Consumerpedia

Latest Episodes:

106 - Avoid a Vacation Rental Nightmare Apr 09, 2026

Show notes

A recent Checkbook investigation found widespread problems with vacation rentals, including fake listings and stolen deposits. Even worse, many victims get little or no help from Booking.com or Vrbo to recover their lost money.

In this episode: We share results of our investigation and provide tips on how to protect yourself when booking a vacation rental. One key: Your best move to avoid losing money to scams or bad actors is to book with a credit card.

Read our full report about vacation rental scams at Checkbook.org.

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105 - 10 Tips to Fight Fraud Mar 26, 2026

Show notes

Fraud is on the rise. Scammers stole more than $12 billion in 2024, according to the Federal Trade Commission. The number of Americans who are victimized is also skyrocketing. Investment scams, romance scams, crypto scams, and imposter scams are driving much of the increase.

Criminals around the globe have a powerful new tool to use against you: artificial intelligence. AI can make their cons more polished and personal, so you need to be on guard more than ever.

In this episode, we’ll explain how you can fight back: 10 things you can do to reduce your chances of falling prey to a fraudster. And we have two expert fraud fighters taking part in this discussion: Amy Nofziger of AARP Fraud Watch Network, and John Breyault of Fraud.org.

More Info:

Deep Fake Challenge 2025

AI PSA (Show this to Uncle Frank before he shares another fake video!)

More from Checkbook:

Fraud Prevention: Top 10 Ways to Protect Yourself

Credit Cards Have Consumer Protection Superpowers

Scam Alert: Fake Loan Approval Robocalls

Why It’s Safer to Use a Credit Card Than a Debit Card, Especially for Online Purchases

Virtual Credit Cards Help Fight Fraud

Don’t Ignore All Those Data Breach Notices Companies Send You

Related Consumerpedia episodes:

#88 - Cyberthieves Weaponize AI to Perfect Online Scams

#11 - Stop, Thief! How to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft

#5 - Cyber Crime: A Former Cyber Crook Explains How to Protect Yourself

104 - Tips for Buying a New or Used Car Mar 12, 2026

Show notes

If you haven’t purchased a car in a few years, expect to find a market dominated by SUVs. And be prepared for sticker shock: The average price for a new vehicle is at an all-time high, around $50,000! Unfortunately, used cars aren’t the bargain they used to be.

In this episode, we talk with John Lincov, Keith Barry, and Stef Schrader, the editors and reporters at Consumer Reports, about their Top Picks for 2026—these cars, trucks, and SUVs are the cream of the crop. Also, how to choose a vehicle you really like, and what to consider before buying a used car or truck.

42 Used Cars to Avoid Buying

Related Consumerpedia Episodes:
#56 – A Crash Course on Auto Insurance#21 –Auto Glass Class: How to Get Repairs and Replacements

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103 - Shady Home Improvement Financing Feb 26, 2026

Show notes

A new furnace or air conditioner costs thousands of dollars. Many homeowners don’t have that much cash on hand, which can create a financial crisis. A loan may be an option, or the contractor may offer financing, usually through a third-party lender. But beware: A recent Consumers’ Checkbook investigation found that many contractors use these emergencies to push bad financing plans on their stressed out customers.

In this episode, Checkbook’s Executive Editor Kevin Brasler explains how some homeowners are being tricked into leasing their HVAC equipment when they thought they were buying it.

More from Checkbook: Home Improvement Financing: Watch Out for Shady Deals

Related Consumerpedia Episodes:

#30 – HVAC: Finding Good Contractors & Choosing New Equipment

#44 – Should You Repair or Replace a Broken Appliance?

#87 – Don’t Get Burned by Solar Scammers

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102 - Laundry Day Tips Feb 12, 2026

Show notes

Most of us don’t spend much time thinking about the best way to do our laundry. We sort the dirty clothes, toss them in the washer, and move on to something else. But there are steps you can take to get your clothes extra clean and make them last longer.

