ConsumerAffairs News

Looking for your first job? These 20 companies have the most entry-level openings

Kyle James — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 16:07:10 +0000

No experience? Start with these employers

August 7, 2026

Restaurants dominate: Seven of the top 10 employers with the highest share of entry-level openings are restaurant chains, led by Golden Corral, Olive Garden, and LongHorn Steakhouse.
Retail is hiring too: Target, Walmart, Kroger, Publix, and other major retailers offer plenty of beginner-friendly positions.
Boost your chances: Tailor your rsum, apply through the company's career site, apply early, and consider introducing yourself to a manager after applying.

Breaking into the workforce can be tough, but new research suggests some of America's biggest employers are actively looking for workers with little or no experience.

Getting your first job often feels like a frustrating cycle as employers typically want experience, but you need a job in order to gain that experience.

The good news is that not every company is looking for seasoned professionals.

According to a new analysis, some of the nation's largest employers devote the vast majority of their hiring to entry-level positions. In fact, seven of the 10 companies with the highest percentage of entry-level job openings are restaurant chains, making the restaurant industry one of the best places to get your foot in the door.

Golden Corral topped the list, with 98.9% of its LinkedIn job postings classified as entry-level. Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse weren't far behind, while Target led all major retailers with 95.5% of its openings available to beginners.

The top 20 companies worth knowing

Here is the list of the 20 companies that currently have the highest percentage of entry-level jobs listed on their job boards and career sites.

Golden Corral (98.9%)
Olive Garden (98.8%)
LongHorn Steakhouse (96.4%)
Target (95.5%)
Waffle House (94.8%)
Cracker Barrel (94.8%)
BJs Brewhouse (94.7%)
Red Robin (93%)
Tractor Supply Co. (92.1%)
Kroger (91.6%)
OReilly (90.5%)
Nordstrom (90.4%)
WinCo Foods (89.7%)
Dicks Sporting Goods (89%)
Bojangles (86.9%)
TJX (TJ Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, HomeSense, Sierra) (86.2%)
Walmart (86.2%)
Publix (85.7%)
Wegmans (85.4%)
Jersey Mikes (84.9%)

Why restaurants dominate

Restaurant jobs have long served as a launching pad for young workers, but they also offer opportunities for adults changing careers or returning to the workforce.

Many large restaurant chains promote from within, meaning today's host, cashier, or line cook could eventually become a shift leader, assistant manager, or general manager.

Likewise, retailers like Target often hire entry-level employees into positions that can lead to supervisory or corporate roles.

Pro tip: Think beyond the dining room or sales floor. Many of these employers also hire entry-level workers in distribution centers, warehouses, kitchens, logistics, maintenance, and administrative support.

Five ways to improve your chances

Apply directly through the company's careers page. While sites like LinkedIn and Indeed are great for finding openings, applying through the employer's own website can sometimes speed up the hiring process.
Tailor your rsum for every application. Even entry-level jobs often use applicant tracking systems. Matching the keywords in the job description can help your rsum get noticed.
Highlight transferable skills. School projects, volunteer work, sports, clubs, and customer service experience all demonstrate qualities employers value, including teamwork, communication, leadership, and reliability.
Be flexible with your availability. Applicants willing to work evenings, weekends, or holidays often have more opportunities, especially in restaurants and retail.
Apply quickly. New job postings typically receive the fewest applications during their first couple of days. Applying early may improve your chances of getting an interview.

Pro tip: Visit the location in person. For restaurant and retail jobs, introducing yourself to a manager after submitting an application can help put a face to your rsum and demonstrate genuine interest.

U.S. robocall volume reaches one-year high in July

Mark Huffman — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 15:31:26 +0000

Telemarketing and suspected scam calls drove the monthly total above 4.35 billion

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

August 7, 2026

U.S. consumers received more than 4.35 billion robocalls in July, up about 1.5% from June.
Telemarketing and suspected scam calls rose 5.7% to 2.13 billion, accounting for 49% of the months robocalls.
A widespread campaign offering supposedly pre-approved personal loans generated more than 40 million calls.

Those pesky robocalls seem to be making a comeback, defying carriers efforts to suppress them.

U.S. robocall volume continued its gradual rise in July, reaching its highest monthly level in a year, according to data released Thursday by call-protection company YouMail.

Consumers received just over 4.35 billion robocalls during July 2026, an increase of approximately 1.5% from June but little changed from July 2025. YouMail estimated an average of 139.3 million robocalls per day, or 1,612 every second.

Up 15% since October

Monthly volume has now risen more than 15% from the recent low recorded in October 2025. Despite the increase, the 48.7 billion calls logged over the past 12 months represented the lowest rolling 12-month total since September 2022.

The composition of the calls shifted toward unwanted activity. Telemarketing and suspected scam calls increased 5.7% to 2.13 billion, representing 49% of all robocalls. Notifications fell 2.6% to 1.56 billion, while payment reminders declined 1.2% to 630 million.

YouMail said one of Julys largest campaigns involved prerecorded messages telling recipients they had qualified for personal loans often for as much as $45,000 even though consumers reported making no loan inquiry and giving no consent to be contacted. The campaign used thousands of originating numbers and generated more than 40 million calls during the month.

Likely illegal telemarketing

The company characterized the activity as likely illegal telemarketing and potentially fraudulent, based on the calling patterns and consumer reports.

Monthly robocall volumes have been slowly creeping upward, YouMail Chief Executive Alex Quilici said, urging consumers to remain vigilant despite volumes remaining below historical highs.

The figures are estimates rather than a complete count of every U.S. robocall. YouMail produces them by extrapolating traffic directed at users of its call-protection services, using call patterns, audio fingerprinting, and consumer feedback to identify robocalls.

Job creation unexpectedly declined in July as hiring weakened across most sectors

Mark Huffman — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 15:29:48 +0000

Economists had predicted a significant increase in hiring

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

August 7, 2026

U.S. payrolls fell by 23,000 in July, missing economists forecast for an 83,000 gain by 106,000 jobs.
Healthcare remained a bright spot, adding 22,000 jobs, while local government education, retail, and financial activities cut workers.
The unemployment rate slipped to 4.1%, better than the 4.2% economists expected, but participation remained weak and prior payroll figures were revised sharply lower.

U.S. employers unexpectedly cut jobs in July, with losses in education and retail outweighing continued hiring in health care and providing new evidence that the labor market is losing momentum.

Non-farm payrolls declined by 23,000 last month, the Labor Department reported Friday. It was a big miss because economists surveyed by The Wall Street Journal had expected employers to add 83,000 jobs, making the result a 106,000-job shortfall against the consensus forecast.

The unemployment rate edged down from 4.2% to 4.1%, compared with expectations that it would remain at 4.2%.

The headline decline followed an average monthly gain of just 34,000 during the previous 12 months. Downward revisions deepened the signs of weakness: Mays gain was reduced to 63,000 from 129,000, while Junes was cut to 20,000 from 57,000. Together, the two months produced 103,000 fewer jobs than previously reported.

Local government education led the pullback, shedding 50,000 positions after recording little net change over the preceding year.

Big loss among retailers

Retailers cut 19,000 jobs. Warehouse clubs, supercenters, and other general merchandise stores eliminated 21,000 positions, while gas stations and fuel dealers lost 5,000. Those declines were partly offset by 10,000 new jobs at sporting-goods, hobby, musical-instrument, book, and miscellaneous retailers.

Financial services continued to contract, losing 14,000 jobs in July. Credit intermediation and related businesses cut 9,000 positions, while insurance carriers and related companies shed 7,000. The sector has lost 121,000 jobs since its recent peak in May 2025.

Healthcare was the principal source of hiring, adding 22,000 jobs. Ambulatory healthcare services accounted for 18,000 of that increase. Even there, however, growth moderated: healthcare had added an average of 36,000 jobs a month over the previous year.

Sectors showing little movement

Hiring was largely stagnant elsewhere. Employment showed little change in construction, manufacturing, mining, wholesale trade, transportation and warehousing, information, professional and business services, social assistance, leisure and hospitality, and other services.

Separate figures from the Labor Departments household survey presented a somewhat steadier picture. The number of unemployed Americans was little changed at 6.9 million, while unemployment declined among teenagers and Hispanic workers. The number of people on temporary layoff, however, rose by 153,000 to 921,000.

Labor-force participation held at 61.4%, but it has fallen by 0.7 percentage points since January. The employment-to-population ratio, unchanged at 58.9% in July, has declined by half a percentage point over the same period. Those decreases suggest the lower unemployment rate partly reflects fewer people participating in the labor market rather than robust hiring.

Wage growth also cooled. Average hourly earnings rose just 2 cents to $37.62, leaving them 3.2% higher than a year earlier. The average private-sector workweek remained unchanged at 34.3 hours.

U.S. returns $100 billion in tariffs to businesses, but consumers may never see a check

Mark Huffman — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 15:27:14 +0000

Some consumer groups may take their argument to court

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

August 7, 2026

The U.S. government has returned about $100 billion of roughly $166 billion collected under President Donald Trumps invalidated emergency tariffs.
Refunds go to the businesses that imported goods and paid Customs not directly to shoppers who may have absorbed the cost through higher prices.
Consumers could benefit from voluntary price cuts, lawsuits or future legislation, but no nationwide compensation program currently exists.

The federal government has refunded approximately $100 billion in tariffs to American businesses after the Supreme Court struck down a central part of President Trumps trade program. For consumers who paid higher prices while the duties were in effect, however, compensation remains far from certain.

The payments represent about 60% of the roughly $166 billion collected under tariffs Trump imposed using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, or IEEPA. In February, the Supreme Court ruled that the emergency-powers law did not authorize the president to impose tariffs, clearing the way for importers to recover the duties. The courts decision did not itself establish a consumer-refund system.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection subsequently created an electronic process known as CAPE to receive and validate refund requests. Businesses must identify eligible import entries and maintain an account in the agencys Automated Commercial Environment, including banking information for electronic payments. CBPs guidance is directed toward importers and customs brokers not individual shoppers.

