Consumer Alert

Hiring a contractor in Mass. the right way

Mon, 20 May 2013 19:35:55 GMT

Avoid unnecessary risk and use a registered contractor.

Making sense of food labels

Tue, 14 May 2013 15:17:16 GMT

It's not always crystal clear from the label what's in the food you're eating.

Father & Son Movers settles charges

Thu, 09 May 2013 16:00:23 GMT

A Massachusetts movers pays up after being accused of mistreating customers.

Samsung dryer resolution hits a snag

Mon, 06 May 2013 17:42:32 GMT

Sometimes things just go more wrong than they ought to.

Health club contracts still an issue

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 19:28:36 GMT

A lot of health clubs are still playing the old game of high-pressure sales and misleading consumers about costs. Beware.

Know when to ask for help with a seller

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 15:49:08 GMT

Sometimes you need help when you're having a problem with an order.

Beware Boston Marathon bombing scams

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 04:00:02 GMT

Know who you're donating to so you don't help line the pockets of a scummy con artists preying on those who want to help Boston Marathon bombing victims.

Getting a free credit report: how it works

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 19:13:38 GMT

Don't be fooled by pretend "free" credit report sites. There's one real one. Use it.

Security systems can confound consumers

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 02:02:52 GMT

Who owns what? Who is responsible for fixing what? Who knows?

Top Mass. consumer issues announced

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 20:11:18 GMT

Here's a look at what consumers are complaining about and asking about in Massachusetts.

Kohl's purchase regret shows why it's important to do comparison shopping

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 20:02:01 GMT

A little shopping around can help avoid paying more than you have to.

When buying gas in Massachusetts, discounts are OK and surcharges aren't

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 02:26:46 GMT

It may be confusing, but it's legal for a gas station in Massachusetts to say it's charging less for cash transactions as long as it doesn't say it's charging more for credit.

State warns on tax refund anticipation fees

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 20:18:38 GMT

You could get your refund early, but it will cost you.

Knockoff products abound online

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 18:59:46 GMT

Fake Nikes hint at online knock-off problem.

Summer vacation rentals spur scams

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 20:17:08 GMT

Use care when booking a vacation rental.

Win a free Walmart gift card?

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 17:55:35 GMT

Text message scam hit millions.

Kick uninvited workers off your property

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 23:24:16 GMT

If you a contractor tries to push you around, you can push back.

BBB warns of secret shopper, check scam

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 04:26:12 GMT

"Secret shopper" ads are often scams.

Looking for PC customer support? Be sure who you are dealing with before signing up

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 18:21:03 GMT

Looking for Dell? HP? Apple? Or MyTechHelp.com? Check before you pay to be sure you are where you want to be.

National Grid warns of scam

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 23:28:41 GMT

Watch out for this scam.

United makes good after trip goes bad

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 15:31:36 GMT

Know what's at stake BEFORE making decisions involving costly trips.

Kid product recalls drop, injuries rise

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 19:19:35 GMT

Report: Less children's products recalls doesn't mean less injuries or incidents.

Bank fees and how to avoid them

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 16:53:27 GMT

You can avoid bank fees if you shop around. And, in Massachusetts, some residents are protected from fees.

Blizzard, generators and carbon monoxide

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Generators can be lethal if not used properly.

Credit card surcharges: Why not to worry

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 22:21:26 GMT

Credit card surcharge