"10 Worst Toys List" announced
Before you hit the stores this holiday season, click here to find out about some of the "most dangerous" toys out there.
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More people expected to drive to their Thanksgiving destination this year
Holiday travel is expected to be higher this Thanksgiving, but not by flying. According to surveys done by AAA, more than 33 million people are expected to travel by car. That's an increase of more than 2%.
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Getting answers on how those extended warranty companies get your information
They're back, those pesky postcards offering you an extended warranty on your car. But how do these companies get your personal information and how can you keep it out of their hands? Contact 13 went
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Motor Trend names 2010 Car of the Year
This Detroit-made car beat out some of the most popular sports cars and luxury models.
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Flying next spring could cost you even more
Some of the nation's biggest airlines are upping their fees.
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Wal-Mart confirms sweet Black Friday deals
Click here for a sneak peek at some day after Thanksgiving discounts and info on sales starting this weekend.
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Contact 13 follow up: Man gets his money back from credit repair company
A few days ago a Contact 13 investigation had a story about some Valley residents who felt they were ripped off by the owner of a credit repair company. The customers say he even used the mayor's name as part of his sales pitch. When Patrick Akoopie and Shari Wong- Culotta met Steve Norton, their credit was in shambles.
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MySpace in talks to buy free music streaming site
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Online social hub MySpace is in talks to acquire struggling free music streaming site imeem.
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Survey finds most drivers don't know about car insurance discounts
Are you getting the best price on your insurance? A recent survey found that 34% of homeowners and more than 20% of drivers didn't know about discounts available to them.
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Million may owe extra taxes come spring
The IRS says more than 15 million people could unexpectedly owe taxes when they file their federal returns.
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Want a deal on a new TV? Keep your eyes open this holiday shopping season
Retail experts predict the biggest bargains will likely be on smaller models.
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Stricter gift card rules could come sooner than expected
On Monday the Federal Reserve Board proposed rules to limit inactivity fees and expiration dates on gift cards.
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Banks will soon have to notify you of overdraft fees
Banks will now have to get your permission before changing large overdraft fees. Many consumers assume they can't spend more on a debit card than is available in their account. However, banks allow the transaction to go through and then charge fees of up to $35.
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Good news for anyone looking to buy or refinance a home
Rates for 30-year home loans stayed below 5% for the second week in a row.
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Foreclosures drop for the third straight month
A new Realtytrac report released overnight shows a 3% drop nationwide last month. Here in Nevada, foreclosures are down to 1 in every 80 homes.
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Why one woman thinks the DMV is stealing from Nevada drivers
Rita says the DMV told her she had a credit of about $140 for the unused portion of her registration.
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43,000 Samsung microwaves recalled
The device you count on to heat your food could pose a hazard to your health. 43,000 Samsung over the range microwave ovens are now under recall.
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Beware when searching for deals online this holiday season
Hidden charges and fees could offset those "low" prices.
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Wal-Mart changing Black Friday hours in the name of safety
The world's largest retailer is hoping to avoid a repeat of last year's tragedy.
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Your holiday travel may not be as crowded
An industry group predicts passenger traffic will drop 4% from last year.
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More bad news for credit card users
A government survey finds more banks plan to raise interest rates and slash spending limits.
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New details about stroller recall
Maclaren is recalling at least one million strollers because of an exposed hinge that can amputate your child's finger.
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How your credit score can impact how much you pay for car insurance
We all know we need auto insurance to drive in Nevada but did you know your rates could go up because your credit score has gone down? With Nevada's current economy Contact 13's Darcy Spears asks the question is that fair?
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Strollers recalled due to amputation hazard
About a million Maclaren strollers sold by Target and Babies "R" Us are being recalled after 12 reports of children having their fingertips amputated by a hinge mechanism.
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Is your child's play set involved in a new recall?
16 children have been injured. Nine had to be taken to the emergency room.
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Is your favorite charity legit?
The Better Business Bureau wants to make sure you're not donating your hard-earned money to scammers.
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Online retailers slash prices on upcoming DVDs
The holidays just got a little cheaper for gift-givers.
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IRS looking for those who have unclaimed tax refunds
The IRS says more than 1,700 taxpayers are due to receive a combined $2.2 million in tax refunds. These are refund checks that were returned to the IRS because of mailing address errors.
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Dropping your wireless company just got more expensive
Verizon is increasing early termination fees specifically for its "advanced devices."
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Consumers are one step closer to protection from credit card changes
The House is taking steps to make credit card reform rules take effect immediately.
