Consumerpedia
by Consumers' Checkbook
Latest episode
119 - Crypto ATMS: Payment Portals for Scammers
119 - Crypto ATMS: Payment Portals for Scammers
About this podcast
A Consumers' Checkbook podcast empowering consumers to save money and make smarter choices. Hosted by "The ConsumerMan" Herb Weisbaum.
Episodes
The newest 20 of 120 episodes
- 119 - Crypto ATMS: Payment Portals for Scammers · 30 min · Episode 119Cryptocurrency is now the preferred payment method for fraudsters. Using high-pressure scare tactics, criminals convince victims to go to a local supermarket, convenience store…
- 118 - Selling Sugary Junk Food to Kids · 30 min · Episode 118Childhood obesity in the U.S. is at its highest rate ever, according to the CDC: 21% of American youngsters, between the ages of 2 and 19, are obese. Food and beverage companies…
- 117 - Worse on Purpose · 30 min · Episode 117It’s an all-too-familiar business model these days: Making things worse on purpose. As private equity firms buy legendary companies with trusted brands, from Brooks Brothers and…
- 116 - 20 Ways to Save Money · 29 min · Episode 116For several years now, American consumers’ finances have been squeezed by surging housing costs, rising grocery bills, and insurance, utility, and childcare costs that have…
- 115 - Why There Are So Many Outbreaks and Recalls for Produce · 33 min · Episode 115Farmers and food processors insist that the U.S. has the safest food supply in the world. But about 48 million Americans get sick from foodborne illnesses every year, according…
- 114 – How to Find a Good Dentist · 29 min · Episode 114No one likes going to the dentist, but it’s something we all need to do. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy is as important as monitoring your blood pressure and cholesterol…
- 113 - GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs · 30 min · Episode 113Few prescription drugs have generated as much excitement as the new generation of weight-loss drugs, commonly called “GLP-1” medications. You’ve probably heard about Ozempic…
- 112 - Outlet Malls: Do They Offer Real Savings? · 28 min · Episode 112Consumers’ Checkbook investigated 40 brands operating off-price stores and found that many offer lower-quality merchandise rather than legitimate bargains. So, what gives? In…
- 111 - EV Update 2026 · 30 min · Episode 111It's been two years since we talked about electric vehicles. A lot has changed since them; much of it, for the better. In this episode: What's happening in the EV market. We'll…
- 110 - Marketers Often Use Cult-Like Tactics · 28 min · Episode 110Businesses use a variety of marketing tactics to attract new customers and keep them. These tricks are designed to make you feel special, like you’re part of a group. The lure…
- 109 - Travel Troubles: New Hotel, Airline, & Rental Car 'Gotcha Fees' · 30 min · Episode 109Hotels, airlines, and rental car companies are using AI to boost efficiency, cut costs, and increase revenue. New technologies are also being used to create new “gotchas” for…
- 108 - The Travel Show 2026 · 26 min · Episode 108Travel is always a challenge, but right now, the war with Iran has added a whole new layer of turbulence and uncertainty especially for those who plan to fly. Airlines around the…
- 107 - How to Choose a Tree Care Service · 24 min · Episode 107Whether you've got a towering oak shading your porch or a scraggly pine that's seen better days, chances are your trees need more attention than you're giving them. Disease…
- 106 - Avoid a Vacation Rental Nightmare · 27 min · Episode 106A 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…
- 105 - 10 Tips to Fight Fraud · 30 min · Episode 105Fraud 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…
- 104 - Tips for Buying a New or Used Car · 30 min · Episode 104If 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…
- 103 - Shady Home Improvement Financing · 26 min · Episode 103A 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…
- 102 - Laundry Day Tips · 27 min · Episode 102Most 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…
- 101 - Dealing with Debt #2 · 26 min · Episode 101Americans 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…
- 100 - Checkbook's College of Consumer Knowledge #2 · 25 min · Episode 100To 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…
