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Joe Ducey

RealTime Traffic

4 On Assignment


 December 20, 2004
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The Bay Area's News Station
Cell Phone Deals
This week's announced merger between Sprint and Nextel may mean less competition and higher prices down the line. But right now there are some great cell phone deals around.
Testers Pick Their Favorite Champagnes
Our Contact 4 champagne testers met at Beverages and More in Walnut Creek to swirl, to sniff, to laugh, and to get down to some serious rating. Is more expensive necessarily better?
Fewer Wireless Phone Service Choices
Then there were four. Four major wireless carriers: Cingular, which just merged with AT&T Wireless; Verizon; T-Mobile; and now Sprint-Nextel. Is a smaller selection good for consumers?
Learn About mp3 Players
If you don't know what an mp3 player is you're out of the loop. They're an increasingly popular way to play music on the go. But there are so many kinds, how do you know which to get?
Survey Rates Top Roofers
If you're looking for the best priced roofer, you really have to compare. Check out some of Bay Area Checkbook Magazine's picks.
Cell Phone Directory Could Include You
The Federal Trade Commission bans telemarketers from calling cell phone numbers, but lately an e-mail has been going around warning people that that could change.
Dodge May Recall 600,000 Durangos
The federal government is waiting to hear if Daimler Chrysler will voluntarily recall some 600,000 Dodge Durango trucks because of unexpected front end collapses.
Hooded Sweater and Light Bulb Recalls
Find out about the recall of hooded sweaters and light bulbs.
Contact 4 Resolves Computer Problems
Can't get a computer rebate? Having problems getting your computer repaired? You're not alone. Computers are near the top of the complaint list.
Fake Charity Names Similar to Real Ones
The question is: do you really know who you're dealing with? Many fake charities use names that are very similar to those of real ones. One East Bay non-profit says it's happening to them.
Best Selling Toys of 2004
A doll plucked from a cabbage patch, a freaky little furry furby, and a character we've loved for years, just wanting to be tickled: all top toys in the past. Guess which one is making a big comeback?
Get The Right Digital Camera
Digital cameras are on many wish lists this holiday season. What features should you look for? How many megapixels do you really need?
Readers Pick the Best Bay Area Kennels
If you need a kennel, don't feel bad about it. These days some kennels are more like doggie spas.
Skiing Doesn't Have to Cost a Bundle
If you think hitting the slopes means hitting the banks first, think again because we've found some big deals for little money.
Bait and Switch?
At most stores, advertised sales last a week. So how many items are stocked and what do they try to sell you if they run out? Contact 4 monitored sales at top Bay Area electronics retailers.
Mystery Orders
Contact 4 investigates a bizarre mystery involving big ticket items delivered to a local man. He didn't want them and didn't order them. Yet they're already paid for.
City Tow Settles Consumers' Gripes
For months the city attorney's office has demanded City Tow stop collecting from car owners who received questionable bills, dating back to 2001. Today's settlement stops the collection action and means refunds.
Free Credit Reports Available
A new law allows residents of California and 12 other western states to claim three free credit reports each year. Find out how to get yours.
Know Your Gift Card Rights!
Who wouldn't want a gift card? You can get what you really want. And everyone seems to offer them -- even banks.
IRS Money, Credit Report, Phone News
Find out about unclaimed IRS money, free credit reports, and the anniversary of the cell phone number portability rule.
Beware of Free Checks in the Mail
Is it a rebate? Maybe a refund? Could it be an overpayment? Constance Bernstein didn't know. She deposited it and got much more than the $3.47 face value. "I got a bill for $179," she says.
Recommended High Definition TVs
Nothing's black and white when it comes to televisions these days. There are so many kinds you have to become an expert to shop for one.
Toy Safety Warnings Issued
Holiday shoppers should check toys by hand and avoid any with small parts that come off because children could choke on them, a consumer group said in an annual warning about toy safety.
Turkey Dinners to Go
Millions of Americans will be sitting down to what is the biggest feast of the year this Thursday. Some of us will tackle cooking our own dinner, others will do turkey takeout.
Elder Financial Abuse Reported
At what age do you become a target of financial elder abuse? 65? 70? How about 50?! The crime is expanding and Contact 4's Joe Ducey says some people are fighting back.
Cell Phone Problems Plague Users
Cell phones, you can't live without them. Can't live with them, at least not without hassles. And billing issues are at the top of the trouble list.
Winter Travel Deals
Travel bookings for the Christmas holidays are at their highest level in four years, but you can still find some great deals.
Renters Risk Theft at Public Storage
We moved a bunch of stuff into a Public Storage locker to see if what happened to other peoples' belongings would happen to ours. Would we ever see any of it again?
Contact 4 Helps With Defective Products
Computers, stoves, and home improvements can cost thousands of dollars, but what if they don't work? If the store won't help, pick up the phone and call the Contact 4 volunteers.
Uninvited Photographer Spoils Wedding
"I was like, 'wow. How many people are taking pictures of us?'" Karla says. Apparently one too many. The Cruzs hired a videographer. They also hired a photographer. So, who is the other guy on their wedding tape?
Price-Fixing Settlement Helps Charity
A vitamin price fixing scam that victimized consumers around the world is paying off for several bay area charities tonite. This is good news. You might call this an early Christmas present for
Furniture Store Delivery Policy Upsets
Group Fights PG&E; Backbilling
Payless Rental Settles State Lawsuit
Beauty Treatment Victims Fight Back
FTC Files Lawsuit Against Norvergence
Curb Painting Scam; Stop Junk Faxes
Help in Finding Your Polling Place
Consumer Cell Phone Rights to Improve
CA Releases HMO Report Card
Be Careful With Valuables on a Cruise
Prop 64: Good or Bad for the Little Guy?
Consumers Vulnerable to Internet Attacks
Lawyers Target Schools For Easy Money
Car Theft, Funeral Travel, Insurance News
State Shuts Down Trade School
Ambulance, Cancellation, Rebate Tips
PG&E; Changes Policy After Investigation
Fastrak Violation Penalties Increase
FTC Cracks Down on Spyware
Car Renters Hit With Damage Claims

Contact 4 Frequently Asked Questions
Have a consumer problem or question? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions page for a list of responses and contacts to point you in the right direction.
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Join and get information about fraud investigations, recalls, other consumer alerts.
Call at (415) 777-9635

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Are there consumer issues or scams you'd like investigated? Have you been cheated and need help resolving the problem? Need more information on a story we aired?

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