With the bitterly cold winter and lingering memories of the ice storm of 1998, sales of gasoline-powered generators are steady, and many Mainers have machines purchased during the crisis. These generators often sit idle, and we think little about them until the power goes out. It’s a good… Read More
Washington County resident Mary Johnson (not her real name) had suffered through a scary early diagnosis, batteries of painful tests, an outpatient surgical procedure and a lengthy, uncomfortable recovery. But the outcome was good, and she prepared to continue a life interrupted, thinking the worst was over. Then… Read More
It has more lives than a cat and appears under many names, but it’s always the same crooked scheme and almost always involves Nigeria. It can come as a telephone call, a letter, or recently as an e-mail. It is a fraud that promises the unsuspecting consumer great… Read More
Just before the new year, John R. of Bangor contacted COMBAT to inquire about a company called Keane Tracers Services Corp. of West Conshohocken, Pa. The company spoke with Mr. R.’s wife by phone, claiming to have located unclaimed assets (in this case $899 in cash) belonging to… Read More
Before assigning the 2002 holidays to history, check under your tree for these items. Kmart Corp. is recalling 50,000 candy-filled wooden vehicles that may have been given to children. The wheels could break into small parts, posing a choking hazard to young children. The toys… Read More
Barbara T. of Caribou was proud of herself for being so far ahead on her Christmas shopping when she ordered a custom aluminum shotgun case for her husband in August after noticing that he had circled an advertisement in one of his hunting magazines. She… Read More
This holiday season should be bright and happy, but each year in the United States, hospital emergency rooms treat about 12,500 people for injuries related to holiday lights, decorations and Christmas trees. In addition, there are 11,600 candle-related fires each year, resulting in 150 deaths, 1,200 injuries and… Read More
With increasing regularity, local merchants are contacting COMBAT’s Maine Center for the Public Interest when they find themselves in the role of consumer. One such business is a small coastal florist who, like many small, family-owned businesses, is struggling to compete with larger national stores. Read More
If the experts are right, increasing numbers of consumers will be shopping by phone, mail, or online this holiday season. If our 30-year experience is any teacher, a growing number of those shoppers will contact us with complaints about junk merchandise, non-delivery, items that don’t perform as promised,… Read More
Here’s a “COMBAT Classic” from our casework files that demonstrates what not to do if you have a consumer dispute with a merchant. A Bangor consumer brought his treasured 35mm camera to a local shop for repair. The camera was ancient, no longer in production,… Read More
Paula C. of Fort Kent thought she was all set when she made arrangements with a cellular telephone representative at a mall kiosk for phones for herself and her two children. She read the contract closely. It offered 3,000 minutes for each phone and unlimited in-state calls. She… Read More
When after three months the merchandise had not arrived, Capt. L. called the company from his duty station in Asia and asked the customer relations representative why, after waiting two months, his tank phone was not enjoying a position of prominence on his desk. He was told that… Read More
A Lewiston consumer, Mrs. H., ordered a mock fur coat from a Pennsylvania mail order company for $54.70. After waiting two months, she wrote the company asking that the coat be sent immediately. She astutely mailed the letter certified, return receipt requested, so she would… Read More
A Washington County consumer contacted Forum after entering a recipe contest she had seen in a popular magazine. The magazine ad read, “Wanted – Your Favorite Recipe. Put money in your pocket. Submit your recipe to us and you could win up to $100.” The… Read More
It seems like a girl can’t even get respect from out-of-state lingerie shops anymore. A Bangor consumer, let’s call her “Ms. S,” wrote Forum complaining that “unmentionables” she had ordered from a California company had not yet arrived even though several months had passed since she placed the… Read More
In recent weeks we’ve discussed jewelry shopping. To wrap up, here are some basics to help you get the best product for your dollar. Compare quality, price and service. If you’re not familiar with jewelers in your area, ask family members, friends and co-workers for… Read More
Editors Note: This is the second in a series on buying jewelry. When shopping for gemstones, consumers need to be aware that imitation gems made of inferior stones or created in laboratories can look and feel like natural stones, but may be made from glass,… Read More
