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Consumer Daily Reports

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The agency has been aggressive in curbing "junk fees," obtuse terms

By James R. Hood of ConsumerAffairs
November 25, 2024

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) was founded after the financial crisis of 2008 to rein in banks and other financial institutions. But the Trump Administration is not a fan and, with a GOP majority in Congress, is likely to trim the agency's sails, if not sink it entirely.

The CFPB -- created in 2011 to serve as "the cop on the beat" -- has provided more than $16 billion to consumers who were victimized by what the CFPB termed unfair or deceptive practices. It has targeted banks, like Wells Fargo, payday lenders and credit card companies, and has required simple and more complete disclosure of terms by lenders, making it easier for consumers to compare options.

But critics say the CFPB tries too hard.Former Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., once referred to it as"a rogue, unaccountable, anti-business agency."

The CFPB is the brainchild of Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), who has long assailed banks and financial services companies as being too ruthess in their dealings with consumers. For their part, the banks and finance companies say the CFPB's efforts are hurting their bottom lines and hampering innovation.

Timesmay have changed for CFPB

The CFPB escaped serious harm during the first Trump term because Democrats retained control of the House during part of that time. But times have changed and Republicans now control both house of Congress, making it easier for Trump II to curtail the CFPB.

There's no clear candidate to head the CFPB yet but the names circulating in Washington have strong ties to the banking industry or are academics with conservative views about governmentregulation of private industry.

The mood in Congress, even among some Democrats, has been changing lately, with less support for the aggessive regulation that followed the 2008 financial crisis.

Leaving politics aside, the argument comes down to whether consumers need and want more protection against threats to their financial wellbeing and privacy or whether they thinkstern regulations end up hurting consumers by discouraging businesses from investing in new products and services.

Overdraft fees a sticking point

Take overdraft fees, for example. The CFPB has proposed capping overdraft charges at $14 for larger banks. The banks say that would end up hurting consumers.

Brent Tjarks, executive director of the Mid-size Bank Coalition of America which represents more than 100 midsize banks, wrote that the loss of a "meaningful source of revenue to support the cost of deposit products" left institutions with no choice but to pull back from products "that benefit lower-income and underbanked consumers," according to an account in The American Banker.

Trump didn't talk much about financial regulation during his campaign and at times even talked about capping credit card interest rates. But his Administration is expected to be responsive to the banking industry's pleas.

Not everyone is ready to concede.

The CFPB is here to stay, said Sen. Warren, who nearly single-handedly birthed the agency during President Barack Obama's term, in a Washington Post report.

So I get theres big talk, but the laws supporting the CFPB are strong, and support across this nation from Democrats, Republicans, and people who dont pay any attention at all to politics, is also strong, Warren said.

What has it accomplished?

Most notably, CFPB has collected $16 billion that it has returned to consumers who came up sort on one financial deal or another. What else has it done? From various sources, we came up with this list of actions it has taken on behalf of consumers:

1. Financial Restitution to Consumers

The CFPB has returned billions of dollars to consumers who were victims of unfair, deceptive, or abusive financial practices:

  • Over $16 billion in relief provided to more than 200 million consumers (as of 2023).
  • Examples:
    • Fines and penalties against financial institutions like Wells Fargo for fraudulent account practices.
    • Enforcement actions against payday lenders and credit card companies for predatory practices.

2. Promoting Transparency

The CFPB has implemented rules to ensure that consumers have clear and accurate information about financial products:

  • Simplified mortgage disclosure forms, making it easier for homebuyers to understand loan terms.
  • Regulations requiring credit card companies to disclose terms clearly, enabling consumers to compare options.

3. Regulating Abusive Practices

The CFPB has cracked down on predatory practices across various sectors, including:

  • Payday lending: Imposing stricter rules to prevent payday lenders from trapping borrowers in cycles of debt.
  • Debt collection: Introducing rules that limit harassment by debt collectors and provide clearer information about debts.
  • Student loans: Targeting fraudulent practices by private lenders and for-profit colleges.

4. Supervising Financial Institutions

The CFPB supervises major financial players, including banks, credit unions, and non-bank entities (e.g., mortgage lenders, payday lenders):

  • Conducting audits and compliance reviews.
  • Holding companies accountable for consumer protection violations.

5. Financial Education and Tools

The CFPB offers resources to help consumers make informed financial decisions:

  • Know Before You Owe campaigns for mortgages, student loans, and credit cards.
  • Financial literacy tools, including budgeting calculators and debt repayment guidance.

6. Advocacy for Marginalized Communities

The CFPB has focused on issues affecting vulnerable populations:

  • Fighting racial discrimination in lending practices through enforcement of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA).
  • Addressing inequities in access to credit for underserved communities.

