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News 3's JoAnn Merrigan reports on stories that will help you be an informed consumer. Email her at jmerrigan@wsav.com.

Gas & Energy

Find low gas prices in the area and more useful information here.

Gas and Energy

Your Money's Worth

Get tips for stretching your dollars and spending wisely here.

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Consumer Links and Resources

Consumer Complaints – tell JoAnn your story at 644-6847 or jmerrigan@wsav.com.

For consumer help:
Ga. Office of Consumer Affairs
S.C. Dept. of Consumer Affairs

Check out a business or file complaint:
Better Business Bureau
BBB on theft

Complaints about national issues with fraudulent businesses:
The Federal Trade Commission

Legal information:
National Consumer Law Center

Recalls and safety information:
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission

General consumer tips:
Free Consumer Action Handbook
Federal Citizen Information Center
Protecting Your Identity
National Resource for Identity Theft

Credit Reports:
Experian — 888-397-3742
Equifax — 800-685-1111
Trans Union — 800-888-4213

IRS Refunds
Find out if the IRS owes you a refund check

Database
Economic Stimulus Projections

Latest News

November 06, 2009

Location for Data Destruction Day

Saturday at the Chatham County Conservation Education Resource Center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

FDA Issues Salmonella Alert on Pet Carousel Treats
FDA Issues Salmonella Alert on Pet Carousel Treats

The FDA is issuing an alert, saying there could be salmonella contamination on Pet Carousel treats.


November 05, 2009

Locals Look for Boost in Housing Market From Tax Credit Extension
Locals Look for Boost in Housing Market From Tax Credit Extension

“For Sale” signs dot the landscape in neighborhoods all around the country. But there’s new hope every where after the extension of the tax credit for home buyers. 

Phishing for your personal information - don’t get hooked by an identity thief
Phishing for your personal information - don’t get hooked by an identity thief

Identity theft continues to be one of the fastest growing crimes in America. Someone can take your good name and good credit so learn more about how you can protect yourself.


November 04, 2009

House votes to push up effective date of credit card law to December 1st
House votes to push up effective date of credit card law to December 1st

The U.S. House of Representatives has voted to push up the effective date of the new credit card reform act. The bulk of the law was supposed to go into effect in February,but some lawmakers say banks have used the cushion of time they were given to keep hurting consumers by increasing credit card interest rates.


November 03, 2009

Georgia and South Carolina Election Results

Local and state election results from the November 3, 2009 election.

Call to regulate debt-relief companies
Call to regulate debt-relief companies

Major consumer groups are joining the Federal Trade Commission in a move to put more restrictions on for profit debt relief companies.  They say consumers need protection from unscrupulous industry practices


October 30, 2009

Move to extend credit for first time home buyers
Move to extend credit for first time home buyers

A tax credit for first time home buyers is set to expire at the end of November.  But now the Obama Administration is asking Congress to extend it, a move supported by the Savannah Board of Realtors.


October 29, 2009

Credit card issuers still hiking interest rates, have collected 10 billion since last year
Credit card issuers still hiking interest rates, have collected 10 billion since last year

A new report on credit card issuers says not one of the major banks is currently meeting the obligations required in the upcoming credit card act, set to take effect next year.  It says consumers may want to shop around at a credit union instead.  The study also says that major card issuers collected an extra 10 billion dollars in interest rate hikes between 2007 and 2008.


October 08, 2009

The Senate moves to extend unemployment benefits, will it help local workers?
The Senate moves to extend unemployment benefits, will it help local workers?

Some in Congress want to extend unemployment benefits again to help workers who still can’t find jobs.  That may help those in our area.  New figure show that a few less people are being laid off, but those out of work are having to look longer to find a job.

Air Travel Delays Expected To Rise With Improving Economy

Air travel congestion will only get worse as the economy improves. Brooke Hart reports. 


October 06, 2009

Banks fees, are changes being promised enough to help most people?
Banks fees, are changes being promised enough to help most people?

Some major banks recently announced they’ll limit the number of overdfraft fees per day in an effort to help customers. But some consumer groups call it “too little, too late.“


October 05, 2009

Toyota Floor Mats Recall
Toyota Floor Mats Recall

Certain Toyota and Lexus models on the list to put you out of danger.


October 02, 2009

Bank fees, a Savannah woman says “give me a break”
Bank fees, a Savannah woman says “give me a break”

A Savannah woman complains about she calls “excessive fees” from Bank of America after her son overdraws his account. 


September 30, 2009

Toyota recalling millions of vehicles due to concerns about floor mats
Toyota recalling millions of vehicles due to concerns about floor mats

Toyota is advising up to four million owners of its cars that their floor mats, if improperly used, could be dangerous or even fatal. The company is urging owners to remove floor mats for now and if not removed, to make sure the carpet map is properly installed with a clip from Toyota.  Local dealers say it’s an example of Toyota’s commitment to safety.


September 29, 2009

Toyota Recalls 3.8 Million Vehicles
Toyota Recalls 3.8 Million Vehicles

Largest U.S. recall in Toyota history.


September 28, 2009

To text or not to text?  Should lawmakers decide?
To text or not to text?  Should lawmakers decide?

AAA Club South is launching a campaign to put the brakes on texting and talking on the cell phone while driving.  The group says the behaviors are distracting and causing accidents nationwide. It’s calling for legislation in Georgia during the 2010 session.


September 24, 2009

Credit card issuers still changing terms before new law takes effect
Credit card issuers still changing terms before new law takes effect

Credit card companies and banks continue to make changes in anticipation of stricter rules that take effect in February.  What do you need to know?

Local unemployment rate declines a bit
Local unemployment rate declines a bit

The area’s unemployment rate is down a bit.  But does it really signal an improved economy?  It may just mean fewer people looking for jobs.


September 23, 2009

Flood insurance 101 after Atlanta
Flood insurance 101 after Atlanta

With the horrific flooding we’re seeing near Atlanta, now may be a good time to re-visit your insurance.  Are you covered for a flood?  Are you sure?

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