Consumers on shaky legal ground

That distinction determines who receives the money. Legally, tariffs are paid to the government by the importer of record. Even when a retailer, manufacturer, or distributor raises prices to recover that expense, the customer at the end of the supply chain does not become the tariff payer in the eyes of customs law.

As a result, households generally cannot submit receipts to CBP or request a share of a companys refund.

The economic burden is more complicated than the legal one. Importers may absorb a tariff through lower profit margins, negotiate lower prices from suppliers, or pass some or all of the cost to wholesalers, retailers, and consumers. Because those effects can spread across several companies and mingle with changes in transportation, labor, and commodity costs calculating how much tariff a particular shopper paid for a particular product can be extremely difficult.

Consumers may still receive indirect relief if companies use their refunds to lower prices, issue credits, or avoid future increases. But such measures are generally voluntary. Businesses could instead apply the money to debt, wages, investment, dividends, or other expenses, and lower wholesale costs do not guarantee that retail prices will fall.

The courts may have a voice

Some shoppers have turned to the courts. Class-action complaints argue that companies raised prices because of tariffs and should not be allowed to retain both those higher revenues and government refunds. Those cases face significant hurdles, including proving that a price increase was tied to an invalidated tariff, tracing the tariff to specific purchases, and establishing a legal duty requiring the seller to reimburse customers.

Political pressure is also building. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker has asked the administration to provide payments of $1,700 per Illinois family and has called for legislation requiring companies to pass tariff relief to consumers. His proposal is a request, not an approved federal benefit, and the relevant consumer-relief legislation has not advanced in Congress.

Capitol News Illinois reported that the requested payments would total more than $8.6 billion for the state.

For now, the answer for consumers is straightforward but unsatisfying: there is no automatic federal refund, no household claims portal, and no guarantee that businesses will share the money.

Shoppers could eventually benefit through lower prices, successful litigation, or a new act of Congress. Unless one of those paths produces concrete relief, the governments historic tariff repayment will remain primarily a refund to importers even where consumers helped carry the original economic burden.

Ford targets mass market with $28,350 Fathom electric truck

Mark Huffman — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 14:48:54 +0000

The truck will have a front trunk in addition to a cargo bed

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

August 7, 2026

Fords new Fathom electric pickup will start at $28,350 before destination charges.
The five-seat truck is scheduled to enter production in Kentucky in 2027.
Preorders will open in early 2027, with initial deliveries expected later that year.

Ford has introduced the Fathom, a midsize electric pickup with a base price of $28,350, making affordability the centerpiece of its renewed electric-vehicle strategy.

The Fathom will cost $29,945 after a $1,595 destination charge, keeping the standard-range version just below $30,000. Ford plans to begin taking preorders in early 2027 and start production later that year at its Louisville Assembly Plant in Kentucky.

Built on Fords new Universal Electric Vehicle platform, the four-door truck will seat five and offer an open cargo bed and front trunk. Ford says its cabin will provide more passenger space than a Toyota RAV4. The company has not yet disclosed the trucks battery capacity, driving range, or full trim lineup.

Standard technology will include a large touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a digital key, and bidirectional power capability. Every Fathom will also carry the hardware needed for Fords BlueCruise hands-free highway-driving system, although activating that service may cost extra. Fords Fathom page confirms that preorder invitations will begin next year.

A reset on EVs

The low price represents a sharp turn from the industrys first wave of large, expensive electric pickups. Ford developed the Fathom through a specialized team tasked with simplifying both the vehicle and its manufacturing process. Its new production method divides assembly into major sections that can be built in parallel before being joined, reducing parts, labor, and factory complexity.

At $28,350 before delivery fees, the Fathom will compete not only with upcoming budget electric pickups such as the Slate Truck, but also with gasoline-powered and hybrid compact trucks. Its price is close to that of Fords Maverick, potentially widening its appeal beyond traditional EV buyers.

The Fathom will be the first vehicle based on a platform Ford intends to use for a broader family of lower-cost electric models. That makes the pickup more than a new nameplate: it is an important test of whether an established Detroit automaker can profitably sell a practical EV at a mass-market price.

Deliveries are expected to begin in late 2027.

Mortgage rate rises to 6.69%, keeping pressure on home affordability

Mark Huffman — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 14:46:38 +0000

The rate is not historically high, but it is considering todays home prices

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

August 7, 2026

The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate rose to 6.69% from 6.66% last week.
The 15-year rate slipped to 6.01%, down from 6.04%.
Improving inventory and softer listing prices may help buyers, but borrowing costs remain a major affordability barrier.

The average rate on the most popular U.S. home loan edged higher this week, prolonging an affordability squeeze for prospective buyers even as parts of the housing market show signs of shifting in their favor.

The average rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage increased to 6.69% from 6.66% a week earlier, Freddie Mac said Thursday. The rate averaged 6.63% at the same time last year.

Meanwhile, the average 15-year fixed mortgage rate declined to 6.01% from 6.04% last week. It stood at 5.75% a year ago, according to Freddie Macs Mortgage Market Survey.

The weekly increase in the 30-year rate amounts to only three basis points and has a limited effect on an individual loan. For example, principal and interest on a $400,000 mortgage at 6.69% would be about $2,580 a month, roughly $8 more than at last weeks rate. The calculation excludes property taxes, homeowners insurance, and other costs.

The larger affordability problem is that rates have remained elevated while home prices are still high. The same $400,000 loan would carry a monthly payment nearly $900 lower at a 3% rate, illustrating how sharply buyers purchasing power has deteriorated since the era of ultra-low borrowing costs.

Higher rates can also reduce the number of homes entering the market because owners who secured cheaper mortgages may be reluctant to sell and take out a new loan at todays rates. For buyers, that combination of costly financing and constrained supply can make it difficult to find a home that fits both their needs and their budgets.

Tentative signs of relief

There are tentative signs of relief. Freddie Mac Chief Economist Sam Khater said listing prices are modestly below their levels of a year ago and the inventory of homes for sale is improving after years of limited supply. Those changes could give buyers greater negotiating leverage, including opportunities to seek price reductions or seller assistance with closing costs.

However, a small decline in a homes asking price may not fully offset mortgage rates near 7%. Buyers must also account for insurance premiums, property taxes, maintenance expenses, and in some cases, homeowners-association fees.

Freddie Macs survey reflects conventional mortgage applications submitted by thousands of lenders nationwide, with rates offered from the prior Thursday through Wednesday. Individual borrowers may receive substantially different offers based on their credit, down payment, loan type, and lender.

How to save even more at Dollar Tree: 8 insider tricks most shoppers don't know

Kyle James — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 21:09:21 +0000

How to spot the real bargains and avoid the overpriced ones

By Kyle James of ConsumerAffairs

August 6, 2026

Dollar Tree has hidden savings. Manufacturer coupons, party supplies, greeting cards, and seasonal dcor can offer some of the store's best values.
Not everything is a bargain. Compare unit prices, watch for smaller package sizes, and don't assume the lowest price tag is the best deal.
Shop strategically. Visit Dollar Tree first, stock up on great closeout finds, and check DollarTree.com for case purchases on parties, classrooms, and other big events.

Think Dollar Tree is already as cheap as it gets? Think again. From manufacturer coupons to hidden bargains and common pricing traps, here's how savvy shoppers stretch every $1.25 even further.

For years, Dollar Tree has built its reputation on the simple promise that everything costs only a buck. While those days are gone, and many stores now feature multiple price points, it remains one of America's favorite places to save on everything from greeting cards and cleaning supplies to pantry staples.

But many consumers don't realize that shopping at Dollar Tree doesn't automatically mean you're getting the best deal.

Some products are outstanding bargains, while others only look like a deal until you compare the unit price. And despite what many people believe, you can actually use manufacturer coupons at Dollar Tree to save even more.

These insider tips can help you spend less while shopping smarter.

1. Yes, you really can use manufacturer coupons

One of the biggest myths surrounding Dollar Tree is that coupons aren't accepted because prices are already so low.

That's simply not the case.

Dollar Tree accepts eligible manufacturer coupons (in-store only), and this is where some of the biggest savings happen.

Think about it. A $1 coupon might not seem exciting at Walmart. But on a $1.25 item at Dollar Tree, you've just cut the price by 80%.

Health and beauty products, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, laundry products, and packaged foods are some of the most common categories where manufacturer coupons can deliver huge percentage savings.

The key is reading the fine print. Many coupons require minimum package sizes or exclude travel-size products, so make sure the item qualifies before heading to the register.

If a Dollar Tree location refuses to accept your manufacturer coupon, youre asked to contact them via this help form.

Pro tip: Before throwing away a coupon because it's "only" worth 50 cents, check whether Dollar Tree carries that product. Fifty cents off a $1.25 purchase is a much better deal than fifty cents off a $6 purchase somewhere else.

2. Compare the unit price not just the shelf price

One of the easiest mistakes shoppers make is assuming the lowest sticker price equals the lowest cost. It doesn't, especially at Dollar Tree.

Dollar Tree frequently sells products in smaller packages than Walmart, Target, or Costco. That means a roll of aluminum foil or a bottle of cleaner may cost only $1.25, but if it contains half as much product, you're actually paying more.

Whenever possible, compare the price per ounce, pound, sheet, or foot not just the number on the price tag. Spend the five extra seconds to compare the package sizes. A product that's twice as large for another dollar often ends up being the better bargain.

Pro tip: Use your phone while you shop. A quick online price comparison can tell you whether a Dollar Tree item is a genuine bargain or merely convenient. It only takes a few seconds and can save you money.

3. Make Dollar Tree your first stop not your only stop

Many shoppers save the dollar store for the end of their shopping trip.

A smarter strategy is to visit Dollar Tree first. You'll often knock several items off your shopping list before ever walking into Walmart or Target. This works especially well for birthdays, holidays, and parties.

A single greeting card can cost $5 or more at a grocery store. Gift bags, tissue paper, and balloons can also add up quickly.

Buying those same items at Dollar Tree can easily cut your party budget in half.

4. Know which aisles consistently offer the best bargains

Not every aisle delivers the same value.

Over time, seasoned shoppers learn there are several departments where Dollar Tree consistently shines.

