ConsumerAffairs News

You may be owed up to $51 from Amazon—here's how to claim it before July 27th

Kyle James — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 18:19:21 +0000

If Amazon made Prime hard to cancel, you could be eligible for a payout

July 24, 2026

Don't miss the deadline. Eligible Amazon Prime members have until July 27 to claim up to $51 from the FTC settlement.
You may still qualify. If you were enrolled in Prime without your clear consent or had trouble canceling between 2019 and 2025, you can still file a claimeven if you never received a notice.
Watch out for scams. Filing is free, and the FTC will never ask for payment to receive your refund.

Millions of Amazon Prime members could be eligible for a refund, but time is running out.

The deadline to file a claim in Amazon's $2.5 billion settlement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is July 27th. The settlement resolves allegations that Amazon used deceptive online tactics, sometimes called "dark patterns," to enroll customers in Prime without their clear consent and made it unnecessarily difficult to cancel.

Amazon denied the allegations but agreed to the settlement and to change its enrollment and cancellation practices.

Eligible consumers can receive a refund of up to $51.

Who qualifies?

You may be eligible if all of the following apply:

You were an Amazon Prime customer in the U.S.
You unintentionally enrolled in Prime or tried to cancel online but couldn't between June 23, 2019, and June 23, 2025.
You didn't already receive an automatic refund in late 2025.
You used relatively few Prime benefits during your membership. Amazon will review its records to determine eligibility.

Even if you never received an email or postcard about the settlement, you can still submit a claim if you believe you qualify.

How to file a claim

Visit the official settlement website and click "File Claim."

If you received a notice from Amazon, enter your Claim ID and PIN. If you didn't, you can still file by providing your information and explaining why you believe you qualify. Amazon will verify your eligibility using its internal records.

When will you get paid?

Amazon says it will review claims within about 30 days.

Approved payments are expected to be sent later this year by PayPal, Venmo, or paper check, depending on the payment method you choose.

Three tips before you file

Don't wait until the last minute. The claims deadline is July 27, and late claims won't be accepted. It only takes a few minutes to determine whether you're eligible.
Watch out for scams. The FTC warns that it will never call, text, or email asking you to pay a fee or provide payment information to receive your refund. Anyone claiming they can "guarantee" your payment is a scam.
Review your subscriptions while you're at it. Whether it's Amazon Prime, streaming services, cloud storage, or fitness apps, recurring subscriptions are easy to forget. Spending 10 minutes reviewing your monthly charges once or twice a year could save far more than this settlement payout.

A refund of up to $51 won't make anyone rich, but if you were enrolled in Prime without realizing it, or found yourself trapped in a frustrating cancellation process, it's money worth claiming.

Consumer product safety recall roundup for July 24, 2026

News Desk — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 14:09:50 +0000

Furniture, baby products, and pool devices are part of this week's recall roundup

By News Desk of ConsumerAffairs

July 24, 2026

Recall Roundup: Consumer product and food safety notices

This roundup includes recent recalls and safety warnings from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Food and Drug Administration. Consumers should check model details, lot codes and sale dates closely, then stop using or eating affected products right away.

Amazon dresser recall over tip-over risk

More than 10,000 Romorgniz fabric dressers sold on Amazon are being recalled because they can tip over if they are not anchored to a wall.

The dressers are unstable and can tip over or trap a child, creating a risk of serious injury or death.
About 10,040 units were sold on Amazon.com from May 2025 through March 2026 for about $90.
Consumers should stop using the dresser immediately if it is not anchored to the wall and seek refund instructions from Romorgniz.

The CPSC said Changzhou Jiaxuan Intelligence Furniture Co., Ltd., of China, is recalling Romorgniz 12-Drawer Fabric Dressers sold on Amazon. The dressers come in white, brown and black, have 12 fabric drawers and a metal frame, and measure about 11.8 inches wide by 31.7 inches tall by 55 inches long. Only orders placed before April 1, 2026, are included in the recall.

The hazard

According to the CPSC, the recalled dressers are unstable if they are not anchored to the wall. That creates tip-over and entrapment hazards that can cause serious injuries or death to children. The agency said the units violate the mandatory clothing storage unit safety standards required by the STURDY Act. No incidents or injuries were reported.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the recalled dressers immediately if they are not anchored to the wall and move them to an area children cannot access. Romorgniz is offering a full refund and will provide instructions to help consumers identify affected units and dispose of them. Consumers will be asked to submit a photo showing the product has been disposed of.

Company contact

Romorgniz by email at Romorgnizrecall@outlook.com, or online at https://www.romorgniz.store/recall.html or https://www.romorgniz.store/ and click Recall at the top of the page for more information.

Source

Teething toy set poses choking risk

CuddleCubs Creations teething toy sets sold on Amazon are being recalled because pull strings can reach the back of a childs throat and become lodged.

The toys silicone strings are too small and too long under federal toy standards, creating a deadly choking hazard.
About 106 sets were sold on Amazon.com from December 2024 through April 2026 for between $15 and $19.
Consumers should take the toy away from children immediately, destroy it as directed and request a full refund.

The CPSC said Foshanshi Kaijinying Dianzishangmao Youxiangongsi, doing business as YouRfocus, of China, is recalling CuddleCubs Creations highchair teething toy sets in the colors BlueOrange and YellowOrange. The sets include a suction-cup pull-string teether with a chick-shaped teether and a pull-string toy with an orange bug-shaped center ball and six long silicone strings.

The hazard

The agency said the recalled pull-string teething toy violates the mandatory standard for toys because the silicone strings are smaller and longer than permitted. Those strings can reach the back of a childs throat and become lodged, creating a risk of respiratory distress and deadly choking. No incidents or injuries were reported.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the pull-string teething toy immediately and take it away from children. YouRfocus is offering a full refund. To get that refund, consumers should cut all silicone strings, write DESTROYED in permanent marker on the main body of the toy, email a photo of the destroyed product to the company, and then dispose of it.

Company contact

YouRfocus by email at cuddlecubscreation@126.com.

Source

Personalized baby items recalled over snaps

Peony Design is recalling handmade baby bibs and stroller bags after reports that snaps can break off and create a choking hazard.

The snap can detach from the bibs and stroller bags, posing a choking hazard that can cause serious injury or death to young children.
About 52 items were sold on Etsy.com from October 2025 through July 2026 for between $15 and $45.
Consumers should remove the products from children immediately, stop using them and contact Peony Design for a full refund.

Peony Design Co., of Howell, Michigan, is recalling personalized handmade baby bibs and stroller bags sold through Etsy. The bibs have scalloped edges, snap closures and embroidered names, while the stroller bags were sold in coordinating prints and include straps with snaps and a ruffled top edge.

The hazard

The recall notice says the snap can detach from the bibs and stroller bags, creating a choking hazard for young children. The firm received three reports involving broken snaps, including one on a bib and two on stroller bags. No injuries were reported.

What to do

Consumers should take the recalled bibs and stroller bags away from children immediately and stop using them. Peony Design is offering a full refund. Consumers will be asked to discard the recalled products rather than return them.

Company contact

Peony Design by email at peonydesigncoshoppe@gmail.com for more information.

Source

Pool drain cover recall warns of drowning

Sviyatp replacement pool drain covers sold on Amazon are being recalled because they do not meet federal entrapment protection standards.

The drain covers violate the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act, creating deadly entrapment and drowning hazards.
About 670 units were sold on Amazon.com from March 2026 through June 2026 for about $18.
Pool owners should stop using pools with these drain covers immediately, remove the cover and request a refund.

The CPSC said Shenzhen Meilanxiang Trading Co., Ltd., doing business as Sviyatp, of China, is recalling a white replacement pool drain cover sold for swimming pools. The product itself has no labeling, but the clear packaging is marked with X0050114ZZ, SV-SP1030-001, Sviyatp Dual Suction Outlet, and MADE IN CHINA, and the cover was packaged with two stainless steel screws.

The hazard

The agency said the recalled drain covers violate the entrapment protection standards of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act. Noncompliant drain covers can create dangerous suction and entrapment conditions, raising the risk of drowning. No incidents or injuries were reported.

What to do

Pool owners, operators and consumers should stop using pools with the recalled drain covers immediately. To obtain a full refund, consumers should remove the drain cover, write RECALL on it with a marker, take a photo, and email the image to the company. If feasible, the firm says consumers should disable the cover by cutting the perimeter structure to prevent reinstallation, then dispose of it. The CPSC also urges consumers to make sure all pools and spas have VGBA-compliant drain covers and to teach children to stay away from drains.

Company contact

Sviyatp by email at SviyatpRecall@qq.com.

Source

Pull-string teether recalled after gagging report

Aojieni Silicone is recalling Sili Factory pull-string teething toys after one report that a toys strings reached the back of a childs throat.

The long, narrow silicone strings can lodge in a childs throat, causing respiratory distress and a choking hazard.
About 5,918 toys were sold on Amazon.com from May 2025 through April 2026 for between $11 and $15.
Consumers should stop using the toy immediately, destroy it as directed and contact Aojieni Silicone for a full refund.

The CPSC said Shenzhen Aojieni Silicone Technology Co. Ltd., of China, is recalling Aojieni Silicone pull-string teething toys. The toy is a pink disc with seven soft push buttons, a pink center ball and five multicolored silicone pull strings. Packaging is printed with the brand name and Pulling Toy, and batch number DS250238 appears on the back.

The hazard

The recall notice says the product violates the mandatory standard for toys because the silicone strings are smaller and longer than allowed. Those strings can reach the back of a childs throat and become lodged, posing a serious choking hazard and risk of respiratory distress. The CPSC is aware of one report of the strings reaching the back of a childs throat and causing gagging. No injuries were reported.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the teething toy immediately and take it away from children. Aojieni Silicone is offering a full refund. To receive that refund, consumers should cut all silicone strings, write RECALLED on the main body with a permanent marker, send a photo of the destroyed toy to the company, and then dispose of the product.

Company contact

Aojieni Silicone by email at info@silifactory.com.

Source

Another pool drain cover poses entrapment

OeyUoc replacement pool drain covers sold on Amazon are being recalled because they fail federal safety standards meant to prevent entrapment and drowning.

The covers violate the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act and can create deadly entrapment and drowning hazards.
About 404 units were sold on Amazon.com from April 2026 through June 2026 for about $18.
Consumers should stop using pools with these drain covers immediately, remove the cover and seek a refund from Yuanxinxiang.

The CPSC said Shenzhen Yuanxinxiang Trade Co., Ltd., doing business as Yuanxinxiang, of China, is recalling white OeyUoc replacement pool drain covers sold exclusively on Amazon. The drain cover itself has no product identification, but the clear package is labeled X00501CQ7P, OY-WG1048E-1P, OeyUoc WG1048...Skimmer Lid SP1030 and MADE IN CHINA, and the package included two stainless steel screws.

The hazard

The recalled drain covers do not comply with the entrapment protection standards of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act, according to the CPSC. That means the covers may not provide the protection required to help prevent dangerous suction entrapment incidents that can lead to drowning. No incidents or injuries were reported.

What to do

Pool owners, operators and consumers should stop using pools with the recalled drain cover immediately. To get a full refund, consumers should remove the cover, write RECALL on it with a permanent marker, take a photo of the marked cover and email it to the firm. If feasible, consumers should also disable the cover by cutting the perimeter structure so it cannot be reinstalled, then dispose of it. The agency also advises consumers to make sure all pools and spas use VGBA-compliant drain covers and to teach children to stay away from drains.

Company contact

Yuanxinxiang by email at OeyUocChina@163.com.

Source

Walmart dresser recall cites child tip-over hazard

More than 16,000 EnHomee fabric dressers sold on Walmart.com are being recalled because they can tip over and trap children if not anchored.

The recalled dressers are unstable without wall anchoring, creating tip-over and entrapment hazards for children.
About 16,809 units were sold on Walmart.com from September 2023 through March 2026 for about $80.
Consumers should stop using unanchored dressers immediately, move them away from children and seek disposal instructions for a refund.

The CPSC said Xuzhou Mingquanhe Household Co., Ltd., of China, is recalling EnHomee 9-Drawer Fabric Dressers sold on Walmart.com by Raybee-Direct. The dressers come in white, brown, gray and black, have nine fabric drawers and a metal frame, and measure about 15.3 inches wide by 27.5 inches tall by 47.2 inches long. Only orders placed before March 30, 2026, are covered by the recall.

