North Carolinians have lost millions in romance scams. What FBI, BBB warn ahead of Valentines Day :: WRAL.com
As hundreds of North Carolinians have lost millions of dollars in romance and confidence scams in recent years, the Federal Bureau of Investigation Charlotte is urging consumers to be aware of these frauds ahead of Valentine’s Day. What is a romance scam? In these specific instances of fraud, scammers use fake online identities to gain […]
How to deal with rising health care costs :: WRAL.com
From monthly insurance premiums to prescription costs and co-pays, millions of people are paying more for healthcare. Even if you didn’t change your insurance plan for 2026, you could still be facing higher costs. Consumer Reports says reviewing your coverage and taking a few proactive steps can help keep medical expenses in check. Consumer Reports investigative […]
How to warm up your car and de-ice fast when temperatures plunge :: WRAL.com
When temperatures drop below freezing, stepping out to an ice-cold car can be more than uncomfortable — it can be dangerous if your windows are iced over. The easiest way to deal with ice is to prevent it in the first place. When possible, park in a garage or under cover. Use a windshield cover […]
How to keep pipes from freezing in harsh winter weather, what to do if they burst :: WRAL.com
As winter temperatures plummet, the risk of frozen and burst pipes rises sharply, potentially causing thousands of dollars in damage. According to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, repairs for burst pipes can cost homeowners $5,000 or more. Much of North Carolina, from Interstate 95 west, is under a winter storm watch for […]
How to break up with your nonstick pans :: WRAL.com
Before you cook your next meal, take a closer look at that nonstick pan. Some coatings may contain chemicals that raise concerns for you, your family, and the environment. Consumer Reports reveals which pans you may want to replace with tips to find safer options. In addition to testing the durability of the pan, CR’s […]
How to start tackling credit card debt in the New Year :: WRAL.com
As the new year approaches, financial counselors say millions of Americans struggling with credit card debt still have options to regain control. Roughly half of U.S. households carry some level of credit card debt, and rising interest rates have made balances harder to manage. Experts recommend starting by calling your credit card issuer to request […]
How to avoid robocalls as they flood North Carolinians’ phones despite crackdowns :: WRAL.com
North Carolina residents continue to be bombarded by robocalls at one of the highest rates in the country, according to federal data, even as regulators push new consumer protections. The Department of Justice estimates that roughly 200 million robocalls are made in North Carolina every month. That volume means the average resident receives dozens of […]
What to know and how to avoid them :: WRAL.com
Scammers don’t take time off for the holidays. In fact, this time of year is prime season for fraud, especially as people shop, gift and travel more than usual. Staying alert, taking a moment to research unfamiliar sellers or offers, and approaching deals that seem too good to be true with caution can help keep […]