Consumer affairs news

Here are some recent consumer affairs news stories:

Product Recalls

• Lego Duplo Blocks Recalled Due to Choking Hazard: The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has recalled over 3 million Lego Duplo blocks due to a choking hazard. The blocks were sold at major retailers nationwide from January 2015 to June 2022. (Source: CPSC)
• Recall of Over 200,000 DeWalt Power Tools Due to Fire Hazard: DeWalt has recalled over 200,000 power tools due to a fire hazard. The tools were sold at Home Depot, Lowe's, and other retailers nationwide from January 2018 to June 2022. (Source: CPSC)

Scams and Fraud

• Scammers Targeting Small Businesses with Fake Invoices: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has warned small businesses to be aware of scammers sending fake invoices to steal their money. The scammers claim to be from a legitimate company and demand payment for services or products that were never provided. (Source: FTC)
• IRS Warns of Phone Scam Targeting Seniors: The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has warned seniors to be aware of a phone scam targeting them. The scammers claim to be from the IRS and demand payment for back taxes owed. (Source: IRS)

Consumer Protection

• California Passes Law Requiring Online Retailers to Disclose Prices: California has passed a law requiring online retailers to disclose prices and shipping costs upfront. The law aims to protect consumers from surprise fees and charges. (Source: California Legislature)
• FTC Proposes New Rules for Online Reviews: The FTC has proposed new rules for online reviews, requiring companies to clearly disclose when they are paid to promote products or services. The rules aim to protect consumers from fake reviews. (Source: FTC)

Food and Product Safety

• E. coli Outbreak Linked to Romaine Lettuce: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has linked an E. coli outbreak to romaine lettuce. The outbreak has affected over 200 people in 36 states. (Source: CDC)
• Recall of Over 100,000 Pounds of Ground Beef Due to Salmonella: The USDA has recalled over 100,000 pounds of ground beef due to a Salmonella contamination. The beef was sold at grocery stores and restaurants nationwide from January 2022 to June 2022. (Source: USDA)

Financial News

• Credit Card Companies Agree to Refund Millions to Consumers: Major credit card companies have agreed to refund millions of dollars to consumers who were charged excessive fees. The refunds are part of a settlement with the FTC. (Source: FTC)
• New Credit Reporting Law Takes Effect: A new law has taken effect, requiring credit reporting agencies to provide consumers with free credit reports and scores. The law aims to help consumers monitor their credit and prevent identity theft. (Source: Federal Trade Commission)

These are just a few examples of recent consumer affairs news stories.