frontier Airlines, accusing the carriers of illegally operating multiple chronically delayed flights and causing significant problems for travelers. The U.S. Department of Transportation filed a lawsuit against Southwest on Wednesday, Jan. 15, the DOT said in a news release. The suit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California seeks maximum civil penalties against the airline. Federal regulators said they're cracking down on "unrealistic scheduling practices" by Southwest. "Airlines have a l…
PA Attorney General Warns Consumers Amid Big Lots Bankruptcy, Closures PA Attorney General Warns Consumers Amid Big Lots Bankruptcy, Closures
PA Attorney General Warns Consumers Amid Big Lots Bankruptcy, Closures Attorney General Michelle Henry is warning Pennsylvanians to protect themselves as Big Lots closes its remaining 64 stores across the state amidst Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. The retailer began going-out-of-business sales on Dec. 20, 2024, following a federal bankruptcy court order. Henry issued the alert on Friday, Jan. 10, to ensure consumers understand their rights and avoid potential financial losses during the liquidation process. “Consumers should take steps to safeguard their purchases and claims as Big Lots winds down operations,” Henry said. The Attorney General’s Office of…
H&R Block Fined $7M For Deceptive 'Free' Filing Ads, Must Reform Tax Services: FTC H&R Block Fined $7M For Deceptive 'Free' Filing Ads, Must Reform Tax Services: FTC
H&R Block Fined $7M For Deceptive 'Free' Filing Ads, Must Reform Tax Services: FTC H&R Block will pay $7 million in federal fines for deceptive practices and must implement sweeping changes to its filing services in time for the 2025 tax season, officials said. H&R Block reached the settlement with the Federal Trade Commission, the agency announced in a news release on Wednesday, Jan. 8. The order requires the company to revamp its services and pay $7 million to compensate its customers. The settlement stemmed from a February 2024 complaint accusing H&R Block of forcing users to contact customer service to downgrade products. The tax filer was also a…
Don't Fall For It: New Twist On Imposter Fraud Targets Your Money, Personal Info Don't Fall For It: New Twist On Imposter Fraud Targets Your Money, Personal Info
Don't Fall For It: New Twist On Imposter Fraud Targets Your Money, Personal Info The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is sounding the alarm on a sophisticated new imposter scheme designed to steal your money and personal information.  These scams are becoming increasingly convincing, but learning to spot the red flags can help you stay protected. How the Scam Works Initial Contact: Scammers pose as representatives from well-known companies, such as Amazon or a tech support service. They’ll claim there’s a routine issue, like suspicious charges on your account, a computer virus, or an account breach. Escalation: The scammers lie, saying your name is tied to serious …
Nationwide Recall Issued For Brand Of Eye Drops Over Contamination Risk Nationwide Recall Issued For Brand Of Eye Drops Over Contamination Risk
Nationwide Recall Issued For Brand Of Eye Drops Over Contamination Risk A nationwide recall has been issued for a specific lot of eye drops due to potential fungal contamination, which could cause serious eye infections. The recall involves lubricant eye drops under the Systane brand, manufactured by Alcon Laboratories, following a report of fungal material found in a sealed vial.  No illnesses have been reported, but fungal contamination can pose vision-threatening risks and, in rare cases, life-threatening complications for immunocompromised individuals. Details of the recall: Specific brand: Systane Lubricant Eye Drops Ultra PF, Single Vials On-…
Restaurant Reservation ‘Black Market’ Target Of NY Law Signed By Gov. Hochul Restaurant Reservation ‘Black Market’ Target Of NY Law Signed By Gov. Hochul
Restaurant Reservation ‘Black Market’ Target Of NY Law Signed By Gov. Hochul New Yorkers can now enjoy fairer access to coveted restaurant reservations. A new law signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul on Thursday, Dec. 19, prohibits third-party reservation platforms from arranging reservations without a restaurant's consent. The platforms often charge consumers additional fees, creating a costly “black market” for popular dining spots and making it harder for diners to secure tables without paying a premium. “We’re putting an end to the predatory black market for restaurant reservations — protecting consumers and businesses, and giving everyone a chance to get a seat at the …
NY Baby Formula Suppliers Accused Of Price Gouging Agree To $675K Settlement NY Baby Formula Suppliers Accused Of Price Gouging Agree To $675K Settlement
NY Baby Formula Suppliers Accused Of Price Gouging Agree To $675K Settlement Thousands of cans of baby formula are being distributed to families in need across New York after a settlement was reached with two companies accused of illegal price gouging. New York Attorney General Letitia James announced on Monday, Dec. 18, that her office had secured $675,000 worth of baby formula from Marine Park Distribution Inc. and its affiliate, Formula Depot Inc., following an investigation into price gouging during the nationwide formula shortage in 2022. The companies allegedly raised formula prices by more than 60 percent in some cases, with costs doubling for certain product…
Five New Laws Save New Yorkers Money, Offer Transparency Five New Laws Save New Yorkers Money, Offer Transparency
Five New Laws Save New Yorkers Money, Offer Transparency Five new laws signed by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul will make it easier for residents to do everything from canceling health memberships to learning about restaurant sanitary inspections while saving them money. “At a time when New Yorkers are experiencing the devastating effects of rising prices, it’s important that I do everything I can to put more money back in their pockets,” Hochul said.  Here are the five new laws: Canceling health club memberships: Health clubs must accept the cancellation of membership within 10 days of receiving the request. The previous law gave them 15 days.…