KOMO News - Consumer News

Suspicious offers escalate via email, phone and text

Fri, 18 May 2012 19:11:30 -0700

Scammers and schemers have been especially busy this week with tricky text messages, phony phone calls and email offers that'll have your bank coming after you.

Safeway launches new couponing app

Thu, 17 May 2012 20:04:46 -0700

With new grocery stores going up in almost every neighborhood, food retailers are doing everything they can to get you to shop with them, instead of the competition.

Consumer Reports: Best bicycle helmets

Thu, 17 May 2012 16:20:59 -0700

It's a fact. Wearing a bike helmet can make the difference between life and death - literally - in an accident. Consumer Reports just tested a bunch of helmets to see which ones deliver the protection you count on.

Free service helps monitor your bills for fraud, unauthorized charges

Fri, 18 May 2012 22:26:08 -0700

You know you should check your credit card statement every month to look for errors or fraudulent charges

FTC: Skechers deceived consumers with shoe ads

Wed, 16 May 2012 10:49:56 -0700

The government wants you to know that simply sporting a pair of Skechers' fitness shoes is not going to get you Kim Kardashian's curves or Brooke Burke's toned tush.

Survey finds plenty of reputable local locksmiths

Tue, 15 May 2012 20:04:24 -0700

Our Problems Solvers alert about people being gouged by rogue locksmiths really touched a nerve, especially among honest locksmiths who say the problem is worse than you can imagine.

Consumer Reports: Best gas grills

Tue, 15 May 2012 15:43:03 -0700

You can burn up some big bucks on a new gas grill, but do you have to spend a lot in order to get a grill that delivers delicious results?

E-Cigarette pros and cons

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 17:34:31 -0700

Made to look and feel like traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes are battery-operated electronic devices that deliver vaporized nicotine without the tar, smoke, and tobacco found in regular cigarettes.

FDA delays rules meant to ease sunscreen confusion

Tue, 15 May 2012 08:51:10 -0700

Sunscreen confusion won't be over before summer after all. The government is bowing to industry requests for more time to make clear how much protection their lotions really offer.

CHECKBOOK: Best vets in the area not the priciest

Mon, 14 May 2012 17:17:41 -0700

CHECKBOOK President Robert Krughoff says the magazine evaluated 195 vets in the Puget Sound area and found some striking vets who were accessible and gave quality care.

Watch out for huge interest rates on store credit cards

Mon, 14 May 2012 10:22:32 -0700

A lot of stores offer credit cards. And they can have some great perks. But there can also be some big pitfalls.

Exploring eco-friendly options for home-related projects

Fri, 11 May 2012 17:09:27 -0700

Whether you're hiring a contractor for major work or a house cleaner to help you out, you might be looking to go "green." Angie's List says most people want to hire eco-friendly workers, but many aren't sure they're getting the real deal.

Which are the cheapest cars to own?

Fri, 11 May 2012 10:41:46 -0700

When it comes to the true cost of a car, there's a lot more than the price you negotiate and the interest on the loan. There's the insurance, taxes, fuel, service and repairs, as well as depreciation.

The Pasta Boat: Does it work?

Wed, 09 May 2012 20:02:05 -0700

Even people who love to cook appreciate things that save time and hassle in the kitchen. So I was curious about a product called the Pasta Boat.

Rogue locksmiths overcharging customers

Fri, 11 May 2012 23:22:55 -0700

Rogue locksmiths are grossly overcharging customers who lock themselves out of their homes and cars, forcing them to pay double, triple and sometimes even four times what the service is worth.

Bill would require clear disclosure of overdraft coverage and fees

Wed, 09 May 2012 16:34:04 -0700

If approved, the bill would also require that overdraft fees be "reasonable and proportional" to the cost of the transaction.

Know and understand your blood cholesterol level

Wed, 09 May 2012 08:17:42 -0700

Let's talk about your blood cholesterol level. We know that if your levels are high, the risk of developing clogged arteries goes way up. Why? A simple analogy would be your drainpipes at home.

Do you really know your bank's overdraft protection policy?

Tue, 08 May 2012 15:02:43 -0700

If you make a purchase at the store with your debit card and you overdraw your checking account, will you get hit with a fee? What if you overdraft because of an ATM withdrawal? Are you sure?

Majority of teens seen texting while driving

Tue, 08 May 2012 13:03:51 -0700

Consumer Reports surveyed more than a thousand drivers between the ages of 16 and 21. Of the young drivers polled, 71 percent said they had seen their peers texting while driving in the previous month.

Worsening car blind spots

Mon, 07 May 2012 19:57:57 -0700

If you're having a hard time seeing out of your car, you're not alone. Cars designed with high trunks and hoods and low, sloping rooflines give a sleek appearance on the outside but can cause visibility problems from the inside.

Beware of hidden fees, rates when using a calling card

Mon, 07 May 2012 16:09:44 -0700

A Consumer Reports investigation found that when it comes to overseas calling cards, it's a buyer beware market.

The best travel rewards credit cards

Mon, 07 May 2012 08:31:57 -0700

CardHub.com just picked these three travel cards as the best because they offer huge bonuses for signing up and using them.

Report: Law on credit-reporting fails consumers

Sun, 06 May 2012 14:15:58 -0700

Americans are virtually powerless to correct damaging mistakes in their credit reports due to loopholes and obstacles in the federal law governing credit-reporting agencies, an Ohio newspaper reported Sunday.

'Grandparent Scam' targeting more than just grandparents

Fri, 04 May 2012 20:01:12 -0700

Emergency phone calls are catching thousands of people off guard with desperate cries for help. The caller is counting on you to panic, then try to help someone you love get out of a frightening situation.

What not to do when cleaning your roof

Fri, 04 May 2012 15:57:07 -0700

Most people thing of spring cleaning inside their homes. But you might need to tackle a big spring cleaning job outside, too.