11/05/2009

BBB warns against swine flu scams
The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers to be on the lookout for fraudulent emails and websites trying to take advantage of the H1N1 (swine) flu pandemic and the growing public concern over it.

IRS offers tax credit for home improvements
It's not often the Internal Revenue Service tries to help you save money. So, if you're looking to make a few home improvements, you may want to get to work while the government is in a giving mood. 

Higher NC sales tax means larger break for holiday
A higher sales tax means North Carolina consumers will get a larger break when they purchase energy-efficient appliances compared to a year ago.

11/02/2009

CDC: Contaminated beef may be linked to 2 deaths
A New York meat company has recalled almost 546,000 pounds of ground beef because it may be contaminated with a bacteria that has caused illness and one death, according to health officials.

10/26/2009

BBB: Shoppers beware of misleading shipping, handling fees
If you are planning to buy gifts online or from Infomercials on television, the Better Business Bureau has a warning for you about the ways retailers make money on your orders by charging separate shipping and handling fees.

10/21/2009

Realtors joining forces to get buyers into neighborhoods
Residential closings in Charlotte dropped in September more than 12 percent from the month before. This is the latest proof the market is still sluggish, and because of that volatility we’re seeing an interesting, more aggressive trend.

10/15/2009 BBB: Inspect foreclosed homes before buying Real estate auctions are becoming more popular these days. While it may be a chance for you to get a great buy, you should do your homework first.

10/13/2009 BofA to charge annual fees on rewards cards Bank of America Corp. said Tuesday it will charge a limited number of its credit card customers annual fees ranging from $29 to $99 starting next year.

Better Business Bureau FREE shredding event Oct. 17
The Better Business Bureau will kick off National Protect Your Identity Week (Oct. 17-24) with "Secure Your ID Day" -- a free community shredding event on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.

10/08/2009

Sheriff: Thieves using jury summons to steal identity
The Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office says residents should beware of an identity theft scheme involving a summons for jury duty.

10/07/2009 Beware of free WiFi connections in public places Free wireless Internet sources are all over the place, but be careful -- that free connection could end up costing you plenty.

10/01/2009

New protections from foreclosure, unfair debt collectors start
North Carolinians who face the loss of their homes through foreclosure or harassment from unfair debt collectors now have new protections under the law, Attorney General Roy Cooper said Thursday.

09/29/2009

Boo! Scareware attacks on the rise
Computer experts report that "scareware" is spreading rapidly throughout the Internet, and you may become a victim even if you only visit trusted websites.

09/28/2009

BBB investigates local certified nursing assistant training programs
The Better Business Bureau has been investigating Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) programs in our area because of the rapid increase in "fast-track" CNA programs that require less training and education than state-approved CNA programs.

09/25/2009

Infants', children's liquid Tylenol recalled
Johnson & Johnson's McNeil unit is voluntarily recalling 57 lots of infants' and children's liquid Tylenol products because of possible bacterial contamination.

09/22/2009

FBI warns of fake e-mail
The FBI says Charlotte residents should beware of a fake e-mail that's making the rounds.

09/18/2009 Cash in on government tax credits while you can It's not often the government gives you a break. But with the stimulus package this year, you're eligible for tax credits that could save you thousands.

Housing nonprofit continues 'Save the Dream' tour
They're travelling the country promising to "save the dream" as they try to stop foreclosures.

09/15/2009

NC officials push anti-foreclosure campaign
North Carolina officials on Tuesday expanded a foreclosure prevention program to all homeowners, seeking to prevent recession-stretched borrowers from losing their homes.

They've got your cell phone number
Kristy Pickett is used to getting phone calls as a producer here at NewsChannel 36. But what has her frustrated is the strange phone call she got one night on her personal cell.

09/11/2009

At risk of losing your health care coverage? Know your options
During these difficult economic times, many North Carolina families are struggling to make ends meet, especially those families that have been hit by layoffs.

09/09/2009

Gov. Perdue signs beefed up consumer protection
North Carolina consumers soon will have new protections from foreclosures and intimidating debt collection practices.

Public hearings held on Duke Energy rate request
Public hearings getting under way across North Carolina will allow consumers to offer their views on Duke Energy's request to raise rates by an average of nearly 13 percent next year.

08/26/2009

Airlines lower fares because of corporate travel decline
If you're looking to get away this weekend US Airways has an unusually high number of last minute fares available this weekend.

US Airways raising checked bag fees
US Airways is bumping up its first and second checked bag fees by $5 apiece.

08/24/2009

Honda Accord tops list of stolen vehicles in Carolinas
The National Insurance Crime Bureau says the 1996 Honda Accord was the automobile most likely to be stolen in North Carolina last year, while the 1994 Accord topped the list in South Carolina.

08/19/2009 Dealers not getting cash for clunkers Car dealerships throughout the Charlotte area are not getting reimbursed through the "Cash for Clunkers" program.

08/03/2009 Administration: Clunker deals could end by Friday The government's wildly popular "cash for clunkers" program, offering $4,500 rebates to customers who trade in gas guzzlers, is likely to end Friday if the Senate doesn't approve $2 billion more for it, the White House says.

