Consumer

The Latest

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  Retail Dec 16

  ‘Those days are gone': Retailers dropping generous return policies

  The busy holiday shopping season is underway, and according to the National Retail Federation, spending is expected to reach a new record. But before purchasing an item, you need to pay more attention to return policies — because retailers are making significant changes that could impact you. “Returns kind of help minimize that post-purchase ...
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  Holidays Dec 13

  How to decorate for the holidays on a budget

  Millions of Americans will soon gather with their friends and family for the holidays. But entertaining your loved ones can quickly get expensive. A perfectly decorated home means balancing your time and budget — two things that don’t always go hand in hand. “Knowing your boundaries and limitations as you enter into a busy and expensive...
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  Scams Dec 12

  Scammers increasingly targeting shoppers with fraudulent offers and promo codes

  You may have noticed retailers now ask for your phone number to send you exclusive discounts and special offers. While it sounds like a great deal, not all of these messages are as trustworthy as they seem. Karin Zilberstein is vice president of product at Guardio – a cybersecurity platform that protects against online threats. “We are hearin...
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  Banks Dec 12

  Federal agency announces rule limiting bank overdraft fees

  Overdraft fees can be a costly, unplanned expense. But there could be some relief coming to your wallet. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau announced a new rule Thursday that could save Americans $5 billion in overdraft fees. The penalty can be triggered when a transaction, like a withdrawal or a transfer, causes an account balance to go nega...
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  Travel Dec 10

  Tips for flying with checked bags over the 2024 holidays

  With millions of bags crisscrossing the skies, ensuring one arrives safely can be a challenge. A little preparation now, can save travelers from a big headache later.
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  Cybersecurity Dec 6

  The FBI wants you to stop texting without encryption. Here's why.

  Concerned about the vulnerability of our mobile messaging systems, the FBI and CISA want Americans to use encrypted messaging to ensure their communications stay hidden from foreign hackers.
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  Shopping Dec 5

  How not to be scammed with ‘incredibly dangerous' fake delivery texts, emails

  Scammers are targeting online shoppers with fake delivery notifications claiming there’s been an issue with their package.
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  Personal finance Dec 5

  Don't let the holiday spending season put you in debt

  The holiday season is here – a time when many Americans tend to overspend to find that perfect gift to share with friends and family. According to NerdWallet’s 2024 holiday spending report, nearly three in 10 borrowers are still paying off their debt from last year’s purchases. This year, you don’t want to find yourself haunted this holiday b...
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  Consumer Nov 29

  Here's how to shop safely online this Cyber Monday

  The holiday shopping season is in full swing, and with Cyber Monday right around the corner, many of us will be scouring the internet for the best discounts. While online shopping makes scoring deals convenient, it can also increase the risk of cyber threats. Whether you plan to brave the crowds this weekend or prefer to shop from home, consumers&#...
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  Boston Nov 29

  Watch out for these common holiday scams, Boston police say

  As the holiday season and shopping begins in earnest, Boston police are warning of several common holiday scams, noting that fraudsters are ready to take advantage of people this time of year. Police are sharing information about the following scams: The Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns shoppers against an increase in fake websites or personal se...
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  black friday Nov 27

  Are prices actually lower on Black Friday?

  The most anticipated shopping event of the holiday season is expected to break records this year. According to the National Retail Federation, over 183 million people are planning to shop in-store and online from Thanksgiving Day through Cyber Monday this year. But setting an alarm to brave the crowds for deeply discounted items the day after Thank...
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  Scams Nov 27

  Can we have your financial info? ‘Banks Never Ask That,' new campaign says

  Banks wants you to be on alert for scams this holiday season, and they’re educating the public with a creative campaign: An interactive quiz to test your knowledge. So, when you’re home with family this Thanksgiving holiday, strike up a little friendly competition and see how each of you stack up. Each year, millions of Americans fall v...
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  Consumer Nov 21

  Tips for finding safe toys this holiday season

  Black Friday is next week, and the deals are already pouring in. If you’ve got toys to cross off your holiday wish list, you may want to give them a close look, as some products could pose a safety risk. “Most people just assume that if something is for sale, that it must be safe … And that is absolutely…
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  Scams Nov 20

  Scammers often target older people who are lonely

  The holidays are a time to gather with friends and family, but it can also be isolating — especially for some older adults. That can make them prime targets for scammers. For older adults who may not have regular contact with family or friends, a call or message from a stranger can feel like a lifeline. But often, it’s just…
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  Shopping Nov 15

  Holiday shopping: Tips for using AI to compare prices and get gift inspiration

  Black Friday is almost here — and if you’re struggling to keep up with all the deals already, AI might be able to help. Thirty-eight percent of consumers say they have already used generative AI in their shopping journey or are planning to use it to shop during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, according to a new survey by Boston…
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  Cybersecurity Nov 11

  Data breaches in Massachusetts — by the numbers

  People have their personal information compromised in a data breach more and more often, impacting millions of people in Massachusetts.
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  Health care Nov 1

  Insurance scam red flags to watch out for during open enrollment

  Open enrollment season is here. It’s a time to review, renew or change your health insurance plans for the coming year. But explore with caution. Scammers are out there, hoping to trick you into giving up your personal information.  “There are scam artists targeting people, unfortunately,” said Paula Fleming with the Better Business Bureau. E...