consumer alert Archives - Media City Groove

Friday, July 10, 2026

By Fronnie Lewis Friday, July 10, 2026

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Unclaimed life insurance scams on the rise

SCAMS/Unclaimed Life Insurance— Unclaimed life insurance scams are making a comeback. Sadly, new victims are falling for the fraud. Some of them have reported the scam to the Federal Trade Commission. Here’s how the latest version works. The scammers impersonate lawyers. They send out random snail mail letters claiming one of their clients, with your last name, just died and […]

Wednesday, July 8, 2026

By Public News Service Wednesday, July 8, 2026

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New study finds big trucks and SUVs contribute to pedestrian deaths

USA/Pedestrian Deaths— By Suzanne Potter, producer, California News Service, a bureau of Public News Service Big trucks and SUVs are contributing to a sharp rise in pedestrian deaths, which have increased 75% since 2009 in California and nationwide, according to a new investigation from The New York Times. The Times found that about 3,000 pedestrians who were killed between […]

Sunday, July 5, 2026

By Public News Service Sunday, July 5, 2026

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Children face hidden dangers in extreme heat

USA/Heat Warnings- By Chrystal Blair, producer, Michigan News Service, a bureau of Public News Service. Dangerous heat grips the East Coast and parts of the Midwest over the long Fourth of July weekend. Also, hotter temperatures are expected in California and the Southwest in the coming days. Health officials are reminding residents to check on older adults. However, […]

Tuesday, June 23, 2026

By Fronnie Lewis Tuesday, June 23, 2026

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While you’re searching for summer travel deals scammers are looking for you

Travel/Summer Scams— Looking for a deal this summer, be careful, scammers are out to trick you out of your hard-earned money. While searching online for hotel and airfare discounts, keep an eye out for fake offers. “Scammers sometimes use paid ads and put their number alongside a well-known company’s name, or link to a website that only looks like it […]

Saturday, June 13, 2026

By Public News Service Saturday, June 13, 2026

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Summer travelers facing higher airline costs

USA/Travel— By Terri Dee, producer, Indiana News Service, a bureau of Public News Service. Airline travelers planning summer vacations are facing higher fares, higher baggage fees, and fewer budget options as carriers deal with rising jet fuel costs tied to the war in Iran. The aviation industry appeared to have regained its footing after the pandemic, last year’s […]

Tuesday, June 9, 2026

By Fronnie Lewis Tuesday, June 9, 2026

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Some victims of home mortgage fraud get refunds

USA/Home Mortgage Fraud— Victims of a huge mortgage fraud scheme are getting refunds from a nearly $3 million settlement. The California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation joined with the Federal Trade Commission to investigate and stop the fraud. “This case shows what’s possible when state and federal partners work together with purpose to crack down on fraud, hold bad […]

Friday, June 5, 2026

By Guest Contributor Friday, June 5, 2026

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City of Burbank issues scam alert

Burbank/Scam Alert— Scam Alert: Fraudulent Emails Requesting Payment SCAM ALERT: Beware of fraudulent emails claiming to be from the City and requesting payment. Before responding to any email requesting payment, remember: Official City of Burbank email addresses always end in @burbankca.gov The City will never request wire transfers or credit card info via email. If you receive a suspicious email […]

Wednesday, May 27, 2026

By Guest Contributor Wednesday, May 27, 2026

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Online party invites that look real but are scams

Scams/Online Party Invites— It’s graduation and summer party season. The FTC is getting reports about unexpected “You’re invited” texts and emails that are actually phishing scams. These fake invitations ask for your email login credentials or a special pass code to open them, but don’t do it. Learn how these phishing scams work and how to protect yourself if you […]

Wednesday, May 27, 2026

By Guest Contributor Wednesday, May 27, 2026

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Tips on how to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning at home or on vacation

Consumer Alert/Carbon Monoxide— (StatePoint) Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous, flammable gas that is impossible to see, smell, or taste — making it easy to assume you’re safe when danger may already be present. So, whether you’ll be vacationing away from home or planning a “staycation” this summer, take extra steps to help protect yourself and your loved ones […]