Start with these:

Greeting cards: One of the best values in retail.
Party supplies: Plates, cups, balloons, decorations, and tablecloths.
Gift wrap: Bags, bows, tissue paper, and wrapping paper.
Craft supplies: Poster board, glue sticks, paint brushes, stickers, and classroom materials.
Cleaning products: Name brands often appear alongside quality store brands.
Seasonal dcor: Holiday decorations that often look much more expensive than they are.
Teacher supplies: My wife teaches kindergarten and is constantly visiting Dollar Tree for cheap school supplies, craft supplies, and prize box goodies.

These are categories where paying more elsewhere often doesn't get you noticeably better quality.

5. Think like a treasure hunter

Dollar Tree isn't like your neighborhood grocery store. Instead, inventory changes constantly as manufacturers often sell closeouts, discontinued packaging, seasonal overstock, and excess inventory to discount retailers like Dollar Tree.

That's why during one visit youll find brand-name snacks, shampoo, pet treats, or kitchen gadgets that are nowhere to be found on your next trip.

Experienced Dollar Tree shoppers know one rule: If you find a national-brand item you regularly use at a great price, don't assume it'll still be there next week. Stock-up if you know youll use it in a reasonable amount of time.

Pro tip: Great closeout deals are often one-time buying opportunities. If it's something you use regularly, buying an extra one or two will inevitably save another trip later.

6. Don't overlook items over $1.25

When Dollar Tree introduced products priced above $1.25, many shoppers weren't thrilled.

But these items have quietly become some of the store's best-kept secrets.

Often priced at $3, $5, or $7, you'll often find surprisingly good values on:

Storage containers
Kitchen organizers
Glassware
Pet accessories
Home dcor
Seasonal decorations
Small household gadgets

Not every item is a bargain, but many compare favorably with similar products sold for several dollars more elsewhere.

Consumer tip: Pull out your phone and compare prices online before buying more expensive Dollar Tree items. Sometimes you'll find you're getting an exceptional deal.

7. Know what to skip

Dollar Tree has plenty of bargains, but not everything belongs in your cart.

Specifically, these products deserve a closer look before buying:

Batteries
Aluminum foil
Plastic wrap
Food storage bags
Extension cords
Charging cables
Basic tools
Large bags of pet food

The issue usually isn't quality. It's quantity. Many packages are simply much smaller than what you'll find elsewhere making the per unit price not a bargain at all.

Consumer tip: When shopping for household staples, be sure to compare the unit price before assuming Dollar Tree is the cheapest option.

8. Use DollarTree.com for bigger projects

Most shoppers never think about Dollar Tree's website.

That's a mistake.

The reason is because many of the products can be purchased by the case and shipped directly to your local store.

This is especially helpful if you're planning:

A wedding
Birthday party
School event
Church function
Community fundraiser
Office celebration

And perhaps more importantly, buying by the case also helps ensure popular products don't sell out before you need them.

The biggest mistakes Dollar Tree shoppers make

Even experienced shoppers fall into these common traps:

Assuming every item is automatically the cheapest.
Ignoring unit prices.
Waiting until the last minute to buy seasonal merchandise.
Skipping the greeting card aisle.
Forgetting to bring manufacturer coupons.
Leaving a great closeout behind, expecting it to still be there next week.

By avoiding just one or two of these mistakes, you can save more over the course of a year than clipping dozens of coupons.

Can yoga ease IBS symptoms? New review suggests it just might

Kristen Dalli — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 19:07:02 +0000

Research finds gentle movement may offer relief beyond standard care

By Kristen Dalli of ConsumerAffairs

August 6, 2026

A new review found yoga may help reduce digestive symptoms and improve quality of life for people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Researchers analyzed multiple studies rather than conducting a new clinical trial to evaluate the overall evidence.
While the findings are encouraging, the authors say larger, higher-quality studies are still needed before firm recommendations can be made.

Living with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) often means dealing with an unpredictable mix of abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or some combination of all four. Because symptoms can vary widely from person to person, many people look beyond medication alone for ways to manage the condition.

A new systematic review suggests yoga may be one option worth considering. Researchers found that yoga appears to improve not only digestive symptoms but also anxiety, depression, and overall quality of life in many people with IBS.

Importantly, the authors describe yoga as a complementary approach rather than a replacement for standard medical care. They also noted that the practice was generally safe, with no serious side effects linked to yoga reported in the studies they reviewed.

What the researchers looked at

Rather than enrolling new participants, the researchers conducted a systematic review, meaning they gathered and analyzed the results of previously published studies on yoga and IBS. They evaluated research that compared yoga interventions with usual care or wait-list control groups and focused on outcomes such as gastrointestinal symptoms, psychological well-being, and quality of life.

The review included studies that tested different styles of yoga and varied in length, participant numbers, and exercise routines. Researchers also examined the quality of the evidence to determine how much confidence they could place in the findings.

Because the studies differed considerably in their design and methods, the authors noted that comparing results wasn't always straightforward. They also found that none of the included studies met the highest standards for research quality, highlighting the need for stronger evidence in the future.

What the findings mean

Overall, the review found that yoga was associated with improvements in IBS symptoms, along with reductions in anxiety and depression and better quality of life. In studies that used the IBS Symptom Severity Scale as their primary measure, yoga showed moderate to large improvements compared with control groups.

The researchers believe yoga's combination of gentle movement, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques may help address both the physical and psychological aspects of IBS. Since stress and the gut are closely connected, practices that encourage relaxation could play a role in symptom management for some people.

Still, the authors caution that the evidence remains preliminary. While the results are promising, they emphasize that larger, well-designed clinical trials are needed to determine which types of yoga work best, how often people should practice, and which patients are most likely to benefit. For now, the findings suggest yoga may be a worthwhile addition to an IBS management plan, especially when used alongside guidance from a healthcare provider.

New cholesterol guidelines could put millions more Americans on statins

Kristen Dalli — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 19:05:11 +0000

Updated risk assessments may expand preventive treatment for heart disease

By Kristen Dalli of ConsumerAffairs

August 6, 2026

New cholesterol guidelines recommend statins for an estimated 21.5 million additional U.S. adults.
The updated approach looks at a person's heart disease risk over 30 years instead of just the next 10.
Researchers say the changes could shift conversations between patients and doctors about preventing heart disease earlier in life.

If your doctor has never recommended a cholesterol-lowering medication before, that conversation could soon change.

According to a new study published in JAMA, updated U.S. cholesterol guidelines could make more than half of adults between the ages of 30 and 79 eligible for statin therapy to help prevent cardiovascular disease.

The change stems from new recommendations released earlier this year by major cardiology organizations, including the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology. Instead of focusing primarily on a person's chance of having a heart attack or stroke within the next 10 years, the updated guidance also considers their risk over the next 30 years.

Researchers say this longer-term perspective is intended to identify people who may benefit from treatment before heart disease has a chance to develop.

The shift to a longer view of cardiovascular disease risk is a sea change for doctors in counseling patients, researcher Timothy S. Anderson, M.D., M.A.S., said in a news release. We wanted to better understand the potential population-health effect of this shift.

Before the new guidelines, people who were flagged with high cholesterol in their 30s and 40s tended to be recommended to focus on diet and exercise and were not recommended medication unless the patient already had heart disease or other factors that made them particularly high-risk, like diabetes.

How the researchers measured the impact

To estimate how the new guidelines would affect Americans, researchers from the University of Pittsburgh analyzed data from 4,366 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey collected between 2017 and 2023.

Those participants represented roughly 154.5 million U.S. adults ages 30 to 79 who did not already have cardiovascular disease.

The study focused on primary prevention, meaning preventing a first heart attack or stroke rather than treating people who already have heart disease. Researchers compared who would qualify for statin therapy under the updated recommendations and found that expanding the eligible age range from 40-75 to 30-79, along with using a 30-year risk assessment, substantially increased the number of people who would be advised to consider medication. Pregnant individuals were not included in the analysis.

What the findings mean for consumers

The researchers estimated that about 87.5 million Americans or 56.6% of adults ages 30 to 79 would now be recommended for statin therapy. That's an increase of approximately 21.5 million people compared with previous recommendations.

Interestingly, relatively few adults in their 30s would qualify about 11.1% while eligibility rises sharply with age, reaching about 85% of people in their 60s and more than 93% of those in their 70s. Much of the increase comes from people who have a low short-term risk of heart attack or stroke but a higher risk over the next three decades.

The authors note that the updated guidelines represent a significant shift in how doctors and patients think about prevention. Rather than waiting until short-term risk becomes elevated, the new approach encourages conversations about whether starting a daily medication earlier in life could help reduce cardiovascular risk over the long term.

Ultimately, in this grey zone, patients should talk to doctors, Dr. Anderson said. This is a preference-based decision that should take into account the potential for modest cardiovascular risk reduction alongside the potential for adverse drug events, costs, and patient preferences.

Heart attack patients found to have more microplastics in their blood

Kristen Dalli — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 19:02:40 +0000

New research explores a possible connection between plastic exposure and heart health

By Kristen Dalli of ConsumerAffairs

August 6, 2026

Researchers found micro- and nanoplastics in 84% of heart attack patients studied, compared with lower rates in other groups.
The study identified a link between plastic particles in the blood, smoking, and long-term exposure to air pollution.
The findings show an association not proof that plastic particles cause heart attacks and more research is needed.

Microplastics and even smaller nanoplastics have been detected in everything from drinking water to human organs, but scientists are still working to understand what those particles might mean for our health. Now, a new study suggests they may also be connected to heart disease.

Researchers found that people who experienced a heart attack were much more likely to have micro- and nanoplastics in their blood than people with chronic heart disease or those with normal coronary arteries.

The findings were presented in the European Heart Journal and add to a growing body of research examining whether environmental pollution could play a role in cardiovascular health. However, the researchers emphasize that the study found an association, not evidence that plastic particles directly cause heart attacks.

Micro and nanoplastics are tiny plastic particles that are found virtually everywhere in the environment, including the air we breathe, the water we drink, and many foods we consume, researcher Dr Pasquale Paolisso said in a news release.