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New foreclosure relief program announced by Fannie Mae
Thousands of borrowers on the brink of foreclosure may soon have the option to rent their own home.
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Get a sneak peek at some Black Friday deals
Kmart's 40 page ad was leaked early this week and is now circulating the internet.
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Don't fall for the "customer service survey" scam
The internet is filled with customer service surveys so it was just a matter of time before the bad guys figured out how to cash in.
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Having problems with your T-mobile phone? You're not alone
For the second time in less than a month, thousands of T-mobile users experienced service trouble.
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You may find your next job on Skype
The next time you go on a job interview you may want to trade in your briefcase for a webcam.
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Frequent flyer fees
The airline industry is struggling which means they're limiting the number of free rides, even for the most loyal customers.
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Eight contractors busted in sting operation
All of the suspects were cited for alleged contracting without a license.
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Sony computer AC adapters recalled
Be careful the next time you use your laptop. It could give you a nasty shock.
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GM extends vehicle return program
The deal, slated to end in November, has been extended through early 2010.
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Drivers feeling more pain at the pump
Gas prices have climbed for 17 straight days, landing at the highest price in over a year.
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Don't fall victim to the debt collector scam
The next time your phone rings, it could be a scammer trying to milk you for all you're worth. Here's how to protect yourself.
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Airline price war heats up
If you're planning on traveling this holiday season, you may be in for a treat. Some of the biggest airlines are battling for customers and offering some deep discounts to get you to fly.
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It's Christmas (shopping) come early for one major retailer
One retailer is trying to get ahead a little early this year as experts predict a dreadful holiday shopping season.
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$8,000 tax credit one step closer to being extended
If you're in the market for a home, you may be getting some extra help from the government.
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250 million insulin syringes recalled because needle could detach from the syringe
WASHINGTON (AP) -- An Alabama company is recalling about 250 million Accusure insulin syringes it has distributed nationwide since January 2002.
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National campaign launched to protect homeowners
Countless homeowners across the nation are being preyed upon by scam artists looking to make a quick buck. But there is a place you can turn to learn how to defend yourself.
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Home prices rise, but Las Vegas bucks the trend
It seems the Las Vegas housing market just can't get on track with other major cities.
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Fighting back against the "Nigerian" email scam
The Nigerian email scam has claimed plenty of victims. Now some internet giants are joining forces to turn the tables on the bad guys.
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Local long distance company ordered to stop billing Nevadans
The Attorney General says this company charged consumers unauthorized fees.
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Users having problems downloading Windows 7
The launch of Microsoft's newest operating system is off to a bumpy start.
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Halloween candle holders recalled
Halloween is a time for spooky fun, but a certain decoration that could cause some serious terror inside your home.
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How to spot an investment scam
With the stock market recovering you may be thinking about re-investing your money. But beware, there are some things to look out for so you don't get scammed.
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Check your closets, you may own some deadly clothing
The clothing has been deemed a fire hazard.
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Portable DVD players could be a fire hazard
Before you use that portable DVD player on your next trip, read this.
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Costco may owe you money
If you renewed a Costco membership after your card expired you might be part of a class action settlement.
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Beware when buying prescriptions online
With fears over swine flu reaching a fever pitch and health insurance more pricey than ever, online pharmacies are huge. But an FDA investigation into mail-order drugs noted a number of problems.
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Are chain restaurants a dying breed?
Places like Chili's and Applebees are offering discounts, but those deals are taking a toll on profits.
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Wal-mart slashing prices on everyday items
Wal-Mart is getting into the holiday spirit early this year.
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The newest operating system from Microsoft is now available
Microsoft's Windows 7 hit store shelves today and is expected to outperform its predecessor.
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Are you following the right maintenance schedule for your vehicle?
Most auto manufacturers actually recommend different maintenance schedules depending on how your car is driven.
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Southwest Airlines to offer service between McCarran & Panama City Beach
Starting in December, Southwest Airlines will offer service from McCarran International to Panama City Beach in Florida. There's a new airport opening there in May.
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Group fights smart choice label on Cocoa Puffs & Fruit Loops
Cereal favorites Cocoa Puffs and Fruit Loops are delicious but are they the smart choice for breakfast? According to the labeling, those two cereals are a smart choice, but some beg to differ.
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Beware of fliers promising to help with mortgage modifications
Some people are getting letters in the mail promising to help with mortgage modifications. The thing is they look almost exactly like something you'd get from the bank. But they're not.