The hazard

According to the CPSC, the dressers are unstable if they are not anchored to the wall, creating tip-over and entrapment hazards that can result in serious injuries or death to children. The units violate the mandatory safety standard for clothing storage units under the STURDY Act. No incidents or injuries were reported.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the recalled dresser immediately if it is not anchored to the wall and place it in an area that children cannot access. Raybee-Direct is offering a full refund and will provide instructions on how to identify affected units and dispose of them. Consumers will need to submit a photo showing the dresser has been disposed of.

Company contact

Contact Raybee-Direct by email at RaybeeRecall@outlook.com.

Source

CPSC warns on flammable TRWZINY mattresses

The CPSC is warning consumers to stop using TRWZINY 12-inch mattresses because they fail mandatory flammability standards.

The mattresses violate the federal flammability standard for mattress sets, creating a fire risk that can cause serious injury or death.
The mattresses were sold on Amazon.com from January 2026 through April 2026 for about $236.
Consumers should stop using the mattresses immediately, dispose of them and not sell or give them away.

The CPSC issued a consumer warning covering TRWZINY 12-inch mattresses sold in queen size. The mattresses have a gray knit top panel, black and gray side panels, and stacked side-seam labels listing size, material and care instructions, along with the statement that the mattress may be used without a foundation or with a foundation.

The hazard

The agency said the mattresses violate the mandatory flammability standard for mattress sets. Products that fail that standard can ignite more readily or burn in ways that increase the risk of serious injury or death in a fire. The notice did not list incident or injury reports.

What to do

CPSC is urging consumers to stop using the mattresses immediately and dispose of them. Consumers also should not resell the mattresses or give them away to others because the fire risk remains with the product.

Company contact

The CPSC warning did not provide direct firm contact information.

Source

Childrens pajamas fail burn safety standard

The CPSC is warning families to stop using Mikrdoo childrens pajama sets because they do not meet federal flammability rules for sleepwear.

The pajama sets violate the mandatory standard for childrens sleepwear, creating a burn risk that can lead to serious injury or death.
The products were sold on Amazon.com from August 2025 through May 2026 for between $18 and $20.
Consumers should stop using the pajamas immediately, dispose of them and avoid reselling or donating them.

The CPSC warning covers Mikrdoo Childrens Pajama Sets sold online through Amazon. The agency did not identify a specific recalling firm in the warning notice, but said the sleepwear fails a mandatory federal safety standard designed to reduce burn injuries in children.

The hazard

Childrens sleepwear is subject to strict flammability requirements because garments worn to bed can catch fire quickly and burn intensely. The CPSC said these pajama sets violate that standard, posing a risk of burn injury or death to children. The warning did not cite incident or injury reports.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the pajama sets immediately and dispose of them. The CPSC also says consumers should not sell or give away the hazardous sleepwear. Any incidents involving injury or product defects can be reported through SaferProducts.gov.

Company contact

Report any incidents involving injury or product defect to CPSC at www.SaferProducts.gov.

Source

Immersion water heaters can ignite quickly

The CPSC is urging consumers to stop using Lakkzoom immersion water heaters because they can catch fire within minutes if they are not fully submerged.

The heaters can ignite when partially or completely out of water, creating a serious fire hazard.
The products were sold on Amazon.com and eBay.com from September 2022 through July 2026.
Consumers should stop using the heaters immediately, dispose of them and report fires or defects to the CPSC.

The CPSC issued a safety warning covering Lakkzoom immersion water heaters sold online through Amazon and eBay. Unlike a formal recall, the agencys notice urges consumers to act immediately because of the fire risk tied to the heaters use outside of water.

The hazard

According to the CPSC, the heaters can quickly ignite within minutes when they are partially or completely out of water. That means a consumer could face a fast-moving fire if the unit is energized and not fully submerged as intended. The warning did not list incident totals.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the immersion water heaters immediately and dispose of them. The agency also asks consumers to report any incidents involving fire, injury or product defects through SaferProducts.gov so regulators can track the hazard.

Company contact

Report any incidents involving fire, injury, or product defects, to CPSC at www.SaferProducts.gov.

Source

Breakfast burritos recalled for undeclared soy

Fresh & Ready Foods LLC is recalling Spicy Breakfast Burritos because sausage was mistakenly placed in burritos labeled as vegetarian, leaving soy undeclared.

The mislabeled burritos contain undeclared soy, which can trigger a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction.
The affected product is identified by UPC 1 00001 00029 7 and Fresh Thru date 07/20/26 and was distributed in eight states through grab-and-go markets and vending machines.
Consumers with the recalled burritos should not eat them, should discard any remaining product and may request a full refund.

Fresh & Ready Foods LLC is recalling Spicy Breakfast Burritos after discovering that sausage was inadvertently included in products labeled as vegetarian. The FDA notice says the labeling error means soy is not declared on the package, creating an immediate concern for people with soy allergies or severe sensitivities.

The hazard

Undeclared allergens remain one of the most common causes of food recalls because consumers often rely entirely on package labeling. In this case, people who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to soy face the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they eat the burritos. The notice did not list illness reports.

What to do

Consumers who purchased the affected burritos should not consume them and should discard any remaining product immediately. The company says consumers with questions, or those seeking a full refund, can contact Fresh & Ready Foods directly. The affected burritos were distributed in Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia through grab-and-go markets and vending machines.

Company contact

Consumers: (855) 424-8390, RecallConcern@HotLineGlobal.com.

Source

Shell eggs recalled over salmonella risk

Midwest Poultry Services L.P. is recalling certain shell eggs because they may be contaminated with Salmonella Enteritidis.

The eggs may contain Salmonella Enteritidis, which can cause severe infections, especially in young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.
The recall covers cartons marked with codes P-1950 or 0840962 and a Julian Date between 157 and 184, sold through retail and foodservice channels in multiple states.
Consumers should avoid eating the eggs and return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Midwest Poultry Services L.P. has issued a voluntary recall for white shell eggs and brown cage free shell eggs because of possible Salmonella Enteritidis contamination. The FDA said the eggs were shipped to foodservice and retail customers in Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana, and also reached Kroger and Brookshire Grocery stores in several states.

The hazard

Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy people infected with the bacteria often develop fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, and in rare cases the infection can move into the bloodstream and cause more severe illnesses such as infected aneurysms, endocarditis and arthritis. The recall notice did not state whether illnesses had been reported.

What to do

Consumers who purchased the recalled eggs should not eat them. The company says affected products should be returned to the original place of purchase for a full refund. Shoppers should check for only the listed carton codes, P-1950 or 0840962, along with a Julian Date between 157 and 184 printed on the side of the carton.

Company contact

Consumers: 574.405.9531, recallassistance@mpseggs.com. Media: info@mpseggs.com.

Source

Fruit puree pouches may contain plastic

PT Organics Limited is recalling select Peter Rabbit Organics banana and strawberry puree pouches because a packaging defect may leave soft plastic in the food.

An internal packaging defect may allow a strand of soft food-grade plastic to enter the finished product.
The recall covers 4-ounce Pumpkin Tree Peter Rabbit Organics Banana & Strawberry Fruit Puree Pouches sold nationwide at Kroger, Meijer and Target between March 6 and July 13, 2026.
Consumers and caregivers should not eat or feed the pouches to anyone and should return them or dispose of them.

PT Organics Limited is recalling select Pumpkin Tree Peter Rabbit Organics Banana & Strawberry Fruit Puree Pouches, 4 ounces, after identifying a packaging problem. The affected pouches were sold exclusively through Kroger, Meijer and Target stores nationwide and are identified by barcode 8 15367 01078 0, lane number 4, and several listed best-before dates.

The hazard

The FDA said an internal packaging defect may result in a strand of soft, food-grade plastic being present in the finished product. While the notice does not describe confirmed injuries, foreign material in food creates an obvious risk for consumers and especially for caregivers feeding young children. The affected best-before dates are 01/19/2027, 01/20/2027, 03/17/2027, 03/18/2027, 05/14/2027 and 05/15/2027.

What to do

Consumers should not eat the affected puree pouches or feed them to another person. The company says consumers should either dispose of the product or return it to the place of purchase. Checking both the barcode and the best-before date is the fastest way to determine whether a pouch is included.

Company contact

Consumer Support Desk at 888-566-2363, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. E.T., or www.pumpkintreesnacks.com.

Source

Moringa capsules recalled for salmonella risk

Relay Peak Research LLC is recalling Zen Principle Moringa Capsules because the product may be contaminated with Salmonella.

Possible Salmonella contamination can cause severe illness, especially in young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.
The recall covers lot A6FF4 with best-by date 11/2028 and Amazon FNSKU codes X000ZJJ4FT and X00159YJXP, sold nationwide online.
Consumers should stop using the capsules, dispose of them and contact the company for a refund.

Relay Peak Research LLC is recalling Zen Principle Moringa Capsules because of possible Salmonella contamination. The FDA said the product was distributed nationwide from December 2025 through July 2026 and sold mostly online through Amazon.com and zenprinciple.com, with one unit each also sold on eBay and Etsy.

The hazard

Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. In otherwise healthy people, symptoms often include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, and rare complications can involve bloodstream infections and other severe illnesses. The lot covered by this recall is A6FF4 with a best-by date of 11/2028.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the product and dispose of it. The company says consumers do not need to return the capsules to receive a full refund, which simplifies the remedy for online buyers. Consumers should check the lot number and the listed Amazon FNSKU codes if they purchased through Amazon.

Company contact

775-451-6171 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time, or by email at info@zenprinciple.com.

Source

Iceberg lettuce recall cites Cyclospora risk

Taylor Fresh Foods is recalling iceberg lettuce from Central Mexico because it may be contaminated with Cyclospora.

Possible Cyclospora contamination can cause diarrheal illness that may relapse and can be more severe in immunocompromised people.
The lettuce was distributed from June 29 through July 16 in more than two dozen states to foodservice and retail customers.
Consumers should discard the recalled lettuce immediately and may seek a full refund at the place of purchase.

Taylor Fresh Foods has issued a voluntary recall for iceberg lettuce sourced from Central Mexico because of a possible health risk tied to Cyclospora. The FDA said the product was distributed to retail and foodservice customers in a wide swath of states, including Alabama, Florida, Illinois, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin.

The hazard

Cyclospora infection typically causes diarrhea and frequent bowel movements, but can also bring loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps, bloating, gas, nausea and fatigue. Some people develop vomiting, body aches, headache or fever, and some infected people may have no symptoms at all. If not treated, the illness can lead to dehydration and severe complications that last days to a month or longer, with symptoms that may appear to resolve and then return.

What to do

Consumers who purchased the recalled iceberg lettuce should discard it immediately and not eat it. Taylor Fresh Foods says full refunds are available at the location of purchase. Because lettuce is often removed from original packaging in homes and foodservice operations, consumers and kitchen staff should check recent purchases and inventory carefully.

Company contact

Consumers: 855-455-0098. Media: press@taylorfarms.com.

Source

Pounded yam recall expands over milk

Fayus Inc., doing business as Yusol International Foods, has expanded its recall of OLA-OLA POUNDED YAM because some packages may contain undeclared milk.

The product may contain sodium caseinate, a milk ingredient not declared on the label, creating a potentially life-threatening allergy risk.
The recall covers Ola-Ola Pounded Yam in 2-pound, 4-pound, 5-pound and 10-pound sizes with expiration dates between November 2028 and May 2029.
Consumers with a milk allergy or severe sensitivity should not eat the product and should contact the distributor about exchange or relabeled product options.

Fayus Inc., doing business as Yusol International Foods, has expanded a recall involving Ola-Ola Pounded Yam sold in several package sizes. The FDA said the affected product was distributed through African and Caribbean market outlets between December 2025 and May 2026 in Canada, Australia and the U.S. states of California, Georgia, Illinois, New Jersey, New York and Texas.

The hazard

The product may contain undeclared milk in the form of sodium caseinate. For people with a milk allergy or severe milk sensitivity, eating the affected product can trigger a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction. The recall covers products with expiration dates between November 2028 and May 2029.

What to do

Consumers who have a milk allergy or severe sensitivity to milk should not consume the affected pounded yam. The company said distribution outlets may exchange the affected product for correctly packaged and labeled product, or for a relabeled or reconditioned package of the product. Consumers should check the package size and expiration date range before using the item.

Company contact

916-383-1124 or info@yusolfood.com.

Source

Lone star tick linked to rare virus in New York for the first time

Kristen Dalli — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 14:05:57 +0000

Researchers say Bourbon virus may be another tick-borne threat to watch

By Kristen Dalli of ConsumerAffairs

July 24, 2026

Researchers confirmed the first known case of Bourbon virus in New York state, linked to a lone star tick on Long Island.
The study combined patient testing, tick surveillance, and deer blood samples to look for evidence that the virus is circulating locally.
While Bourbon virus remains rare, the findings suggest healthcare providers and the public should be aware of another potential tick-borne illness.

