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Consumer News & Alerts

March 10, 2008

By Martin H. Bosworth
ConsumerAffairs.com

SENATE PASSES TOUGH NEW CONSUMER SAFETY BILL
The battle to improve the beleaguered and underfunded Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) cleared a major hurdle last weekk when the Senate voted 79-13 to pass legislation that increases the agency's funding, imposes tough new laws on product safety, and bans industry-funded junkets for CPSC employees. As Joseph Enoch reports, the next move is the reconciliation of the Senate bill with weaker legislation in the House of Representatives, a struggle that both industry lobbyists and consumer advocates expect to take months.

IDENTITY THIEVES TARGET LATINOS
Immigrants get blamed for a lot these days but it's worth noting that many Americans with Hispanic names are at high risk of identity theft because of the crackdown on undocumented immigrants. How's that again? As Mark Huffman explains, scam artists are learning that they can make more money smuggling people than drugs and that's creating a lucrative market for Hispanic identities that can be sold to the highest bidder. Read Mark's story to learn more.

... and Taxpayers The Federal Trade Commission is warning that crooks are trying to trick taxpayers into revealing personal information over the phone under the guise of arranging for a direct deposit of taxpayer's rebates, as Mark Huffman reported a few weeks ago.

More consumer protection news...

• FAA May Fine Southwest For Flying Uninspected Planes Airline says safety wasn't compromised.

• Virginia Tightens Screws on Financing Alternatives Founder State seeks to hold George Christian personally liable for consumers' losses.

• Consumers Say Medical 'Benefit' Pitch Misleading Discount plan is not insurance but confusion is common.

• Toothpaste Importers Face Charges In California Criminal charges grow out of last year's toothpaste recalls.

• Fewer Food Inspectors, More Recalls Despite big USDA budget increases, fewer inspectors on the job.

• Botox Maker Subpoenaed By Justice Department FDA launched safety review last month after reports of deaths, complications.

• 'Miracle Cold Buster' Settles Lawsuit Feds, states scrutinize supposed 'miracle' cold cure.

• Easy Money Scams On The Rise As Times Get Tough North Carolina cracks down on 'free grant' promoter

• AT&T Agrees to Refund Some Ringtone Charges Company pledges to police Internet advertising more closely.

• WV Turns Up the Heat on Frozen Meat Company Mr. Meats banned from doing business in the state.

This week's recalls...

• Ford F-250, F-350 Super Duty Trucks Recalled for Driver Seat Flaw

• Thomas Built School Buses Recalled for Wheelchair Lift Problems

• Hamilton Beach, Proctor-Silex Recall Fire-Prone Toasters

• Strike Force Air Compressors

• Pier 1 Tealight Candle Holders

• Combi Infant Car Seats

• Infantino 'Lamb Grabby' Rattles

• Hooded Girls' Sweats Sold at Marshalls Stores

• Natural Gas/Propane Connectors Recalled

• Limited Recall to Repair Jeep Stalling Epidemic

• Honda Recalls Acura TL Sports Sedans

• Harley-Davidson Recalls Motorcycles for Faulty Brake Lines

• NHTSA Investigates 2001 GM Recall

USING CELLPHONES WHILE DRIVING IS A ROAD TO DISASTER
Anyone who's been cut off or sideswiped by a driver gabbing on their cellphone or incessantly sending text messages knows that mobile technology presents a major distraction on the road. Now a new study from Carnegie Mellon University confirms that using cellphones or text messaging while driving causes many of the same problems as drunk driving, producing many of the same neural short-circuits that can lead to accidents and crashes.

More automotive news...

• Gas Price Records Shattering As Oil Prices Gush Nationwide average price just 3 cents shy of a record.

• Ford Fires Continue Despite Long-Delayed Federal Warning Feds waited years to issue 'urgent' advisory about fire danger.

• Consumer Reports Picks 11 Worst Cars of 2008 U.S. SUVs again fill many of the slots, though Toyota gets two picks.

BANK FEES RISE, DISCLOSURE SHRINKS
Despite federal regulations mandating the disclosure of fees and penalties a bank customer may have to pay, a new study by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that banks made it so hard for consumers to determine their fee structures that even trained investigators often couldn't find the information they needed. Even as "gotcha" penalty fees for overdrafts and late payments continue to increase, the agency recommends clearer disclosure and more oversight to give consumers more power when deciding what bank account to put their money in.

This week's economic and financial news...

• Congress Takes On Credit Card Interchange Fees Bill would let merchants negotiate fees with card companies.

• Illinois Subpoenas Countrywide, Wells Fargo Were Africa-American, Latino homeowners steered to high-cost loans?

• Foreclosures Surge to Record High in 2007 Total mortgage delinquency rate highest since 1985.

• Bankruptcy Filings Soared in February February filings the highest since new bankruptcy law enacted.

• Bernanke Urges Banks To Forgive Some Mortgage Debt Lenders must share the pain, Fed chairman warns.

• Cuomo's Cure for Mortgage Malaise Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac play ball with NY's AG.

• Employment Resources for Retirees Working after retirement can make you healthier, wealthier.

INDOOR ALLERGENS PLAGUE ASTHMA SUFFERERS
Allergies can be painful and annoying enough in their own right, but increased exposure to allergens can also increase the likelihood of developing asthma symptoms. A new study found that regular housecleaning and removing sources of potential indoor allergies can help reduce the risk of asthma among allergy sufferers and increase their overall health quality. Although researchers caution that the link between allergy and asthma is not concrete, the study presents a big first step in helping allergy sufferers live healthier lives.

More health news...

• Television Has Biggest Effect on Daylight Time Adjustment Where you live helps determine your sleep schedule.

• Risks of Long-Term Hormone Therapy Continue to Outweigh Benefits Women still at risk after they stop using HRT.

• Acid Eating Away at Our Teeth, Report Finds Diet and some medications largely to blame.

• Seniors Need to be Wary of Falling The Healthy Geezer lists steps you can take to avoid falls.

• AARP Report Finds Seniors' Drug Costs Rising Drug prices 'exploded' after Medicare Part D began.

• Active Video Games No Substitute for Exercise Wii's better than nothing, but only a wee bit.

• Safety of Multivitamins Questioned High levels of folic acid may be harmful.

• Cell Phones May Provide False Sense Of Security Study finds cell-carrying students take more chances.

• Skipping Breakfast May Lead to Obesity Study finds breakfast skippers more likely to be overweight.

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