Shopping for jewelry can be confusing. With the giving holidays coming up and “sight-unseen” online shopping risky, you should become familiar with terms that define value so you get the most quality for your jewelry dollar. Our series begins with precious metals and will follow… Read More
September is Baby Safety Month, during which agencies and organizations such as the SIDS Alliance, Consumer Product Safety Commission, Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, COMBAT’s Maine Center for the Public Interest, and other child safety and consumer organizations are reminding the public that hidden risks threaten the safety of… Read More
Some scams return time and again like a bad penny to cheat consumers, and informing the public of such schemes is the best defense. This is especially true of “envelope-stuffing” opportunities that rear their ugly heads on a regular basis. Read and heed the following example of why… Read More
“Mind your business, Mr. and Ms. Businessperson.” This paraphrase of Ray Stevens’ 1966 hit song “Mr. Businessman” is a great piece of advice for all merchants and professional people. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner… Read More
Much has been reported about the spread of the West Nile virus, including that dead birds infected with the virus have been found in Maine. The reports are scary, but not a lot has been published to help consumers understand what the West Nile virus is, how to… Read More
With the coming of autumn and an influx of college students, the annual “musical apartment ballet” begins. And weeks or months after the dance, COMBAT invariably begins to receive tenant-landlord disputes. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = [];… Read More
“Earn $$$ helping doctors. Process medical claims from home. $20-$40/hour potential. Computer & modem required. We train.” The classified ad looked like the perfect answer for a single mom in Augusta. She could earn good money working at home while caring for her three children. Read More
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Lauri Inc. of Phillips-Avon, Maine, is voluntarily recalling about 110,000 “Toddler Tote” toddler activity sets and about 11,000 “Familiar Things” toddler puzzles. The dog puzzle included with both of these products and the rubber handle on the box of… Read More
For those of you who, like Dorothy, think you are still in Kansas and that you can trust telemarketing companies, take heed of the following: A federal court has ordered a temporary halt to an Arizona-based telemarketing operation that the Federal Trade Commission believes has… Read More
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced that on its behalf the Department of Justice is suing three companies for failing to report serious safety hazards associated with Weed Wizard trimmer heads with metal chain links. A metal link can rapidly and unexpectedly detach during use of… Read More
As the summer warms up, it’s important that we protect and educate our children because excessive exposure to the sun in childhood or adolescence is a major cause of skin cancer and premature skin aging. Exposure to ultraviolet rays also may weaken the immune system. Read More
Editor’s Note: This Consumer Forum column, which should have run in Monday’s editions, was left out of the paper inadvertently. In the wake of the events of Sept. 11, many Americans plan to display their patriotism on the Fourth of July in a big way. Read More
Whether playing, shopping, studying or just Web surfing, today’s kids are taking advantage of all that the Internet has to offer. The World Wide Web is a great place for kids to learn, search, and play. But when it comes to their safety and personal information online, children… Read More
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, The Brinkmann Corp. of Dallas, Texas, is voluntarily recalling about 45,000 outdoor tabletop propane heaters. The heaters can emit high levels of carbon monoxide, which poses a risk of CO poisoning to consumers. Brinkmann received one report of a… Read More
The subject of charitable giving is worth revisiting since even more organizations are out fund raising. Sadly, wolves are hiding among the sheep and often donations are being misused or wind up in the pockets of crooks. It pays to be cautious when giving. The only way you… Read More
Twenty-four years ago this week, Consumer Forum first appeared on the pages of the Bangor Daily News. It is no small achievement that a coalition of Maine consumers, merchants, and a newspaper initiated what is now the oldest continuing consumer help line in the United States. So pardon… Read More
Not to throw a wet beach blanket on your summer, but as outdoor activities increase and children have more vacation playtime, seasonal risks increase. During vacation season, COMBAT and the Maine Center for the Public Interest will focus on alerts, recalls, and tips dealing with summer safety. Here… Read More