For many people, tick season brings concerns about Lyme disease. But researchers say another, much rarer infection may also deserve attention.

A new study led by Stony Brook Medicine confirmed the first known case of Bourbon virus in New York state, marking another disease associated with the expanding range of the lone star tick.

The virus was first identified in Kansas in 2014 and remains uncommon, but unlike many bacterial tick-borne illnesses, there is currently no vaccine or specific treatment for it. Researchers say the discovery doesn't mean the virus is widespread, but it does suggest that it is now circulating in parts of New York and could make diagnosing tick-related illnesses more complicated.

There are a lot of lone start ticks in New York and in the Northeast, we have dense populations, and when someone is infected with Bourbon virus symptoms they are similar to other tick-born infections, researcher Luis Marcos, MD, said in a news release.

For these reasons, the Bourbon virus is likely more prevalent than we think in our region and other cases are likely not being diagnosed.

The study

To investigate whether Bourbon virus had become established in the region, researchers looked beyond the initial patient.

The team reviewed the case of a Long Island resident who became ill after a lone star tick carrying Bourbon virus was identified. They also conducted extensive surveillance by collecting thousands of lone star ticks from public areas in Suffolk County and testing them for the virus.

In addition, they analyzed blood samples from hundreds of hunter-harvested white-tailed deer from across New York. Deer are commonly used in surveillance because exposure to the virus can be detected through antibodies in their blood, helping researchers understand where the virus may be circulating even when human infections are rare.

The results

The surveillance found Bourbon virus in several tick pools collected from Suffolk County, and many deer from the same area showed evidence of previous exposure. Together, those findings indicate the virus is actively circulating on Long Island.

Researchers say Bourbon virus infections remain rare, but the symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and muscle aches can resemble those of other tick-borne illnesses, making diagnosis challenging.

Because there are no antiviral treatments or vaccines available, the authors say awareness among healthcare providers is important, particularly in areas where lone star ticks are becoming more common.

For consumers, the findings are another reminder that avoiding tick bites, checking for ticks after spending time outdoors, and seeking medical care if illness develops after a tick bite remain important steps during tick season.

The researchers explained that these findings further highlights the need for expanded viral surveillance, clinical testing, and assay development to improve clinical decision-making and inform tick-borne disease epidemiology and vector management.

As local pharmacies disappear, more Americans are turning online for prescription refills

Kristen Dalli — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 14:03:13 +0000

A new analysis shows pharmacy deserts are making it harder for some consumers to access medications

By Kristen Dalli of ConsumerAffairs

July 24, 2026

More Americans are searching for online prescription refills as pharmacy access becomes more limited, with searches up 440% since 2022.
A new Tebra analysis found millions of households live in pharmacy deserts, where getting to a local pharmacy can be difficult.
Experts say online prescription services can help fill access gaps, but consumers should use licensed, reputable providers and not view them as a replacement for quality healthcare.

Picking up a prescription has long been a routine part of healthcare, but for many Americans, it's becoming less convenient than it used to be.

As pharmacies close or become harder to reach, some communities are finding themselves in what's known as a "pharmacy desert" areas where access to prescription medications is limited. That shift is prompting more consumers to look for digital alternatives, from online prescription refills to virtual pharmacy services.

A new analysis from Tebra examines where pharmacy access is most limited across the country and how those challenges are changing the way people manage their medications. ConsumerAffairs spoke with Kyle Ryan, Chief Product & Technology Officer at Tebra, who explained how digital healthcare tools are helping fill some of the gaps, while also highlighting why they aren't a complete replacement for in-person pharmacy care.

Key findings

To better understand where pharmacy access is most limited and how consumers are responding, Tebra analyzed data from all 50 states to create a Pharmacy Desert and Digital Demand Index.

The ranking combined three factors: the share of census tracts classified as pharmacy deserts (40%), the number of federally designated medically underserved areas per 100,000 residents (40%), and online healthcare search activity (20%). The search analysis included five prescription-related terms, such as "online pharmacy" and "prescription refill online," using search data from 2025 through 2026 and U.S. Census population estimates.

Some key findings from the survey include:

Searches for "prescription refill online" have increased 440% since 2022, making it the fastest-growing search term in the category.
Alaska had the highest share of pharmacy deserts, with more than half (51.41%) of its census tracts lacking adequate pharmacy access.
Texas had the largest number of affected households at more than 2.8 million.
Washington ranked first in overall online pharmacy search demand, suggesting residents are increasingly seeking digital healthcare options.
Wyoming led the nation in searches for "prescription refill online," highlighting how limited local pharmacy access may be driving consumers to look for online alternatives.

A 440% rise in searches for prescription refill online shows that people are looking for backup options when the nearest pharmacy is too far away, too busy, or no longer available, Ryan said. The findings illustrate that access problems and online behavior do not always reflect each other.

The risks

While many consumers are turning to digital pharmacies out of necessity, Ryan warns that there are some risks involved with doing so.

One significant risk is assuming that an online prescription tool works like any other online checkout, he said. Medication is different because a safe refill depends on prescription verification, dosage accuracy, drug-interaction checks, privacy protections, and access to a licensed clinician or pharmacist when consumer questions arise.

Consumers should be careful with websites that promise unusually cheap medication, skip medical review, or make it difficult to identify who is dispensing the prescription. Online refills can be incredibly useful, but they should still feel like healthcare and not a shortcut around healthcare.

What are the long-term solutions?

Ultimately, Ryan says that the long-term goal should be to increase access to pharmacy services to areas that need it most.

The long-term answer cannot be just telling consumers to go online, because online access still depends on broadband, delivery reliability, insurance coverage, and comfort using digital health tools, Ryan said.

Instead, a better solution is redundancy: safe mail-order pharmacy options, telehealth-enabled refills, mobile pharmacy services, local clinic partnerships, and better support for rural and independent pharmacies. For consumers in pharmacy deserts, the goal should be having more than one reliable path to essential medication before a refill becomes urgent. That is especially important in large states like Texas, where the study found 2.8 million households in pharmacy deserts, making this a scale problem as much as an access problem.

Back-to-school supply prices are climbing — where you shop matters most

Kristen Dalli — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 14:00:00 +0000

A new store comparison shows big savings for families who shop smart

By Kristen Dalli of ConsumerAffairs

July 24, 2026

The average cost of a 20-item school supply list rose 20% compared with last year, according to FinanceBuzz.
Dollar General and Walmart offered the lowest overall prices, while Michaels had the highest total cost.
Comparing prices between retailers could save families well over $100 on the same list of supplies.

Back-to-school shopping is an annual tradition for many families, but this year's supply lists may come with a bigger price tag than expected.

A new analysis from FinanceBuzz found that the average cost of buying 20 common school supplies has increased significantly compared with last year, making it even more important to pay attention to where those items are purchased.

To compare prices, researchers looked at online costs for common elementary, middle, and high school supplies across 10 major retailers. The list included everyday essentials like notebooks, folders, backpacks, calculators, pens, pencils, binders, and paper, allowing for an apples-to-apples comparison between stores.

Some stores are far cheaper than others

FinanceBuzz found that the average cost of the full shopping list reached $123.70 this year, up from $102.87 in 2025 a 20% increase. Every retailer included in the study charged more than it did a year ago, although the size of those increases varied widely.

Heres a look at how the stores stacked up:

Dollar General came in as the least expensive option, with the complete list totaling $73.25.
Walmart followed closely behind at $74.84, making it the only other retailer where shoppers could buy every item for less than $100.
Meijer and Target rounded out the more affordable options, totaling $105.44 and $111.84, respectively.
Office supply chains like Office Depot and Staples landed in the middle of the pack, running shoppers $126.45 and $127.08, respectively.
Michaels had the highest overall cost at $210.67 nearly three times as much as Dollar General.
Walgreens and Amazon also ranked among the more expensive places to purchase the full list of supplies, costing shoppers $169.57 and $141.77, respectively.

Researchers also noted that no single retailer had the lowest price on every item, with Walmart offering the best prices on seven products and Meijer leading on five.

What this means for shoppers

The findings suggest that families who automatically head to one favorite retailer could end up paying much more than necessary. Even though shopping at a single store may be more convenient, comparing prices before heading to the checkout could lead to meaningful savings.

FinanceBuzz also recommends looking into back-to-school tax holidays if they're available in your state and taking advantage of rewards offered by store credit cards for planned purchases. While supply costs have increased across the board, a little comparison shopping may help stretch the back-to-school budget further this year.

Is lettuce just the tip of the Cyclospora iceberg?

Mark Huffman — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 13:22:53 +0000

Health officials arent ruling out other produce

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

July 24, 2026

Federal investigators are still focusing on shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico as the most likely source of a major Cyclospora outbreak, despite withdrawing an earlier positive laboratory test as a false positive.
Health officials say there is no evidence that other produce is involved in the five-state outbreak, but they have not ruled out additional foods or distribution channels as the investigation continues.
Because Cyclospora is notoriously difficult to detect in food, investigators are relying primarily on epidemiological evidence and traceback data rather than laboratory testing alone.

Federal health officials continue to investigate this summer's widespread outbreak of illnesses caused by the Cyclospora parasite, saying the evidence still points overwhelmingly to shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms de Mexico, even after an earlier laboratory finding was determined to be a false positive.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says its investigation remains active, with traceback evidence linking contaminated shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants in five states to a single supplier in central Mexico. The agency stressed that the erroneous laboratory result does not change its overall conclusion because the epidemiological evidence remains strong.

The outbreak has sickened at least 1,645 people in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia, with more than 140 hospitalizations. No deaths have been reported.

Meanwhile, the FDA announced Thursday that it is investigating a new Cyclospora outbreak with 72 new cases. It has not yet identified the source.

Health officials in North Carolina this week said they are investigating cases that may be linked to parsley and cilantro.

False positive complicated the investigation

On July 19, FDA announced that a laboratory sample previously reported as positive for Cyclospora should instead be considered a false positive after experts re-examined the test.

Cyclospora is exceptionally difficult to detect in food samples because the parasite is often present in very low numbers and laboratory testing remains technically challenging. As a result, investigators frequently depend on patient interviews, food histories, and supply-chain tracing to identify the source of an outbreak rather than laboratory confirmation alone.

The FDA says it continues collecting and analyzing product samples, but as of its latest update, no food samples have been confirmed positive for Cyclospora.

Could other produce be contaminated?

For now, health officials are not advising consumers to avoid produce generally. Their warning remains limited to recalled iceberg lettuce and products containing it.

However, investigators have stopped short of declaring that lettuce is the only contaminated food.

The FDA notes that because the investigation is ongoing, "additional implicated brands, restaurants, retailers, or distribution channels may be identified" if new evidence emerges. That reflects standard practice in foodborne illness investigations rather than evidence that another fruit or vegetable has already been implicated.

Cyclospora has historically been linked to a variety of fresh produce, including leafy greens, cilantro, basil, raspberries, and other fruits and vegetables that are eaten raw. The parasite is spread when produce is contaminated by water or soil containing human waste; it cannot multiply once it reaches food.

Recall remains in effect

Taylor Farms de Mexico voluntarily recalled iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico and distributed between June 29 and July 16. The recall includes shredded lettuce sold to food-service customers and certain Marketside-branded iceberg lettuce products sold at Walmart stores in 15 states. Taco Bell has also stopped using lettuce supplied by the implicated source.

Consumers should discard any recalled lettuce, avoid eating recalled products served in restaurants, and contact a healthcare provider if they develop prolonged watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, or fatigue after eating fresh produce. Symptoms can begin several days to two weeks after exposure, and the illness often requires prescription antibiotics for treatment.

FBI warns scammers are posing as agents to victimize fraud victims again

Mark Huffman — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 13:19:40 +0000

Previous scam victims are told the bureau can recover their money

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

July 24, 2026

Scammers are impersonating FBI personnel and claiming they can recover money previously lost to fraud.
Some schemes use AI-generated videos, fake social media profiles, and websites designed to resemble the FBIs IC3 site.
The FBI says the Internet Crime Complaint Center never charges victims to recover money and has no social media accounts.

Consumers who have already lost money to fraud are being targeted again this time by criminals pretending to be FBI agents offering to help recover their funds. In the scammers world, the tactic is called reloading, victimizing someone a second time.

In a new public service announcement, the FBI said scammers are impersonating personnel from its Internet Crime Complaint Center, commonly known as IC3. The criminals contact victims by phone, email, social media. or online advertisements and claim that stolen money has been located.

