Consumer News & Alerts

February 11, 2008

By Martin H. Bosworth
ConsumerAffairs.com

WEB SURFERS SEEK JUSTICE ONLINE
Hang around the Web very long and you come to expect things to be resolved quickly. This couldn't be more different from the tortuous path even simple disputes must follow in court. So, taking a cue from Judge Judy, a retired Maryland judge has set up an online courtroom that offers an inexpensive and quick solution to minor legal problems. Now, this is not a good idea if there are serious damages or loss of life involved but for simple disputes that might otherwise be settled in the local small claims court, it might be worth a try, our D. O. Volente reports.

Congress May Gamble on the Internet Online gambling is illegal, right? Yes, and playing the numbers used to be illegal too, until governments decided to "legalize" it, meaning regulate and tax it. Congress, trying to figure out where the next big batch of tax revenue is coming from, is starting to think along those lines, casting a greedy eye on illegal -- and therefore untaxed -- online gambling.

PET OWNERS CHEER INDICTMENTS IN TOXIC PET FOOD CASE
The news that the U.S. Department of Justice is pursuing indictments against two Chinese companies and their American importer for the manufacture and distribution of melamine-tainted pet food was met with tremendous support and relief from anguished pet owners. Even as U.S. Attorney John Wood unravels a twisted web of fraud and deception that crossed two continents and caused harm to pets and families alike, Lisa Wade McCormick reports that the families are adamant about one thing--the investigation must continue.

This week's product safety news...

• Groups Warn Baby Bottles Leach Toxic Substance PA leaches from plastic bottles when heated, report argues.

• Botulism Recall Expanded Again Risk of botulism from additional canned New Era products.

• Study Warns Chemical In Baby Shampoo May Cause Harm Phthalates suspected of damaging male reproductive system.

• Feds Propose New Furniture Fire Rule Safety agency has been struggling with the proposal for years.

GOVERNMENT CENSORING STUDY ON HEALTH RISKS IN GREAT LAKES REGION
For years, residents of states in America's Great Lakes region--including such urban centers as Chicago, Detroit, and Milwaukee--may have been exposed to dangerous chemicals and pollutants that could lead to elevated health risks. A massive study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was conducted that found elevated infant mortality rates, low infant birth weights, and higher levels of various types of cancers--but even after numerous reviews by multiple parties, the CDC spiked the study. D.O. Volente reports that Congress and the scientific community want answers, with some claiming the influence of big chemical companies is contributing to keeping the study under wraps.

More scams and outrages...

• FDA Budget Request 'Falls Short' Grocers want stepped-up government inspections of food.

• 'Swatting' Puts Police, Public at Risk Latest telephone scam involves bogus 'emergencies'.

• USDA Closes Plant Suspected Of Slaughtering Downer Cows Humane Society video sparks mad cow fears.

• FDA Warns Of Contaminated Gulf Coast Seafood Discovery follows outbreaks of illness in D.C. and St. Louis.

• Suit Charges Feds Fail to Fight Title-Washing National database would help consumers spot rebuilt vehicles.

• Flight Delays, Lost Bags at Record Highs Complaints to feds increased last year.

• United Charges for Second Bag Other carriers watching closely.

• Hoodia Spammers Ordered to Pay $2.5 Million Company sold hoodia and HGH products.

• Heart Attack Victim Hounded For $5 Co-Pay Receptionist tries to collect as patient is carried out by paramedics.

• Homeowners Associations Face More Regulation Virginia the latest to put HOAs under scrutiny.

This week's recalls....

• Netshops Children's Table and Chairs

• West Music Egg Shakers

• Benjamin International Pendants and Candle Charms

• Trek Girls Bicycles

• eeBoo Children's Sketchbooks

• Toy Rakes

• Bonafide Love Sweatshirts Sold at Nordstrom

GAS PRICES ON THE DECLINE BY SPRING?
For those feeling the crunch from the seemingly endless rise in gas prices, relief may be in sight. Automotive maven Joe Benton reports that a combination of decreased consumer spending and rising oil supplies could contribute to a drop in prices by as much as 50 cents by spring--just in time for the high driving seasons. Given that the same experts were predicting continued increases last week, a little skepticism may be warranted, but some good news from the pumps is better than none.

This week's automotive news...

• Feds Probe Fire Complaints in Chevy Tahoe, GMC Yukon Fires also reported in Lamborghinis.

• Ford Fires Strike in Minnesota, California Ford owners at risk as parts shortage slows recall.

• Suit Charges Feds Fail to Fight Title-Washing National database would help consumers spot rebuilt vehicles.

KEEP IT IN YOUR PANTS...YOUR CREDIT CARD, THAT IS
Like your favorite STD, credit card debt is the gift that keeps on giving, and there's no morning-after pill to easily deal with the consequences. As banks continue to target college students and young adults with tempting credit card offers, the Service Employees' International Union (SEIU) and the League of Young Voters have teamed up to offer scholarships for students who craft the best public service announcement on how to deal with "debt disease."

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