If you are shopping for a long-distance carrier and are baffled by all the ads, offers and confusing claims, here’s how to sort out what’s a good deal and what’s not. . Carefully review all information related to price. Watch for hidden monthly fees. When… Read More
It’s a frightening statistic. From 1999 through 2001, at least 180 children under age 2 died after being placed in adult beds. Especially tragic is that virtually all of these deaths could have been prevented had adults been aware there was a risk. In an… Read More
Something often missed when discussing consumer affairs is that while not all consumers are businesspeople, all business and professional people are consumers. Merchants have to deal with suppliers, wholesalers, manufacturers, and other businesses. They also are consumers of groceries, medications, automobiles, homes, insurance, appliances, and… Read More
At this time of year, many Mainers hose the road salt off their cars and find out they no longer like what’s underneath. Thus begins the spring ritual of shopping for a set of “wheels.” Whether buying new or used, your first car or the… Read More
Gas prices are creeping up as we approach the travel season, and energy-savings scams are close behind. The Federal Trade Commission recently conducted an Internet survey to detect and deter the deceptive marketing of products that claim to save energy, then sent warning letters to more than 50… Read More
There are basic rules protecting all consumers and one of the most important is the Federal Trade Commission’s Cooling-Off Rule. If you buy something at a store and change your mind, you may not be able to return the merchandise. But if you buy an item in your… Read More
It may not feel much like spring yet, but as the camping season approaches, it’s time to start checking out your equipment to make sure you are ready – and safe. Here are two recalls for camping and beach equipment recently announced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety… Read More
A Portland consumer contacted COMBAT’s Maine Center for the Public Interest after she discovered she was the victim of a vacation scam. She asked not to have her name published because she felt “silly,” so we’ll just refer to her as “Ms. V.” Some time… Read More
More coupon certificate booklet and clipping schemes have appeared on the Internet. Consumers and charitable groups are being promised earnings of “hundreds or thousands per month” by selling coupon booklets or cutting coupons at home. It’s a lie. There’s only one legitimate way to use… Read More
With Easter and Mother’s Day coming up, florists will be scurrying to satisfy orders. That makes us happy, because dollars spent with local merchants recycle through our economy, which is good for everyone. But when you are ordering those flowers, is it really a local… Read More
Trudeau Corp., of Woodbridge, Ill., is recalling about 20,000 fondue sets. The plastic ring with handles attached to the upper rim of the fondue pot can crack during normal heating or cooling, posing burn and fire hazards. Trudeau has received 30 reports of plastic rings… Read More
Thousands of people are cheated each year by domain registration and e-mail fraud. The best way to protect yourself is by thinking twice before acting once. Scam artists are targeting would-be Web site owners by offering an opportunity to preregister top level domain names. Domain… Read More
Soon the snow will begin to melt and Mainers will start thinking about home repair jobs that can be done best in good weather. And, as has been our experience for 30 years, COMBAT inevitably will receive calls from consumers cheated by home improvement frauds. No one is… Read More
Child safety hazards are not restricted to no-name brands and knockoffs from Asia. In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, two companies with familiar and respectable names have voluntarily recalled potentially hazardous products. Disney Children’s Book Group, LLC, also known as Disney Press,… Read More
With school break coming soon, many students and families are planning the ritual spring vacation. But if you’ve chosen a special tour package, be sure everything’s taken care of. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner… Read More
Every day you are assaulted by an endless string of advertising claims. Most of us assume that we are protected by law from deceptive or unfair ads. But that assumption, like so many others that lead us to believe that government is there to protect us, may not… Read More
In response to our question, “What’s your beef?” Stephanie Gervais of Bradford writes: “Actually its not as much a ‘beef’ as an important warning. I just had a baby and some of her 0-3 months outfits are labeled ‘NOT INTENDED FOR SLEEPWEAR.’ Now what exactly… Read More
