Consumer News

Consumer Installing new windows? Be sure to choose carefully

By Herb Weisbaum Published: Jun 17, 2013 at 8:10 AM PDT Last Updated: Jun 17, 2013 at 9:10 AM PDT

New windows can stop leaks, reduce drafts, save energy and make your house look a whole lot nicer.

Consumer Consumer Reports: Vinyl flooring best for kitchens

By Herb Weisbaum Published: Jun 15, 2013 at 7:00 AM PDT Last Updated: Jun 14, 2013 at 5:10 PM PDT

You want your kitchen floor to look nice, but in this part of the house you need a material that's durable. Luckily, you have some good choices, including: tile, wood and vinyl.

Consumer Don't get tricked into buying a flood-damaged vehicle (Video)

By Connie Thompson Published: Jun 13, 2013 at 8:10 PM PDT Last Updated: Jun 13, 2013 at 8:10 PM PDT

You do not want to buy a flood damaged-vehicle. They're bad news. But people are cleaning up cars and trucks from Hurricane Sandy and passing them off like nothing happened.

Consumer Ways to avoid those pesky bank overdraft fees

By Herb Weisbaum Published: Jun 13, 2013 at 7:10 AM PDT Last Updated: Jun 13, 2013 at 9:40 AM PDT

No one likes to pay overdraft fees, and yet the average American spends $225 in overdraft charges each year, according a report.

Consumer Flexible garden hoses get mixed reviews from Consumer Reports readers (Video)

By Consumer Reports Published: Jun 12, 2013 at 4:45 PM PDT Last Updated: Jun 14, 2013 at 5:20 PM PDT

A number or people complained that their hoses leaked, burst, broke and had to be returned, sometimes more than once.

Consumer Proposed 'kill switch' could be solution to smartphone thefts (Video)

By Herb Weisbaum, NBCNews.com Published: Jun 12, 2013 at 1:46 PM PDT Last Updated: Jun 12, 2013 at 6:13 PM PDT

The plan is to ask the nation's four largest mobile device manufacturers - Apple, Google/Motorola, Microsoft and Samsung - to find a technological solution to this crime wave. The two prosecutors believe a "kill switch" is this answer.

Consumer Like your steak rare? Here's some bad news ...

By Herb Weisbaum Published: Jun 12, 2013 at 12:10 PM PDT Last Updated: Jun 14, 2013 at 9:09 AM PDT

For steaks, rare was OK, because any bacteria would be limited to the outside of the meat. Not anymore.

Consumer Fight fraud, phone scams: Hang up!

By Herb Weisbaum Published: Jun 12, 2013 at 12:04 PM PDT Last Updated: Jun 12, 2013 at 12:04 PM PDT

The phone rings and you a recorded message says you are eligible for a free medical alert system. Don't do it. Hang up!

Consumer Medicare impostors target seniors for identity theft (Video)

By Connie Thompson Published: Jun 11, 2013 at 6:49 PM PDT Last Updated: Jun 11, 2013 at 6:49 PM PDT

Betty Jane of Olympia has a knack for knowing when something's not right. But a scammer caught her off guard when the phone jolted her out of a nap.

Consumer New mailer promises round-trip plane tickets -- with a catch

By Connie Thompson Published: Jun 11, 2013 at 6:56 PM PDT Last Updated: Jun 12, 2013 at 9:14 AM PDT

On the heels of two previous alerts, the Puget Sound region is being flooded with yet another round of post cards promising a free round-trip. The latest card shows a non-descript airplane and mentions the names of several well-known airlines and hotel chains. According to the card "You will receive 2 round-trip airline tickets... plus a 3-day/2-night weekend getaway at a hotel... "

Consumer Feds investigating Honda minivans for air bag trouble

By TOM KRISHER AP Auto Writer Published: Jun 10, 2013 at 7:25 AM PDT Last Updated: Jun 10, 2013 at 7:25 AM PDT

U.S. safety regulators have added about 320,000 older model Honda Odyssey minivans to a widening probe of faulty air bags that affects at least three automakers and more than 2 million vehicles.

Consumer Can pets get sunburned? Tips for keeping your pets protected

By Herb Weisbaum Published: Jun 7, 2013 at 6:21 PM PDT Last Updated: Jun 7, 2013 at 6:21 PM PDT

Most dogs love to stretch out and take a nap in the sun. Don't let them overdo it. Dr. John Angus, a veterinary dermatologist, says your pooch can get a sun burn and that can increase the risk of skin cancer.