Consumer News

Consumer Avoid tornado disaster charity fraud (Video)

By Connie Thompson Published: May 21, 2013 at 7:08 PM PDT Last Updated: May 22, 2013 at 9:06 AM PDT

Before you give money to help with tornado disaster relief in Oklahoma, find out what kind of help the charity is providing.

Consumer Vaccine offers relief from misery of shingles

By Herb Weisbaum Published: May 21, 2013 at 7:43 AM PDT Last Updated: May 21, 2013 at 8:23 AM PDT

It isn't life-threatening, but the viral condition called shingles can make you feel miserable.

Consumer Consumer Reports warns against oversold testosterone treatments (Video)

By Consumer Reports Published: May 20, 2013 at 6:25 PM PDT Last Updated: May 20, 2013 at 6:38 PM PDT

Two years ago drugmakers spent $14 million promoting prescription testosterone. Last year they spent $100 million. And sales are soaring, topping $2 billion in 2012.

Consumer Before you hire, be sure to check out that lawn care service

By Herb Weisbaum Published: May 20, 2013 at 7:36 AM PDT Last Updated: May 22, 2013 at 9:06 AM PDT

You decided to hire a lawn care service. But before you do, take the time to check them out. Choose the wrong company and you could waste a lot of green.

Consumer Consumer Reports rates best places to buy sporting goods (Video)

By Consumer Reports Published: May 17, 2013 at 5:58 PM PDT Last Updated: May 17, 2013 at 7:16 PM PDT

Whether you’re outfitting yourself or getting your kids ready for their favorite sport, where you shop can make a big difference.

Consumer Want a better credit score? Here's how to do it

By Herb Weisbaum Published: May 17, 2013 at 8:22 AM PDT Last Updated: May 21, 2013 at 8:01 AM PDT

A good credit score will save you money. It will drive down the interest rates you pay on credit cards, home loans, even a mortgage.

Consumer Washington ranked among top 10 for Internet crime (Video)

By Connie Thompson Published: May 16, 2013 at 6:17 PM PDT Last Updated: May 21, 2013 at 8:00 AM PDT

This may be one of the most Internet savvy parts of the country, but that doesn't mean we're internet secure.

Consumer Don't lose your toes: Practice lawnmower safety

By Herb Weisbaum Published: May 16, 2013 at 7:23 AM PDT Last Updated: May 22, 2013 at 2:47 PM 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 20, 2013 at 8:36 AM 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 20, 2013 at 2:48 PM 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 20, 2013 at 2:48 PM 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.