Consumer Connection – Story Archives

Animals
Auto Emissions/Pollution
Auto Repairs
Cars and Driving
Charities
Children
Consumer Protection
Cyber Safety
Environment
Food
Health and Medical Care
Household Goods
Household Safety
Housing
Identity Theft
Internet
Legal Matters
Money and Credit
Personal Profiles
Scam Warnings
Seniors
Shopping
Travel

Animals

• California's First Dog helps support spay-neuter license plate Summer 2012 p 4
• What Qualifies as a Service Animal? Summer 2011 p 14
• Protect Pets This Holiday Season Winter 2011 p 16
• Should You Get Pet Insurance? Fall 2009 p 5
• License Plate Can Help Save Pets' Lives Winter 2010 p 13

Auto Emissions/Pollution

• Auto Emissions News Spring 2008 p 18
• Auto Repair/Retirement Program Expands Summer/Fall 2006 p 16
• Breathe Easier for a Smashing Good Time Summer/Fall 2006 p 17
• Drive Healthy California: Reducing Smog is in Your Hands Summer 2008 p 9
• Income Limit Raised: More Money for Smog Check, Repair Help Winter 2006 p 5
• Smog Check Retirement Program Clears the Air Fall 2008 p 8
• State Targets High-Polluting Vehicles to Help Us Breathe Easier Fall/Winter 2005 p 8

Auto Repairs

• Windshield Bullies Summer 2011 p 18
• Free Auto Body Inspection Program Available Spring 2012 p 5
• Choosing an Automotive Repair Shop Fall/Winter 2005 p 13
• How to Keep Auto Body Repairs From Denting Your Wallet Spring 2007 p 16
• The 3,000-mile Oil Change Myth Fall 2008 p 14

Cars and Driving

• Used Car Dealers Face New Rules Fall 2012 p. 19
• On the road: Safe driving at any age Summer 2012 p 14
• Cash or Credit? Dual Prices Fuel Backlash at the Gas Station Winter 2011 p 12
• Bureau of Automotive Repair Puts Brakes on Illegal Street Racing Fall/Winter 2006 p 12
• Car Buyers Bill of Rights: New Options for Car Buyers – At a Price Summer/Fall 2006 p 12
• Clearing the Air on Hybrid Vehicles: Is One Right for You? Summer 2008 p 27
• Deals on Wheels Spring 2009 p 18
• Hydrogen Highway: How the State Helps Provide Alternative Fuels Spring 2008 p 14
• No Bones About It: BAR's Best Bust Tales Spring 2006 p 6
• Protect Yourself From Predatory Towing Winter 2007 p 12
• Q&A Rachel Chavez, Chief, Arbitration Certification Program Fall/Winter 2005 p 11
• Rollbacks: Odometer Fraud Cheats Car Buyers Spring 2010 p 8
• Safety First with Motorcycle Helmets Spring 2009 p 10
• Shopping for Your Teen's First Car: Sensible Tips Summer/Fall 2006 p 6
• Smog Check: A Warning Light Could Blow Your Test Fall 2020 p 12
• Tips to Survive the High Gas Jive Summer/Fall 2006 p 14

Charities

• Don't Let Opportunists Sour Sweet Charity Fall 2007 p 14
• Service Without a Salary Is Worth Billions Winter 2009 p 3

Children

• Buying Second-Hand Bargains for Baby? Think Safety First Summer 2008 p 10
• California LifeSmarts 2007 Summer 2007 p 14
• Consumer Survival 1A: Teens Wise Up With LifeSmarts Spring 2006 p 10
• Making the Grade in Consumer 101 Fall/Winter 2005 p 5
• Play it Safe With Holiday Toys Winter 2010 p 18
• Toy Tips: Think Safety First Winter 2008 p 7

