Consumer

Consumer 'Fake order' scams target direct sales reps (Video)

By Connie Thompson Published: May 10, 2013 at 8:26 AM PDT Last Updated: May 10, 2013 at 8:26 AM PDT

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.

Consumer Feds get closer look at fake mobile bill charges

By JENNIFER C. KERR Associated Press Published: May 9, 2013 at 8:49 AM PDT Last Updated: May 9, 2013 at 8:49 AM PDT

When a mysterious, unauthorized fee appears on your cellphone bill, it's called "cramming" and consumer advocates and regulators worry it's emerging as a significant problem as people increasingly ditch their landlines for wireless phones.

Consumer Auto insurance 'robocalls' target local drivers (Video)

By Connie Thompson Published: May 8, 2013 at 9:47 AM PDT Last Updated: May 8, 2013 at 9:47 AM PDT

A new round of robocalls is targeting local car owners. The recordings give no company name, but claim they can save you hundreds of dollars on car insurance. Failure to identify the company is only one of the red flags.

Consumer Make your home offer irresistible to sellers

By Herb Weisbaum Published: May 7, 2013 at 8:27 AM PDT Last Updated: May 7, 2013 at 8:27 AM PDT

It's a seller’s market again in many parts of the country. With houses in short supply, we're seeing bidding wars on some properties.

Consumer Do you have a separate flood insurance policy?

By Herb Weisbaum Published: May 6, 2013 at 8:12 AM PDT Last Updated: May 6, 2013 at 8:12 AM PDT

Flooding, the most common natural disaster in this country is not covered by your homeowners or renters insurance. You need to buy a separate policy for that.

Consumer Manufacturers disclose toxic chemicals in kids products (Video)

By Connie Thompson Published: May 3, 2013 at 8:59 AM PDT Last Updated: May 3, 2013 at 8:59 AM PDT

New reports filed with the state Department of Ecology show manufacturers continue to use toxic materials in products intended for kids.

Consumer Preventing ladder injuries one step at a time

By Herb Weisbaum Published: May 2, 2013 at 8:21 AM PDT Last Updated: May 2, 2013 at 8:21 AM PDT

There are all sorts of ways to hurt yourself on a ladder.

"The thing to remember with ladders is one step at a time, two hands at a time," says John Drengenberg, consumer safety director at Underwriters Labs.

Consumer Are generic drugs as safe and effective as brand name drugs?

By Herb Weisbaum Published: May 1, 2013 at 9:33 AM PDT Last Updated: May 1, 2013 at 9:33 AM PDT

You've heard it many times before: Generics are as safe and effective as the original brand name drugs they copy.

Consumer Watch out for carpet cleaning bait and switch

By Herb Weisbaum Published: Apr 30, 2013 at 8:39 AM PDT Last Updated: Apr 30, 2013 at 8:39 AM PDT

Everyone wants to save money, but if you hire someone to do the job, make sure you go with a reputable company that knows what it's doing and will guarantee its work.

Consumer Expert: Parents need to talk to their kids about money

By Herb Weisbaum Published: Apr 29, 2013 at 8:13 AM PDT Last Updated: Apr 29, 2013 at 8:13 AM PDT

Most parents regularly talk to their kids about money issues – and that’s good. It’s what they’re talking about that concerns T. Rowe Price senior financial planner Stuart Ritter.

Consumer Teach your dog to speak, be quiet on command

By Herb Weisbaum Published: Apr 26, 2013 at 8:20 AM PDT Last Updated: Apr 26, 2013 at 2:23 PM PDT

Once your dog has alerted you to a visitor, it's time to get them to quiet down

Consumer Study: Buyers of energy-efficient homes less likely to default (Video)

By Herb Weisbaum, NBCNews.com Published: Apr 25, 2013 at 8:52 AM PDT Last Updated: Apr 26, 2013 at 2:21 PM PDT

When you apply for a mortgage, underwriters look at various factors to determine your risk, such as credit score, debt-to-income ratio, loan-to-value ratio and reserves in the bank. A new study suggests it may be time for them to consider if that house you plan to buy is energy efficient.

Consumer Are you taking your medicine the right way?

By Herb Weisbaum Published: Apr 24, 2013 at 9:27 AM PDT Last Updated: Apr 24, 2013 at 9:27 AM PDT

About half the medications for chronic diseases, such as high blood pressure, are not taken correctly. People skip doses or take fewer pills than needed.

Consumer Bill could end tax-free online shopping

By STEPHEN OHLEMACHER Associated Press Published: Apr 23, 2013 at 7:20 AM PDT Last Updated: Apr 23, 2013 at 9:54 AM PDT

The bill making its way through the Senate would empower states to require online retailers to collect state and local sales taxes for purchases made over the Internet.

Consumer LED light bulbs now more affordable than ever

By Herb Weisbaum Published: Apr 23, 2013 at 8:46 AM PDT Last Updated: Apr 23, 2013 at 8:46 AM PDT

LED's create light with very little energy. In fact, they use about a tenth of the electricity of an incandescent bulb that gives off the same amount of light.