Consumer alert! » Uncategorized

Parachutes might be handy with these hammocks

Charles Slat — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 15:35:00 +0000

Grand Trunk is recalling its parachute hammocks, sold nationwide, because the hooks to attach them are faulty and could result in falls.
For details, click here.

Millions of window blinds recalled

Charles Slat — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 15:27:13 +0000

Millions of window shades and roll up blinds sold at various retailers are being recalled due to potential strangulation hazards from their cords.
Brands affected were sold at Target IKEA and specialty retailers.

Maytag recalls more fridges

Charles Slat — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 15:17:45 +0000

Maytag is expanding a previous recall of various brands of refrigerators because they can overheat. In addition to 1.4 million recalled previously, another 46,000 are being called back.
For details, click here.

Don’t let Wii force you to play doctor

Charles Slat — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 18:08:24 +0000

Psyclone Essentials and React four-dock battery chargers for Wii game systems can overheat and burn consumers.
Griffin International is recalling about 220,000 of the Chinese-made units.
For details on the recall and a photo, click here.

Beware “Cash for Clunkers” scammers

Charles Slat — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 12:07:44 +0000

The Federal Trade Commission is warning consumers to be wary of Web sites that tout the new Cash for Clunkers car-buying program and assert that car buyers have to register for the program by supplying all sorts of personal financial information.
Such scam Web sites are popping up as a way for identity thieves to gather information.
The only officials Web site for the program is www.cars.gov
For more details about the scams, click here.

Drug, price database available

Charles Slat — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 12:05:46 +0000

A search engine that will help you find sources for commonly prescribed drugs is available online.
Called Medtipser, it allows you to enter the name of a drug, the dosage and ZIP code or address. It then returns a list of pharmacies within 50 miles and indicates the recent price being charged for the prescription.

Swine flu spawns bogus claims

Charles Slat — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 12:08:13 +0000

Federal agencies have been cracking down on companies marketing products touted as protection against swine flu.
A batch of new and existing products and supplements are making mention of swine flu, but there’s no evidence to support the claims.
The federal Food and Drug Administration already has sent warning letters to a half-dozen firms.

Bogus bank checks used in lottery scams

Charles Slat — Fri, 29 May 2009 12:15:37 +0000

Counterfeit cashier’s checks drawn on two banks are being used in two different nationwide lottery scams targeting consumers’ mailboxes.
One scam involves Vinton County National Bank in McArthur, Ohio. The other uses the name of City National Bank of New Jersey.

Toys R Us playsets have flaw

Charles Slat — Thu, 28 May 2009 17:54:52 +0000

Step2 outdoor play sets sold exclusively at Toys R Us stores have hangers that can fail, causing a fall.
Details about the recall are available by clicking here.

Utility worker scammers making rounds

Charles Slat — Sat, 09 May 2009 21:35:17 +0000

DTE Energy and its Detroit Edison and MichCon subsidiaries warn customers to beware of con artists posing as utility workers who strike in the spring commonly target senior citizens.
“Unfortunately, there are unscrupulous people out there who may pose as Detroit Edison and MichCon employees to take advantage of our customers,” said Michael Lynch, DTE Energy’s director of corporate security. “We urge customers to be cautious to prevent these criminals from entering their homes.”
One common scam involves thieves posing as utility employees, asking the homeowner for payment of an outstanding bill and threatening to shut off service if it’s not paid on the spot. Sometimes these thieves work in pairs. One will distract the homeowner while the other searches the house for money and other valuables.
“DTE Energy employees never collect money from customers at their homes or businesses,” said Lynch. “If someone comes to your door claiming to be a DTE Energy employee and asks for payment, call the police.”
DTE Energy field employees carry photo identification badges that identify them as DTE Energy employees. Customers who are not sure about an employee’s identification, or who want to verify the nature of the work to be done at their homes, should call DTE Energy at (800) 477-4747.
Lynch said customers should keep the following tips in mind:
– All utility employees and contractors carry photo identification badges, and are required to display their badge if asked. Customers are encouraged to ask for identification.
– Do not allow people into your home who claim to offer a Detroit Edison or MichCon refund. DTE Energy employees NEVER deliver cash refunds or rebates to customers’ homes. DTE Energy employees also NEVER collect money from customers at their homes.
– Do not pay for tree-trimming work by individuals claiming to be from Detroit Edison or a Detroit Edison contractor. The utility does not charge for line clearance work. Additionally, before tree-trimming crews enter a neighborhood for scheduled line clearance work, customers are notified about the work to be done.
– Call the police if you believe the person at your door is a con artist posing as a utility worker.