Consumer Protection

• Cautions for Veterans Seeking Higher Education Fall 2012 p. 7
• New DCA publications for consumers Summer 2012 p 29
• DCA: A Friend in the Marketplace Spring 2011 p 15
• Consumer Safeguards Cover Military Personnel, Too Fall 2011 p 6
• Time for a New Roof? Spring 2011 p 8
• Combat on the Canvas Winter 2011 p 2
• Be Smart About Career Colleges: Learn Before You Earn Winter 2011 p 9
• The Skinny on Toning Shoes Winter 2011 p 20
• DCA Professional Licensing: A Key to Consumer Protection Spring 2012 p 8
• Veteran Benefit Buyout Plans and Other Bad Ideas Spring 2012 p 22
• Cash for Gold: What is Your Jewelry Really Worth? Spring 2009 p 8
• Need Help With Your Utility Bill? Fall 2009 p 12
• New to DCA: Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education Spring 2010 p 10
• Put the "Public" in Public Board Meetings Fall 2010 p 24
• Relax and Rejuvenate, but Stay Safe at the Spa Winter 2009 p 19
• Take Charge! California Spring 2009 p 6
• What To Do If You Lose Your Wallet or Purse Winter 2009 p 5

Cyber Safety

• Ten ways social networking sites can hurt you Summer 2012 p 1
• Cyber Safety Summit Helps Kids Surf Safe, Smart, and Legal Winter 2006 p 4
• While the Cat is Away: Child Internet Safety for the Holidays Winter 2006 p 9

Environment

• Start a New Holiday Tradition: LED Lights Winter 2011 p 17
• Don't Flush That Pill Fall 2010 p 7
• Five Ways to Save Money and Stay Warm This Winter Fall 2010 p 20
• Going Natural – Even in Death. Eco-Burials Gain Fans Spring 2008 p 6
• How to be a Green Consumer Spring 2008 p 19
• Tree Wars: Natural vs. Artificial, Which is Greener? Winter 2008 p 12
• Upgrading Your TV? Get Rid of the Old One Safely Winter 2008 p 23
• What's it Mean to be Green? Commonly Used Terms and Definitions Spring 2008 p 4

Food

• The Dating Game: Determining Freshness Takes More Than Just a Glance Spring 2010 p 3
• Delightful, Delicious, and Direct: Exploring Your Local Farmers' Market Summer 2007 p 6
• New Menu Labeling Law is Something to Chew On Fall 2009 p 17

Health and Medical Care

• Cosmetic Lasers Need Licensed Professionals Fall 2012 p. 9
• Safety first in the nail salon Summer 2012 p 10
• Where the Jobs Are and Some Advice on How to Get Them Fall 2011 p 3
• New Law Allows Optometrists to Treat Glaucoma Spring 2011 p 11
• New Scrutiny for Outpatient Medical Settings Spring 2012 p 3
• Update: Safer Body Art Spring 2012 p 18
• Abuse of Legal Drugs is a Prescription for Tragedy Winter 2010 p 6
• California Ink: Be Safe With Body Art Winter 2010 p 2
• Confusion Over Medical Discount Cards Fall 2008 p 5
• Crisis in the ER: Bills that Shock and Awe Fall 2008 p 2
• Diabetes: Paying Attention to Your Feet Could Save Your Life! Spring 2007 p 6
• Do You Know Who Owns Your Medical Records? Fall 2010 p 8
• Health Clubs and Spas: Be Active, Be Well, But Be Aware Winter 2007 p 10
• Healthcare Credit Cards: Helpful or Hurtful? Winter 2010 p 10
• Hear Today, Hearing Loss Tomorrow: Personal Stereo Systems Winter 2007 p 14
• Holiday Stress Doesn't Have to Get You Down Winter 2008 p 18
• Looks to Die For? The Uncertain Risks of Cosmetic Surgery Spring 2006 p 16
• A Personal Flotation Device Can Save Your Life Summer 2008 p 4
• Precautionary "Foot" Notes: Foot Spas and Showers Spring 2007 p 4
• Prescription Drug Labels Get A Makeover Fall 2010 p 2
• Sun Safety: Coping with UVA Rays Summer 2007 p 12
• Testing the Waters: DCA Group Develops Foot Spa Safety Rules Summer/Fall 2006 p 9
• Tune up Your Toes for Spring: Tips for Healthy, Happy Feet Spring 2007 p 5
• Unaccredited Nursing School Scams Students Winter 2010 p 12
• Want Lush Lashes? What You Should Know About Latisse Fall 2010 p 6
• Weight Loss Woes: Shady Lotions, Potions, and Devices Summer 2008 p 16

