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Marriott customer? Here’s what you need to know about its recent data breach

Photo: Tksteven Marriott has reached a settlement on charges related to a data breach that exposed the information of millions of guests. The company will take steps to better protect customers’ personal information. And it will give customers more control over their information. If you’re a Marriott customer, here’s what... Read more →


Federal court rules Google is an illegal monopoly

Monopoly power hurts consumers in so many ways every day. It’s good news that states and the federal government are bringing more antitrust actions. A federal judge in Washington, D.C., ruled Monday that Google unlawfully leverages its dominance in the online search and related text advertising markets through exclusionary contracts, harming consumers and advertisers. Read more →


Security problems found in video doorbells need fixing, Consumer Reports says

Consumers using a video doorbell made by Eken, Tuck, Fishbot, or any of the other brands that use the same hardware and Aiwit smartphone app should confirm that their doorbell is running the latest firmware version as soon as possible. Consumer Reports recently uncovered security vulnerabilities in doorbells manufactured by Eken Group . Read more →


Watch out for video doorbells sold on Amazon that have serious security problems, Consumer Reports says

Video doorbells sold on digital marketplaces such as Amazon, Walmart, Temu, Sears, and Shein may have flaws, said Consumer Reports. As part of routine testing, it examined Eken and Tuck video doorbells that looked like the same product under different brand names. A deeper look by testing organization’s researchers revealed security vulnerabilities. Read more →


Facts and figures for the holidays 2023

Millions of people around the world are excited about the holidays. Shopping for gifts, gathering with friends and family, and attending religious events heighten excitement this time of year. Americans are expected to spend between 3 percent and 4 percent more in 2023 than last year, about $957.3 billion and $966.6 billion, according to a survey. Read more →


What you need to know about the Goggle Play Store settlement

Are you eligible to receive money from a Google settlement? Google agreed to pay $700 million to settle a lawsuit charging that the company used its monopoly power to charge consumers as much as 30 percent for purchasing apps and making in-app purchases in its Play Store. The agreement requires Google to pay restitution and change procedures. Read more →


Google is deleting old accounts on Dec. 1, so take action if you have one

Google is going to begin deleting old Gmail and photos on Dec. 1. That’s tomorrow folks, so it’s time to take action. An inactive Google account is one hasn’t been used in two years. This policy applies to your personal Google account. This policy doesn’t apply to any Google account that was set up for you through your work, school, or other organization. Read more →


Irritated over ‘junk’ fees? Let the FTC know the details

Junk fees – those hidden and bogus charges that have found their way into a wide variety of transactions – are on consumers’ minds. After receiving more than 12,000 comments about how these fees impact consumers and businesses, the FTC announced on Oct. 11, a proposed rule on deceptive fees. It's now looking for further feedback. Read more →


Sign up for Consumer Reports app to take back control of your personal data

Permission Slip by CR, a free app from Consumer Reports, helps users regain control of their personal information and requests that companies delete or stop selling their data. The app is available on iOS and Android. Users can swipe through companies that may have their data, and with a tap, send a request for changes. Read more →


Free credit reports now permanently available each week

Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion – the three national credit reporting agencies – are permanently extending a program that lets you check your credit report at the agencies once a week for no cost. Visit AnnualCreditReport.com to request free copies of your credit reports, the Federal Trade Commission advises. Other sites may charge you or be fraudulent. Read more →