Consumer Federation of America

A fraud prevention seminar in Shoreview highlighted that scammers rely on urgency, fear, and trust using varied tactics such as romance scams, fake job offers, and cryptocurrency pitches. Eight credit unions teamed up with law enforcement and experts for the event, advising Minnesotans on common online threats. Experts stressed that preventing significant financial losses requires a combined effort from multiple institutions.

A 16-year-old from Troy fell for a job scam disguised as a school email, leading to his Bank of America account being closed. The scam involved fake checks that bounced, and a report highlighted a 60% increase in online scam losses in Michigan in 2025.

Auto-related issues topped consumer complaints for the tenth consecutive year, followed by housing disputes, professional services, retail issues, and financial services. State and local consumer protection agencies handled over 310,000 complaints in 2024 and recovered $890 million in relief for consumers.

Auto-related issues topped consumer complaints for the tenth consecutive year, followed by housing disputes and professional services. State and local agencies handled over 310,000 complaints in 2024, recovering $890 million in relief for consumers.

Auto-related issues topped consumer complaints for the tenth consecutive year, followed by housing disputes, professional services, retail issues, and financial services. State and local agencies handled 310,000 complaints in 2024, recovering $890 million in consumer relief.

The article discusses Flock Safety's surveillance system, which uses cameras to track vehicles and aid in solving crimes but raises privacy concerns and risks of false accusations. It also highlights the lack of financial support for retired police K-9s and the theft of SNAP benefits through cybercrime.

The article discusses Flock Safety's nationwide surveillance system, which uses cameras to track vehicles and aid in criminal investigations but raises privacy concerns and has led to false accusations. It also covers the lack of financial support for retired police K-9s, SNAP benefit thefts, and the underreported economic impact of online scams.

Rental car companies are using AI-powered scanners to detect vehicle damage, but customers report being charged for uncaused damage. Experts question the technology's accuracy, as minor issues like dirt or water droplets may trigger false alerts. A Hertz customer, Jessica Fields, was billed $350 for dents flagged by AI despite returning the car undamaged.

Rental car companies use AI scanners to detect vehicle damage, but customers report being charged for uncaused damage. Experts and consumers raise concerns about the technology's accuracy, as minor issues like dirt or water droplets are flagged. An example is Jessica Fields, who was charged $350 for dents without seeing the before photos.

Rental car companies are using AI-powered camera systems to detect vehicle damage, but customers report being charged for uncaused damage like dirt or water droplets. Jessica Fields, a Georgia psychotherapist, was billed $350 for dents flagged by Hertz's AI after returning a car, despite no visible damage at drop-off.

The Consumer Federation of America sued Meta, alleging the company allowed scam advertisements to proliferate on its platforms, failing to protect social media users.

Meta faces a lawsuit from the Consumer Federation of America, which alleges the company misled consumers about its efforts to combat scam advertisements on Facebook and Instagram. The lawsuit claims Meta's platforms continue to host deceptive ads despite public assurances of improved security measures.