In reality, the offer is part of a recovery or double-dip scam intended to extract more money or collect personal information from someone who has already been victimized.

The FBI said scammers are using increasingly sophisticated tools, including AI-generated videos of purported FBI officials and fake websites that closely resemble the real IC3 complaint site.

The tactics give victims a false sense of safety and security, the agency said in its July 20 warning.

How the scam works

In one version, a fraud victim tells the original scammers that the incident will be reported to the FBI. The victim is later contacted through Facebook Messenger by someone posing as an FBI agent.

The impersonator may move the conversation to Telegram and send the victim a link supposedly needed to update an IC3 report. The link may install malicious software or direct the victim to a fraudulent website that collects financial information.

Another version uses AI-generated deepfake videos depicting a senior FBI official encouraging victims to file complaints through a fake IC3 website.

The counterfeit website may copy the appearance of the governments site but contain only a complaint form asking for a name, phone number, email address, type of scam, and estimated loss. After the form is submitted, the site issues a reference number and promises that someone will contact the victim.

That follow-up contact can be used to request a fee, gain access to financial accounts, or steal additional personal information.

What the real IC3 will and wont do

The FBI emphasized that IC3 does not maintain social media accounts and does not investigate cases or recover money through Facebook, Telegram, or other online platforms.

IC3 also does not directly contact consumers by phone, email, social media, chat, or messaging apps. If additional information is needed after a complaint is filed, a local FBI employee or another law enforcement officer may contact the complainant.

Most importantly, IC3 will never require a payment to recover stolen money or refer a victim to a company that charges for recovery services.

Consumers should type www.ic3.gov directly into their browser instead of following links in messages or online ads. The FBI advises avoiding sponsored search results and confirming that the address ends in .gov.

Consumers should also remember that a realistic-looking video is no longer proof that the person appearing in it is genuine. Warning signs of a deepfake may include unnatural facial movements, distorted hands, mismatched lip and voice movements, unusual shadows, or delays during a video call.

The FBI said anyone who encounters an impersonation scam should stop communicating with the sender, avoid sending money or personal information, and report the incident through the official IC3 website. Victims should preserve emails, telephone numbers, social media profile names, transaction records, and cryptocurrency addresses that could assist investigators.

FDA reports recall of more than 1.5 million eggs over salmonella risk

Mark Huffman — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 13:17:05 +0000

The eggs were distributed in six states

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

July 24, 2026

More than 1.5 million dozen eggs recalled after routine testing found possible Salmonella Enteritidis contamination at two Texas farms.
The recall affects eggs sold under multiple brand names at Kroger, Brookshire Grocery stores, and other retailers in six Southern states.
Consumers are urged to check carton codes and discard or return affected eggs, even if they appear fresh and unbroken.

Consumers in six Southern states are being urged to check their refrigerators after Midwest Poultry Services, L.P. voluntarily recalled more than 1.5 million dozen shell eggs because they may be contaminated with Salmonella Enteritidis, a bacterium that can cause serious foodborne illness.

The recall covers 1,589,577 dozen white shell eggs and brown cage-free shell eggs produced at two company farms in Texas. The eggs were distributed between June 6 and July 3 and sold under multiple brand names at retail stores and to foodservice customers.

The FDA said the eggs were shipped to retailers in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. Kroger stores in Texas and Louisiana and Brookshire Grocery stores in all six states received recalled products, along with other smaller retailers.

How to identify recalled eggs

Consumers should check egg cartons for:

Plant code P-1950 or 0840962
Julian dates 157 through 184
"Best By" or "Sell By" dates ranging from July 20 through Aug. 17, 2026

The FDA has posted a complete list of affected brand names and product photos on its recall website.

No illnesses reported

The company said the recall was initiated after routine environmental monitoring and root-cause analysis indicated the potential presence of Salmonella Enteritidis at the affected farms.

Distribution from those facilities has been suspended while the company works with regulators. As of the recall announcement, no illnesses had been reported.

Health risks

Salmonella Enteritidis can cause fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. While most healthy people recover within several days, the infection can be severe or even life-threatening for young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. In some cases, the bacteria can spread into the bloodstream, leading to more serious complications.

What consumers should do

The FDA advises consumers not to eat the recalled eggs. Instead, they should:

Throw the eggs away or return them to the place of purchase for a refund.
Wash and sanitize any surfaces or containers that may have come into contact with the eggs.
Contact a healthcare provider if they develop symptoms of salmonella infection after eating the recalled eggs.

Buy now, pay later use nears a record

Mark Huffman — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 13:15:25 +0000

Lower-income families are using it the most and feeling the squeeze

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

July 24, 2026

Fifteen percent of active cardholders used a buy now, pay later service during the second quarter of 2026.
Adoption is growing fastest among households earning less than $40,000 and families with children.
Renters and younger adults remain the most likely consumers to use installment-payment services.

Buy now, pay later services are attracting more consumers, but new transaction data suggest some of that growth may be driven by mounting financial pressure on lower-income households and families with children.

Consumer Edge reports that 15% of active cardholders used a buy now, pay later, or BNPL, service during the second quarter of 2026. That was an increase of 1.23 percentage points from a year earlier and kept adoption near a record high.

BNPL plans let shoppers divide a purchase into several payments. Many of the most common plans require four interest-free payments over six weeks, although terms vary by provider and some longer-term plans charge interest.

The latest numbers show that BNPL growth is increasingly concentrated among consumers who may have less room in their household budgets.

The story this quarter isnt that BNPL usage is broad thats been true for a while, said Michael Gunther, senior vice president of research and market intelligence at Consumer Edge. Its that growth is increasingly concentrated among families and lower-income households facing the greatest financial pressure.

Families are more likely to use installment plans

About 19% of shoppers with children used BNPL during the second quarter, compared with approximately 12.5% of consumers without children.

Adoption growth accelerated among households with children while slowing among those without children, although both groups registered year-over-year increases.

The division may reflect the additional costs that parents face, including food, clothing, housing, and childcare. Breaking purchases into smaller payments can make an immediate expense appear more manageable, even though the full amount must still be paid.

However, Marcus Sturdivant, founder of The ABC Squared, a registered investment advisory firm, said that the convenience becomes an illusion if you have multiple purchases that become overwhelming.

The flipside of not paying those installments back on time, or maybe at all, is interest rates that rival credit card rates, Sturdivant told ConsumerAffairs. Think about that, we go from a purchase that costs nothing extra to adding a quarter on to every dollar we spend. If a consumer could not make the payments at 0%, chances of them making the payments now are not any higher.

Income data revealed a similar pattern. Households earning less than $40,000 annually already had the highest BNPL adoption rate and were the only income group in which growth accelerated during the quarter. Adoption within that group increased by 1.3 percentage points from a year earlier.

By comparison, 13% of consumers earning more than $150,000 used BNPL. Adoption among that group increased by 0.9 percentage points, the slowest growth of any income category.

Renters use BNPL at a higher rate

Nearly 23% of renters used a BNPL service during the quarter, compared with about 13% of homeowners.

Consumer Edge said the 10-point difference may reflect renters generally lower savings and more limited access to traditional credit. However, BNPL growth among renters slowed from the first quarter.

Usage also continued to skew younger. Approximately 21.5% of consumers ages 25 to 34 used BNPL, compared with about 7% of consumers 65 and older.

Geography made a difference as well. Texas had the highest adoption among large states at approximately 18.5%, followed by Florida, Georgia, Maryland, and Tennessee. New Mexico and Nevada recorded the fastest growth, while Minnesota had adoption of just 8.5%.

Consumers are also spreading their purchases among more BNPL companies. About 56.5% of users dealt with only one provider in the second quarter, down from approximately 66% in 2021. Using several services at once can make it harder to track payment dates and the total amount owed.

Convenience can obscure the debt

BNPL can be less expensive than carrying a credit card balance when a plan charges no interest and payments are made on time. But the small installment shown at checkout can make a purchase appear cheaper than it is.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has identified potential risks including mandatory automatic payments, collection and use of consumer data, and borrowers taking on more obligations than they can comfortably repay.

Before selecting BNPL, consumers should review the total purchase price, payment schedule, possible interest, and late fees. They should also check their existing installment plans and make sure scheduled withdrawals will not cause an overdraft.

Most importantly, an installment plan should not be treated as a discount. If the purchase would strain the budget at full price, dividing it into four smaller payments may simply postpone the financial pressure.

Used EV prices surge as Tesla models lead market rebound

Mark Huffman — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 13:11:49 +0000

High gas prices are causing consumers to give EVs another look

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

July 24, 2026

Used electric vehicle prices rose 7.4% in June from a year earlier, while overall used car prices declined 1.3%.
All four Tesla models ranked among the 10 used vehicles with the largest price increases.
Higher gasoline prices appear to be renewing consumer interest in EVs, but shoppers should compare total ownership costs before buying.

Used electric vehicles are getting more expensive, reversing a long stretch in which falling resale values created bargains for shoppers but frustrated existing owners.

The average price of a used EV between one and five years old reached $33,305 in June, according to a new iSeeCars study. That was $2,308, or 7.4%, higher than in June 2025.

By comparison, the average price across all one- to five-year-old used vehicles fell 1.3% to $32,395, a decline of $412 from a year earlier.

A shopper who delayed buying a used electric vehicle this spring may now face a noticeably higher price, even as the broader used car market remains flat or down, iSeeCars Executive Analyst Karl Brauer said.

The company attributes the turnaround in part to higher gasoline prices, which may have encouraged more drivers to consider vehicles that do not require gasoline. Brauer said the shift in EV demand became apparent after gasoline prices remained elevated for about a month.

EV prices gain momentum

The increase did not happen all at once. Used EV prices were still 3.4% below year-ago levels in March, when the average price stood at $30,535.

Prices then rose above their year-earlier levels for three straight months:

April: $31,984, up 2.7%
May: $32,467, up 5.2%
June: $33,305, up 7.4%

That means the average price increased by $2,770 between March and June alone.

The broader used vehicle market followed a different course. Average prices declined year over year in five of the first six months of 2026 and were unchanged in the other month, suggesting buyers may still find better negotiating conditions outside the EV category.

Tesla prices rise sharply

Tesla led the rebound, with all four of its used models posting double-digit price increases:

The Model X had the largest increase of any vehicle in the study. Its average used price climbed 17.5%, or $9,066, to $60,950.
The Tesla Model 3 rose 13.5% to an average of $28,520.
The Model S increased 13.1% to $52,787.
The Model Y gained 12% to reach $32,916.

The Porsche Taycan was the fifth EV among the 20 vehicles with the largest increases. Its average price rose 8.9% to $85,147.

Other vehicles posting sizable gains included the BMW X2, MINI Countryman, Ford Mustang convertible, and Honda Pilot.

None of the 20 models with the biggest price declines was fully electric. The steepest drop belonged to the Lincoln Corsair hybrid, which fell 14.7% to an average of $37,312. The Porsche 911 declined 10.6%, while the Audi Q5 hybrid fell 7.5%.

What used-EV shoppers should consider

Rising prices could reduce some of the savings available to consumers considering a used EV. However, the purchase price is only one part of the calculation.

Buyers should consider the cost and availability of home charging, local electricity rates, expected annual mileage, insurance premiums, and potential battery repairs. They should also have the batterys condition and remaining capacity evaluated before buying.

Tax incentives may change the equation, but eligibility can depend on the vehicle, sale price, buyers income, and where the purchase is made.

The findings are based on iSeeCars analysis of more than 1.8 million one- to five-year-old used vehicles sold in June 2025 and June 2026. The company compared average listing prices for individual models during the two periods.

How to stock a college dorm room on the cheap: 8 smart ways to save hundreds

Kyle James — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 21:17:28 +0000

Don't let retailers turn move-in day into a $1,000 shopping spree

By Kyle James of ConsumerAffairs

July 23, 2026

Skip the "dorm tax." Ignore retailer checklists, coordinate with your roommate, and avoid paying more for products simply labeled "dorm."
Buy smart, not all at once. Shop secondhand, wait until after move-in for some items, and don't overbuy school supplies before classes begin.
Spend where it matters. Invest in a quality mattress topper and backpack, but save by splitting bulk purchases and buying only what you'll actually use.

It's surprisingly easy to spend $800, $1,000, or even more, outfitting a dorm room. Bedding, storage bins, towels, cleaning supplies, small appliances, school supplies, room dcor, it all adds up quickly.

The good news? Most students don't actually need nearly as much as retailers suggest. The biggest savings come from buying strategically, avoiding duplicate purchases, and resisting the temptation to create a Pinterest-perfect dorm on day one.

