KVAL - News - Consumer http://www.kpic.com/news/consumertips RSS Feed for KPIC - News - Consumer en-us Thu, 24 Jul 2008 21:01:12 GMT Counterfeit software sales get Eugene man 4 years in prison http://www.kpic.com/news/consumertips/25867994.html Some prices on eBay can look like a real steal — and in the case of Jeremiah Mondello, that's exactly what it was. Mondello is going to federal prison for four years for selling counterfeit software on the online auction service. State cracks down on unlicensed movers http://www.kpic.com/news/consumertips/25823379.html In an effort to crack down on unlicensed and uninsured moving operations, the Oregon Department of Transportation partnered with Oregon State Police on an undercover enforcement operation today in Bend.  'Skimmers' used to drain the bank accounts of dozens in Wash. http://www.kpic.com/news/consumertips/25765044.html At least 75 people have fallen victim to a "highly organized" group of thieves who used skimmers to steal debit card information and drain money from Wash. residents' bank accounts, officials said. Bump Keys: a growing problem http://www.kpic.com/news/consumertips/25724019.html Numerous sites online show TV reporters and even children using the bump key and getting into homes without much effort. No need to worry about look of burned-out fluorescents http://www.kpic.com/news/consumertips/25561399.html Normally, when an incandescent bulb goes, you throw the switch, there's a flash of light, and you know the bulb is dead. That's not the always the case with a compact fluorescent bulb. Study finds most sunscreens don't make the grade http://www.kpic.com/news/consumertips/25561354.html Maybe you have a favorite brand, but chances are you look for a specific Sun Protection Factor. Here's the rub: That SPF number doesn't give you enough information. Clearing up the converter confusion http://www.kpic.com/news/consumertips/25506804.html Despite the confusion, the only people who need a digital converter box are those who have an analog TV and use an antenna or rabbit ears to watch TV. Consumer Reports looks at some of the choices of converters. Natural gas prices to skyrocket in Oregon http://www.kpic.com/news/consumertips/25503724.html Natural gas customers in Oregon should brace for double-digit increases in their monthly bills this fall. The state's largest supplier, NW Natural, said rates could rise from 10 percent to as high as 35 percent Government to improve vehicle crash test program http://www.kpic.com/news/consumertips/25348744.html Attention car shoppers: the government is upgrading its crash test program to offer better information about vehicle safety. Don't get burned by a shady travel club http://www.kpic.com/news/consumertips/24472539.html Travel clubs promise to save you big bucks -- for a price. In some cases as much as $8,000!