Consumer News & Alerts

November 16, 2009

By Martin H. Bosworth
ConsumerAffairs.Com

NEAT FREAKS BEWARE: HOUSEHOLD CLEANERS COULD BE DANGEROUS
The next time you reach for your average cleaning disinfectant, think again -- it may be more dangerous than the germs you're trying to get rid of. That's the conclusion of a new report from environmental group Women's Voices for the Earth (WVE). WVE claims that many types of disinfectant chemicals, including chlorine bleach, ammonia, and nano-silver, can have toxic effects on a person's health, including hormone imbalances, heart damage, and breast cancer. Lisa Wade McCormick reports that while the soap and detergent industry naturally downplayed the report's results as an "extraordinary stretch," public health officials and WVE alike discussed "green" alternatives to typical cleansers that might be safer for use. Read more...

HIGH BPA EXPOSURE MAY CAUSE SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION IN MEN
Speaking of dangerous chemicals, bisphenol-A (BPA) is back in the news this week. A federal study found evidence that BPA exposure may erectile dysfunction in men, based on studies of Chinese male factory workers. Coming on the heels of recent studies linking BPA to hyperactivity and aggression in girls, and a Consumer Reports study finding high levels of BPA in many name-brand food products, Truman Lewis reports that the new findings add fuel to the fire over BPA. Federal agencies are promising to reevaluate their stances on BPA in light of the findings, while members of Congress have introduced bills to ban the chemical outright. Chemical industry spokesmen, however, say the controversy is unwarranted and that the tests aren't really relevant to the average person's BPA exposure. Read more...

More consumer protection news...

• Virginia's Price-Gouging Statute Activated as Storm Batters the East Tropical Storm Idea and coastal Nor'easter being high water, power failures.

• Celebration Studios Owner Pleads Guilty To Theft Closes book on New Jersey bridal nightmare.

• Protecting Your Credit Card From Unauthorized Charges Think before giving anyone your credit card information.

• Target Settles New Jersey Consumer Charges Sold expired infant formula at some stores.

• California Company Recalls Weight Loss Supplement Capsules contain two potentially dangerous ingredients.

• Companies Warned Against Marketing Illegal Flavored Cigarettes FDA letters spell out consequences.

FED TO BAR SOME OVERDRAFT FEES--BUT AT WHAT COST?
Responding to pressure from consumers and threats of regulation from Congress, the Federal Reserve this week voted to bar overdrafts on ATM and one-time debit card transactions, unless the accountholder specifically opts in to the bank's "courtesy overdraft" service. As Mark Huffman and Jim Limbach report, the new rule also establishes a yearly maximum of six overdrafts for any customer account. Although Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke praised the move as a step forward for consumer protection, others were more critical. Mark Halperin of the Center for Responsible Lending said the bill doesn't prevent banks from charging multiple overdraft fees in a single day, especially on small transactions. Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) has introduced legislation to address the issue, but banks are warning that if they can't charge overdraft fees on customers, they'll simply drop their accounts and leave the customers "unbanked." Read more...

'TOO BIG TO FAIL?' NOT FOR MUCH LONGER
The Federal Reserve may be moving more aggressively to protect consumers out of fear of losing its turf. Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) has proposed legislation that would establish a new Consumer Financial Protection Agency (CFPA), abolishing the Office of Thrift Supervision (OTC) and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). Dodd's proposed agency would also remove considerable power from the Fed and establish new rules for propping up banking institutions in peril. While President Obama and Dodd's House counterpart Barney Frank (D-MA) have made similar proposals, none go as far as Dodd's -- and Republican support, so far, remains elusive. Read more...

More financial news...

• FDIC Closes Banks In California, Florida 123 banks have failed so far in 2009.

• Can You Still Find High-Yield Checking? When it comes to paying yield, banks rely on a healthy balance of deposits and loans.

• Time To Make a Debt Deal? Follow these three hints and this credit recovery strategy might put you back in good standing.

• 4 Options When Police Call About Debt These possibilities may keep you out of jail after you've ignored a court summons for nonpayment.

• Marsh & McLennan Settles Investor Suit For $400 Million Alleged scheme caused stock to lose half its value.

• Marriage Doesn't Wipe Out Credit History Past individual credit mistakes will follow a betrothed couple into their marriage.

• Money Games For Kids Teach your kids financial lessons with these games.

Mortgage & homeowner news...

• American Home Mortgage Servicing Agrees To 8200 Modifications Subprime loans orginated by H&R Block, Option One.

• Foreclosure Activity Slows For Third Straight Month October foreclosure activity down from previous month, but up year-over-year.

• Consumers Refinancing, Not Buying Purchase mortgages 21 percent below 2008 levels.

• Zillow.com: Fewer 'Underwater' Homeowners In Third Quarter Many 'underwater' owners have already lost their homes.