In response to our invitation for readers to share their pet beefs (or is it “beeves”?), Nancy Gray of Mount Desert writes, “Here is my beef: businesses who neither keep appointments or call to cancel. Here’s an example: consumer calls business to schedule an appointment; date and time… Read More
When we see “Made in USA” on a product we expect the claim to be truthful and accurate. Especially since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, news reports suggest that consumers are even more sensitive to “Made in USA” claims and more interested in buying American-made goods. Read More
Steve Day of Bangor has joined the Kleinschmidt Associates’ Maine office as an electrical-mechanical engineer. Day, who joins Kleinschmidt’s design team, previously worked at Eastern Fine Paper in Brewer, where he supervised the electrical and mechanical operations. He has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Northeastern University… Read More
Frauds, scams, unethical practices – these are things you can get your teeth into, things you can do something about. But there are also little things that aren’t clear violations of law or ethics, just pesky, troublesome, aggravating things that drive you crazy. These troublesome, frustrating things that… Read More
Maine’s grass-roots consumer organization COMBAT has made and kept the same New Year’s resolution for 29 years: to promote doing business with Maine merchants, to resolve disputes fairly and objectively, to protect Maine merchants and consumers from interstate fraud and abuse, and to be a reasonable and effective… Read More
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, LTD Commodities Inc. of Bannockburn, Ill., is voluntarily recalling about 33,000 Snowman Holiday Porcelain Lanterns. These snowman lanterns can crack or catch fire because of excessive heat from the tea light candles used to light them. LTD Commodities has… Read More
Throughout COMBAT’s 30-year history, disputes with mail-order companies consistently have been in the top five problem areas that prompt consumers to contact us for help. Unless you are dealing with a well known and reputable company (L.L. Bean, for example), think twice before doing catalog, phone or mail-order… Read More
Each year, emergency rooms treat about 10,800 people for injuries, such as falls, cuts and shocks, related to holiday lights, decorations and Christmas trees. In addition, 11,000 candle-related fires each year result in 150 deaths and 1,200 injuries. Christmas trees are involved in about 400 fires annually, resulting… Read More
We’ve all observed “as seen on TV” advertisements in stores, newspapers, mail-order catalogs and, of course, on television. But Northeast COMBAT’s Maine Center for the Public Interest recently received a complaint from a Greenbush consumer who saw a “CHEF’s Catalog” mail-order offer and placed an… Read More
As the giving season approaches, COMBAT’s Maine Center for the Public Interest reminds consumers that when protecting your child’s safety, it’s not only important to shop carefully for new toys and furniture, but to also be careful about items bought used or passed along as hand-me-downs. Read More
As winter approaches and we seek to make our homes more comfortable or save cash by supplementing our primary home heating systems, we need to be careful. Many alternative methods of home heating seem handy and appropriate, but they can hold hidden hazards to life,… Read More
Recent reports of anthrax exposure have spawned numerous Web sites and e-mails offering to sell Ciprofloxacin and other antibiotics for treatment. The Federal Trade Commission warns that scam artists often follow the headlines, tailoring their offers to prey on consumers’ fears and vulnerabilities. If you’re… Read More
We have become accustomed to ready-to-eat meats because they are convenient and available. But we can’t just assume that the luncheon meats, hot dogs, bologna, or pepperoni in our refrigerators are safe just because the expiration date is current. There is a lurking killer called listeria monocytogenes that… Read More
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, National Presto Industries Inc. of Eau Claire, Wis., issued a voluntarily recall to replace up to 50,000 Presto CoolDaddy electric deep fryer basket handles. The handles on the fryer baskets can come off, resulting in hot oil spattering the… Read More
In the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, Americans are opening their hearts and wallets to help the nation recover. But despite the horrible nature of the tragedy and the goodness of so many Americans who want to help,… Read More
As the leaves turn and chilly fall nights have us all thinking about the upcoming heating season, we need to think about more than staying warm and paying the bills. COMBAT and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) urge Maine consumers to arrange a professional inspection of all… Read More
