KOMO News - Consumer News

The risks of mechnaically tenderized beef

Fri, 24 May 2013 14:36:16 -0700

Before you fire up the grill for some great summer meals, Consumer Reports has a caution. The beef you buy may have been tenderized by machines, and that process can introduce potentially deadly bacteria into your food.

Don't get scammed when donating to help tornado victims

Fri, 24 May 2013 08:27:04 -0700

You've seen the devastation in Oklahoma and you want to help. Before you respond to any charity pitch - stop, think and check them out.

Is your homeowners insurance adequate for a disaster?

Thu, 23 May 2013 09:13:50 -0700

The tornado damage in Oklahoma made me think about homeowners insurance.

Airline customers give Virgin America high marks

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:41:33 -0700

The peak travel season has begun, bringing with it crowded planes and higher fares. Consumer Reports has just released its latest airline ratings. They're based on input from more than 16,000 subscribers

Shopping for sunscreen? Don't fall for over-hyped products

Wed, 22 May 2013 07:36:43 -0700

You know how important it is to wear sunscreen, so let me share a few shopping tips with you from the folks at the Environmental Working Group.

Avoid tornado disaster charity fraud

Tue, 21 May 2013 19:08:20 -0700

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

Vaccine offers relief from misery of shingles

Tue, 21 May 2013 07:43:24 -0700

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

Consumer Reports warns against oversold testosterone treatments

Mon, 20 May 2013 18:25:14 -0700

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.

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

Mon, 20 May 2013 07:36:27 -0700

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 Reports rates best places to buy sporting goods

Fri, 17 May 2013 17:58:20 -0700

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

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

Fri, 17 May 2013 08:22:08 -0700

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.

Washington ranked among top 10 for Internet crime

Thu, 16 May 2013 18:17:40 -0700

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

Don't lose your toes: Practice lawnmower safety

Thu, 16 May 2013 07:23:10 -0700

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

Do expandable garden hoses measure up?

Wed, 15 May 2013 17:07:21 -0700

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.

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

Wed, 15 May 2013 16:09:42 -0700

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.

Dual-purpose home health items often in easy reach

Wed, 15 May 2013 07:44:23 -0700

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

Help finding a reliable tree service

Tue, 14 May 2013 18:01:24 -0700

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.

Second-hand smoke linked to Alzheimer's disease

Tue, 14 May 2013 07:21:01 -0700

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.

Experts: Get 3 bids before hiring a contractor

Mon, 13 May 2013 21:05:14 -0700

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

Address change causes delivery aggravation

Mon, 13 May 2013 19:57:31 -0700

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.

Bluetooth car kits put to the test

Fri, 10 May 2013 18:12:01 -0700

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

Redirect your dog to the right things to chew

Fri, 10 May 2013 15:35:02 -0700

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.

Nations agree to new chemical ban, export controls

Fri, 10 May 2013 10:21:55 -0700

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.

Credit card checks may be convenient - but they cost

Fri, 10 May 2013 08:43:30 -0700

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.

'Fake order' scams target direct sales reps

Thu, 09 May 2013 19:07:35 -0700

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.