In this episode: Expert advice on detergents, fabric softeners, stain removers, washers, dryers, and almost anything else laundry-related.

Not a Checkbook member? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

101 - Dealing with Debt #2 Jan 29, 2026

Show notes

Americans are struggling to pay their bills and falling behind on their loan payments, fueling widespread financial stress, anxiety, and despair. Recent surveys show many feel they’ll never get ahead—and some have stopped worrying about debt altogether.

In this episode, we break down those survey results and share practical tips for regaining control of your finances. You’ll also meet two consumers who’d accumulated enormous credit card debt, realized they needed help with debt, and, with hard work and proper guidance, are now debt-free.

Additional Resources:

To find a nonprofit credit counseling agency, visit the National Foundation for Credit Counseling or call 800-388-2227.

Related Consumerpedia Episode:

25 - Dealing with Debt

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100 - Checkbook's College of Consumer Knowledge #2 Jan 15, 2026

Show notes

To celebrate our 100th episode, we've asked two veteranChicago broadcasters to take Checkbook's College of Consumer Knowledge quiz.

Lisa Dent is the popular afternoon host at WGN Radio. Steve Bertrand, her longtime news anchor, came out of retirement to challenge her. Play along with our celebrity contestants to test your consumer IQ. The questions are difficult!

You might also want to play the online version of Checkbook's College of Knowledge. Topics include auto, food, and your money.

Not a Checkbook member? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

99 - How Marketers Target & Sometimes Trick Kids Dec 18, 2025

Show notes

America’s children have enormous spending power. Most have cash or access to their parents’ credit cards—and plenty of influence over what the family buys through their “pester power.” Marketers know this, which is why they spend billions of dollars a year targeting minors.

Advertising can easily exploit a child’s limited ability to distinguish between entertainment and selling. AI and digital animation make it easier than ever for advertisers to cross the line. The growth of online marketing to children raises serious concerns about privacy and data collection.

In this episode, what’s being done to protect our children from the pervasive and persuasive marketing? What are the rules regarding marketing to minors, and is anyone enforcing them? And most importantly, how parents can talk to their kids about advertising.

Additional Resources:

Children's Advertising Review Unit (CARU)

BBB National Programs – Children’s Initiatives

TINA.org: Monetizing Minors

More from Checkbook:

Unsafe Toys: How to Spot the Hidden Risks That Could Harm Your Child

Are Your Kids’ Smart Toys Spying on Them?

Buying Toys on Overseas Websites Can Be Risky

Related Consumerpedia Episode: 20- Whatever Happened to Truth in Advertising?

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98 - The Benefits of Shopping Locally Dec 04, 2025

Show notes

The “Shop Local” movement encourages consumers to buy goods and services from independent, locally owned businesses rather than national chains or online giants. It’s both an economic strategy and a social campaign aimed at strengthening your own community’s businesses, fostering regional identity, and promoting sustainability.

In this episode: The challenge of shopping locally, ways to spend more in your community, and whether it costs more to avoid the big chain stores.

Find out more about Stacey Price at Shop Made in DC.

Related Consumerpedia episodes:#96:Checkbook’s Holiday Shopping Tips 2025

#92:Thrift Store Shopping Advice

97 - Checkbook Investigation: Sale Prices Are Usually Fake Discounts Nov 20, 2025

Show notes

Researchers at Consumers’ Checkbook tracked prices at 25 major retailers for six months and found that most of the advertised markdowns were bogus.

It’s now common practice for retailers to deceive theircustomers by displaying crossed-out “regular” or “list” prices, with lower sale prices featured nearby. But the higher “regular” prices are rarely, if ever, what customers pay. Our study found that at most of the stores we surveyed, the products tracked were offered at questionable discounts more than half of the time. And, at many retailers, the fake sales never end.

In this episode, we’ll tell you which retailers were the worst offenders, as well as the few that seem to offer legitimate discounts.

Read Checkbook's full analysis.

Not a Checkbook member? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

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