Household Goods

• Clearing Up the Digital TV Transition Winter 2008 p 27
• Digital TV Transition May Be on the Blink Fall 2008 p 12
• Dishing Out on Satellite Service Summer 2007 p 16
• High-Definition Television Deadline: Beware of HDTV Scams and Rip-Offs Fall 2007 p 24
• Sales of Home Security Systems Raise Alarms Winter 2010 p 14
• Service Contracts: Worth It or a Waste of Money? Spring 2010 p 19
• Shining a Light on Window Replacement Winter 2009 p10
• Smart Household Appliances: Save Energy and Money Spring 2008 p 10

Household Safety

• New Standards for Furniture Flammability Fall 2012 p. 10
• Thwart the 'Silent Killer': Install a Carbon Monoxide Detector Fall 2011 p 8
• Find Out More About Product Recalls Fall 2011 p 13
• Is Your Pre-1978 Home Safe? Summer 2011 p 11
• Christmas Tree Safety Winter 2011 p 17
• Debugging Your Home: Simple and Safe Ways to Keep Insects at Bay Spring 2008 p 8
• Indoor Forest Fire! How to Keep Your Tree Green Winter 2006 p 15

Housing

• Foreclosure: A Growing Trend; How to Avoid Becoming a Statistic Fall 2007 p 20
• Having Trouble Paying Your Mortgage? Spring 2009 p 2

Identity Theft

• Electronic Pickpocket Spring 2011 p 22
• Online 'Data Mining' Threatens Your Privacy Spring 2011 p 22
• Watch Out For Wi-Fi Thieves Spring 2011 p 23
• Identity Theft Project Giving Foster Kids a Better Start Fall 2011 p 10
• Old Technology May Mean More Fraud Fall 2011 p 12
• Homegrown ID Theft: When a Family Member Takes Your Good Name Winter 2011 p 14
• 30 Minutes and $30 Can Give You Real Protection Against Identity Theft Spring 2006 p 14
• DCA Helps Veterans Prevent Identity Theft Summer/Fall 2006 p 15
• Don't Be a Target! Protect Yourself from Identity Thieves Summer/Fall 2006 p 18
• Fending Off Identity Thieves Winter 2006 p 8
• Freeze Out Identity Thieves Fall/Winter 2005 p 10
• ID Theft Summit 2007 Summer 2007 p 4
• New Coalition Focuses on Children's Internet Safety Summer/Fall 2006 p 5
• Third Annual Identity Theft Summit Spring 2007 p 20

Internet

• Spy Cam Crime: Does Your Computer Have Eyes? Summer 2011 p 8
• The Internet Never Forgets Summer 2011 p 12
• Osama Bin Laden E-mails Summer 2011 p 18
• Creating a Strong Password Spring 2011 p 24
• Not So Sweet: How Cookies Follow You in Cyberspace Spring 2011 p 15
• Consumer Services Center Debuts on the DCA Web Site Spring 2008 p 16
• Need Government Info? There's an App for That Fall 2010 p 28

Legal Matters

• Pay Your Taxes or Lose Your License Fall 2012 p.18
• DCA Program Helps Veterans Get Jobs Fall 2012 p.1
• New State Laws Boost Services for Veterans Fall 2012 p. 5
• Small Claims Court Basics Summer 2011 p 20
• Highlights of New Consumer Laws for 2012 Spring 2012 p 10
• Court Reporters Board Helps Low-Income Individuals with Legal Costs Spring 2012 p 19
• Division of Investigation Case Highlights Winter 2006 p 6
• Inquire Before You Hire Fall 2008 p 6
• Need a License for Your Job? Read On Winter 2008 p 28
• New Consumer Laws for 2008 Fall 2008 p 20
• New Edition of California Tenants Is here Spring 2010 p 24
• New Year Introduces New Protections for California Consumers Spring 2006 p 9
• Starting Your Own Business Spring 2010 p 11
• Unlicensed Activity, Do Ask! Do Tell! Fall 2007 p 4
• Where There's a Will ... Smart and Savvy Ways to Plan Your Legacy Fall 2009 p 13