Here are eight smart ways to stock a college dorm room without draining your bank account.

1. Ignore the 'college essentials' shopping lists

Every major retailer publishes a dorm checklist, but many are designed to increase your shopping cart and arent designed to save you money.

You'll find dozens of products labeled as "must-haves" that many students never use, including specialty organizers, extra bedding, decorative accessories, and kitchen gadgets.

Instead, divide purchases into three categories:

Needed on move-in day
Can wait until classes begin
Buy only if actually needed

Take it from a dad whos moved three kids into college, youll quickly discover plenty of items you can comfortably live without and will be glad you didnt spend money on.

Pro tip: Create a "Wait List Fund." Instead of spending your entire dorm budget before you move-in, hold back $100 to $150. After two or three weeks, youll know exactly what's missing instead of guessing ahead of time.

2. Coordinate with your roommate before buying anything

One of the easiest ways to waste money is buying doubles.

Most dorm rooms don't need two mini refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers, fans, vacuums, or printers.

A quick conversation before shopping can save each of you hundreds of dollars.

Pro tip: Assign ownership to items instead of splitting the costs. Rather than going halves on everything, let each roommate purchase specific shared items. Move-out becomes much simpler because everyone already knows what belongs to whom.

3. Don't pay the 'dorm tax'

Manufacturers love adding the word "dorm" to ordinary products, allowing retailers to charge shoppers a premium for them.

"Dorm storage"

"Dorm organizer"

"Dorm shelving"

In many cases, they're identical to products sold elsewhere in the store for less money.

Instead, simply remove the word "dorm" from your online searches. Searching for things like "storage cart" or "plastic drawers" instead of "dorm storage" will uncover cheaper options that retailers don't feature in their college collections.

Try it, I guarantee you'll find basically the same product at a much lower price.

Pro tip: One of the best student discounts around comes from Target. From July 5th through September 12th, students can save 20% off any one storewide purchase in-store, or via Target.com. Just verify your student status and the 20% coupon will get added to your Target account.

4. Shop secondhand for the expensive stuff

Not everything needs to be brand new, especially when getting your dorm room ready. College towns, in particular, become treasure troves every spring as graduating seniors sell perfectly good furniture they don't want to lug home.

Check the following:

Facebook Marketplace
OfferUp
Habitat for Humanity ReStores
Local thrift stores
University surplus sales
Buy Nothing neighborhood groups

You'll often find mini fridges, lamps, desks, shelving, and chairs selling for a fraction of the retail price.

Pro tip: Dont forget to shop estate sales, too. Estate sales are an overlooked source for high-quality lamps, mirrors, side tables, bookcases, and storage furniture that are often sturdier than inexpensive dorm products.

5. Buy after move-in not before

This may sound backwards, but waiting can actually save money.

Many dorms already provide items families mistakenly purchase, including trash cans, bulletin boards, shelving, desk lamps, or laundry carts.

Even more importantly, you'll know exactly how much space you're working with. Storage bins that looked perfect in the store often don't fit underneath dorm beds or inside closets.

Pro tip: Measure first, buy second. Bring only flexible storage solutions on move-in day. Purchase bins and organizers after you've measured the room.

6. Spend more on the items you'll actually use every day

Being frugal doesn't mean buying the cheapest version of everything.

Three purchases are usually worth spending a little extra on:

A quality mattress topper
A durable backpack
A surge-protected power strip

These items affect daily comfort and often last through all four years of college.

Everything else? Look for bargains.

Pro tip: A great way to save is to skip premium bedding sets that can be quite expensive. Instead, buy a mix of affordable sheets, towels, and storage items from different retailers when you find them on sale. Trust me, your wallet will notice, even if no one else does.

7. Share warehouse club purchases

Buying in bulk doesn't make sense when storage space is the size of a closet.

Coordinate with another family heading to college and split larger packages of:

Toilet paper
Paper towels
Laundry detergent
Cleaning supplies
Trash bags
Snacks

You'll get warehouse pricing without overflowing your dorm room.

Pro tip: Buy some discounted gift cards from Costco. Warehouse clubs sell restaurant and retailer gift cards well below face value typically 20% less. It's an easy way to stretch a meal budget throughout the semester.

8. Don't overbuy school supplies

College isn't high school. Many professors distribute assignments digitally, and students increasingly take notes on laptops or tablets.

Instead of filling your cart with binders, folders, notebooks, and specialty supplies before classes begin, wait until each instructor explains what's required.

Pro tip: Buy one notebook not ten. One notebook and a laptop will get most students through the first week while they figure out what each class actually requires.

Bonus tip: Start a 'Dorm Swap' tradition

One of the smartest (yet least common) money-saving ideas happens after you move-in.

Every residence hall has students who bought the wrong storage bin, an extra lamp, duplicate cleaning supplies, or bedding that doesn't fit.

Instead of returning everything, throw out the idea of a dorm swap with neighbors on your floor. You might trade an unused fan for a desk lamp or exchange oversized storage containers for smaller ones that fit under your bed.

It's free, builds community, and keeps perfectly good items out of the return line.

Looking for a pirated copy of The Odyssey? It could cost you far more than a movie ticket

Kyle James — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 17:15:52 +0000

Don't let a free movie become an expensive mistake

By Kyle James of ConsumerAffairs

July 23, 2026

Scammers move fast. Fake download sites appeared within hours of the The Odyssey's film release, attempting to install malware instead of the movie.
Know the warning signs. Avoid ".exe" movie downloads and ignore websites that ask you to install software or click fake browser alerts.
Stream safely. Use legitimate streaming services and keep your security software updated to reduce your risk.

Christopher Nolan's highly anticipated film The Odyssey had barely reached theaters before scammers began exploiting the excitement.

Cybersecurity researchers at Malwarebytes found fake movie downloads and bogus piracy websites appearing within hours of the film's release. Instead of delivering the blockbuster, the scams attempted to trick users into installing malware that could steal passwords, banking information, or even lock up an entire computer with ransomware.

The scams are a reminder that criminals move quickly whenever there's intense interest in a major movie, sporting event, or video game.

Here's how to avoid becoming their next victim.

Never download a movie that ends in '.exe'

One of the biggest red flags researchers found was a file disguised as a high-definition copy of The Odyssey.

It looked like a movie but actually ended with the ".exe" file extension a Windows program, not a video. Legitimate video files typically end in formats like .mp4, .mkv, or .avi. If your "movie" wants to install software, it's almost certainly malware.

Pro tip: Turn on file extensions in Windows so you can see the real file type before opening a download.

Ignore fake browser warnings

Researchers also discovered convincing pop-ups claiming a browser component was missing and urging users to click "Fix It Now."

The warning wasn't real it was simply part of the webpage, designed to send visitors through advertising networks that could lead to fake browser extensions, tech support scams, or malware downloads.

Pro tip: If a website tells you to install software just to watch a video, its highly recommended to close the page immediately.

Popular movies attract scammers

Criminals know millions of people search online for newly released movies.

That makes blockbuster releases prime opportunities for phishing attacks, fake streaming sites, and malware-laced downloads. The same tactic often appears around major sporting events, hit TV series, and popular video games.

Use legitimate streaming services

Besides reducing any potential legal risks, official streaming platforms obviously reduce the chance of downloading malicious software.

If a movie isn't yet available to stream legally, that's often because it's still in theaters.

Keep your security software up to date

Modern antivirus and browser protection tools can block many malicious websites and downloads before they reach your computer.

While no security software catches every threat, updated protection adds another important layer of defense.

More couples are rethinking big weddings to buy a home sooner

Kristen Dalli — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 15:04:25 +0000

Many Americans would trade a traditional wedding for a house down payment, debt relief, or other major financial goals

By Kristen Dalli of ConsumerAffairs

July 23, 2026

A new survey found that 81% of Americans would skip a traditional wedding if it meant having more money for a house down payment.
Many couples are embracing smaller weddings and elopements, with many saying intimate celebrations better fit their financial goals and long-term priorities.
Today's couples aren't giving up on marriage they're finding creative ways to celebrate while putting homeownership and financial security first.

For generations, a big wedding was seen as one of life's biggest milestones. But as home prices and everyday costs continue to climb, many couples are starting to view that celebration differently.

New research from Maxwell Social suggests that more Americans are willing to skip the traditional wedding altogether if it helps them reach other financial goals especially buying a home. In fact, a large majority said they'd rather put that money toward a house down payment than a one-day event.

ConsumerAffairs spoke with David Litwak, founder and CEO of Maxwell Social, who explained what's driving this shift and why smaller weddings and elopements are becoming a practical choice for couples looking to build their future.

The survey

The Maxwell Social survey of 1,006 Americans suggests that the traditional large wedding is losing ground to smaller, more flexible celebrations.

More than half of respondents (56%) said their ideal wedding would center on a party rather than a traditional ceremony and reception, while nearly half (49%) have considered eloping without telling anyone.

Financial considerations appear to be a major driver: about four in five Americans said they would trade a traditional wedding for a house down payment (81%), paying off debt (81%), or a dream honeymoon or year of travel (80%).

Among couples who downsized their weddings, many redirected the savings toward major financial goals, including homeownership.

The survey also found that 69% of Americans view a destination elopement as a bigger status symbol in 2026 than a traditional 200-person reception, suggesting that intimate celebrations are increasingly seen as intentional and aspirational rather than a budget compromise.

Instead of viewing a traditional wedding as the default, many now see it as one option among many, Litwak said. With an average cost gap of more than $22,000 between a traditional wedding and an elopement, couples are increasingly asking whether that money could make a bigger impact elsewhere, whether that's a down payment, paying off debt, or building financial security.

The survey shows that today's couples aren't necessarily celebrating less. They're choosing celebrations that better align with their long-term priorities.

Housing affordability

The survey also found that nearly 90% of those earning less than $50,000 are more likely to skip a wedding in favor of putting that money toward a home than higher earners.

This illustrates the pressure that lower-income people are under, Litwak said. However, the same applies even to higher-earning families, with almost seven out of ten families with annual earnings above $150,000 picking down payments over conventional weddings; it is not a concern of low-income people only.

However, when the number rises to 87% for people earning below $50,000, it becomes apparent that homeownership has become such a big deal that most people are ready to forgo yet another life achievement in order to increase the chances of owning a home.

Choose your priorities

If youre torn between planning a wedding and taking the next step in the homebuying process, Litwak says to make a conscious choice about your priorities.

Choosing your priorities as a couple and then basing your budget on them is the first thing you should do, he said. You cannot say that one way of celebrating the union is more correct than the other; however, you need to be aware of the compromises before making a significant wedding budget.

People have learned to achieve their goals of having a less expensive ceremony, yet celebrating the marriage and not compromising on it either by having an intimate wedding followed by the celebration afterward, or by having the celebration postponed till they buy their home.

Getting creative

Another important note: the survey isnt finding that marriage is on the decline. Instead, couples are getting creative in how they celebrate their union.

This is the story of how people have decided to change the meaning of a meaningful wedding, Litwak said. Couples are interested in celebrating an important moment of their lives.

However, now people see the need to integrate the celebration into their future. The fact is that in modern times, the most unforgettable weddings are not always the most spectacular ones. It is those weddings that give excitement about a new life. 3

Back-to-school costs are climbing, and more families are turning to BNPL

Kristen Dalli — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 15:02:03 +0000

New survey shows budgeting pressures are reshaping how parents shop this season

By Kristen Dalli of ConsumerAffairs

July 23, 2026

Nearly half of parents expect to spend more than $500 on back-to-school shopping this year.
More households plan to use Buy Now, Pay Later services to help cover school expenses.
Many parents say they're cutting back in other areas to make room in the budget.

For many families, back-to-school shopping is no longer just about checking supplies off a list.

A new survey from Omnisend suggests that rising costs are making the annual shopping trip more stressful, with parents looking for new ways to manage the expense.

According to the survey of 1,075 U.S. consumers, 40% of parents expect this year's back-to-school shopping to be more financially stressful than last year's. Nearly half (44%) anticipate spending more than $500, while 19% believe they'll spend over $1,000 on school-related purchases.

Whether parents shop online or in-store, most are trying to keep things simple by buying everything from a single retailer or platform, Marty Bauer, Ecommerce Expert at Omnisend said in a news release.

That means fewer trips, less time spent comparing prices, and easier access to the discounts and rewards stores offer during the back-to-school season. For families with long shopping lists, buying everything in one place doesnt just save time, it can also help stretch the household budget.

Clothing, technology, and supplies are driving costs

Parents reported that apparel is among their biggest financial concerns this year. Shoes topped the list, with 43% saying they're worried about affording them, followed closely by clothing and uniforms (42%). Backpacks (31%), electronics such as laptops and calculators (34%), and everyday school supplies like notebooks and pens (32%) also ranked high on the list of expected expenses.

