Consumerpedia

Fraud is on the rise. Scammers stole more than $12 billion in 2024, according to the Federal Trade Commission. The number of Americans who are victimized is also skyrocketing. Investment scams, romance scams, crypto scams, and imposter scams are driving much of the increase. Criminals around the globe have a powerful new tool to use against you: artificial intelligence. AI can make their cons more polished and personal, so you need to be on guard more than ever.In this episode, we’ll explain how you can fight back: 10 things you can do to reduce your chances of falling prey to a fraudster. And we have two expert fraud fighters taking part in this discussion: Amy Nofziger of AARP Fraud Watch Network, and John Breyault of Fraud.org.More Info:Deep Fake Challenge 2025AI PSA (Show this to Uncle Frank before he shares another fake video!)More from Checkbook:Fraud Prevention: Top 10 Ways to Protect Yourself Credit Cards Have Consumer Protection Superpowers  Scam Alert: Fake Loan Approval RobocallsWhy It’s Safer to Use a Credit Card Than a Debit Card, Especially for Online PurchasesVirtual Credit Cards Help Fight FraudDon’t Ignore All Those Data Breach Notices Companies Send YouRelated Consumerpedia episodes:#88 - Cyberthieves Weaponize AI to Perfect Online Scams#11 - Stop, Thief! How to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft#5 - Cyber Crime: A Former Cyber Crook Explains How to Protect Yourself

If you haven’t purchased a car in a few years, expect to find a market dominated by SUVs. And be prepared for sticker shock: The average price for a new vehicle is at an all-time high, around $50,000! Unfortunately, used cars aren’t the bargain they used to be. In this episode, we talk with John Lincov, Keith Barry, and Stef Schrader, the editors and reporters at Consumer Reports, about their Top Picks for 2026—these cars, trucks, and SUVs are the cream of the crop. Also, how to choose a vehicle you really like, and what to consider before buying a used car or truck.More from Consumer Reports:Best Cars of the Year: 10 Top Picks of 2026What Car Should You Buy? How to Find the Right Vehicle for YouSafest Car Brands Ranked by Consumer Reports' Safety VerdictCar Accessories That Improve Safety, Comfort, and Organization42 Used Cars to Avoid BuyingMore from Checkbook:Car DealershipsCar Buying StrategiesVehicle Service Contract Plans Are Big Hassles and Bad Deals for Most DriversRelated Consumerpedia Episodes:#56 – A Crash Course on Auto Insurance#21 – Auto Glass Class: How to Get Repairs and ReplacementsNot a Checkbook member? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

A new furnace or air conditioner costs thousands of dollars. Many homeowners don’t have that much cash on hand, which can create a financial crisis. A loan may be an option, or the contractor may offer financing, usually through a third-party lender. But beware: A recent Consumers’ Checkbook investigation found that many contractors use these emergencies to push bad financing plans on their stressed out customers.In this episode, Checkbook’s Executive Editor Kevin Brasler explains how some homeowners are being tricked into leasing their HVAC equipment when they thought they were buying it.More from Checkbook: Home Improvement Financing: Watch Out for Shady DealsRelated Consumerpedia Episodes:#30 – HVAC: Finding Good Contractors & Choosing New Equipment#44 – Should You Repair or Replace a Broken Appliance? #87 – Don’t Get Burned by Solar ScammersNot a Checkbook member? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Most of us don’t spend much time thinking about the best way to do our laundry. We sort the dirty clothes, toss them in the washer, and move on to something else. But there are steps you can take to get your clothes extra clean and make them last longer.In this episode: Expert advice on detergents, fabric softeners, stain removers, washers, dryers, and almost anything else laundry-related.Not a Checkbook member? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Americans are struggling to pay their bills and falling behind on their loan payments, fueling widespread financial stress, anxiety, and despair. Recent surveys show many feel they’ll never get ahead—and some have stopped worrying about debt altogether. In this episode, we break down those survey results and share practical tips for regaining control of your finances. You’ll also meet two consumers who’d accumulated enormous credit card debt, realized they needed help with debt, and, with hard work and proper guidance, are now debt-free.Additional Resources:To find a nonprofit credit counseling agency, visit the National Foundation for Credit Counseling or call 800-388-2227.Related Consumerpedia Episode:25 - Dealing with DebtNot a Checkbook member? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

To celebrate our 100th episode, we've asked two veteranChicago broadcasters to take Checkbook's College of Consumer Knowledge quiz.Lisa Dent is the popular afternoon host at WGN Radio. Steve Bertrand, her longtime news anchor, came out of retirement to challenge her. Play along with our celebrity contestants to test your consumer IQ. The questions are difficult!You might also want to play the online version of Checkbook's College of Knowledge. Topics include auto, food, and your money.Not a Checkbook member? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

America’s children have enormous spending power. Most have cash or access to their parents’ credit cards—and plenty of influence over what the family buys through their “pester power.” Marketers know this, which is why they spend billions of dollars a year targeting minors.Advertising can easily exploit a child’s limited ability to distinguish between entertainment and selling. AI and digital animation make it easier than ever for advertisers to cross the line. The growth of online marketing to children raises serious concerns about privacy and data collection.In this episode, what’s being done to protect our children from the pervasive and persuasive marketing? What are the rules regarding marketing to minors, and is anyone enforcing them? And most importantly, how parents can talk to their kids about advertising.Additional Resources:Children's Advertising Review Unit (CARU)BBB National Programs – Children’s InitiativesTINA.org: Monetizing MinorsMore from Checkbook:Unsafe Toys: How to Spot the Hidden Risks That Could Harm Your ChildAre Your Kids’ Smart Toys Spying on Them?Buying Toys on Overseas Websites Can Be RiskyRelated Consumerpedia Episode: 20- Whatever Happened to Truth in Advertising?Not a Checkbook member? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for a free 30-daytrial to access all of our unbiased ratings⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

The “Shop Local” movement encourages consumers to buy goods and services from independent, locally owned businesses rather than national chains or online giants. It’s both an economic strategy and a social campaign aimed at strengthening your own community’s businesses, fostering regional identity, and promoting sustainability.In this episode: The challenge of shopping locally, ways to spend more in your community, and whether it costs more to avoid the big chain stores.Find out more about Stacey Price at Shop Made in DC.Related Consumerpedia episodes:#96: Checkbook’s Holiday Shopping Tips 2025#92: Thrift Store Shopping Advice

Kevin Brassler, Executive Editor at Checkbook.org, dives into deceptive retail pricing practices. He reveals the startling findings from a six-month study tracking prices at 25 major retailers, uncovering that most advertised discounts are fabrications. Brassler highlights notorious offenders and shares gems like Apple and Costco that offer genuine savings. He also discusses the legal gray areas around fake sales, noting the lack of enforcement against such misleading tactics. Tune in for an eye-opening look at shopping realities!

The hectic holiday shopping season is underway, and for many, that will put a strain on the family budget. Checkbook wants to make this stressful time a little easier.Our annual holiday helper is packed with timely advice: Super shoppers share tips about how they find the best prices and avoid fake sales. Plus, how are you going to pay for all the items on your gift-giving list? We have some money-saving ideas.Not a Checkbook member? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.