Money and Credit

• Cal Grant Scholarships Under New Limits Fall 2012 p. 16
• Student loan debt piling higher and deeper Summer 2012 p 18
• Tips for finding a CPA Summer 2012 p 22
• What to Do If the Debt Collector Calls Spring 2011 p 2
• Look Out for Skyrocketing Bank Fees Spring 2011 p 23
• Consumers Get More Notice About Their Credit Spring 2011 p 21
• Checking Your Monthly Bills Can Save Money Fall 2011 p 13
• Be on Guard With Gift Cards Winter 2011 p 18
• Prepaid Debit Cards: Read the Fine Print Spring 2012 p 13
• Accountants Warn Consumers About Instant Refund Loans Spring 2007 p 14
• Are Credit Card Fees Emptying Your Wallet? Fall 2008 p 9
• Be Wary of Tax Debt Relief Schemes Winter 2010 p 20
• Cash for Gold: What is Your Jewelry Really Worth? Spring 2009 p 8
• The Dark Side of Debt Collections Spring 2009 p 16
• Debit Card Users: Watch Out for the Overdrafts Winter 2009 p 15
• Money Smarts: Annuities Fall 2008 p 24
• Money Smarts: Credit Scores Spring 2010 p 25
• Money Smarts: Home Mortgages Fall 2010 p 29
• Money Smarts: Household Budgets Winter 2010 p 25
• Money Smarts: Plastic Rap Summer 2008 p 31
• Money Smarts: Stock Market Spring 2009 p 24
• Money Smarts: Taxes Winter 2008 p 32
• Money Smarts: Taxes Winter 2009 p 23
• Money Smarts: The Merger of Love and Money Fall 2009 p 21
• More Protections for Credit Card Users Fall 2010 p 11
• New Rules for Credit Cards Spring 2010 p 14
• Payday Loans: Debt Traps for Many People Winter 2008 p 20
• Problems Found with State's Payday Lenders Winter 2008 p 21
• Tax Time: You Don't Have to Face It Alone Spring 2010 p 15
• Today's Credit Card: Risky as a Safety Net Winter 2006 p 17

Personal Profiles

• Career Runs Full Circle for Consumer Information Center Agent Spring 2006 p 12
• DCA Personal Profile: Kathryn L. Door Fall/Winter 2005 p 7

Scam Warnings

• Beware Online Ads For Contractors Fall 2012 p. 12
• Apple Picking – Not Just for Orchards Fall 2012 p. 20
• The $100 Virus Scam Fall 2012 p. 20
• Free Medicare Scooter Scam Fall 2012 p. 21
• Unlicensed Payday Lenders Fall 2012 p. 21
• The Fake $100 Gift Card Fall 2012 p. 21
• Door-to-door home security sales raise alarms Summer 2012 p 6
• Kinoki 'Detox' Foot Pads Kicked Off the Shelf Spring 2011 p 21
• Affinity Fraud: How Scam Artists Find Victims in Groups Spring 2011 p 16
• Help Tsunami Victims, but Avoid Scams Spring 2011 p 14
• Scammers Using Text Messaging Summer 2011 p 18
• The Technical Support Scam Spring 2012 p 21
• A Sick Investment? Fall 2010 p 26
• Amish Miracle Heater Spring 2009 p 23
• Attack of the Clonemobiles Summer/Fall 2006 p 22
• Bad Loan May Leave You Handing Over Your Pink Slip Winter 2010 p 23
• Beware of Spoofing: Bogus, Look-Alike Online Sites Winter 2007 p 6
• Bogus Caller ID Spoofing Poses a Serious Threat Spring 2007 p 13
• Candy From a Baby Summer/Fall 2006 p 22
• Choosing a Charity Fall 2010 p 26
• Cleaning Out Your Air Ducks - or Your Checkbook? Fall 2010 p 27
• Collecting Time Winter 2006 p 20
• Credit Repair Services: Watch Out for Scams Winter 2008 p 22
• Cybersquatting Fall 2010 p 27
• Danger Lingers Long After the Wildfires Are Out Fall 2007 p 5
• Don't Give a Phony Locksmith the Key to Your Wallet Fall 2008 p 18
• Don't Let Scammers Turn Ho, Ho, Ho into Woe, Woe, Woe Winter 2009 p 12
• Economic Stimulus Scam Spring 2009 p 23
• Emergency! Desperate Call From Mexico! Spring 2007 p 21
• Fake Mortgage Loan Audit Scam Can Cost You Winter 2010 p 23
• False Hopes: Work at Home! No or Low Risk! Spring 2007 p 21
• Grandma, It's Me! Spring 2009 p 22
• Home Repair Scammers May Lurk in the Phone Book Summer 2008 p 23
• House Thieves Winter 2008 p 30
• Job Hunters: Beware of Bogus Offers Winter 2009 p 7
• Lost Dog Scam Spring 2010 p 23
• Lower Property Tax Scheme Spring 2009 p 22
• New Things That Go Bump in the Night? Summer 2007 p 5
• Pop-up Scareware Can Be a Threat Spring 2010 p 22
• Publishers Clearing House Scam Spring 2009 p 22
• Robocall Senders Face High Fees Spring 2010 p 23
• Rollback Roundup Winter 2006 p 20
• Security Code Phishers Winter 2008 p 30
• Smash the Smishing Spring 2010 p 22
• Staged Car Collisions are no Accident Winter 2010 p 22
• Statewide Scam Roundup (Acai Berry, Foreclosure Relief Services, Phony Overseas Calls) Winter 2009 p 24
• Statewide Scam Roundup (Reverse Mortgages, ATM/Credit Card "Cash Back", Rebate Checks) Fall 2009 p 20
• Statewide Scam Roundup: Spotting Greenwashing and Other Cons Spring 2008 p 13
• Talk Back: Snuggie Maker Responds to Complaints Winter 2009 p 22
• This Scammer Always Rings Twice Winter 2010 p 22
• Vacation Scam - Quick Tips Fall 2010 p 26
• What is a "Ponzi" Scheme? Fall 2010 p 26
• When Home Can Hurt You Spring 2010 p 23

