Consumer News

Consumer Don't lose your toes: Practice lawnmower safety

By Herb Weisbaum Published: May 16, 2013 at 7:23 AM PDT Last Updated: May 16, 2013 at 7:23 AM PDT

Lawnmower accidents can be pretty nasty: deep cuts, broken bones, burns and lost fingers or toes.

Consumer Do expandable garden hoses measure up? (Video)

By Consumer Reports Published: May 15, 2013 at 5:07 PM PDT Last Updated: May 15, 2013 at 6:44 PM PDT

When it’s time to water your yard, does your hose drive you crazy? It’s heavy. It gets tangled. It’s hard to move. Now there are several new As-Seen-On-TV garden hoses that sound like they make watering your garden a snap.

Consumer What you don't know about your credit score can hurt you

By Herb Weisbaum, NBCNews.com Published: May 15, 2013 at 4:09 PM PDT Last Updated: May 17, 2013 at 8:28 AM PDT

Everyone wants a good credit score. We know it's important, but a lot of people don't understand how these numbers are created and how their actions affect them.

Consumer Dual-purpose home health items often in easy reach

By Herb Weisbaum Published: May 15, 2013 at 7:44 AM PDT Last Updated: May 15, 2013 at 7:44 AM PDT

Most of us have things in the house that can be used for something other than their intended purpose.

Consumer Help finding a reliable tree service (Video)

By Connie Thompson Published: May 14, 2013 at 6:01 PM PDT Last Updated: May 14, 2013 at 6:01 PM PDT

Broken boughs and tree trunks through your roof present a tough challenge, even for the pros. If it happens to you, do not just call the first company you can think of or find online.

Consumer Second-hand smoke linked to Alzheimer's disease

By Herb Weisbaum Published: May 14, 2013 at 7:21 AM PDT Last Updated: May 16, 2013 at 9:19 AM PDT

Here's another reason to avoid second-hand smoke. Some new research indicates it could increase your risk for Alzheimer's disease or other types of severe dementia.

Consumer Experts: Get 3 bids before hiring a contractor

By Herb Weisbaum Published: May 13, 2013 at 9:05 PM PDT Last Updated: May 13, 2013 at 9:05 PM PDT

You've heard the advice: Before you hire a contractor get at least three bids.

Consumer Address change causes delivery aggravation (Video)

By Connie Thompson Published: May 13, 2013 at 7:57 PM PDT Last Updated: May 15, 2013 at 9:29 AM PDT

A change of address is one thing when you move to a new location, but people in a neighborhood near Renton say their addresses were changed without their knowledge and, more importantly, without them moving.

Consumer Bluetooth car kits put to the test (Video)

By Consumer Reports Published: May 10, 2013 at 6:12 PM PDT Last Updated: May 10, 2013 at 7:17 PM PDT

Now there are lots of Bluetooth devices made for older cars. Consumer Reports just checked out four inexpensive ones that cost $60 or less.

Consumer Redirect your dog to the right things to chew

By Herb Weisbaum Published: May 10, 2013 at 3:35 PM PDT Last Updated: May 14, 2013 at 8:16 AM PDT

Your dog's constant need to chew might bother you, but it's normal behavior for them. This is how they explore their world and relieve boredom.

Consumer Nations agree to new chemical ban, export controls

By JOHN HEILPRIN, Associated Press Published: May 10, 2013 at 10:21 AM PDT Last Updated: May 10, 2013 at 10:24 AM PDT

Officials in charge of three key international treaties said delegates agreed by consensus to a gradual phase out of the flame retardant hexabromocyclododecane, or HBCD, which is used in building insulation, furniture, vehicles and electronics.

Consumer Credit card checks may be convenient - but they cost

By Herb Weisbaum Published: May 10, 2013 at 8:43 AM PDT Last Updated: May 13, 2013 at 8:40 AM PDT

You open your credit card statement and find checks inside. They're called convenience checks or credit card checks and they can be used to buy things or get a cash advance. But remember to read the fine print.

Consumer 'Fake order' scams target direct sales reps (Video)

By Connie Thompson Published: May 9, 2013 at 7:07 PM PDT Last Updated: May 10, 2013 at 8:26 AM PDT

From cookware to clothing, supplements to skin care, direct sales can be a great way to boost your income. Just be careful about your clients because some of them may actually be scammers.

Consumer Feds get closer look at fake mobile bill charges

By JENNIFER C. KERR Associated Press Published: May 9, 2013 at 7:52 AM PDT Last Updated: May 9, 2013 at 8:49 AM PDT

When a mysterious, unauthorized fee appears on your cellphone bill, it's called "cramming" and consumer advocates and regulators worry it's emerging as a significant problem as people increasingly ditch their landlines for wireless phones.

Consumer Can new product really keep produce fresh longer? (Video)

By Consumer Reports Published: May 8, 2013 at 6:21 PM PDT Last Updated: May 8, 2013 at 6:37 PM PDT

Tossing out fresh fruit and vegetables that have gone bad feels like throwing money down the drain. A new product called FreshPaper claims to keep produce fresh for two to four times longer.