Beware of Magazine Scam
Old scams never seem to go away, they just take on new looks. Consumers in the Bay Area in the last week have received an important-looking delivery letter, in deceptive Federal Express-type colors.
|
Avoid Junk Faxes
At your business its one thing. But with more people having fax machines in their homes, this canis can get really annoying. Junk faxes are illegal. Companies can not send them to you unsolicited.
|
CPUC Suspends Telecom Bill of Rights
A major setback for California consumers today. The California Public Utilities Commission has voted to indefinitely postpone a landmark set of rules designed to protect cell phone customers.
|
What Are Landlords Allowed to Ask?
Identity theft understandably has a lot of people concerned about giving out private information. Yet, when you rent, they want to know all about you. What information do landlords really need?
|
Website Fixes Parking Tickets
How would you like to get your parking ticket cleared with just a click of the mouse? There's a website that promises to do it all for you, for a fee. But is it worth the price?
|
Housing Has to Meet Minimum Guidelines
By law, all rental units must meet certain minimal guidelines like a working toilet and heat to 70 degrees. But could anything be done for a woman with a leaky ceiling?
|
Contact 4 Helps Solve Car Problems
Contact 4 hears many complaints involving cars and the Contact 4 volunteers are happy to help get those problems fixed.
|
CA Launches Tax Amnesty Program
If you owe back taxes, the state is cutting you some slack. It's called tax amnesty, where you can pay back without penalty.
|
Get Long Distance Phone Deals
Contact 4's always looking for the best deals and tonight it's long distance. Bay Area Consumer Checkbook Magazine has found ways for you to get tons of minutes, without spending tons of money.
|
Remodeling Can Lead to Bigger Problems
Some of the worst complaints this time of year involve remodeling. Contact 4 helps viewers improve their improvements.
|
Survey Ranks Local Dentists
Choosing a dentist can be tough. Who do you trust when it comes to care and cost? Dentists aren't just a dime a dozen. A recent survey found huge differences in quality and price.
|
New Surcharge Added to Electronics
California just enacted landmark legislation that forces stores that sell TVs, computer monitors and laptops to impose a surcharge to recycle them.
|
Beware of Fraudulent Credit Repair Firms
This is the busiest time of year for credit counselors as people make up for overspending during the holidays. Unfortunately it's an area filled with fraud.
|
Learn More About Internet Phone Service
Comcast announced that it's getting into the lucrative field of Internet-based phone service. Other Internet phone services are already available and can save consumers big bucks.
|
Are 'Get Paid for Surveys' Offers Legit?
Many have seen the online offers to get paid for filling out surveys. It seems easy enough, but is it too good to be true?
|
Not All Tsunami Donations Deductible
People donating to tsunami victims and expecting a tax break may be in for a surprise. The reality is that not all tsunami donations are tax deductible.
|
See How Your Cellphone Carrier Rates
Are you satisfied with your cell phone company? Apparently most people are not. A new consumer reports survey shows that cell phone customers in general are not very satisified.
|
How to Rate Tsunami Relief Charities
Relief agencies have raised well over $100,000 for victims of the tsunami. Hopefully most of the money will get to its destination, but how can donors know for sure? Find out.
|
Netflix vs Blockbuster
Online movie rentals are going to be more popular than ever in 2005. Contact 4 tried out two of the best known companies Blockbuster and Netflix.
|
New Laws Impact Consumers
With the new year comes new laws. Find out which ones mean good news to consumers.
|
Medicare Drug Card Causes Controversy
A marketing campaign by Medicare to promote its new drug discount cards is not sitting well with some consumers.
|
Know Your Gift Card Rules
Gift cards are a popular present to give, but what can be done to prevent problems?
|
Changes Ahead at the California PUC
A changing of the guard at the California Public Utilities Commission could impact consumers for the worse.
|
Know Your Lost Luggage Rights
Mix-ups and delays are not uncommon when traveling. Know your rights when it comes to your luggage.
|
Know Your Rights as You Holiday Shop
Learn your rights when it comes to holiday shopping and gifts you may receive.
|
How to Donate Your Car Wisely
Donating your car can bring in big money for a charity but it can cause you big headaches. The industry attracts fraud, but donors don't have to fall for it.
|
Car Donation Program Put on the Spot
Not all car donation programs are legitimate. We take a hidden camera to find out what happens to a car we donate at one Bay Area charity.
|
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.
|