“Cramming” is the practice of packing charges onto your phone bill for services that you never ordered, authorized, received or used. This scam has exploded into epidemic proportions as technology becomes more sophisticated and the relationship between consumers and companies becomes more remote through 1-900 numbers and the… Read More
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Blue Coral of Cleveland, Ohio, is voluntarily recalling about 1.1 million containers of Rain-X glass cleaner and washer fluid. The products, which contain methyl alcohol, are not sealed with child-resistant closures as required by federal law. Methyl alcohol, also… Read More
As the leaves begin to turn and we feel the icy breath of winter just around the corner, the thought of an escape to sunnier climates can be tempting. But temper your daydreams with good judgment before you respond. Heed the example of a Kittery… Read More
You’ve seen them everywhere. “Lose 30 Pounds,” “Work at Home,” “Make Money with your PC.” Signs everywhere: stuck in the ground at mall and interstate exits, stapled to utility poles, plastered with adhesive to public surfaces. We don’t mind the yard sale, charitable circus and… Read More
It used to be easier to determine whether Maine consumers were at risk from unsafe products being recalled because we could eliminate merchandise sold in stores with no outlets in Maine. With telephone and online shopping becoming a national obsession, it isn’t so easy anymore. Maine consumers can… Read More
One of the latest fads of the Rollerblade, skateboard and two-wheeled vehicle generation is the motorized scooter. These are similar to the foot-powered scooters but are assisted by gasoline or electric (battery) motors. Foot-powered scooters themselves are increasingly responsible for injuries and death but because the new generation… Read More
Every day, businesses mail credit cards, applications, invoices and promotional literature to their credit card customers, trusting the mail to be a safe way of doing business. But the mail is not safe, no matter how hard U.S. postal inspectors try to protect us. Criminals… Read More
The scramble to find financing for college is on. And if you are running late, beware of making bad decisions out of desperation. With tuition bills and room and board going through the roof, students and families are looking for creative ways to finance a college education. Unfortunately,… Read More
When America was young, peddlers traversed the country in wagons selling “snake oil” and other bogus medicines to unwary customers. But the snake oil salesmen and women have since traded in their horse-drawn wagons for computers and modems. With hundreds of drug-dispensing Web sites doing… Read More
Too often parents are inclined to consider infant furniture as inherently safe places for their babies. But COMBAT and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission report that since 1988, more than 200 babies have died while in playpens. In nearly 100 of these deaths, soft… Read More
One of the rites of summer is to break out the old grill and fire it up. As we all know, nothing tastes better than food cooked outdoors. It may be the added “zing” of sizzling black flies and mosquitoes that adds zest, or maybe it’s your “special… Read More
Credit cards can be our worst enemies if we use them too much and overextend. But under the Fair Credit Billing Act you have rights that allow your credit card company to help you with complaints about defective merchandise or billing errors. If you use… Read More
Advertisements for free Internet service offers are abundant. You may already have received a mailed CD-ROM promising hundreds of hours of free Internet access during a “trial period.” The Federal Trade Commission and Northeast COMBAT warn that many “free” offers wind up being high-cost, long-term… Read More
Even though the law requires simplified insurance policy language, many of us still find it difficult to translate complicated terms and industry jargon. When we face a medical emergency or scary illness, we don’t have time to stop and read our policies. We trust our insurers to be… Read More
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Century Products Co. of Macedonia, Ohio, is voluntarily recalling about 650,000 Take 2, Travel Solutions, Pioneer, Travelite, and Pro Sport 4-in-1 strollers. The strollers can unexpectedly collapse or the car seat-carrier adapter can unexpectedly detach. When this happens, an… Read More
The Federal Trade Commission’s Bureau of Consumer Protection has announced this year’s list of the top 10 fraudulent or deceptive offers that bilk consumers out of millions of dollars each year. This might be a good column to clip out and stick on your refrigerator next to the… Read More