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Book prices slashed by online retailers
A price war is brewing between two online powerhouses.
And the winner will most likely be consumers.
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Layaway makes a comeback
Good news for parents ahead of the holiday season.
Toys R' Us is introducing a new layaway program.
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Groups push for extension of tax credit
The $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers could be extended.
Real estate and banking groups want lawmakers to continue the tax credit for another year and offer it to all homebuyers.
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Web site offers discount Halloween costumes & accessories
Everyone loves going all out for Halloween but costumes aren't cheap. That's why you'll want to check out purecostumes.
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Del Monte cantaloupe recalled after routine testing detected salmonella
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -- A Northern California grocery chain has recalled several hundred cartons of cantaloupe after routine testing detected salmonella.
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33,000 pounds of beef tongue under recall
A Nebraska meatpacking company is recalling 33,000 pounds of beef tongue. The recall was issued after inspectors discovered the tonsils had not been completely removed.
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Teens a text away from help
Teenagers trying to deal with a crisis can now reach out for help on their cell phone.
A new service was launched in Las Vegas for teens who need a safe place to go.
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Are compact fluorescent light bulbs dangerous?
Contact 13 received an email from a concerned viewer, so we set out to find the answer. Thanks to a program with NV Energy, the twisty bulbs only cost a few cents more to buy than regular bulbs.
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Bicycle tires recalled
Before you head out for your next bike ride, read this.
About 5,000 bicycle tires are now under recall.
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New credit card fees for some customers
A major bank is adding annual fees to some of its credit cards.
Will you be hit?
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FAA proposes millions in fines against United Airlines & US Airways
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Federal Aviation Administration wants to levy multimillion dollar penalties on United Airlines and US Airways for safety violations.
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iPhone app lets users lock, unlock & remote start their car using their phone
Who needs keys when you've got an iPhone? A California company is introducing an application and car receiver that will enable users to lock, unlock, and remotely start their car using their phone.
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Ford adding 4.5 million vehicles to recall list
DETROIT (AP) -- Ford Motor Co. says it will add 4.5 million older-model vehicles to the list of those recalled because a defective cruise control switch could cause a fire.
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Door to door salesman rips off Las Vegas man with magazine scam
Supporting local students by giving money to a school project may seem like a great way to help your community but beware. The person asking for your money may not always be telling the truth.
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Mortgage activity surges
A little good news for the much-maligned housing market.
The Mortgage Bankers Association says loan applications rose more than 16% last week.
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Long delays more likely
A new report says lengthy airline delays are twice as common now as they were about 20 years ago and it won't get better any time soon.
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Bank of America pledges not to hike rates before new regulations take effect
Bank of America has pledged not to hike rates or fees before new government regulations take effect next year. However, since most Bank of America customers have variable rate cards they might still notice higher interest rates depending on what happens with the prime rate.
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Airlines expand $10 surcharge on busy travel days
Flying around the holidays is already more expensive and could get more so.
Several big airlines have added $10 surcharges for busy days around the holidays.
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iPhone owners will soon be able to use internet calling services
WASHINGTON (AP) -- AT&T Inc. will begin allowing iPhone owners to use Internet calling services on its wireless network.
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How to spot a shopaholic
It's sometimes called a smiled-upon addiction. But in these hard economic times a shopping addiction is no laughing matter.
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All-you-can-carry baggage fee introduced
If you travel a lot you might want to consider this. But don't let the name mislead you.
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Heating costs expected to fall this winter
Here's some good news for those who use natural gas.
You'll most likely get to keep more of your hard-earned money in your pocket.
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Voice your opinion about a company on Ripoff Report
Ever feel like you've been ripped off and you want someone to know? Doing your research before buying something can save you from getting jipped and that's where Ripoffreport.com can come into play.
Ripoffreport.com
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Airlines sale prices may not be as low as they used to be
Many airlines are advertising rock bottom airfares but they're not as low as they used to be. Southwest Airlines announced a new fare sale this week.
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Toy makers may lower prices
With Santa on a budget this year, toy retailers and makers plan to offer more deals.
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Lower gas bills on the horizon?
Natural gas prices are down nearly 8% after the government reported consumption has dropped and reserves are at an all-time high.
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Bills you might be able to negotiate
Want to save some cash? Try talking down some of these every-day bills.
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BBB swamped with calls about teeth whitening scams
The Better Business Bureau says it is getting swamped with complaints about websites that promise a whiter smile. The most common complaint is that people thought they were signing up for a free trial then repeatedly got billed for products they didn't want.