In recent years, scientists have begun to detect these particles in human tissues and organs, raising concerns about their potential health effects.However, very little was known about whether these particles are present in the coronary circulation the blood flowing through the arteries that supply the heart or whether environmental exposures such as smoking and air pollution might influence their presence.

How the researchers studied the connection

The study included 61 adults undergoing coronary angiography, a procedure that allows doctors to examine the heart's blood vessels. Participants were divided into three groups: patients who had suffered a heart attack, those with chronic ischemic heart disease, and people whose coronary arteries appeared normal.

Blood samples were collected during the procedure and analyzed for micro- and nanoplastics. Researchers also gathered information about each participant's smoking status and estimated their long-term exposure to fine particulate air pollution over the previous two years.

The goal was to see whether environmental factors might be linked to the presence of plastic particles in the bloodstream.

What the findings could mean for consumers

Among heart attack patients, micro- and nanoplastics were detected in 84% of blood samples, compared with 40% of patients with chronic ischemic heart disease and 32% of those with normal coronary arteries.

The heart attack group also had a greater variety of plastic types in their blood, with polyethylene the plastic commonly used in packaging and consumer products being the most frequently detected.

The researchers also found that people with higher long-term exposure to air pollution were more likely to have plastic particles in their blood, and smokers were six times more likely to test positive than non-smokers. Every participant who both smoked and had higher air pollution exposure had detectable plastics in their blood.

Even so, the researchers caution that these findings do not establish cause and effect. Instead, they suggest that environmental exposures, including plastic pollution, deserve more attention as scientists continue investigating factors that may influence heart health.

These findings do not prove that microplastics cause heart attacks, but they reveal a strong association between environmental exposures, microplastics in the blood and cardiovascular disease, researcher Emanuele Barbato said in the release.

Our findings suggest that smoking might make it easier for micro and nanoplastics to enter the blood stream via the lungs. The results highlight the need to consider microplastic pollution as part of the broader environmental determinants of health. Policies that reduce air pollution, tobacco exposure, and environmental plastic contamination could have benefits that extend beyond environmental protection and potentially improve cardiovascular health.

The social media slowdown: Why more Americans are quietly logging off

Kyle James — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 18:13:54 +0000

Endless scrolling and digital fatigue are driving users away

By Kyle James of ConsumerAffairs

August 6, 2026

Digital fatigue is growing. More than half of Americans post less than they did five years ago as social media is starting to feel like work.
Stress and privacy are driving the shift. Anxiety, political content, and privacy concerns are causing many users to spend less time online.
Create healthier habits. Turn off notifications, move social apps off your home screen, and review your privacy settings.

Social media was supposed to make us feel more connected. Instead, for many people, it's starting to feel like another job.

A new survey from privacy company Incogni suggests Americans aren't necessarily deleting their social media accounts, but they're simply using them less. More than half (55%) say they post less today than they did five years ago, while 53% have become more selective about who can see their posts.

The findings point to a growing sense of "digital fatigue," where the constant pressure to stay connected, respond to messages, and maintain an online presence is leaving many users emotionally drained.

Perhaps the most telling statistic is that more than half (51%) of respondents said maintaining an online presence now feels like work. That feeling is especially common among younger adults, with 60% of Gen Z saying social media has become more of an obligation than a source of enjoyment.

Stress is driving people away

The survey also found that nearly half of Americans (47%) have deleted a social media or messaging app because it caused stress or anxiety.

Political arguments, online hostility, and concerns about mental health were among the biggest reasons people said they're pulling back from social platforms. Another 44% said political content and polarization make them want to withdraw from social media altogether.

Interestingly, logging off doesn't produce the same reaction for everyone.

The most common emotion people reported after stepping away from messages and social media was peacefulness (27%). But disconnecting also created anxiety for some users (22%), highlighting just how intertwined digital communication has become with everyday life.

Privacy concerns remain a major factor

While burnout is pushing people to spend less time online, privacy remains the biggest reason many would consider leaving social media for good.

More than half of respondents (51%) said growing concerns about privacy or security could convince them to delete their accounts, making it the top reason cited for quitting altogether. Harassment and hate speech ranked close behind.

How to reduce digital fatigue

If social media is starting to feel more exhausting than enjoyable, experts often recommend setting healthier boundaries rather than abandoning it entirely. Consider:

Turn off nonessential notifications.
Schedule screen-free periods during the day.
Unfollow accounts that consistently increase stress or negativity.
Move social media apps off your home screen to reduce mindless scrolling.
Regularly review your privacy settings and limit who can view your posts.

The survey suggests many Americans are already making those changes. Meaning that instead of disappearing from social media altogether, they're just becoming more intentional about when they log on.

Gen Z is looking back to move forward

Mark Huffman — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 18:14:11 +0000

From older cars to vinyl records, the attraction is deep

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

August 6, 2026

Gen Z is driving renewed interest in vinyl records, film cameras, vintage clothing, and classic cars.
Research suggests young consumers value physical ownership, tactile experiences, and products that convey individuality.
The trend represents a selective analog revival not an abandonment of digital technology.

After growing up surrounded by smartphones, streaming services and social media, members of Generation Z are showing increasing enthusiasm for a decidedly different kind of consumer experience: one built around physical objects from the past.

Vinyl records, film cameras, vintage clothes, and classic cars are attracting young consumers who appear drawn to their permanence, distinctive character, and lack of digital polish. While Gen Z is not turning its back on technology, mounting evidence suggests that it is making room for analog products within an otherwise highly connected lifestyle.

The revival is particularly visible in music.

A survey commissioned by British music-packaging company Key Production found that 59% of people ages 18 to 24 listened to music on vinyl, CDs, or cassettes the largest share of any surveyed age group. Separate research from the Vinyl Alliance found that 80% of surveyed Gen Z vinyl enthusiasts owned a record player, while 76% said they bought at least one record a month.

The attraction of vinyl

Young buyers cited several reasons for purchasing records, including the desire for a physical copy of their music and an opportunity to support favorite artists. For some, a vinyl collection also serves as a visible expression of identity and fandom.

Overall sales figures confirm that the physical-music revival is more than a social-media aesthetic. According to the Recording Industry Association of America, U.S. vinyl revenue rose 7% to $1.4 billion in 2024, marking an 18th consecutive year of growth. Americans bought 44 million vinyl albums that year, compared with 33 million CDs.

Streaming nevertheless remains the dominant way people consume music. Rather than replacing Spotify or other digital platforms, records increasingly function as collectibles objects that offer artwork, ritual, and a sense of ownership unavailable through a subscription.

A similar dynamic is emerging in the automotive world.

Hagertys 2024 Future of Driving survey found that 60% of Gen Z respondents expressed an interest in owning a classic car, nearly twice the 31% reported among baby boomers, who might have a stronger nostalgic connection. The finding, also reported by Kelley Blue Book, challenges the assumption that younger adults have little interest in car culture.

That interest does not necessarily translate directly into purchases. Classic cars can be expensive to buy, maintain, and insure, particularly for younger consumers. Still, the survey indicates substantial enthusiasm for vehicles valued for their design, mechanical character, and history.

Vintage clothing provides more concrete evidence of changing purchasing behavior. ThredUps 2026 resale report projects that Gen Z and Millennials will account for more than 70% of secondhand-market growth through 2030.

Practical reasons

Nostalgia is only part of the appeal. Secondhand clothing can be less expensive than new merchandise, while also allowing shoppers to find distinctive items and reduce the environmental consequences of clothing production. Resale applications and social platforms have made finding older products nearly as convenient as buying new ones.

Film and instant photography have also gained visibility among younger users. Disposable cameras, Polaroid-style instant cameras, and secondhand 35-millimeter equipment offer results that contrast sharply with the clean, endlessly editable images produced by smartphones.

The waiting, imperfections, and limited number of exposures are often part of the attraction. A film photograph may feel singular in a world where digital images can be taken, filtered, copied and, discarded almost without limit.

Common motivations

Across these categories, several motivations appear repeatedly: tactile experience, genuine ownership, individuality, and relief from constant digital stimulation. Older objects can also provide a sense of discovery for consumers encountering them for the first time.

That makes the word nostalgia somewhat complicated. Members of Gen Z may feel an attachment to the styles of the 1980s, 1990s, or early 2000s despite having little or no personal memory of those periods. Their interest is better understood as reconstructed or imagined nostalgia a vision of the past assembled through movies, family possessions, online archives, and social media.

The apparent contradiction is central to the trend. Gen Z often discovers analog products through digital channels. TikTok videos introduce viewers to film cameras; Instagram accounts display record collections; resale applications make vintage fashion searchable; and online communities teach prospective owners how to maintain old cars.

Drug-resistant Candida auris continues its spread through U.S. hospitals

Mark Huffman — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 13:22:08 +0000

The CDC reported more than 6,000 cases in 2024

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

August 6, 2026

Candida auris infections are rising in U.S. healthcare facilities, with the CDCs current tracker listing 6,304 reported clinical cases in 2024.
The drug-resistant yeast can linger on skin and hospital surfaces, spread silently from people without symptoms, and cause life-threatening infections in medically vulnerable patients.
For patients and visitors, careful hand hygiene, sharing past healthcare exposures, and asking about infection-control precautions are the most practical protections.

While much of the country is focused on the Cyclospora outbreak caused by a parasite on fresh produce, a hard-to-treat fungus that can survive for months on skin and hospital surfaces is continuing to gain ground in U.S. healthcare facilities. Its intensifying pressure on hospitals and nursing homes to find cases early and prevent silent transmission.

The organism, Candida auris recently reclassified scientifically as Candidozyma auris is a type of yeast first reported in the United States in 2016. The Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC's) current tracker lists 6,304 clinical cases reported in 2024, the latest full year shown, and says cases have increased nationally and appeared in new areas.

A CDC surveillance report published in July 2026, based on an earlier data cutoff, counted 6,197 clinical cases for 2024, up from 2,882 in 2022. Such totals can change as health departments update reports.