To help spread out those costs, many families plan to rely on financing. The survey found that 45% of households expect to use Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services for back-to-school purchases, up from 39% last year. Nearly one-third of respondents said those payment plans will cover more than half of their back-to-school spending.

Buy Now, Pay Later was once associated with splurges and impulse purchases, Bauer said. Today, it's increasingly being used for routine expenses. Parents know back-to-school shopping is coming every year, so the fact that so many still choose BNPL suggests the challenge isn't a lack of planning, but a lack of financial breathing room. Consumers are using flexible payment options to manage everyday cash flow, not just unexpected costs.

Parents are also making tradeoffs elsewhere in their budgets. Thirty percent said they'll reduce spending on family activities and entertainment, while others plan to use credit cards (22%), dip into savings intended for other purposes (21%), or borrow money from friends or family (18%) to cover school costs.

What this means for consumers

The survey suggests that many families are approaching back-to-school shopping with careful budgeting rather than impulse buying.

Beyond the financial costs, parents are also thinking about the social side of the school year. Nearly 44% said they worry their child could feel left out because of what they can or cannot afford, and 28% plan to purchase items their child wants even if it means cutting back elsewhere.

While every household's budget is different, the findings show that this year's shopping season may require more planning than in years past. For many consumers, balancing essential school purchases with overall household expenses is becoming an increasingly important part of preparing for the new school year.

Why more homeowners are choosing to stay put instead of move

Kristen Dalli — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 14:59:29 +0000

High mortgage rates have reshaped the housing market, encouraging owners to invest in their current homes rather than trade them for new ones

By Kristen Dalli of ConsumerAffairs

July 23, 2026

Mortgage rates have made moving less appealing for many homeowners, creating what experts call the "stay-put economy."
More homeowners are choosing to renovate and maintain their existing homes instead of buying another one.
The shift is changing spending patterns, with home improvement becoming a priority for many households.

For many Americans, buying a home has traditionally been seen as one step in a longer journey. Families often started with a starter home before moving into something larger or better suited to their needs over time.

But according to a new analysis from Benutech, today's housing market has changed that pattern significantly.

The company describes the current environment as a "stay-put economy," where rising mortgage rates have made moving far less attractive for homeowners who already have low-interest mortgages. Rather than giving up those lower monthly payments for a much higher rate on a new home, many owners are deciding to stay where they are.

That decision isn't necessarily about standing still. Instead, homeowners are increasingly treating their current houses as long-term investments, choosing to improve and maintain them rather than preparing them for resale.

The stay-put economy has profound implications for the broader American financial landscape, Benutechs Brian Fox said in a news release. As long as the spread between current market mortgage rates and the locked-in rates of the early 2020s remains wide, the velocity of housing turnover will remain suppressed.

Remodeling replaces relocating

Benutech's analysis suggests that homeowners are redirecting money that might once have gone toward buying another home into renovations, repairs, and upgrades instead. Projects that improve a home's function, appearance, or longevity have become more appealing when moving would likely come with substantially higher borrowing costs.

This trend also reflects a slowdown in housing turnover. With fewer people listing their homes for sale, existing housing inventory remains constrained, while homeowners focus on protecting the value of the properties they already own.

According to the report, the result is a shift in how people think about homeownership. Rather than viewing a home as a temporary stop on the way to something else, many owners are approaching it as a place they'll remain in for years to come, making investments that fit a longer timeline.

What it means for consumers

For homeowners, the "stay-put economy" may mean spending more time and money on making their current homes better fit their changing needs. Kitchen updates, exterior maintenance, storage improvements, and other renovation projects may feel like a more practical option than taking on a new mortgage at today's rates.

For prospective buyers, the trend may also help explain why fewer existing homes are coming onto the market. Many current homeowners are reluctant to trade a low mortgage rate for a significantly higher one, reducing the number of available listings.

While every homeowner's financial situation is different, Benutech's analysis highlights how higher borrowing costs are influencing everyday decisions. Instead of climbing the traditional housing ladder, many Americans are choosing to strengthen the homes they already have, turning them into long-term residences rather than temporary stepping stones.

Teen drops social media addiction lawsuit against Meta days before trial

Mark Huffman — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 14:10:22 +0000

Meta avoids another closely watched trial, but still faces thousands of claims

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

July 23, 2026

A 15-year-old Florida boy has dropped his lawsuit accusing Metas social media platforms of contributing to his depression and anxiety.
The case was withdrawn just days before a Los Angeles trial was scheduled to begin, with the teens lawyers citing the strain of a lengthy trial.
Meta said it made no payment to the plaintiff and continues to deny that its platforms caused his mental health problems.

A Florida teenager has withdrawn a closely watched lawsuit accusing Meta of designing social media platforms that contributed to addiction, depression, and anxiety.

The plaintiff, identified in court documents only as R.K.C., dropped his claims just days before a trial was scheduled to begin in Los Angeles. The 15-year-olds case had been selected as a bellwether trial that could have helped lawyers assess the strengths and weaknesses of thousands of similar claims against social media companies.

R.K.C. began using social media when he was about 8 years old, according to court filings. His lawsuit alleged that he became addicted to the platforms, lost sleep, and developed depression and anxiety.

The case originally named Meta, Googles YouTube, ByteDances TikTok, and Snaps Snapchat as defendants. YouTube and TikTok reached confidential settlements with the teenager, while Snap reportedly reached a tentative settlement shortly before the Meta claims were withdrawn.

That left Meta as the only company preparing to face a jury.

Attorneys for R.K.C. said the teenager had decided against enduring what could have been a difficult, weeks-long trial.

In light of the overall successful result of the litigation and his concerns about enduring a grueling weeks-long trial, he has elected to withdraw his claims against Meta, his attorneys said in a statement.

The lawyers said R.K.C. wanted to close that chapter of his life, concentrate on his recovery, and continue therapy.

Meta says it paid nothing

Meta portrayed the withdrawal as a vindication of its position. The company said the teenager dismissed the claims without receiving a settlement payment from Meta.

The withdrawal does not result in a verdict on the allegations. Because the claims were dropped before trial, a jury will not decide whether Metas platform designs caused or contributed to the teenagers reported injuries.

It also does not end Metas broader legal battle over youth safety. The Facebook and Instagram parent company faces numerous lawsuits from young users, parents, school districts, and state governments. The cases generally allege that features such as endless scrolling, algorithmic recommendations, and repeated notifications encourage compulsive use among children and teenagers.

Meta has denied that its products are designed to addict young people and points to parental controls, privacy settings, and special protections for teen accounts.

Taco Bell offers $1 lettuce-free Enchiritos after Cyclospora outbreak drives away customers

Mark Huffman — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 14:08:04 +0000

Parent company Yum Brands lost billions in market value as restaurant traffic plunged

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

July 23, 2026

Customer visits to Taco Bell fell nearly 30% on July 18 as consumers reacted to the Cyclospora outbreak.
Shares of parent company Yum Brands dropped nearly 10% after health officials linked illnesses to shredded iceberg lettuce served at some Taco Bell restaurants.
Taco Bell responded with a one-day promotion offering its lettuce-free Enchirito for $1.

Taco Bell is trying to win back customers with a deep discount on a lettuce-free menu item after a Cyclospora outbreak dealt the fast-food chain a significant financial and reputational blow.

The company offered Enchiritos for $1 at participating restaurants on July 22, while supplies lasted. The Enchirito seasoned beef, beans, and onions wrapped in a flour tortilla and topped with red sauce and cheese normally sells for about $4 to $5.50, depending on location.

The item contains no lettuce, making it a timely choice for the promotion. Taco Bell did not directly tie the offer to the outbreak, promoting it instead as a thank-you for those whove been riding with us.

Rewards members could also purchase regular Nacho Fries for $1 with an Enchirito order through the Taco Bell app, according to the companys promotion terms.

Customer traffic drops sharply

The promotion followed a steep decline in business after federal health officials identified shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants as the likely source of illnesses in five states.

Visits to Taco Bell fell 18.9% on July 17 compared with the average for Fridays earlier in the year, according to location-data firm Placer.ai. Traffic was down 29.8% on Saturday, July 18, compared with the average Saturday between Jan. 1 and July 6, Reuters reported.

Taco Bell has not disclosed how much revenue it lost. However, the traffic figures suggest a substantial short-term reduction in sales at both company-operated and franchised restaurants.

The damage also reached Wall Street. Shares of Taco Bell parent Yum Brands fell from about $167 on July 7 to approximately $147 by July 17, a decline of roughly 12%. That erased billions of dollars from the companys market value, although the stock-price loss reflects investor concerns and is not the same as a direct loss of sales or company cash.

Yum Brands also owns KFC and Pizza Hut. The company is scheduled to report its second-quarter financial results on July 30, but much of the outbreaks impact occurred after that quarter ended.

Taco Bell removed the suppliers lettuce

The Food and Drug Administration said 1,644 people who reported eating at Taco Bell were infected with Cyclospora in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. At least 94 people were hospitalized, and no deaths were reported.

Of 190 Michigan patients whose food choices were closely analyzed, 90% reported eating iceberg lettuce.

Taco Bell stopped using iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms de Mexico nationwide and replaced the product throughout its supply chain. The company said the potentially affected lettuce was no longer being used as of July 17.

The FDAs investigation traced the lettuce served at restaurants associated with illnesses to Taylor Farms de Mexico. The supplier subsequently removed all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico from the U.S. market.

However, the investigation remains complicated. The FDA initially reported finding Cyclospora in a lettuce sample but later said the test was a false positive. As of July 19, no product sample had produced a confirmed positive result. The agency said epidemiological and traceback evidence continued to implicate the recalled lettuce.

Taco Bell CEO Sean Tresvant thanked customers who continued supporting the chain and pledged that the company would prioritize safety and communicate more openly.

Is cigarette smoking making a comeback with Gen Z?

Mark Huffman — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 14:04:44 +0000

Public health officials worry that cigarettes are being glamorized by celebrities

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

July 23, 2026

Country star Ella Langley, 27, smokes a cigarette in her music video for her song Nicotine.
Cigarette smoking among young adults has fallen sharply, from nearly 30% four decades ago to less than 10% in 2024.
Health officials remain concerned that smoking in music videos, movies, and social media can influence young audiences, even when no tobacco company is involved.

The media has noticed the trend. Why is Gen Z smoking? asks People magazine. Is Gen Z trying to make smoking cool again? asks an article in Paper magazine. They know it kills you. Gen Z is smoking cigarettes anyway, notes The San Francisco Standard.

To be clear, the number of young Americans smoking cigarettes is not currently rising. In fact, data show the long-term decline has been substantial.

In 1985, approximately 29.3% of Americans between 18 and 24 were current smokers, according to historical National Health Interview Survey data. By 2024, 9.6% of young adults ages 18 to 25 reported smoking during the previous month.

That works out to about 3.4 million young adults. While still a large number, the smoking rate is roughly two-thirds lower than it was four decades ago.

However, data often lags current trends, and growing attention on young smokers is no doubt of concern to public health officials who are trying to preserve decades of progress in reducing cigarette smoking among young Americans.

Reemerging in pop culture

While smoking mostly disappeared from popular culture decades ago, 27-year-old country music star Ella Langley has written and recorded a song entitled Nicotine. In the music video below, she smokes a cigarette.

The cigarette imagery fits country musics long association with bars, drinking, heartbreak, and rebellion. However, its been largely absent from the work of younger performers. Public health leaders have taken notice.

"From Ella Langleys music video to Kylie Jenners recent Instagram posts, we are seeing a growing trend where cigarettes and smoking are being pushed as cool again, Dr. Matthew DUrso, clinical director at Renaissance Recovery, told ConsumerAffairs.

From a public health perspective, that is very concerning. A lot of hard work has been done over the last few decades to shift the narrative away from smoking being a trendy aesthetic to highlighting the reality of what it actually does to your health.

There is no evidence to suggest that one appearance by a popular performer will lead to a smoking revival. However, federal health officials have concluded that tobacco imagery in entertainment can affect young peoples attitudes toward smoking.

Dr. Ayesha Bryant, clinical advisor at Alpas Wellness, located in Maryland, takes some comfort in the fact that smoking rates have declined drastically in recent years.

That being said, there does seem to be growing evidence that cigarettes and other forms of tobacco are becoming increasingly glamorized in popular culture through fashion, music videos, and social media, which could potentially influence youth attitudes toward smoking, Bryant said.