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GM to shut down Saturn
General Motors says it will shut down its Saturn unit completely after talks to sell the brand fell through. Penske Automotive Group was in negotiations to buy Saturn but the two were unable to reach a deal. GM also decided to shut down the Pontiac brand earlier this year.
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American Express gets rid of an annoying fee
Finally a little bit of good news for consumers.
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"Scareware" attacks on the rise
Many of these attacks result in popup windows that say your computer is infected with a virus.
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Starbucks adds new instant coffee called Via to its menu
Starbucks is adding a new drink to its menu, instant coffee. Starbucks calls it Via and it costs less than a dollar a cup. Despite the attractive price, the very idea could be a tough sell with the hard-core coffee crowd.
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Massive Toyota floor mat warning/recall
In response to a deadly crash in California, Toyota and its brand Lexus are warning millions of owners about floor mats which could cause the accelerator to stick.
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FTC trying to get Nations Housing Modification Center shut down after complaints
If you're one of the thousands of Las Vegans facing foreclosure you're probably looking for some kind of help. But beware, as Contact 13's Darcy Spears explains, questionable loan modification companies may be targeting you.
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Woman uses You Tube video to lash out against Bank of America
What began as one woman's revolt could spark a national debtors revolution. It all went down after Bank of America raised the interest rate on Ann Minch's credit card to 30%.
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Baggage fees increase on international flights
Airlines have begun charging baggage fees on international flights to Europe. All the major US carriers have added a $50 fee to check a second bag on flights to Europe.
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Swap Savers offers coupons and advice on how to save some cash
There's a social network onlien designed to help you save a buck. Through forums on Swap Savers, members clue you in on where you can get savings and swap coupons with each other.
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Learn how to take part in Heads Up Driving Week
Southern Nevada AAA has a challenge for you but it may be really hard for most of us to keep silent. They'd like you to ditch your cell phone for an entire week to make the roads a little safer.
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Are minimum charge rules against the rules?
How much do you have to charge for a store to accept your credit or debit card?
The answer may surprise you.
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Another bank relaxes its overdraft policies
Small overdrafts are no problem for customers of a major bank.
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iPhone users get a nice surprise
Ask and ye' shall receive.
iPhone users get a long-awaited feature for their device.
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Interest rates on 30 year fixed rate mortgages near record lows
The local housing market is starting to pick-up some badly needed momentum. Mortgage applications are up locally by 13% and the Federal Government is taking steps to make sure the trend continues.
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Tylenol children's medications recalled
Check your medicine cabinets. A number of medicines may be contaminated.
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Unemployment benefits running out? Tips to get by
The House approved a measure Tuesday night that would extend unemployment benefits by 13 weeks to people in states like Nevada with jobless rates higher than 8.5%.
The motion now goes to the Senate, but what if you're about to run out of benefits?
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Misconceptions about your rights as a homeowner
If you're one of the thousands of Las Vegas homeowners facing foreclosure, you've probably heard the advice deal directly with your bank. Contact 13 has received a number of emails from viewers like you questioning mortgage modification programs and why they can't get help.
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Time running out to cash in on home buyers tax credit
Las Vegas homes are selling at rock bottom prices these days. Couple that with a government rebate. and you could land a pretty sweet deal. But if you're in the market to buy, you'd better get moving.
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Website gives estimates on car repairs
There's a website that can take the guess work out of your next trip to the autobody shop. Repair Pal not only gives you an estimate as to how much a repair should cost, they'll even direct you to a shop in your area.
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Contact 13 helps viewer after his warranty claim is denied
When you buy a new product, you expect it to work. If it doesn't, you'd expect your warranty to take care of the repairs. A frustrated viewer emailed Contact 13 after his warranty claim was denied.
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Website helps you save money after you buy an airline ticket
Did you ever buy an airline ticket and then realize days later that the price dropped dramatically? One website can help you save some cash, even after you've bought your ticket.
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Website provides a database of what things cost
It's expensive to buy just about everything these days. If you've ever been curious as to how much something will set you back, there's a website with a database to break it down for you.
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Deal of the day website offers luxury items for pawn shop prices
How does getting a luxury item for a pawn shop price sound? One website offers just that, but if you don't act fast you will miss the deal.
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Website helps you create a top notch resume
Landing the perfect job starts with a top notch resume. VisualCV can help you craft one that will get you noticed.
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Web site helps people look for freelance work and hire experts