7. Protecting Consumers in Emergencies

The CFPB has acted during crises to safeguard consumers:

  • During the COVID-19 pandemic, it promoted mortgage forbearance options and protection against eviction or foreclosure.
  • After natural disasters, it provided guidance to protect disaster victims from financial scams.

8. Enforcement and Settlements

The CFPB has undertaken enforcement actions against high-profile companies:

  • Wells Fargo: Penalized for creating fake accounts.
  • Navient: Sued for misleading borrowers about student loan repayment plans.
  • Equifax: Fined for failing to protect consumer data during its 2017 data breach.

Criticism and Challenges

While the CFPB has accomplished much, it has faced criticism and legal challenges:

  • Accusations of regulatory overreach by some in the financial industry.
  • Court challenges to its funding structure, particularly its independence from congressional appropriations.

Whatever its fate may be in the future, the CFPB has had a profound impact on the financial landscape, protecting consumers, promoting transparency, and holding financial institutions accountable.

Will consumers and business be better off without those protections? The next few years may hold the answer.



Photo Credit: Consumer Affairs News Department Images


Posted: 2024-11-25 02:14:32

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Consumer News: Nearly 50% of people living with diabetes have no idea they have it, study finds

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 22:07:08 +0000

A closer look at the hidden gap in diabetes diagnosis around the world

By Kristen Dalli of ConsumerAffairs
September 10, 2025
  • In 2023, about 44% of people aged 15 and over living with diabetes didnt know they had it.

  • Under-diagnosis is especially high among younger individuals.

  • The study reveals a global snapshot of the diabetes care cascadefrom awareness to treatment.


Imagine almost half the people who have diabetes don't even know it.

That's exactly what researchers uncovered in a major global analysis published in 2025.

Despite diabetes being a widespread and serious health issue, a huge chunk of those affected remain undiagnosed. This isnt just a number its a wake-up call about the gaps in detection and care around the world.

By 2050, 1.3 billion people are expected to be living with diabetes, and if nearly half dont know they have a serious and potentially deadly health condition, it could easily become a silent epidemic, researcher Lauryn Stafford said in a news release.

The study

The study comes from the Global Burden of Disease research, which examines health trends worldwide.

Researchers looked specifically at the "cascade of care" related to diabetes in 2023 from who has the condition, to who knows about it, to who receives treatment. They focused on people aged 15 and older, gathering and analyzing data across countries and regions to understand where breakdowns in detection and treatment are happening.

What the study found: the numbers behind the gap

Heres the tough truth: in 2023, 44% of people aged 15 and older with diabetes were unaware of their condition.

Thats nearly half of all individuals living with the disease many without treatment or necessary lifestyle adjustments flying under the radar.

On the other hand, over 90% of those who knew they were diabetic were receiving treatment for the disease. However, of that group, just 42% had a handle on maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.

Overall, these findings found that 21% of all diabetics around the world had the disease under control.

Trends in diagnoses

The largest share of undiagnosed cases were found among younger populations. In other words, younger people with diabetes are at notably higher risk of being unaware they have it.

The researchers also found that certain demographic factors impacted the rate of diagnosis and treatment of diabetes.

For instance, diabetics in Southern Latin America had the highest rates of blood sugar management. Similarly, high-income diabetics in Asia-Pacific had the highest rates of diabetics receiving treatment. On the other hand, individuals in Central Sub-Saharan Africa had the lowest rates of diagnosis.

The broader context reminds us that diabetes remains a profound global health challenge not only for those diagnosed, but for those who havent even been identified yet.


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Consumer News: CDC report finds U.S. death rate is lowest its been since 2020

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 22:07:08 +0000

COVID-19 is no longer a top 10 cause of death

By Kristen Dalli of ConsumerAffairs
September 10, 2025
  • The U.S. saw roughly 3.07 million deaths in 2024, with a notable 3.8% drop in the overall age-adjusted death rate compared to 2023.

  • Mortality fell across most age, sex, and racial/ethnic groups, though the highest death rate remained among Black non-Hispanic individuals, and infants didnt see a meaningful decrease.

  • Heart disease, cancer, and unintentional injuries remained the top causes of death, while COVID-19 dropped out of the top 10 for 2024.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released provisional data on the U.S. death rate in 2024. The latest report includes information on death certificates processed up to June 1, 2025.

While there is plenty to unpack from these findings, two of the biggest headlines:

  • The overall U.S. death rate is the lowest its been since before the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • COVID-19 is no longer a top 10 cause of death.

Provisional death estimates can give researchers and policymakers an early signal about shifts in mortality trends and provide actionable information sooner than final mortality data, the report states. These data can inform public health policies and interventions aimed at reducing mortality.

The study

Researchers at the National Center for Health Statistics used death certificate data covering over 99% of deaths in 2024.

They broke things down by age, sex, and race/ethnicity. Causes of death were classified using the standard ICD-10 system, then ranked based on how often they showed up as the underlying cause.

