Consumerman

13/06/2024

Had a nice visit with John Landecker WGN Radio last night about the rash of toll scam text alerts and a proposed rule by the CFPB to prohibit medical debt in credit reports.

Your host, the legendary John Landecker, is joined by Herb Weisbaum, The ConsumerMan, an Emmy-award-winning broadcaster and one of America’s top consumer experts. He’s been protecting us …

12/06/2024

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau wants to reduce the financial fallout from unpaid medical debt, a growing problem in the U.S. If enacted, the proposed a rule to remove medical debt from most credit reports could help 15 million Americans with outstanding medical bills in collections.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau wants to reduce the financial fallout from unpaid medical debt, a growing problem in the U.S. This week, the agency proposed a rule that would remove medical debt from most credit reports.

07/06/2024

SCAM ALERT: Fraudsters are sending out bogus text messages trying to trick you into sending them money for a toll you don’t owe, and steal your personal information that can be used for identity fraud. Here's what to watch out for!

If you receive a text message requesting payment for unpaid toll charges, assume it’s a scam.

05/06/2024

Spoke about Electric Vehicles with John Landecker on WGN Radio last night. We packed a lot of good into into that segment.

Your host, the legendary John Landecker, is joined by Herb Weisbaum, The ConsumerMan, an Emmy-award-winning broadcaster and one of America’s top consumer experts. He’s been protecting us …

04/06/2024

No need for sophisticated algorithms or triple doppler radar to forecast the weather on Kauai. All it takes is a coconut! We just got back from a wonderful week on the Garden Island.

23/05/2024

Airlines Sue to Block New Rule Requiring Upfront Disclosure of Fees: The nation’s airlines want to kill a new federal rule that would require them to disclose “ancillary” fees—extra costs for baggage, canceling a reservation, or changing a reservation—along with ticket prices.

The nation’s airlines want to kill a new federal rule that would require them to disclose “ancillary” fees—extra costs for baggage, canceling a reservation, or changing a reservation—along with ticket prices.

23/05/2024

Shared some tips with John Landecker on WGN Radio on how to buy a good, reliable car.

Your host, the legendary John Landecker, is joined by Herb Weisbaum, The ConsumerMan, an Emmy-award-winning broadcaster and one of America’s top consumer experts. He’s been protecting us …

17/05/2024

BIG win for consumers today, as the U.S. Supreme Court rejects a challenge to how the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (an important watchdog agency) is funded -- ruling that it is constitutional!

President Joe Biden says the Supreme Court's rejection of a conservative-led attack that could've undermined the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is “an unmistakable win" for consumers.

16/05/2024

Need a new car? Here's advice from the experts at Consumer Reports on how to find a reliable vehicle that won't break the bank. This story includes my latest Consumerpedia podcast: The Car Show 2024.

The U.S. car market has nearly recovered from the pandemic’s impact. There is now an ample supply of new and used vehicles, which has flattened price hikes and increased the availability of incentives.

13/05/2024

A federal judge in Texas has blocked a new rule from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) that would have capped most credit card late fees at $8. The ruling comes just days before the rule’s planned May 14 implementation date. The CFPB estimates this will cost consumers $800 million in late fees for each month the rule is delayed.

A federal judge in Texas has blocked a new rule from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) that would have capped most credit card late fees at $8. The ruling comes just days before the rule’s planned May 14 implementation date.

10/05/2024

To simplify and speed up the process of getting refunds when flights are canceled or significantly delayed, the U.S. Department of Transportation issued a new rule that will require airlines to promptly provide passengers with refunds when owed.

To simplify and speed up the process of getting refunds when flights are canceled, last month the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a new rule that will require airlines to promptly provide passengers with refunds when owed.

03/05/2024

Share some money-saving summer travel tips on WGN Radio last night. Always great to be with the legendary John Landecker.

Your host, the legendary John Landecker, is joined by Herb Weisbaum, The ConsumerMan, an Emmy-award-winning broadcaster and one of America’s top consumer experts. He’s been protecting us …

26/04/2024

Spoke about Medical Data Breaches with John Landecker WGN Radio last night... How hackers are stealing this data, what they can do with it, and how you can protect yourself.

Your host, the legendary John Landecker, is joined by Herb Weisbaum, The ConsumerMan, an Emmy-award-winning broadcaster and one of America’s top consumer experts. He’s been protecting us …

25/04/2024

Medical data breaches hit a new high last year. Health records for 133 million people - about one in three Americans - were compromised in these breaches. Criminals don't care about your medical conditions. They want all the personal information in those files to commit ID theft. Here's how to protect yourself.

Medical data breaches are becoming increasingly prevalent, posing significant threats to patient privacy.

22/04/2024

HAPPY EARTH DAY! Do something nice for the planet today and every day. It's the only home we have!!

16/04/2024

A new FCC rule requires internet service providers to use standardized “Broadband Facts” labels that display complete and accurate information on costs and typical speeds. The goal is to bring some transparency to the broadband marketplace.

A new FCC rule requires internet service providers to use standardized “Broadband Facts” labels that display complete and accurate information on costs and typical speeds.

11/04/2024

Despite the strong U.S. economy, many Americans feel left behind; they’re stressed about trying to make ends meet, according to a new Harris Poll. This anxiety is making more people feel comfortable with taking on too much debt.

A new survey conducted for the National Foundation for Credit Counseling found that many Americans feel left behind and are stressed about trying to make ends meet. This anxiety is making more Americans comfortable with taking on too much debt.

05/04/2024

Traveling abroad? Some U.S. mobile companies charge big fees for talking, texting, and data outside the country. Here are some smart strategies for staying connected overseas without overspending. This story Includes a Consumerpedia podcast about international roaming charges.

How to avoid a big bill when using a cell phone abroad

05/04/2024

My April visit with Nick: We talk about why grocery prices are so high - and what you can do about it, why product safety recalls are on the rise while refunds are harder to get, and expose some of the 30 tricks marketers use to manipulate you.

In this “For The People” episode, Nick welcomes Herb Weisbaum, The Consumerman from Checkbook.org, to help you with all of your consumer needs and talk about some pressing stories like: why are grocery prices so high?, product safety recalls are on the rise, refunds are hard to get, and 30 […]

27/03/2024

Joined John Landecker on WGN Radio to talk about food prices - why they're so high -- and how some companies are downsizing their products, hoping you won't notice -- SHRINKFLATION -- to boost their profits.

Your host, the legendary John Landecker, is joined by Herb Weisbaum, The ConsumerMan, an Emmy-award-winning broadcaster and one of America’s top consumer experts. He’s been protecting us …

21/03/2024

Prices at the grocery store have been running well above the overall inflation rate. And once food prices go up, they tend to stay there. A variety of factors, including corporate profit-taking, are pushing prices higher.

Overall inflation in the last four years was 19 percent, but grocery prices jumped 25 percent, according to the USDA. And once food prices go up, they tend to stay there. A variety of factors are pushing prices higher.