The increase does not mean most Americans are in immediate danger. Healthy people generally do not become infected or colonized. The greatest risk falls on patients who are already seriously ill, immunocompromised, or receiving prolonged care, especially those with invasive devices such as breathing tubes, feeding tubes, central lines, or urinary catheters.

Why the fungus is so difficult to contain

Unlike many other Candida species, C. auris spreads readily among patients in hospitals, long-term acute-care hospitals, and ventilator-capable nursing facilities. It can colonize the skin or other body sites without producing symptoms, allowing a person to carry and transmit it unknowingly.

Both colonized and infected patients can shed the organism onto bed rails, bedside tables, medical equipment and other surfaces. The CDC says it can persist in healthcare environments for months and is not killed by some commonly used disinfectants.

That combination creates an unusually stubborn hospital threat. A patient may move between an acute-care hospital, a rehabilitation center, and a nursing facility before colonization is detected. If the patients status is not communicated during each transfer, the next facility may miss the chance to use appropriate precautions, screen exposed patients, and disinfect rooms with a product known to work against the fungus.

Detection can also be challenging. Symptoms vary according to where the infection occurs such as the bloodstream, a wound, or an ear and many affected patients are already ill from other conditions. Specialized laboratory testing is often needed to identify the organism correctly.

Drug resistance raises the stakes

The central danger is not colonization itself but the possibility that C. auris will enter the bloodstream or another normally sterile part of the body. These invasive infections can be fatal, particularly in patients with severe underlying illness. Reported crude mortality rates are high, but researchers caution that many patients are critically ill, making it difficult to determine how much mortality is caused by the fungus alone.

Treatment options can be narrow. More than 90% of U.S. samples are resistant to fluconazole, a commonly used antifungal, according to the CDC. Most strains remain susceptible to echinocandins, the recommended first-line treatment for many patients, but echinocandin-resistant and rare pan-resistant strains those resistant to all three major antifungal classes have been reported.

Only clinical infections should be treated; finding the organism on the skin without signs of infection does not by itself call for antifungal medication.

What patients and families can do

For most people, protection begins with the same measure that blocks many healthcare-associated infections: clean hands. Patients and visitors should use alcohol-based hand sanitizer or wash with soap and water before and after touching a patient, medical equipment, or objects near the bed. They can also remind healthcare workers to clean their hands before providing care.

Patients who have previously tested positive for C. auris should tell every hospital, nursing facility, home-health agency, and clinician involved in their care even if they feel well. People recently hospitalized abroad or treated in a facility with known transmission should share that history, because it may affect screening and infection-control decisions.

Families can ask practical questions:

Is the facility using recommended gowns and gloves when needed?
Is shared equipment disinfected between patients?
Is the room being cleaned with a product effective against C. auris?

Hospitals may place colonized or infected patients in single rooms or use other transmission-based precautions; those measures are designed to protect other patients, not to deny care.

At home, healthy household members face a low risk. Routine hand hygiene remains important, particularly before and after helping with wound care or handling medical devices. People should not use antifungal medicines preventively unless a clinician prescribes them.

You need at least this much income to buy the typical American home

Mark Huffman — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 12:45:10 +0000

If mortgage rates keep climbing, youll need even more

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

August 6, 2026

Americans needed an annual income of $109,796 to afford a typical U.S. home in June, just 0.5% below the record set a year earlier.
The typical household earned about $22,200 less than that threshold, though the gap narrowed as incomes grew faster than housing costs.
Only 34.2% of listings were affordable to a median-income household, up from 30.5% a year earlier but far below pre-2022 levels.

U.S. housing affordability showed only modest improvement in June, with the income needed to purchase a typical home remaining close to a record high, according to a new Redfin analysis.

Buyers needed to earn $109,796 a year to afford the median-priced home, down 0.5% from the record $110,382 required in June 2025. Redfin defines a home as affordable when estimated monthly housing payments consume no more than 30% of household income.

The brokerage based its calculation on median sale prices, prevailing mortgage rates, and property taxes, assuming a 15% down payment. The figures do not necessarily reflect the full costs faced by individual buyers, including insurance, maintenance, and homeowners-association fees.

Earnings and housing costs in lockstep

Affordability was largely unchanged because earnings and housing costs increased at similar rates. The median U.S. sale price rose 2.2% from a year earlier, while mortgage rates remained in the mid-6% range. Redfin estimated median household income at $87,599, up 4%.

That left the typical household $22,197 short of the income needed to comfortably buy a home. The deficit has nevertheless narrowed from $26,125 one year earlier and $28,834 two years earlier.

A median-income buyer would have needed to devote 37.6% of earnings to the typical home in June, down from 39.3% a year earlier but still above Redfins 30% affordability benchmark.

The share of listings within reach also improved. Redfin estimated that 34.2% of homes for sale were affordable to a household earning the median income, compared with 30.5% a year earlier. Before mortgage rates surged in 2022, more than half of listings were typically affordable.

Regional results

Regional results were mixed. The required income declined in 24 of the 46 metropolitan areas analyzed. Seattle recorded the largest decrease, falling 7.4% to $221,831, followed by San Jose, down 6.5% to $423,840, and Portland, Oregon, down 4.5% to $153,844.

Those declines did not necessarily make the markets affordable to local residents. In San Jose, for example, the estimated median household income of $176,401 remained about $250,000 below the amount needed to buy the typical home.

Only St. Louis, Indianapolis, and Pittsburgh had median household incomes exceeding the amount required to afford a local median-priced home, Redfin found.

Some active markets moved in the opposite direction. The required income rose 6.3% in Pittsburgh to $82,816, the largest increase among the metros studied. It climbed 6.2% in San Francisco to $453,205 the highest threshold in the country and increased 5.6% in West Palm Beach, Florida, to $146,404.

Entry-level homes offered somewhat greater relief. Buyers needed to earn $70,693 to afford a typical starter home, 1.5% less than a year earlier.

Redfin said affordability could improve slightly through the end of 2026, but the outlook remains sensitive to mortgage rates, inflation, energy prices, and Federal Reserve policy. Despite the narrowing income gap and stronger negotiating conditions in some markets, the companys findings indicate that the typical home remains beyond the conventional affordability limit for the average American household.

FDA authorizes four flavored nicotine pouches amid youth-use concerns

Mark Huffman — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 12:42:37 +0000

Some health groups are critical of the action

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

August 6, 2026

The FDA authorized four flavored on! nicotine pouches: Rich Berry 2 mg, Autumn Spice 2 mg, and Cappuccino in 2 mg and 4 mg strengths.
Regulators said the products contain lower levels of most harmful constituents than cigarettes and traditional smokeless tobacco, but stressed that they are addictive and not safe.
Public-health groups criticized the decision, warning that flavored nicotine products could attract young people.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized four new flavored nicotine pouches for sale in the United States, expanding the number of legally marketed products in a rapidly growing segment of the tobacco industry.

The agency this week granted marketing authorization to Rich Berry 2 mg, Autumn Spice 2 mg, Cappuccino 2 mg and Cappuccino 4 mg pouches manufactured by Helix Innovations LLC and sold under the on! brand. Helix is an Altria Group subsidiary.

The decision brings the number of nicotine pouch products authorized by the FDA to 30. It was made through the agencys premarket tobacco product application pathway and formed part of a pilot program launched in September 2025 to make reviews more efficient. The FDA said applicants must demonstrate that a new products expected population-level benefits outweigh its risks.

Following its scientific review, the agency found that the four pouches contain lower levels of most harmful and potentially harmful constituents than cigarettes and traditional oral or smokeless tobacco products. Adults who smoke or use smokeless tobacco could therefore reduce their exposure to harmful chemicals by switching completely to authorized nicotine pouches, according to the FDA.

Using pouches alongside cigarettes, however, would not produce the same reduction in exposure.

What the approval means

The authorization does not mean the products are safe or FDA approved, a distinction the agency makes for tobacco products. Nicotine is highly addictive, and people who do not currently use tobacco products are generally advised not to begin using the pouches. The orders also do not allow Helix to advertise the products as carrying a reduced risk of disease.

Public-health advocates condemned the inclusion of flavors they say could appeal to children.

The American Heart Association said nicotine pouches are already the second-most commonly used tobacco product among young people and questioned the transparency of the FDAs pilot review program.

The American Lung Association offered similar criticism.

Every new flavored tobacco product authorized by FDA is another gamble with kids health, Ranjana Caple, the groups director of federal advocacy, said in a statement reported by KFF Health News.

The FDA evaluates tobacco applications by weighing possible benefits for adults who already use tobacco against risks to young people and nonusers. It can withdraw a marketing order if later evidence shows that a product no longer meets the federal public-health standard.

Senator plans federal push against AI-powered ‘surveillance pricing’

Mark Huffman — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 12:29:40 +0000

Three states have already taken that step

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

August 6, 2026

Republican Sen. Josh Hawley says he plans to introduce legislation targeting surveillance pricing, in which companies use personal data and artificial intelligence to set individualized prices.
Maryland, Connecticut, and New Jersey have enacted restrictions on the practice, though their laws differ substantially in scope and enforcement.
Hawleys announcement adds Republican support to an issue already addressed by Democratic proposals, creating the possibility of a bipartisan federal push.

Three states have banned surveillance pricing. Now, Washington has noticed.

U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley (R-M0.) said he plans to introduce legislation targeting companies that use artificial intelligence and consumers personal information to determine how much an individual shopper is willing to pay.

The Missouri Republican announced the coming proposal after chairing a Senate Judiciary subcommittee hearing this week on surveillance pricing, a term used by critics to describe the use of browsing histories, locations, purchase records, and other data to generate individualized prices. Hawley said he expects to introduce legislation soon, though he has not released bill text or provided details about its scope.

This is one of the biggest scams in American history, Hawley said at the hearing, describing the combination of corporate data collection and AI pricing tools as the unholy trinity of everything Americans hate: spying on people, ripping them off, and taking away jobs. Hawleys office published excerpts from the hearing Wednesday.

The announcement elevates to the national level a campaign already advancing through state legislatures. Maryland, Connecticut, and New Jersey have enacted laws restricting surveillance pricing this year, but their approaches vary.