The researchers used U.S. Census population estimates from mid-2024 to calculate death rates, including age-adjusted rates (to account for population age differences) and simple age-specific rates. Statistical tests ensured comparisons were reliable (p-value

The results

In 2024, there were approximately 3,072,039 deaths in the U.S. Overall, the age-adjusted death rate fell to 722.0 per 100,000 people, down from 750.5 in 2023 a 3.8% decrease, which marks the lowest rate since 2020.

Death rates declined across nearly all age groups except infants (under 1 year) showed no significant change and most demographic groups too. Men continued to have a higher death rate than women (844.8 vs. 613.5 per 100,000.

Among different racial and ethnic groups, the lowest age-adjusted death rate was among multiracial non-Hispanic individuals (332.3), while the highest was among Black non-Hispanic individuals (884.0).

The study also broke down the top 10 causes of death across the United States. Notably, COVID-19 has been removed from that list.

Heres a look at the full list:

  • Heart disease (683,037 deaths)

  • Cancer (619,812)

  • Unintentional injuries (196,488)

  • Stroke (166,783)

  • Chronic lower respiratory diseases (145,612)

  • Alzheimers disease (116,016)

  • Diabetes (94,382)

  • Kidney disease (55,070)

  • Chronic liver disease and cirrhosis (52,529)

  • Suicide (48,863)


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Consumer News: Sam's Club introduces label-free bottled water ... in China

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 22:07:08 +0000

The change is intended to make recycling easier and reduce ink and energy use during production

By Truman Lewis of ConsumerAffairs
September 10, 2025

The only thing more refreshing than a bottle of cold water might be the fact that it now comes without a label. Sams Club members in China can now buy label-free drinking water under the retailers private brand, Members Mark a move the company says reduces plastic waste and boosts recyclability. What about thirsty consumers in the U.S. There's no word on when or if the label-free bottles will be introduced here.

Cutting plastic & waste

By removing labels from its water bottles, Sams Club is cutting both plastic and ink use, leaving behind a single material thats easier to recycle. The streamlined bottles also save energy during production. Nutrition facts and other details arent disappearing altogether they remain printed on the case packaging, since water will only be sold in multi-bottle packs.

Customer reaction to the minimalist design will help determine whether Sams Club expands the initiative beyond this pilot program.

The Members Mark water is drawn from three protected reservoirs in China: Qiandao Lake in Zhejiang, Wanlv Lake in Guangdong, and Danjiangkou Reservoir in Hubei. The label-free design is intended to reflect the purity of its contents while aligning with Walmarts wider environmental goals.

Asustainability push

While the no-label water bottle grabs headlines, its just one step in a broader effort to make packaging across Sams Club China more sustainable. The company has introduced a variety of changes, including removing unnecessary plastic components, swapping in recyclable alternatives, and using aqueous coatings on paperboard packaging instead of plastic lamination.

One example: Members Mark freeze-dried instant coffee powder recently ditched its polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film window and switched to more recyclable coatings, reducing plastic use by nearly 6 grams per box. The new packaging also sports colorful, tropical-themed artwork, underscoring the brands emphasis on sustainability with style.

Global commitments

These local changes fit into Walmarts global sustainability strategy. The company has pledged to become a regenerative business, integrating climate, waste, and nature initiatives into its operations. A centerpiece of this effort is Project Gigaton, launched in 2017, which aims to eliminate 1 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Walmart achieved that goal six years early, in February 2024, thanks to partnerships with more than 330 suppliers in China alone.

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Wed, 10 Sep 2025 19:07:07 +0000

The expansion brings charging stations to nearly 40 states

By James R. Hood of ConsumerAffairs
September 10, 2025

  • More than 200 Pilot and Flying J travel centers now feature fast charging stations.

  • The network includes roughly 850 public fast charging stalls across nearly 40 states.

  • Partners aim to reach 2,000 stalls at 500 sites to enable coast-to-coast EV travel.


National charging network expands rapidly

A collaboration between Pilot Company, General Motors and EVgo has added significant momentum to the nations electric vehicle charging network, with more than 200 travel centers now offering fast charging. The expansion provides drivers with approximately 850 stalls spread across nearly 40 states, delivering critical infrastructure for long-distance EV travel.

The partners launched their initiative in 2022 and are already nearly halfway to their goal of building up to 2,000 fast charging stalls at 500 Pilot and Flying J travel centers nationwide. By the end of 2025, the group projects it will reach 1,000 stalls across 40 states.

Filling gaps along key travel routes

The rapid buildout has prioritized interstate corridors that carry more than one-fifth of U.S. traffic, helping to address one of the largest obstacles to EV adoption: charging availability on long trips. The companies note that at the start of 2025, fewer than half of U.S. rural counties had even a single fast charging stall.