• Florida Accuses Loan Modifiers Of Fraud Companies charged homeowners upfront fees.

• 4 Tips For The Homebuyer Tax Credit Want to take advantage of the extended and expanded homebuyer tax credit? Follow these tips.

• Ohio Sues Mortgage Servicer For 'Incompetence' Firm allegedly made bad situation worse.

THE SKY IS FALLING -- OR NOT
It's an idea that has touched off a global movement of lurid cable specials, half-baked books full of "secret" revelations, and the latest bonehead blockbuster from disaster-movie auteur Roland Emmerich. But is there really any truth to the idea that the world will come to an abrupt and ruinous end on December 21, 2012? More and more scientists across the world are urging people to stay calm and not let doomsday panic get the best of them. Mark Huffman captured the efforts from NASA to throw cold water on the 2012 phenomenon. Read more...

On the other hand ... Hollywood guru to the stars Viki King says she has "become aware of an overwhelming need to clarify the nature of Earth changes currently occuring and to offer support for the process manifesting within each of us right now." Viki and her colleague Muriel Stockdale discuss the implications of the 2012 uproar. Read more

GAS PRICES TAKE A SLIGHT DIP
The mysterious spike in oil prices -- leading to concurrent price jumps at the pump -- seems to have stalled this week. Mark Huffman reports that a weak dollar, high joblessness, and Americans' general frugality on energy use has put a clamp down on the surge for this week. Find out where gas is cheapest and most expensive in our weekly roundup. Read more...

More transportation news...

• DOT Fines Ultimate Fares $600,000 For Advertising Violations Company failed to state full fare to customers.

• Bankruptcy Iffy Way to Stop Car Repo Think twice before going bankrupt to stop your car from being repossessed. It's a hefty price to pay.

• Shell To Pay California $19.5 Million For Gas Station Violations Company allegedly violated state environmental regulations.

• Florida Most Dangerous State For Pedestrians Nine of top 10 most dangerous metros in the south.

2009 GIFT CARDS -- THE BEST AND THE WORST
Christmas decorations in the mall already and price slashings at almost every retailer you go to -- yep, it's holiday shopping time. Gift cards remain a popular and easy (if somewhat less than creative) way to give a gift, but many cards come with hidden traps, tricks, and fees that make the thought count much less. Here's a rundown of retailer and bank-brand gift cards, including what they offer, when they expire, and what "gotchas" may be waiting for you. Read more...

More shopping news...

• Consumer Reports: Electronics Will Save Holiday Shopping Stress gauges show slight improvement.

• Avoid Fraud When Holiday Shopping Online AutoTrader.com offers smart buying tips.

• Consumer Reports Rates Vanns.com Top of Electronics E-Tailers Magazine offers six tips for saving money on electronics.

• Layaway: Another Way To Buy FTC offers tips about layaway plans.

• 10 Hot Toys For Under $20 Two industry experts choose their favorite toys that will fit your budget and delight the kids.

RELIGIOUS LICENSE PLATES STRUCK DOWN IN SOUTH CAROLINA
It's a fundamental article of life in the United States that you can believe in and worship whatever God (or no god) you wish, but that the worship shouldn't be funded with taxpayer dollars. That's a lesson U.S. District Court Judge Cameron Currie reminded South Carolina Lt. Governor Andre Bauer of this week, when she struck down a state law that permitted the sale of vanity auto license plates emblazoned with a cross and the words "I Believe." Bauer, who is competing against Attorney General Henry McMaster for the gubernatorial chair vacated by disgraced former governor Mark Sanford, accused Judge Currie of wanting to subvert Christianity, while Currie retorted that Bauer may simply have been pursuing headlines and cachet with voters. As Jon Hood reports, the matter may not be settled yet -- a private group announced plans to make and sell the plates of their own volition. Isn't a bumper sticker enough, we ask? Read more...

FROM ONLINE AUCTION FRAUD TO EASY MONEY -- IN A SNAP
Anyone who's spent quality time on eBay knows how frustrating it is when last-minute bidders push up the price of an item you want. But in the case of domain name auction service SnapNames.com, company vice-president Nelson Brady turned the practice into a science. According to a class action lawsuit, Brady, under the name "Halvarez," submitted tens of thousands of bids over a four-year period, forcing potential buyers to up their bidding prices -- and netting more cash for the company. SnapNames has promised to refund any difference in monies lost by bidders -- though according to Jon Hood, figuring out who gets what won't be a snap. Read more...

More technology news...

• Bright Future Forecast For E-Readers Major developments this year could lead to robust growth in 2010.

• Consumer Reports Rates Vanns.com Top of Electronics E-Tailers Magazine offers six tips for saving money on electronics.