With increased vacation travel competition between airlines, if you are planning a summer flight, you can save serious dollars by shopping around and in advance. Your best bet is to contact a travel agency or visit one of many Internet sites for information on all… Read More
Part II By law, used car dealers must inform consumers of known major defects prior to sale. If a dealer knowingly sells you a seriously defective car and does not disclose the defect before sale, you may be able to break the contract and get… Read More
“Forum” receives many inquiries from consumers who purchased used cars believing that Maine’s Lemon Law covers used vehicles. It does not. If you are shopping for a pre-owned car, know your rights before you hit the lot. Most used cars sold by reputable dealers come… Read More
Ads appearing in help-wanted sections of newspapers and offering high-paying wildlife jobs with the federal government can look like the opportunity of a lifetime. But according to the Federal Trade Commission, if you call a toll-free number about these “federal jobs,” you are more likely to get a… Read More
Whether you have some serious weight to lose or just want to tighten up, you are a target for a host of companies promoting plans, fads and theories. Regardless of the diet or program you choose, every credible expert agrees that any effective weight-loss program must include regular… Read More
With graduation parties coming up, you might be tempted to dig out those holiday lights stored since last fall in an attempt to make your celebrations more festive. But beware! The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission warns that two brands of popular “rope” or “cable” lights may pose… Read More
Winter is ending, but heating costs probably still have you shivering. The good news is that it’s warming up. The bad news is that prices won’t be much better next year. So, like the parable of “The Ant and the Grasshopper,” start planning now so you won’t, like… Read More
A Portland consumer contacted COMBAT when merchandise she ordered from a mail-order company in California had not arrived after a four-month wait. Her experience demonstrates perfectly how to handle mail-order problems and how we are protected by mail-order regulations. This Maine lady had ordered a… Read More
As economic jitters filter down from Wall Street to Main Street, many people who own vacation time shares are considering resale as a means of securing ready cash. Dishonest companies or individuals are aware of this and, as has happened in past years, bogus sales programs are surfacing. Read More
A Washington County consumer wrote Consumer Forum with a problem that happens all too often when people and families fall on hard financial times. Her experience provides a valuable lesson about the basics of consumer-merchant relations. We need the goods and services merchants have to offer. They need… Read More
According to the Federal Trade Commission, telemarketing fraud now costs Americans at least $40 billion a year. It amazes us that even with all the information distributed through the media, victimization by telemarketing fraud continues to be the single largest cause for consumer letters to “Consumer Forum,” Northeast… Read More
About every week one or more people contact COMBAT about sweepstakes letters. Though federal regulations now require that these mailings more clearly outline what, if anything, you have “won” or may win, clever marketers are still doing everything they can to confuse consumers. One of… Read More
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, several companies are recalling children’s products that pose risk of injury. CRIBS: Simmons Juvenile Products is recalling more than 68,600 cribs for repair. Bracket hooks used to position the height of the mattress can break, causing… Read More
While most people shop wisely for credit card interest rates, three out of four do not understand credit card grace periods. Yet shopping by grace periods can save you money. A grace period is the number of days you have before a company starts charging… Read More
Hardly a week goes by without at least one business or consumer contacting COMBAT to check the legitimacy of a (usually telephoned) police, sheriff or fire department fund-raiser. Law enforcement and firefighting professionals risk their lives to make our communities safer. To show your support… Read More
The week of Feb. 5-10 has been designated National Consumer Protection Week by the Federal Trade Commission. As the oldest continuing voluntary grass-roots consumer organization in the United States, Northeast COMBAT joins colleagues including the FTC, AARP, Better Business Bureau, and Consumer Federation of America,… Read More
If someone said you could save up to 25 percent on groceries, you’d jump at the opportunity, right? Well it’s easier than you think, but it takes planning and common sense. Food and household disposables are the largest line item of most family budgets. Try… Read More