07/30/2009

AP sources: Govt to suspend Cash for Clunkers
Congressional officials say the government plans to suspend the popular "cash for clunkers" program amid concerns it could quickly use up the $1 billion in rebates for new car purchases.

Popularity of Cash for Clunkers may quickly deplete funds The government program Cash for Clunkers seems to be a success so far. In fact, some local sales reps say it's such a hit that the money may not last as long as the government planned.

Noble Brides abruptly closes in Pineville
Another Charlotte-area bridal shop has abruptly closed, leaving brides without wedding gowns.

07/24/2009

Nearly 305,000 North Carolinians may qualify for insurance settlement
Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin wants North Carolinians to be aware of a class-action settlement that some 304,995 consumers across the state may qualify for; eligible consumers must submit their claim form by Aug. 26 to receive a potion of the settlement.

07/22/2009 Federal program gives 'Cash for Clunkers' The Car Allowance Rebate System, also known as Cash for Clunkers, provides credits to buyers who want to lease or purchase a new automobile.

07/20/2009 LA Weight Loss tops BBB's 'Dirty Half Dozen' The Better Business Bureau on Monday released its "Dirty Half Dozen" list of worst rated businesses in the area.

07/17/2009

Bank failures rise to 55 FDIC insured banks this year.
Regulators shut small Ga., SD banks

07/15/2009

Company recalls alfalfa sprouts in NC, SC
A South Carolina company is recalling its alfalfa sprouts sold at Food Lion stores in North and South Carolina after tests revealed the presence of a potentially harmful organism.

Agreement set to roll back NC auto insurance rates
North Carolina auto insurance rates will be rolled back to levels of about three years ago and frozen until 2011 under an agreement between the state insurance commissioner and the insurance industry.

07/13/2009

BBB releases top 10 industries with complaints
The industry with the most consumer complaints so far this year is weight control services.

07/03/2009 Ford's 'My Key' aims to keep teen drivers safe A new product about to hit the market may make handing over the keys to your teenager a little bit easier.

06/29/2009

Miles worth less as airlines change policy
If you're planning to use your airline miles for a trip this summer, you may find it's more difficult than it used to be.

06/23/2009

BBB: 19 complaints against Charlotte mortgage consultant
The Better Business Bureau wants to warn you about a Charlotte mortgage consultant.

06/22/2009

Study: Toyota still king in quality
Ford, General Motors and Chrysler have made strides in new vehicle quality over the last year, but they still lag behind their foreign competitors, according to a closely watched study released Monday by J.D. Power and Associates.

06/19/2009

Nestle recalls Toll House cookie dough products
Nestle USA on Friday voluntarily recalled its Toll House refrigerated cookie dough products after a number of illnesses were reported by those who ate the dough raw.

06/16/2009

FDA says Zicam nasal spray can cause loss of smell
Consumers should stop using Zicam Cold Remedy nasal gel and related products because they can permanently damage the sense of smell, federal health regulators said Tuesday.

Contractor: 'I got caught financially, got behind'
The home improvement contractor accused of cheating people out of their money breaks his silence to NewsChannel 36.

06/11/2009

BBB warns about local home improvement contractor
As the high season for home improvement projects gets underway, the BBB is warning consumers about doing business with home improvement contractor, Randy Briel, of Matthews, N.C.

Fearing E. coli, SC company recalls beef products
A South Carolina meat processor has recalled some beef products because of possible contamination by E. coli bacteria.

TV goes digital, affecting mostly antenna users
More than 2 million households are in danger of seeing their major broadcast TV channels disappear into a fuzz of static when analog service ends Friday, according to surveys.

06/10/2009

Elon to host DTV call center June 12-13
Students in Elon University's School of Communications will be hosting a DTV transition call center for North Carolina broadcasters on Friday and Saturday (June 12-13, 2009). 

06/03/2009 Business booming for consignment stores We may be in a recession but you wouldn't know it at some area consignment shops.

06/02/2009

AAA says SC has lowest gas prices, NC 19th
Gas prices may be rising across the nation, but South Carolina motorists can say they're paying less than anyone else.

06/01/2009 What does GM bankruptcy mean for vehicle owners, buyers? What does all this bankruptcy talk mean if you own a GM vehicle or you're thinking of buying one?

Which cars are worth your money?
GM is in bankruptcy. So what does that mean if you're in the market to buy a car?

05/27/2009 Survey: Most economists see recession end in '09 More than 90 percent of economists predict the recession will end this year, although the recovery is likely to be bumpy.

05/21/2009 Is your drywall toxic? There could be a health concern lurking in your walls, and it's so serious Congress is now getting involved.

05/22/2009

DTV Help Center offers free home installation
The DTV Help Center of Charlotte (a partnership with the Federal Communications Commission) is now offering FREE in-home installations and support for anyone experiencing D-TV complications.

05/14/2009

BBB warns of companies selling extended auto warranties
Because major auto manufacturers including Chrysler and GM are either contending with bankruptcy or fighting off the threat of bankruptcy, consumers are confused about the status of their auto warranties.