• Tagged.com To Pay New York $500,000 In Penalties Company 'hijacked' users' address books to send out spam.

FAT CHANCE: WHAT YOUR GRANDMOTHER COULD HAVE TAUGHT YOU ABOUT OBESITY
It's no news that Americans are an increasingly overweight -- and unhealthy -- nation. For all the fad diets, quickie weight loss programs, and increasingly bizarre "cures" sold by all manner of quacks, nothing seems to work. Our country packs on the pounds faster than any industrialized nation, and with that comes a rise in health care costs, disease, and mortality. Isn't it all just a matter of personal will -- putting aside the triple-decker burger in favor of a salad, or walking a few miles a day before work? Our resident road junkie Tom Glaister says it's not so simple -- a combination of a car-centric nation, easy access to cheap fast food, and increasingly unhealthy chemicals in our diets have brought our bellies -- and bodies -- to the breaking point. Read more...

CLASS ACTION SUIT FILED AGAINST AARP
When James and Alison Halperin signed up for a new insurance plan offered to them through the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), they thought they were getting a great deal. But when Alison contracted breast cancer, they were shocked to find that despite the plan's advertising, the actual coverage for illness was incredibly stingy, and wouldn't pay for her costly treatment. Now the Halperins have filed suit against AARP, forcing the organization to drop the plans -- and beat a hasty retreat at a time when the venerable group is under fire for its support of health insurance reform. Read more...

More health news...

• Optical Biopsy Provides Surgery-Free Diagnosis Laser technology could replace the scalpel and needle.

• FDA To Look Into Safety Of Caffeinated Alcoholic Beverages Agency sends letters to nearly 30 manufacturers.

• FDA Expands Approved Use Of Swine Flu Vaccines To Include Infants And Children Seasonal flu vaccine included in expanded approval.

• Too Much Selenium Can Increase Cholesterol Dietary supplements get closer look.

• Boomers Entering Their 60s With More Disabilities UCLA study finds older generation appears healthier.

• CDC Ups Swine Flu Death Estimate To 4,000 New York Times reports deaths from complications now being included.

• Hospital Readmission Rate High For Medicare Heart Failure Patients Research shows need for improved care.

• 4 Ways To Trim Health Costs Today As the Senate debates health care reform, here are four ways to slash medical bills right away.

• FDA Issues New Code For Regulating Food Industry Code deals with a variety of food operations.

• Class Action Says Kellogg Sugar-Coats Cereal's Health Benefits Company claims Cocoa Krispies boost immunity to illness.

Recalls...

• Homelite Backpack Blowers
• Easton Sports Bicycles With EA30 Stems
• Gander Mountain Co. Treestands
• Nacho Cheese, Chili Sauce Dispensers

NEW ROGUES...

Every day we add hundreds of new consumer complaints and comments to our site. And each day sees the addition of companies and products that haven't previously appeared in our Rogues Gallery. Here's the latest batch of newcomers:

Automotive

• BMW of Bellevue, Bellevue, WA
• Karen Radley VW, Woodbridge, VA
• South I-75 Chrysler Dodge Jeep, Crittenden, KY
• Wagner Cadillac, Tyler, TX
• Simi Valley Ford, Simi Valley, CA
• Chris Myers Auto Mall, Daphne, AL
• Lynch Chevrolet Cadillac of Auburn, Auburn, AL
• Cerritos Nissan, Cerritos
• 112 Mitsubishi, Medford, NY
• Lithia VW, Thornton, CO
• Taylor Kia, Toledo, OH
• Falhaber Nissan, Cincinnati, OH
• Advantage Ford, Fremont, OH
• Arlington Toyota Scion, Jacksonville, FL
• Highway 280 Nissan, Sylacauga, AL
• MoveAuto.net
• MoveAuto.net

Financial

• Sovereign Bank
• Edison Lending & Realty

Health

• Burt's Bees
• Richard Bechtol, MD, Amarillo, TX
• Shahriyar Banihashemi, DDS, Toluca Lake, CA
• Ear, Nose and Throat Associates of South Florida, Palm Beach Gardens
• Ultimate Performance Medical Center, Culver City
• Welch's

Travel

• USA 3000
• Charters 365

House & Home

• New Colony Apartments, Fort Collins, CO
• NC Furniture Unlimited, Greensboro
• Xcel Energy
• Ken Cranes Home Entertainment, Hawthorne, CA
• Malkin Appliances, Baldwin, NY
• Pool Tables Direct
• West Point Relocation, Sun Valley, CA
• Tri-State Window Factory, Deer Park, NY

Everything Else

• Slumber Parties, Inc.
• Thecus
• Dragonfly Networks
• BeRankedNumber1.com
• Meet the Sellers
• Leslie Sultan, DDS, Ft. Lauderdale, FL

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