Maryland acted first

Maryland became the first state to act when Gov. Wes Moore signed the Protection From Predatory Pricing Act in April. The law prohibits covered food retailers and third-party delivery services from using personal data to charge higher prices for certain food, while permitting specified discounts and loyalty programs. It takes effect Oct. 1, according to the Maryland General Assembly.

Connecticuts law prohibits surveillance pricing in in-person transactions and requires online businesses to tell shoppers when their personal information was used to increase a price. The required warning says: THIS PRICE WAS INCREASED USING YOUR PERSONAL DATA. The provisions are contained in Public Act 26-130.

New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed the Fair Price Protection Act on July 23. It bars grocery retailers and delivery platforms from using personal or biometric data to charge different customers different prices for identical products. The law also imposes a one-year moratorium on the installation of new electronic shelf labels at large food retailers, according to the governors office.

How surveillance pricing works

At Tuesdays hearing, witnesses described how companies can combine data on a shoppers location, household, purchases, browsing behavior, and perceived urgency to estimate the highest price that person might accept.

Lindsay Owens, president of the Groundwork Collaborative, cited her organizations investigation of Instacart. She testified that shoppers were shown different prices for the same groceries at the same time and pickup location. More than three-quarters of the items in the test basket appeared at multiple prices, she said, with differences reaching 23% for a carton of eggs.

Instacart has previously characterized such testing as a way for retailers to evaluate pricing strategies and has said it does not use individual shoppers personal data to determine the prices they see.

Hawley also highlighted the experience of an airline customer who reported that a JetBlue fare rose by $230 while he was arranging travel to a funeral. JetBlues social-media account advised the customer to clear his browser cache and cookies or use a private window. Owens told senators that the response suggested browsing data could be affecting the transaction, although the exchange alone did not establish precisely how JetBlue calculated the fare.

Taking the other side

Not every witness endorsed a prohibition. Z. John Zhang, a marketing professor at the University of Pennsylvanias Wharton School, argued that personalized pricing can lower costs for price-sensitive customers, expand access, and intensify competition. He urged lawmakers to focus on abuses of personal data and market power rather than outlawing variable prices themselves.

That distinction could become central to Hawleys legislation. Dynamic pricing traditionally changes a price for everyone in response to demand, inventory, or timing. Surveillance pricing goes further by using information about a particular person to determine the price offered to that individual. A federal bill would also have to distinguish covert personalization from familiar programs such as senior discounts, student rates, coupons, and uniformly available loyalty rewards.

The hearing revealed potential bipartisan support. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., said Congress needs a federal law, federal standards, and national safeguards. He said he and Hawley already have a framework for broader AI legislation, though neither senator described a finalized surveillance-pricing agreement.

Hawley would not be the first senator to propose federal restrictions. Similar proposals were offered in 2025 by Democratic lawmakers.

Hawleys involvement could alter that political equation by giving the issue a prominent Republican advocate and tying it to the broader cost-of-living debate. But until he releases legislative language, crucial questions remain unanswered:

Which industries would be covered?
What personal information can companies use?
Can consumers sue violators?
How will ordinary discounts be protected?

Millions in scholarship opportunities go unclaimed every year — Here's how to avoid missing out

Kyle James — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 21:39:35 +0000

The biggest barrier isn't your GPA it's never finishing the application

By Kyle James of ConsumerAffairs

August 5, 2026

Don't leave free money on the table. New research found 55% of students borrowed more because they didn't apply for scholarships.
Start early and stick with it. Many students quit before finishing an application, but setting aside just 3060 minutes a week can dramatically improve your chances of winning aid.
Think local and ask for help. Smaller community scholarships often have fewer applicants and your high school counselor can help you find them.

College is expensive, but many students are making it even more expensive than it needs to be.

According to new research from Sallie, 55% of students say they borrowed more in student loans simply because they didn't apply for scholarships. The study also found that many students give up surprisingly early in the application process, leaving millions of dollars in scholarship money unclaimed each year.

Perhaps the most surprising finding? It's not necessarily poor grades or a lack of opportunities holding students back from applying for scholarships.

Instead, many simply quit before they really get started.

Here are four common mistakes many make and how to avoid them.

WaitI dont even know where to find scholarships

If this is you, no worries, I got your back and youre definitely not alone.

There are some fantastic online resources available to help you find scholarships to apply for. They even let you narrow down your search by state, year in school, field of study, and college choice.

Here are a few of the best resources to get you started in the right direction.

Scholarship America: One of the nation's largest scholarship providers, offering thousands of scholarships from corporations, foundations, and nonprofit organizations.
BigFuture: The College Board's free college planning tool, featuring a searchable scholarship database and financial aid resources.
CareerOneStop: A U.S. Department of Labor website with a free scholarship finder, career planning tools, and education resources.
Fastweb: One of the largest scholarship search engines, matching students with scholarships, internships, and financial aid opportunities based on their profile.

Don't give up after an hour

Many students assume scholarship applications take too much time. The Sallie study found 69% of students spend less than one hour on a scholarship application before abandoning it. That suggests many applicants quit before they've gathered the information they need or completed the process.

The reality is that scholarships are much like job applications. The first one often takes the longest because you're collecting transcripts, activities, recommendation letters, and essays. Once those materials are organized, future applications become much faster.

What you can do: Instead of trying to complete an application in one sitting, block out 30 to 60 minutes each week dedicated to scholarship applications. Small, consistent progress is often far more effective than waiting for a free afternoon that never comes.

Another tip: Apply for one scholarship every week. Rather than waiting until deadlines pile up, make scholarship hunting part of your weekly routine. Even applying for one scholarship each week can add up over the course of a school year.

Start the application even if you can't finish it

One statistic from the research really stands out: 61% of students abandon scholarship applications before writing a single word. That means many students are talking themselves out of applying before they've even answered the first question.

Often, simply opening the application reveals that it's much less intimidating than expected. Some scholarships require only basic personal information, while others ask for a short paragraph or two rather than a lengthy essay.

What you can do: Create an account, answer the easy questions first, and save your progress. Once you've started, you're much more likely to return and finish the application.

Another option: Create a scholarship "toolkit" and save a master document with your rsum, activities, volunteer work, awards, and a few reusable essay drafts. Having everything in one place can dramatically cut the time needed to complete future applications.

Pro tip: Track those deadlines. Use a calendar or spreadsheet to record application due dates, required documents, and submission statuses. Missing a deadline is one of the easiest ways to lose out on free money.

Stop chasing only the big scholarships

It's easy to focus on scholarships worth $10,000 or more. The problem is that those awards often attract thousands of applicants.

Instead, look for smaller local scholarships offered by:

Community foundations
Local businesses
Credit unions
Service clubs
Religious organizations
High schools
Employers

Winning four $500 scholarships can reduce your college costs just as much as one $2,000 award. And the best part is that those smaller scholarships often receive far fewer applications.

Pro tip: Ask your high school counselor or college financial aid office for a list of local scholarships. These opportunities frequently have the best odds because the applicant pool is much smaller.

Don't be afraid to ask for help

Scholarship applications can feel overwhelming. In fact, 77% of students surveyed said they'd be more likely to apply if they had access to a dedicated scholarship advisor. While not everyone has a personal advisor, many students already have free resources available.

Consider reaching out to:

Your high school guidance counselor
Your college financial aid office
Your academic advisor
Community foundations
Local nonprofit organizations

These professionals often know about scholarships that aren't heavily advertised online.

Schedule a 15-minute meeting with your counselor or financial aid office. They may point you toward scholarships you've never heard of.

Pro tip: Don't eliminate yourself. Many scholarships aren't based solely on GPA. Some are awarded based on career goals, hobbies, volunteer work, community involvement, military families, employers, geographic location, or intended major. If you meet the basic requirements, it's often worth applying.

The bottom line

Scholarships are one of the few forms of financial aid that don't have to be repaid. The biggest mistake many students make isn't losing a scholarship, it's never applying in the first place.

Spending a little time each week searching and applying could significantly reduce how much you need to borrow for college.

What's really in toddler foods? Study finds most are ultra-processed

Kristen Dalli — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 17:38:08 +0000

New research raises questions about the packaged snacks lining grocery store aisles

By Kristen Dalli of ConsumerAffairs

August 5, 2026

More than 80% of packaged foods marketed for toddlers in one study were classified as ultra-processed.
Nearly half failed to meet at least one World Health Organization nutrient standard for young children.
Researchers say parents shouldn't assume products sold in the toddler food aisle automatically meet nutritional guidelines.

Parents often reach for foods marketed specifically for toddlers believing they're designed with young children's nutritional needs in mind. But new research from The University of Texas at Austin suggests that may not always be the case.

In an audit of grocery store shelves, researchers found that the overwhelming majority of packaged toddler foods were classified as ultra-processed, and many also exceeded recommended levels for nutrients like sugar, sodium, or fat.

The findings come at a time when federal officials are considering changes to food labeling that could make it easier for shoppers to quickly identify products high in certain nutrients. According to the researchers, the U.S. currently does not require warning labels for foods that are high in sugar, sodium or calories, meaning parents often have to rely on carefully reading ingredient lists and nutrition labels to compare products.

Many parents may assume that products sold on the baby/toddler food aisles of their grocery stores have to meet certain nutrient standards. Our findings highlight that half of the toddler foods available in local grocery stores do not, researcher Erin A. Hudson said in a news release.

As a result, parents have to be vigilant in checking labels and ingredients to determine the nutrient content and processing level of products for their toddlers.

How the researchers conducted the study

For the study, researchers photographed products sold in the baby and toddler food aisles of 21 grocery stores in Austin, Texas.

They analyzed 2,783 packaged foods marketed for children between 6 and 36 months of age. Infant formula, beverages, and purees commonly introduced as first foods were excluded from the analysis so the focus remained on packaged toddler foods commonly found on store shelves.

Each product was classified using the NOVA food classification system, which categorizes foods based on their level of processing. Researchers also evaluated products against the World Health Organization's Nutrient and Promotion Profile Model, which sets recommended nutrient standards for commercial foods intended for young children.

What the findings could mean for families

Overall, 81% of the products examined were classified as ultra-processed, while 49% failed to meet at least one WHO nutrient recommendation.