The Surgeon General has said that tobacco advertising, promotion, and depictions of smoking in movies are causally related to youth tobacco use. Public health researchers worry that repeated images can make cigarettes look fashionable, rebellious, or socially acceptable particularly when they are associated with celebrities admired by younger audiences.

Cigarette smoking has fallen sharply

Cigarette use among teenagers has fallen even further. In 2024, only 1.4% of middle and high school students reported smoking cigarettes during the previous 30 days the lowest rate recorded by the National Youth Tobacco Survey.

CDC officials called the overall decline in youth tobacco use an extraordinary public health achievement. However, they cautioned that more than two million middle and high school students still used at least one tobacco product.

Another concern is that some people who avoid cigarettes during adolescence begin smoking after turning 18. A National Cancer Institute study found that among people who had tried cigarettes by age 22 or 23, the proportion who first smoked between ages 18 and 23 rose from about 20% in 2002 to more than 42% in 2018.

Among those who became daily smokers, the share making that transition during young adulthood increased from approximately 39% to nearly 56%.

Researchers stressed that the shift did not mean smoking was becoming more common overall. Instead, initiation was occurring later among the smaller population that did take up cigarettes.

That finding has led health officials to argue that smoking-prevention campaigns should not end when teenagers graduate from high school.

Vaping is the larger concern

Cigarettes are no longer the most common source of nicotine among young adults. In 2024, approximately 8.3 million people ages 18 to 25 reported vaping nicotine during the previous month more than twice the estimated number who smoked cigarettes.

The CDC says nicotine is highly addictive and can harm the developing brain, which continues maturing into a persons mid-20s.

For health officials, the concern surrounding celebrity smoking imagery is less about evidence of a new cigarette epidemic and more about preventing a reversal. Cigarette use has reached historic lows, but millions of young people remain exposed to nicotine and popular culture can still influence whether smoking is viewed as dangerous, outdated, or glamorous.

Scammers are beginning to work in teams: Here’s why it’s dangerous

Mark Huffman — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 13:59:34 +0000

Fake bank tellers, police officers, and government officials build credibility

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

July 23, 2026

Scammers are increasingly working in teams, with different people posing as bank employees, lawyers, government agents, or couriers.
Multiple voices make a false story seem independently verified and recreate the experience of dealing with a legitimate organization.
Consumers should end the conversation and contact the purported organization through a verified phone number.

Scammers have discovered that a lie can sound more believable when several people tell it.

Instead of relying on a single caller, many criminal operations now use teams in which participants play different roles. One may pose as a bank employee, another as a government investigator, and a third as a courier sent to collect money.

The handoffs can make the situation appear legitimate. After all, if a bank representative, an attorney, and a police officer all tell you the same thing, it may seem as though the story has been independently confirmed.

But the supposed officials may be sitting in the same room and following the same script.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) says scammers increasingly impersonate more than one organization during a single scheme. For example, someone posing as an Amazon employee might transfer a consumer to a fake bank representative and then to a supposed FBI or FTC agent.

Those impersonation scams are taking a heavy financial toll. Consumers reported losing $3.5 billion to imposter scams in 2025, according to the FTC. Nearly one out of every three fraud reports received by the agency that year involved an imposter.

Each scammer has a role

Federal criminal cases illustrate how sophisticated that teamwork can become.

In organized grandparent scams, one caller may pretend to be a grandchild who has been arrested or injured. A second person then poses as an attorney, while another claims to work for a court or law-enforcement agency.

A courier may eventually appear at the victims home to collect bail money or legal fees. The Justice Department has prosecuted cases involving overseas call centers and couriers operating inside the United States.

In one alleged nationwide scheme, victims were given the couriers name, a description of the couriers clothing, and sometimes a password to confirm the person was authorized to collect their cash or gold. Those details made the transaction resemble a secure, official process, according to the Justice Department.

Romance and cryptocurrency scams may involve even larger organizations. One participant builds a relationship with the victim, while others operate fake investment websites, produce documents, provide supposed customer service, or move stolen money through bank and cryptocurrency accounts.

The Justice Department says organized crime groups operate scam centers, particularly in Southeast Asia, that carry out cryptocurrency investment and other online fraud. Some people working in those compounds are themselves trafficking victims forced to participate.

Why the approach works

Using several participants gives the scam false credibility in several ways:

Different voices appear to provide independent confirmation.
Transfers between departments resemble normal corporate procedures.
Specialized participants can concentrate on gaining trust, creating fear, or giving financial instructions.
Case numbers, supervisors, security codes, and couriers create the appearance of a professional organization.
Repeated warnings to maintain secrecy prevent the victim from consulting someone outside the scammers control.

A particularly dangerous version begins with a supposed fraud alert. A caller claims someone is stealing from the consumers account and says the money must be transferred to a safe government or bank account.

The second person may pose as an investigator who confirms the danger. The fact that two people agree is part of the deception not evidence that the threat is real.

How to protect yourself

Never treat a call transfer as verification. If someone claims to represent a bank, retailer, or government agency, hang up and contact the organization independently.

Use the telephone number printed on the back of your payment card, shown on an account statement, or published on an official government website. Dont call a number provided in the original text, email, or pop-up message.

Consumers should also remember:

Banks and government agencies will not tell you to move money to protect it.
Legitimate investigators dont demand payment by gift card, cryptocurrency, cash, or gold.
A real agency will not send a courier to collect valuables from your home.
Anyone telling you to hide the matter from relatives, bank employees, or police is trying to isolate you.
Caller ID, employee badges, and official-looking documents can all be falsified.

Before sending money, tell a trusted friend or family member what happened. That outside conversation can break the illusion the scammers team has worked so carefully to create.

Suspected scams can be reported at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Internet-enabled crimes may also be reported to the FBIs Internet Crime Complaint Center.

Kylie Jenner’s Meta glasses fuel a growing privacy backlash

Mark Huffman — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 13:56:30 +0000

The fashionable frames are renewing questions about who controls the images

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

July 23, 2026

Kylie Jenners $399 Meta Glasses collaboration has become a new flash point in the debate over wearable cameras, privacy and consent.
Critics worry that smart glasses make it difficult to know when someone is recording, while an unreleased facial-recognition feature has added to surveillance concerns.
Meta says facial recognition is not available in glasses sold today and that photos and videos remain on the users device unless the wearer shares them.

Meta hoped Kylie Jenner could help make its artificial intelligence glasses look less like a computer and more like a fashion accessory. Instead, her collaboration has become the latest focus of a growing backlash against wearable cameras.

The controversy intensified this week as critics took aim at the Meta Glasses by Kylie, a slim, oval frame designed with the cosmetics entrepreneur and reality television personality.

Comments on Jenners social media announcement included descriptions such as predator glasses, while a British activist group used her image in a guerrilla bus-stop advertisement declaring, Were always watching you.

Singer Lorde also recently weighed in during a concert, telling her audience not to buy AI glasses.

Meta and eyewear manufacturer EssilorLuxottica introduced the broader Meta Glasses collection on June 23. The Kylie-designed Starfire edition starts at $399 and includes a 12-megapixel camera, microphones, speakers, and Metas AI assistant using Jenners voice. It can take hands-free photos, record 3K video, make calls, play music, translate languages, and answer questions about what the wearer sees.

The glasses are increasingly popular. More than seven million pairs of Meta smart glasses reportedly sold in 2025, suggesting consumers see real value in being able to take pictures or get information without reaching for a phone.

But their growing presence is also making the privacy issue harder to ignore.

The people in front of the camera dont have controls

Smartphones can record people without permission, but a person holding up a phone is usually easy to spot. Metas glasses are deliberately designed to resemble ordinary eyewear, making the camera much less noticeable.

A small white LED is supposed to light up when the camera is recording. Critics argue that the indicator can be difficult to see, particularly from a distance or in bright sunlight. Videos posted online have also demonstrated efforts to cover or obscure recording lights.

That has prompted fears about the glasses being used to secretly film dates, service workers, strangers, and people in sensitive locations. Some social media creators already use the devices to record pranks and encounters with women, sometimes uploading the footage without the subjects knowledge.

The concern is not simply what the owner records. It is also what may be sent to Metas AI systems.

The complaints may be heard in court

A class-action lawsuit filed in March alleges that Meta misled consumers about how recordings could be reviewed. The complaint followed reports that workers employed by a Kenya-based subcontractor saw sensitive footage submitted through Meta AI, including images involving nudity and bathroom use. The allegations have not been proven in court.

Meta said media captured by the glasses stays on the users device unless the user chooses to share it with Meta or someone else. When users submit material to Meta AI, however, the company says contractors may sometimes review it to improve the service. Meta says it takes steps to filter identifying information and protect privacy.

An even larger controversy surrounds NameTag, a facial-recognition system Meta has explored for its glasses.

The proposed feature could help wearers remember someone they had previously met by recognizing the persons face and displaying or announcing the name. Meta has promoted its potential usefulness for people who are blind, have low vision, or have difficulty remembering faces.

But privacy advocates warn that facial recognition in ordinary-looking glasses could eventually allow wearers to identify strangers or collect biometric information without meaningful consent.

How to save money at Whole Foods: 8 insider tips that can shrink your grocery bill

Kyle James — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 22:53:26 +0000

Skip the 'Whole Paycheck' trap with these proven money-saving strategies

By Kyle James of ConsumerAffairs

July 22, 2026

Use Prime: Link your Amazon Prime account to unlock exclusive discounts and combine them with affordable 365 store-brand products.
Shop Tuesday & Friday: Tuesdays feature deals on easy weeknight meals, while Fridays often bring discounts on pizza, sushi, seafood, and other weekend favorites.
Shop smart: Compare produce prices, buy frozen and sale items, and stick to a list to avoid overspending.

For years, Whole Foods carried the nickname "Whole Paycheck," and for good reason. Organic produce, premium meats, and specialty foods often came with premium prices.

But today's Whole Foods is a different store than it was a decade ago.

Since Amazon acquired the chain in 2017, the retailer has introduced Prime member discounts, expanded its affordable 365 private-label line, and lowered prices on hundreds of everyday items. Shoppers who know where to look can often find surprisingly good deals, especially on pantry staples, frozen foods, produce, and prepared meals.

The key is shopping strategically. Here are eight insider tips that can help you save money every time you visit Whole Foods.

1. Never shop without linking your Amazon Prime account

If you only follow one tip on this list, make it this one.

Amazon Prime members unlock some of the biggest discounts available at Whole Foods, including exclusive weekly deals and additional savings on many sale items. Those discounts can add up quickly over the course of a year.

To receive them, simply connect your Prime account to Whole Foods through the Amazon app and scan your Prime code or phone number at checkout.

Even if you only shop at Whole Foods occasionally, the discounts can easily outweigh the few extra seconds it takes to scan your account.

2. Learn what the different price signs actually mean

Whole Foods uses several different shelf tags, and understanding them can instantly help you spot the best values.

Look for the following signs in-store:

Blue Prime Member Deal signs for exclusive discounts available only to Prime members.
Yellow Sale signs for temporary promotions available to everyone.
Yellow Low Price signs for products with reduced everyday pricing.
365 by Whole Foods Market products, which are the retailer's private-label brand.

Once you recognize the difference, it becomes much easier to prioritize the best bargains throughout the store.

3. Shop around Tuesday and Friday promotions

If you're a Prime member, Tuesday and Friday are the two best days of the week to shop at Whole Foods because the chain runs recurring one-day promotions that focus on different types of meals.

Rather than random sales, the discounts are designed around when most people are planning their meals.

Tuesday is built around easy weeknight dinners. That's when you'll often find deals on rotisserie chicken, prepared soups, ready-to-heat meals, ground beef, salad kits, and bakery bread. Serves as an ideal day to buy ingredients for meals later in the week or stock your freezer with discounted prepared foods.

Friday shifts to weekend entertaining and more of your convenience foods. Expect promotions on fresh pizza, sushi, oysters, cut fruit, desserts, and other grab-and-go items that are popular for Friday night dinners, family gatherings, or weekend get-togethers.

The exact offers vary by store and season, so check your local weekly ad or the Whole Foods app before heading out.

Pro tip: Freeze more than you think. Bread, tortillas, shredded cheese, cooked grains, soups, and many prepared meals freeze exceptionally well. Buying discounted products before their sell-by date and freezing them can stretch your grocery budget while reducing food waste.

4. Don't overlook the prepared foods

Whole Foods' hot bar can get expensive if you're paying by the pound.

Instead, compare prices on the refrigerated prepared meals, family-size entres, soups, and rotisserie chickens. Many provide multiple servings for less than the cost of takeout and are often included in weekly promotions.