Seniors

• Know the Risks of Reverse Mortgages Fall 2012 p. 14
• Financial Abuse of Seniors: It's Devastating and It's Growing Summer 2011 p 3
• Aging Warriors: Many California Vets Unaware of Benefits Fall 2007 p 22
• Assisted Living Choices: Finding Care for Those You Care About Fall 2007 p 12
• New DCA Bureau Protects Vulnerable Seniors and Their Money Fall 2007 p 8
• Phoney "Phishers" to Shady Charities: How Seniors Can Fight Back Spring 2006 p 20
• Programs Help Seniors Afford Their Medicines Fall 2007 p 18
• Reverse Mortgages: Risk or Resource? Fall 2007 p 6
• Senior Driving: The Road From Driver to Rider Fall 2010 p 14
• Senior Summit 2006: Big Population Changes Amp Up Future Needs Spring 2006 p 4
• Senior Summit Wrap-Up Summer/Fall 2006 p 4
• Seniors and Mental Health: What to Look For and Where to Find Help Fall 2010 p 16

Shopping

• Play Your Cards Right for Secure Shopping Spring 2011 p 12
• Holiday Shopping Safety Winter 2011 p 19
• More Guidance for Gift Cards: Use 'Em; Don't Lose 'Em Spring 2012 p 20
• Cents-Off Coupons Go Digital Winter 2010 p 16
• Gift Cards and Certificates Are Great, But Be Aware of State Law Winter 2008 p 15
• Gift Cards: What You Should Know Before You Buy Them Winter 2006 p 12
• Going Shopping? Get Your Defenses Ready Fall 2009 p 2
• Mall Safety: How to Stay Aware in the Holiday Frenzy, Winter 2006 p 14
• No Cash, No Credit, No Problem – Old Idea is New Again Winter 2008 p 6
• Online and On Guard Winter 2007 p 4
• Play it Safe With Holiday Toys Winter 2010 p 18
• Reconsidering Rebates: Consumer Caution Urged Winter 2007 p 8
• Smart Shopping Can Put the Happy Back in Your Holidays Winter 2008 p 2
• The Stuff of Tradition Winter 2008 p11
• Toy Story: Things to Bear in Mind While Searching for the Perfect Gift Winter 2006 p 10

Travel

• Airport Travel: Keep an Eye on Your Valuables Summer 2011 p 18
• Don't Let Bedbugs Bite Summer 2007 p 11
• New Passport Rules Shouldn't Slow You Down Spring 2007 p 12
• Spring Travel Tips: Safe and Sane Ways to Soothe Spring Fever Spring 2007 p 8
• Travel Trickery Summer/Fall 2006 p 22
• Well on Wheels: Stay Healthy on the Road with a Traveler's First Aid Kit Summer 2007 p 9