Specifically, 17% exceeded recommended sugar levels, 25% were too high in sodium, 11% exceeded fat recommendations, and 12% did not meet energy density guidelines. Examples included fruit pouches, oat bars, macaroni and cheese products, turkey sticks, and puffed snacks.

The researchers emphasized that their work examined only packaged foods sold in grocery stores and did not reflect everything toddlers actually eat.

Still, they say the results highlight the importance of checking nutrition labels rather than assuming products marketed for toddlers automatically meet recommended nutritional standards.

During these critical early years of development, most parents are trying to feed their children healthfully but may be challenged to do so by the toddler food products available in their grocery stores, said Hudson.

Warning labels on products exceeding nutrient thresholds could help parents navigate the toddler food environment and might encourage manufacturers to reformulate these products.

Cyclospora outbreak has many Americans changing their grocery habits

Kristen Dalli — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 17:36:07 +0000

New poll shows food safety concerns are influencing produce purchases nationwide

By Kristen Dalli of ConsumerAffairs

August 5, 2026

Four in 10 Americans say they're buying or eating less produce because of the Cyclospora outbreak.
Most people are following news about the outbreak, with those paying the closest attention most likely to change their eating habits.
Confidence in the FDA is mixed, though more Americans say they have confidence in the agency than not.

The ongoing Cyclospora outbreak isn't just making headlines it's also changing the way many Americans shop for food.

According to a new CBS News/YouGov poll, 40% of U.S. adults say they are now buying or eating less produce because of concerns about the outbreak.

The poll suggests the outbreak has captured widespread public attention. Most Americans say they are following news about Cyclospora at least somewhat closely, making it one of the more closely watched public health stories at the moment.

Women were somewhat more likely than men to report cutting back on produce, while older adults were also more likely than younger people to say they've changed their eating habits.

The findings come as federal health officials continue investigating illnesses linked to Cyclospora, a parasite that can contaminate food or water and cause an intestinal illness known as cyclosporiasis.

How the poll was conducted

The findings are based on a nationally representative CBS News/YouGov survey of 2,193 U.S. adults conducted between July 22 and July 24, 2026.

Researchers weighted the results to reflect the U.S. adult population based on demographic factors, including gender, age, race, education, and 2024 presidential vote. The survey has a margin of error of plus or minus 2.7 percentage points.

Participants were asked about how closely they were following news about the Cyclospora outbreak, whether it had affected their produce purchases or consumption, and how much confidence they had in the Food and Drug Administration's (FDAs) ability to respond to the situation.

What the results mean for consumers

One of the clearest patterns in the survey is that attention appears to influence behavior. People who said they were following the outbreak "very closely" were especially likely to report buying or eating less produce than those paying less attention to the news.

The poll also found mixed opinions about the FDA's handling of the outbreak. Overall, more Americans expressed confidence in the agency than a lack of confidence, but relatively few said they had "a lot" of confidence.

While the survey highlights shifting consumer behavior and attitudes, it doesn't examine whether reducing produce consumption lowers the risk of illness. Instead, it offers a snapshot of how a high-profile food safety investigation is influencing Americans' perceptions, shopping decisions, and confidence in the nation's food safety system.

Semaglutide may keep calorie intake lower even as hunger returns

Kristen Dalli — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 17:33:25 +0000

New research suggests the medication's effects can outlast early appetite changes

By Kristen Dalli of ConsumerAffairs

August 5, 2026

People taking semaglutide continued eating fewer calories after 60 weeks, even as some feelings of hunger returned.
The study suggests eating less not just feeling less hungry may help explain the medication's long-term weight loss benefits.
Researchers say the findings may help set realistic expectations for people taking semaglutide over the long term.

Many people who take semaglutide for weight loss notice dramatic changes early on, including feeling less hungry and thinking about food less often. But as time goes on, some worry the medication has stopped working if those effects begin to fade.

A new study from researchers at the University of Pennsylvania suggests that may not be the case. The researchers found that adults taking semaglutide continued to eat significantly fewer calories after more than a year on the medication, even though some of the early appetite-suppressing effects became less noticeable over time.

The findings, published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, help explain how semaglutide may support both initial weight loss and long-term weight maintenance.

Many patients worry that their medication has stopped working if they notice some return of hunger after the first several months, researcher Jena S. Tronieri said in a news release.

Our findings show that even when people feel some of those sensations returning, semaglutide continues to help them eat less. That sustained reduction in calorie intake appears to be a key reason why weight loss is maintained over time.

How the study was conducted

The randomized, double-blind clinical trial followed 120 adults with overweight or obesity for 60 weeks. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either a once-weekly 2.4-milligram dose of semaglutide or a placebo, and everyone also received regular counseling on healthy eating and physical activity.

At the start of the study and again after 20, 40, and 60 weeks, participants completed a five-hour laboratory visit. After eating a standardized breakfast, they were offered lunch and instructed to eat until they felt comfortably full. Researchers then measured exactly how many calories each participant consumed.

The study also tracked hunger, fullness, food cravings, and how rewarding participants found different foods.

What the findings could mean

Throughout the study, people taking semaglutide consistently consumed about 24% to 30% fewer calories than those receiving the placebo. Participants in the semaglutide group also lost an average of 15.1% of their starting body weight after 60 weeks, compared with 3.4% in the placebo group.

One of the more notable findings was that the medication's effects on appetite didn't all last equally. During the first 20 weeks, participants reported feeling less hungry, having better appetite control and thinking about food less often. By weeks 40 and 60, however, many of those self-reported differences were no longer statistically significant, even though calorie intake remained substantially lower.

For consumers, that distinction may be reassuring. The researchers say a gradual return of hunger doesn't necessarily mean semaglutide has stopped working. Instead, the medication may continue helping people eat fewer calories even if it no longer feels as dramatically effective as it did during the first few months.

This study highlights an important distinction between peoples perceptions of their appetite and how they actually eat, researcher Thomas A. Wadden said in the release.

People taking semaglutide for weight loss often notice dramatic reductions in hunger and food noise when they begin this treatment. If those sensations gradually become less noticeable, some may incorrectly assume the medication is no longer effective.

Amazon glitch briefly removed free shipping — Here's what shoppers should know

Kyle James — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 16:54:14 +0000

Don't mistake a checkout glitch for a Prime sales pitch

By Kyle James of ConsumerAffairs

August 5, 2026

A temporary Amazon glitch removed free shipping for some shoppers. Amazon says the issue has been fixed.
Don't assume you need Prime. If free shipping disappears, double-check your cart before signing up for a membership.
Review your checkout carefully. Make sure your order qualifies for free shipping and verify you didn't accidentally start a Prime trial.

Some Amazon shoppers got an unpleasant surprise when they reached the checkout screen this week.

According to reporting by The Washington Times, some customers found that the usual free-shipping option had disappeared. Instead, they were only given two choices: pay for shipping or sign up for a free trial of Amazon Prime. Amazon later confirmed the issue was caused by a temporary technical glitch and said it has since been resolved.

The incident frustrated shoppers and sparked speculation online that Amazon was intentionally steering customers toward Prime memberships. Amazon says that wasn't the case, describing it as a software error that temporarily affected some users.

While the glitch appears to have been short-lived, it serves as a good reminder to pay close attention during checkout.

Before you sign up for Prime

If you typically qualify for Amazon's free shipping (without Prime), a missing free shipping option may just be a glitch and not a sign you need a Prime membership.

Many orders of $35 or more that contain eligible items still qualify for free shipping without a Prime membership. If you don't see the option, take a few minutes to investigate before completing your purchase.

Pro tip: If you dont have Prime, its smart to keep a couple small "filler items" in mind. If your order is just below the $35 free-shipping minimum, adding something you know youll use anyway (think batteries, toothpaste, deodorant, or dish soap) is often cheaper than paying for shipping.

What shoppers can do

Make sure every item qualifies. Not everything sold on Amazon is eligible for free shipping. Some third-party sellers and oversized products have different shipping policies, so one item in your cart could affect your shipping options.
Look for the "FREE Shipping" label before adding items to your cart. Product pages usually indicate whether an item qualifies. If it doesn't, you may be able to find the same product sold by Amazon or another eligible seller.
Watch your cart total carefully. Coupons, promotional credits, and certain discounts can sometimes change your qualifying purchase amount. If you're only a few dollars short of the free-shipping threshold, adding an inexpensive household item you already need may cost less than paying a shipping fee.
Refresh your cart before checking out. Temporary glitches can happen. Signing out and back into your account, refreshing your browser, or trying the Amazon app may restore the missing shipping option.
Don't assume Prime is your only choice. If you're prompted to start a free Prime trial, take a moment to review the checkout screen carefully. If something doesn't look right, try refreshing the page or adjusting your cart before enrolling.
Contact customer service if the numbers don't add up. If your order clearly qualifies for free shipping but the option doesn't appear, Amazon's customer service may be able to resolve the issue before you place your order.

Pro tip: Its smart to check your order confirmation after you buy. If you accidentally started a Prime free trial during checkout, you can cancel before the trial ends and avoid any future membership charges.

Grocery stores are modernizing. Some older shoppers feel left behind

Mark Huffman — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 18:45:04 +0000

This is what bugs boomers about todays supermarkets

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

August 5, 2026

Grocery chains risk losing loyal older customers as they replace personal service with apps and automation.
Boomers are more likely to favor traditional supermarkets, familiar brands, and staffed checkout lanes.
Human assistance, accessible stores, and discounts available without a smartphone could ease the frustration.

For baby boomers, grocery shopping isnt as much fun as it used to be, and it has little to do with rising food prices.

The weekly grocery run increasingly requires customers to scan their own purchases, troubleshoot checkout machines, and activate discounts on a phone. For many older Americans, that doesnt feel like progress.

A recent analysis from The Takeout examined 10 supermarket trends that often irritate baby boomers. Taken together, the findings point to a larger problem for retailers: The technology intended to make stores faster and cheaper may be creating new obstacles for some of their most loyal customers.