For busy families, these meals can be a convenient compromise between cooking from scratch and ordering restaurant food.

5. Compare produce prices instead of assuming they're higher

Many shoppers skip the produce department because they assume Whole Foods is always more expensive.

That's not necessarily true.

Items like bananas, avocados, organic spinach, apples, eggs, and milk are often competitively priced especially when Prime discounts are available.

Instead of relying on old assumptions, compare the unit price with your regular grocery store. You may be surprised by how often Whole Foods is the better buy.

Pro tip: Shop Whole Foods like a specialty store. You don't need to buy your entire grocery list there. Many experienced shoppers visit Whole Foods specifically for products where it offers exceptional value (365 pantry staples, organic produce, Prime promotions, specialty cheeses, and prepared meals), then purchase everything else at a lower-cost supermarket.

6. Buy more 365 products

The 365 brand may be the best-kept money-saving secret at Whole Foods.

The store's private-label products often cost significantly less than comparable national brands while still meeting Whole Foods' ingredient standards. In many cases, the ingredients are remarkably similar.

Some of the best values include:

Frozen fruit
Frozen vegetables
Pasta
Olive oil
Peanut butter
Canned beans
Rice
Oats
Yogurt
Cheese
Organic snacks

Many shoppers automatically reach for familiar brands, but choosing the 365 version can trim several dollars off a shopping trip without sacrificing quality.

7. Shop with a list and stick to it

Whole Foods excels at merchandising. Beautiful displays, seasonal products, and specialty foods can quickly turn a quick shopping trip into an expensive one.

Walking in with a shopping list (and resisting impulse purchases) is one of the simplest ways to keep your grocery budget under control. Treat the specialty items as occasional splurges rather than routine purchases.

8. Check the freezer aisle

Frozen foods are often one of the best values at Whole Foods.

Frozen fruit, vegetables, seafood, and vegetables are picked and frozen at peak freshness, helping reduce food waste while often costing less than fresh alternatives.

Keeping a few frozen staples on hand also makes it easier to prepare meals at home instead of ordering takeout.

Pro tip: Stock up when your favorites go on sale. If you find a pantry staple, frozen food, coffee, or household product at a significant discount, buy enough to last until the next sale. Building a small pantry of frequently used items purchased only during promotions is one of the easiest ways to reduce your grocery spending over the course of the year.

Your desktop computer could be quietly driving up your electric bill

Kristen Dalli — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 17:15:55 +0000

New analysis shows a mini PC can deliver major energy savings without changing everyday computing tasks

By Kristen Dalli of ConsumerAffairs

July 22, 2026

Switching from a traditional desktop PC to a mini PC could reduce computer electricity costs by about 83%.
The average household could save around $67 per year, or about $333 over five years, according to the analysis.
The electricity saved each year is enough to charge a smartphone for more than 90 years or brew about 4,500 cups of coffee.

When people look for ways to lower their electricity bills, they often focus on appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, or heating systems.

But a new analysis from GEEKOM suggests another household device may deserve more attention: the desktop computer.

According to the analysis, a traditional desktop PC uses significantly more electricity than a mini PC while handling the same everyday activities, such as web browsing, email, and office work. Over time, that difference can translate into noticeable savings on a home's electric bill, especially for people who spend several hours each day using a computer.

Computers have quietly become devices used for the longest periods in many homes, Max Tang, CMO at GEEKOM, said. A desktop that stays powered for hours every day can add up to hundreds of dollars in electricity costs over its lifetime. Helping people see that hidden cost gives them another way to make smarter choices about their technology.

Why mini PCs use less energy

The analysis estimates that a standard desktop computer draws about 150 watts during everyday use, while a mini PC uses about 25 watts. Assuming the computer is used for eight hours a day throughout the year, that equals roughly 438 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually for a desktop, compared with about 73 kWh for a mini PC.

At average U.S. residential electricity rates, that works out to approximately $80 a year to operate a desktop versus about $13 for a mini PC. That's an estimated savings of about $67 annually, or roughly $333 over a typical five-year lifespan an 83% reduction in electricity costs.

The amount households save depends on where they live because electricity prices vary by state. Hawaii residents could save the most, at about $170 per year, followed by Connecticut, Massachusetts, and California. Even in states with lower electricity rates, the analysis found households could still save around $45 annually by making the switch.

To help put those energy savings into perspective, GEEKOM estimates the 365 kWh saved each year is enough electricity to charge a smartphone for more than 90 years, power an LED light bulb for more than three decades, brew about 4,500 cups of coffee, or run a refrigerator for nearly 11 months.

What this means for consumers

For people who use a computer for work, school, or everyday household tasks, energy use may be another factor worth considering when it's time to replace an older machine.

The analysis found that the longer a computer stays powered on each day, the greater the potential savings.

While actual electricity costs depend on the computer's hardware, workload, and local utility rates, the findings suggest that choosing a more energy-efficient computer could help reduce long-term operating costs without changing the way many people use their computers every day.

Trump proposes tariffs on all generic drug imports beginning in 2028

Kristen Dalli — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 17:16:06 +0000

New tariff timeline aims to encourage more U.S. pharmaceutical manufacturing

By Kristen Dalli of ConsumerAffairs

July 22, 2026

Generic drugs imported into the U.S. will continue to face a 0% tariff beginning August 1, 2026, for a two-year period.
The tariff would then increase to 100% for one year before rising to 200% afterward.
The policy is intended to encourage pharmaceutical companies to build manufacturing facilities in the United States.

President Trump announced a new tariff timeline for generic drugs imported into the United States, outlining a phased approach that begins with a two-year period of no tariffs before significantly higher rates take effect.

According to the announcement posted on Truth Social, the policy is designed to encourage more generic pharmaceutical manufacturing within the U.S. by giving companies time to invest in domestic production.

The announcement also states that the policy for patented, branded, and innovative drugs will remain unchanged.

Here's how the new timeline would work

According to the announcement, effective August 1, 2026, imported generic drugs will continue to be subject to a 0% tariff for the next two years (through 2028). After that period ends, the tariff would increase to 100% for one year before rising again to 200% on an ongoing basis.

The announcement says the phased approach is intended to give pharmaceutical companies a window to build manufacturing plants and equipment in the United States before the higher tariff rates take effect.

It also states that the escalating tariffs are meant to serve as a penalty for companies that choose not to establish domestic production during that time.

Trump said the objective of the policy is to "protect the people of the United States." He also said pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities are currently being built across the country at what he described as an unprecedented level.

The announcement specifies that the tariff policy applies to generic drugs, while the existing policy for patented, branded, and innovative medications will remain in place.

What this means for consumers

The announcement does not provide details about how the policy could affect prescription drug prices, insurance coverage, or the availability of generic medications.

Instead, it focuses on encouraging pharmaceutical companies to expand manufacturing operations in the United States by providing a two-year period before substantially higher tariffs would take effect.

Target rolls out back-to-school deals for families and college students

Kristen Dalli — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 17:09:35 +0000

New discounts, lower prices and in-store events aim to stretch budgets further

By Kristen Dalli of ConsumerAffairs

July 22, 2026

Target says 95% of its school supply deals are priced at or below last year's retail prices.
A weeklong sale beginning July 26 includes discounts on clothing, shoes, backpacks, and dorm dcor.
The retailer is expanding in-store back-to-school and college events with giveaways and personalization activities.

Back-to-school shopping can add up quickly, whether you're buying crayons for a first grader or bedding for a college freshman.

To help families prepare for the upcoming school year, Target is introducing a mix of lower everyday prices, limited-time discounts, and expanded in-store events designed to make shopping a little easier.

The retailer says it has reduced prices on thousands of products across school supplies and everyday essentials, including many food and beverage items. According to Target, 95% of its school supply deals are priced at or below last year's retail prices. Shoppers will also find school supplies starting at 25 cents, apparel starting at $5, and a variety of college essentials priced under $20.

"From picking out a first-day outfit to finding the perfect sheets for your dorm, back-to-school and college is filled with so many meaningful moments, and Target is making them easier for busy families," Cara Sylvester, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer, Target, said in a news release.

"With fresh styles, everyday essentials and incredible value all in one place, we're helping families spend less time shopping and more time celebrating the start of a new school year."

Discounts cover everything from uniforms to dorm dcor

One of the biggest promotions is a weeklong savings event running from July 26 through Aug. 1.

During that time, shoppers can save up to 30% on kids' clothing, receive 25% off kids' shoes, and save 30% on school uniform polos and dresses. The sale also includes 20% off Champion backpacks and lunch items, 20% off All in Motion backpacks, lunch kits, and hydration products, and 30% off teen home dcor.

Beyond sale prices, Target says it will participate in state tax-free shopping holidays where applicable.

Verified college students and teachers can also receive 20% off one storewide purchase through Target Circle during the promotional period.

The retailer is also expanding its in-store experiences. On Aug. 8, about 2,000 stores will host back-to-school events featuring activities such as personalization kits for backpacks and school gear, giveaways, and opportunities to explore new merchandise.

Later in the month, Target will hold back-to-college move-in events at nearly 150 stores, with select locations offering DJs, samples, and welcome bags timed to local campus move-in schedules.

What it means for shoppers

For families and students, the announcement provides several ways to save depending on what they need most. Everyday price reductions may help with routine school supply purchases, while the limited-time sale offers deeper discounts on clothing, backpacks, and dorm items.

Students heading to college and teachers preparing for the new year may be able to stretch their budgets further by combining Target Circle offers with seasonal promotions.

Meanwhile, the expanded in-store events add an extra element for shoppers who enjoy browsing in person while picking up supplies before the school year begins.

Are you paying the 'SUV tax'? Why many families are buying more vehicle than they need

Kyle James — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 16:10:14 +0000

The family car has gotten bigger but has your family?

By Kyle James of ConsumerAffairs

July 22, 2026

Many families are buying larger SUVs than they need, increasing costs for insurance, fuel, maintenance, and repairs.
Look beyond the monthly payment and compare the total cost of ownership before choosing your next family vehicle.
Don't overlook the minivan it often offers more practical space and better value than a three-row SUV.

The American family has gotten smaller, but our vehicles have gotten bigger.

A new study from Bumper found that only 10% of households have three or more children the type of family that originally made the minivan a household staple. Yet 44% of respondents drive an SUV, while just 5% drive a minivan. Even more surprising, 63% said their ideal family vehicle is an SUV, compared with just 12% who chose a minivan.

That preference may be costing families far more than they realize.

Buying the biggest or trendiest vehicle isn't always the smartest financial move. Before you sign on the dotted line, here's how to make sure you're buying the right vehicle for your family, and not just the one everyone else seems to want.

Buy for your family today not the one you might have someday

It's easy to justify buying a three-row SUV "just in case."

But if you have one or two children and rarely travel with extra passengers, chances are you'll spend years paying for seats you seldom use.

Ask yourself these questions:

How often is every seat occupied?
Do you really need a third row every week or only just a few times each year?
Would renting a larger vehicle for vacations cost less than owning one year-round?

The answers may surprise you.

Look beyond the monthly payment

Many shoppers compare only the sticker price or monthly payment and fail to look at the big picture.

Instead, compare the total cost of ownership, including:

Insurance premiums
Fuel costs
Tire replacement
Maintenance
Registration fees

Those ongoing expenses can add thousands of dollars over the life of the vehicle.

Pro tip: Before buying, get insurance quotes for several models. The difference between two similar vehicles can easily add up to hundreds of dollars per year.

Don't underestimate the humble minivan

For years, minivans have battled an image problem, but practicality hasn't gone out of style.

Having raised three kids, I can vouch for the sliding doors making it so much easier to load and unload children in tight parking spaces.

Plus, most minivans offer more usable cargo space than many three-row SUVs, while providing similar seating capacity. They also tend to be easier and less expensive to repair because they're built on car-based platforms rather than truck-based designs.

If functionality tops your priority list, a minivan deserves a strong second look.

Separate wants from needs

The Bumper survey found an interesting contradiction.

When people were asked what matters most when shopping for a family vehicle, seating capacity, fuel economy, and price topped the list. Yet the vehicle that performs well in those categories the minivan remains one of the least popular choices.

That suggests many buyers are making emotional decisions instead of financial ones.

There's nothing wrong with buying a vehicle you love. Just make sure you're paying for features you'll actually use.

Think about the money you'll keep

Every extra dollar spent on a vehicle is money that can't be saved, invested or used for other family financial goals.

If a less expensive vehicle meets your needs just as well, the savings could help fund a family vacation, pay down debt, boost your emergency fund, or add to a college 529 plan.

That's a trade-off worth considering before you head to the dealership.