In the past year alone, the network has grown from serving just over 25 states to nearly 40, adding coverage in Colorado, South Carolina, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming. Texas, Missouri and Florida have also seen significant expansion.

Improving the driver experience

The charging stations are located at Pilot and Flying J travel centers, providing EV drivers access to free Wi-Fi, on-site dining, and other amenities while they charge. Many sites feature overhead canopies and pull-through stalls designed for vehicles towing trailers.

Each stall uses EVgos 350kW fast chargers, capable of delivering a rapid recharge, and most support Plug and Charge technology. This allows compatible EVs to automatically initiate and pay for a session simply by connecting the charger, eliminating the need for additional steps.

Charging access should never get in the way of an EV journey, said Wade Sheffer, vice president of GM Energy. This collaboration ensures that drivers can confidently travel anywhere, anytime.

Looking ahead

The three-way partnership is part of a larger national push to ensure EV infrastructure keeps pace with surging consumer demand. By building a robust charging backbone across highways and in rural communities, Pilot, GM and EVgo aim to make coast-to-coast EV travel routine rather than exceptional.

Drivers can find available charging locations at pilotcompany.com/ev-charging.


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Consumer News: Ariana Grande fans cry foul after tickets vanish for ‘eternal sunshine tour’

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 19:07:07 +0000

Fans and some critics suspect 'holdbacks,' a tactic that can keep prices high

By Truman Lewis of ConsumerAffairs
September 10, 2025

  • Fans flooded social media with complaints after presale queues stretched into the millions.

  • Many who made it through found all tickets marked sold out almost instantly.

  • Industry insiders blame possible ticket holdbacks, a tactic that frustrates consumers but props up prices.


Fans say ticket hunt was impossible

Ariana Grande fans are venting their frustration after tickets for her 2026 Eternal Sunshine Tour proved nearly impossible to secure. Since presales began September 9, social platforms have been filled with complaints about long queues in some cases more than a million people deep.

Even those who managed to get through the hours-long wait often found every option labeled sold out. When general sales opened the next day, tickets in many cities vanished within minutes, prompting Ticketmaster to warn fans that only very limited seats remained.

https://www.ticketnews.com/2025/09/ariana-grande-fans-ticketmaster-eternal-sunshine-tour/Questions swirl over ticket availability

The rapid sellouts have led to accusations that promoters and ticketing platforms restricted public access. At least one industry source claimed that in some markets only about 1,000 tickets were released to the general sale, with the rest held back for presales or later release.

Such holdbacks are a common but controversial tactic: tickets are set aside and released in small waves, sustaining demand and keeping prices elevated by maintaining the illusion of scarcity. Fans also criticized Grande for booking arenas rather than stadiums, saying her fan base could easily have filled larger venues after a seven-year touring hiatus.

Ticketmaster faces wider backlash

Grandes fans are only the latest to complain about Ticketmasters systems. In recent years, fans of Olivia Rodrigo, Sabrina Carpenter, Sleep Token and Green Day have all endured long online queues, error messages and abrupt price spikes that left many empty-handed.

Critics say the platforms dominance allows it to operate without meaningful accountability, even as fan frustration mounts with each high-profile tour launch.

Grandes return to the road

The Eternal Sunshine Tour will open June 6, 2026, at Oakland Arena in California and wind through the U.S. and Canada before closing with five nights at Londons O2 Arena in August. Multiple cities, including Austin, Sunrise, Atlanta and Montreal, will host repeat shows.

Grande last toured in 2019 with the Sweetener World Tour, which sold out arenas worldwide. Her comeback follows the release of Eternal Sunshine, the 2024 album that debuted atop the Billboard 200 and cemented her as one of pops most enduring stars.


2026 tour dates

Date City Venue
June 6 Oakland, CA Oakland Arena
June 9 Los Angeles, CA Kia Forum
June 12 Phoenix, AZ Footprint Center
June 15 Austin, TX Moody Center
June 16 Austin, TX Moody Center
June 20 Sunrise, FL Amerant Bank Arena
June 21 Sunrise, FL Amerant Bank Arena
June 25 Atlanta, GA State Farm Arena
June 26 Atlanta, GA State Farm Arena
July 1 Chicago, IL United Center
July 5 Montreal, QC Bell Centre
July 6 Montreal, QC Bell Centre
July 10 Toronto, ON Scotiabank Arena
July 15 New York, NY Madison Square Garden
July 20 Boston, MA TD Garden
July 25 Philadelphia, PA Wells Fargo Center
July 30 Washington, D.C. Capital One Arena
Aug. 5 Dallas, TX American Airlines Center
Aug. 10 Denver, CO Ball Arena
Aug. 15 Seattle, WA Climate Pledge Arena
Aug. 2024 London, UK The O2 (five-night stand)


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