Self-checkout is a prime example. While younger adults are generally more receptive to scanning and bagging their own groceries, shoppers 55 and older overwhelmingly favor staffed registers. One survey included in the analysis found that 75% of consumers in that age group prefer a cashier. Among adults ages 18 to 34, 46% would opt for self-checkout.

The machines can be difficult to navigate when produce must be weighed or an error stops the transaction. But technical problems are only part of the objection. Some customers see self-checkout as unpaid labor, while others value the conversation and assistance that cashiers provide.

Sale prices may require a smartphone

Supermarket promotions have also moved onto digital platforms. Instead of clipping a paper coupon, shoppers may now need to download an app, create an account, and activate an offer before reaching the register.

That process can leave people without smartphones paying a higher price. It may also disadvantage customers who own a device but are not comfortable installing apps or managing digital loyalty programs.

Because smartphone use is lower among older age groups, digital-only deals can have an outsized effect on seniors. Some have criticized the pricing model as unfair because two customers buying the same product may be charged differently based on their access to technology.

Service still shapes where boomers shop

Price and speed are not the only factors consumers consider when choosing a grocery store.

Research from The Feedback Group found that traditional supermarkets were the first choice of 32% of baby boomers. Walmart followed at 28%, while Aldi and dollar stores were preferred by 11% and 5%, respectively.

Gen Z consumers were more inclined to choose Walmart, Aldi, or dollar stores. The generational split indicates that younger shoppers may be more willing to trade traditional service for lower prices or quicker trips. Boomers, meanwhile, appear more attentive to employee helpfulness, store conditions, and merchandise quality.

Overall, boomers remain pleased with their regular supermarkets. They awarded them an average score of 4.43 out of five, with cleanliness and friendly employees receiving strong marks.

Those ratings help explain why staff reductions can be so noticeable to older customers. Fewer workers can mean longer waits, less help finding merchandise and no one available to bag groceries. Services that once defined a full-service supermarket including assistance carrying bags to the car have become less common.

Small inconveniences can become physical barriers

Retail practices that merely annoy some customers can create genuine accessibility problems for others.

Changing aisle layouts may encourage shoppers to see products they would otherwise miss, but it can force people with mobility limitations to spend more time walking through the store. A customer who cannot easily find a familiar item may simply decide not to buy it.

A defective shopping cart can pose a similar concern. Some older adults lean on carts for balance, so wheels that stick, wobble, or pull to one side can make the trip more difficult and less safe.

Boomers also tend to be less interested in experimenting with store brands or convenience foods. About 26% rarely or never consider changing brands, according to data cited by The Takeout. Only 29% of consumers 65 and older look for products that reduce cooking time, compared with 45% of people ages 15 to 24.

For supermarkets, the takeaway is not that technology must disappear. It is that customers need alternatives. A store can offer self-checkout while keeping cashiers available, provide app-based deals alongside automatic discounts, and refresh its inventory without constantly relocating staples.

Modernization may save money, but retailers could pay another price if it makes longtime customers feel that the store no longer works for them.

IRS warns cryptocurrency holders about fake compliance portal scam

Mark Huffman — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 12:41:01 +0000

The scammers are using letters instead of email or texts

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

August 5, 2026

The IRS is warning cryptocurrency holders about fake letters directing them to a nonexistent Digital Asset Compliance Portal.
QR codes in the letters lead to a website that imitates IRS.gov and seeks wallet details, exchange credentials, and personal information.
Recipients should avoid responding, verify communications through IRS.gov, and report suspected fraud to IRS Criminal Investigation.

The IRS is alerting cryptocurrency holders to a mail-based phishing campaign designed to steal personal information and digital assets.

Fraudsters are sending official-looking letters claiming recipients must enroll in a Digital Asset Compliance Portal before a specified deadline. The letters contain QR codes that lead to a fraudulent website modeled after IRS.gov, according to an IRS Criminal Investigation fraud alert.

The IRS said it does not operate such a portal and did not send the letters.

Once on the fake website, victims may be asked to provide identifying information, cryptocurrency wallet details, exchange-account credentials, or other sensitive data. Criminals can use that information to steal identities, access accounts, or take control of digital assets.

Criminals continue to exploit public trust in government agencies, IRS-CI Chief Jarod Koopman said, urging taxpayers to verify unexpected requests before responding and report suspected fraud to law enforcement.

Social engineering tactics

The campaign uses several familiar social-engineering tactics, including government branding, urgent deadlines. and unsolicited QR codes. Although the IRS includes QR codes in some legitimate correspondence, taxpayers who receive an unexpected notice should independently visit IRS.gov or contact the agency using information published on its official website.

Coinbase and cybersecurity company DarkTower traced the scams infrastructure to a recently registered domain obtained through a Hong Kong registrar and hosted in Romania, The Journal of Accountancy reported. The IRS has not disclosed how the perpetrators obtained cryptocurrency holders names and mailing addresses or how many people may have received the letters.

Anyone who shared information through the fraudulent site should stop communicating with the scammers, change passwords on affected accounts, and contact the relevant bank or cryptocurrency exchange immediately. The IRS also recommends enabling multifactor authentication and never disclosing private keys or wallet-recovery phrases.

Potential victims should preserve letters, screenshots, and emails as evidence and submit reports through the IRS-CI tip portal.

Chipotle pulls jalapeños over potential Salmonella concerns

Mark Huffman — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 12:38:58 +0000

The Cyclospora outbreak may have extended to six more states

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

August 5, 2026

Chipotle removed jalapeos from affected restaurants and replaced them with peppers from different growers.
Minnesota officials have identified 110 Salmonella cases; 75 of 84 people interviewed reported eating at Chipotle.
Investigators have not confirmed the peppers as the source, and the suspected lot reached multiple restaurant operators and states.

Chipotle Mexican Grill has removed jalapeos from some restaurants after the peppers emerged as a possible link to a Salmonella outbreak under investigation in Minnesota and other states.

The company said that its ingredient-tracing system identified jalapeos from a common lot as a potential shared ingredient. Chipotle removed the peppers from every restaurant that received the lot and replaced them with jalapeos supplied by different growers.

The health and safety of our guests and employees is our highest priority, the company said in an August 4 statement.

Minnesota health officials have identified 110 cases connected through genetic sequencing. Of 84 patients interviewed, 75 said they had eaten at Chipotle between June 14 and July 14. Other patients reported visiting a variety of Mexican-style restaurants, suggesting the suspected ingredient may have circulated beyond Chipotle.

No supplier has been publicly identified, and authorities have not conclusively established that jalapeos caused the illnesses. Chipotle described their removal as a precaution rather than a formal consumer recall.

Cyclospora outbreak may be growing

The move coincides with another expanding food issue. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reportedly expanded the current Cyclospora outbreak to 15 states. According to The Washington Post, Arkansas, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, and North Carolina have been added to the list of states where consumers have been sickened by the parasite.

The overwhelming majority of cases have been reported in Michigan, where more than 11,000 people have been sickened. Two people in Michigan have died from the foodborne illness.

Health officials are still trying to determine why so many cases have occurred in one state. Nationwide, more than 18,000 have gotten ill from eating contaminated food.

‘Vote for my friend’ scam can give criminals access to your WhatsApp account

Mark Huffman — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 12:37:02 +0000

The message may appear to come from someone you know

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

August 5, 2026

A WhatsApp scam asks users to vote for a friend or relative in a fake online contest.
The link can trick victims into connecting a criminals device to their WhatsApp account.
Users should review linked devices, activate two-step verification, and confirm unexpected requests through another channel.

A seemingly harmless request to vote for a friend in an online contest is being used to take over WhatsApp accounts, cybersecurity researchers warn.

The scam begins with a message asking the recipient to support someone participating in a ballet performance, pet contest, school competition, or similar event. The sender may appear to be a friend or relative whose WhatsApp account has already been compromised.

The message often suggests that voting will end soon, creating pressure to act quickly.

According to Malwarebytes, the link does not lead to a legitimate contest. Instead, it takes the user into a process designed to connect a device controlled by the scammer to the victims WhatsApp account.

How the scam works

After clicking the voting link, victims may see a page that appears to be associated with WhatsApp. In some versions, the page uses WhatsApps legitimate wa.me domain before redirecting the user.

The victim may then be instructed to verify an account, scan a QR code, or open WhatsApps Linked devices section and enter a code provided by the website.

Those actions do not cast a vote. They authorize the attackers computer or browser as a linked WhatsApp device.

Once connected, that device can allow the criminal to read conversations and send messages under the victims name. The scammer may then ask the victims contacts for money or personal information or send them the same fake voting request.

The attack can be difficult to spot because it does not necessarily involve stealing a password or immediately locking the victim out. The attackers computer may simply appear as another authorized device and remain connected until it is removed.

A separate version of the scheme may ask users to enter their phone number and a six-digit code sent by text message. That code is actually a WhatsApp registration code and should never be entered on an unfamiliar website.

Switzerlands National Cyber Security Centre has also reported the scam, warning that criminals exploit trust by sending the request from accounts belonging to people the victim knows.

Red flags

Consumers should be suspicious of any unexpected message asking them to vote in a contest, especially when the request includes a deadline or directs them to connect or verify their WhatsApp account.

Other warning signs include instructions to:

Scan a QR code from an unfamiliar website.
Open WhatsApps Linked devices menu.
Enter a pairing or verification code.
Provide a six-digit code received by text.
Act immediately without confirming the request.

Even when the message comes from a known contact, users should call, text, or contact that person through another service to make sure the request is genuine.

What victims should do

Anyone who followed the instructions should open WhatsApp and go to Settings > Linked devices. Any browser, computer, or other device that is not recognized should be selected and logged out immediately.

Victims should also warn their contacts not to trust recent messages or click links sent from the compromised account.

If the scammer registered the WhatsApp account on another phone, the legitimate user can try signing back in with their phone number and a new six-digit verification code. Entering that code should log the attacker out. However, recovery may take longer if the criminal activated a two-step verification PIN.

WhatsApp users can make their accounts harder to steal by turning on two-step verification under Settings > Account > Two-step verification. Malwarebytes also recommends checking the Linked devices list regularly and never linking a device unless the user initiated the process.