More Issues In the News

The number of recalls of toys and children’s products is up 22% over the first half of last year, despite industry promises last year to solve the problems that made 2007 the “year of the recall,” according to an analysis of Consumer Product Safety Commission data by the nation’s leading consumer groups. The groups urged Congress to complete a “strong CPSC Reform Act” before the August recess.

By Jordan Schrader. Raleigh - Ski at your own risk. That’s the message some North Carolina ski resorts say should be clearer in state law, shielding them from lawsuits over injuries on the slopes.

Raleigh — Beware of what you hear about the upcoming Digital Television Transition. That warning was issued after a national consumer group found that some retailers have been misleading consumers.

Nearly 14 percent percent of North Carolina’s children lack health insurance. When children don’t have insurance they are less likely to receive preventive health care and more likely to end up in expensive emergency rooms for routine care.

There is trouble in Toyland this holiday season, according to the North Carolina Public Interest Research Group (NCPIRG). The group is urging parents to avoid any toys with lead, small magnets, or choking hazards.

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Don't look now, but there are only 33 shopping days until Christmas.

RALEIGH—A state government agency has hundreds of thousands of sensitive Social Security numbers listed for all to see on it's Web site.

Under N.C. law, a bank or hotel must tell you if crooks get ahold of your account information, but not the state motor vehicles division or city water department.

ConsumerAffairs.com offers tips to get your rebate

North Carolina veterans concerned that their personal information was among the data stolen from a Veterans Affairs employee should be able to seal their credit records for free, say consumer advocates.

Visiting a region where motorists are paying 70 cents more a gallon for gas than they did a year ago, U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta promised Tuesday that the Bush administration is working aggressively to lower pump prices.

A report released Tuesday by the N.C. Public Interest Research Group, highlights the Gilberts’ story and that of others who have fallen victim to faulty construction by builders statewide.

WAYNE COUNTY, N.C. -- A recent report from the North Carolina Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) highlights what it calls "deficiencies" in the system that keep homeowners from protecting themselves. PIRG said contracts often take away the buyer's right to sue. They also claim government agencies do not do enough to protect consumers. One Wayne County couple knows about these problems first-hand.

A report out says the law makes it easy for building contractors to take advantage of home owners. North Carolina's public interest research group is pushing for stricter requirements for contractors across the state.

MARCH 31, 2006 -- New homes are popping up in our area every day. However, some people are learning their biggest investment is also one of the least protected.