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Consumerpedia, Episode 112: OUTLET MALLS: DO THEY OFFER REAL SAVINGS? – Consumers’ Checkbook investigated 40 brands operating off-price stores and found that many offer lower-quality merchandise rather than legitimate bargains. So,how can you tell what’s a real bargain and what’s not?
GAS-SAVING MYTHS DEBUNKED – We’d all like to get the best possible gas mileage, but many fuel-saving tricks don’t make a difference. So, we spoke to the auto experts at Consumer Reports to get tips that really work.
Consumerpedia, Episode 111: EV UPDATE 2026 – Learn about standout models, including some new and less expensive options. Plus, what to consider if you’re thinking about buying a used EV.
CYBERCRIMINALS USING NEW TRICKS TO DISGUISE THEIR PHISHING ATTACKS – Phishing attacks are no longer limited to email and text messages. The latest threats involve fake electronic invitations and corrupted CAPTCHA forms that are designed to steal your sensitive personal information.
OVERDRAFT FEES REMAIN COSTLY – HERE’S HOW TO AVOID THEM – The average overdraft fee is nearly $27, according to Bankrate, and 94% of the account options studied still charge a fee when a balance is negative.
HOTEL SMOKING SENSORS FALSELY CHARGE HUNDREDS IN FEES – Many hotels use sensors to detect smoking or vaping in non-smoking rooms. When triggered, guests are charged steep cleaning fees. But unhappy customers claim these detectors are not accurate.
Consumerpedia, Episode 110: MARKETERS OFTEN USE CULT-LIKE TACTICS – Digital media expert Mara Einstein explains why she believes marketers often use the same tactics as cult leaders to entice new customers and keep current ones.
ODOMETER FRAUD: A GROWING CONCERN FOR USED CAR BUYERS – Digital dashboards should have reduced odometer fraud. But criminals have adapted, and their ability to alter a vehicle’s mileage display remains a serious and growing concern for used car buyers.
Consumerpedia, Episode 109: TRAVEL TROUBLES: NEW ‘GOTCHA FEES’ – Hotels, airlines, and rental car companies are using technology to create new “gotchas” for travelers. In this episode, we discuss the new fees and how you can protect yourself.
DEALING WITH DEBT COLLECTORS – Get a call from someone claiming to be a debt collector, and it’s easy to panic. Is the caller a legit or a scammer? It’s important to know the rules and your rights.