Consumer News: ‘Did you authorize this?’ Texts asking that are often scams

Essential oils, furniture, and holiday decor are featured on this week's list

Wintergreen essential oil bottles recalled for lacking child-resistant packaging

GM Gumili Wintergreen Essential Oil sold on Amazon is being recalled due to the risk of child poisoning, as the bottles do not meet child-resistant packaging standards.

• The essential oil contains methyl salicylate and was not sold in child-resistant packaging, posing a poisoning risk to children if swallowed.
• About 2,970 bottles were sold on Amazon.com between October 2023 and November 2025 for around $8 each.
• Consumers should stop using the oil and contact Gumili Beauty for a refund or replacement.

Guangzhou Feifan Kuajing Supply Chain Co., Ltd., doing business as Gumili Beauty, is recalling its GM Gumili Wintergreen Essential Oil bottles. The recall was issued because the essential oil was sold in bottles that do not meet mandatory child-resistant packaging requirements, creating a risk for children. The product was available on Amazon and is packaged in amber glass bottles with a dropper cap and a white label featuring the GM logo and a wintergreen plant image.

The hazard

The essential oil contains methyl salicylate, a substance that must be packaged in child-resistant containers under the Poison Prevention Packaging Act (PPPA). The recalled bottles are not child resistant, posing a serious poisoning risk if young children swallow the contents. No injuries have been reported to date.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the recalled essential oil immediately and place it out of the sight and reach of children. Contact Gumili Beauty for a refund or replacement. Do not continue to use the product in its current packaging.

Company contact

Contact Gumili Beauty toll-free at 800-343-1580 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or email gumilius@outlook.com.

Source

Fixwal 7-drawer dressers recalled for tip-over and entrapment hazards

Fixwal 7-Drawer Dressers sold through Amazon are being recalled after failing stability standards, posing a risk of serious injury or death to children.

• Dressers are unstable if not anchored to the wall, violating the STURDY Act and creating tip-over and entrapment hazards.
• About 2,900 units sold on Amazon.com from September 2023 to December 2025 at around $100 each.
• Consumers should stop using unanchored dressers and contact Momok for a full refund.

Changzhou Xunchuang Home Furnishing Co., Ltd., dba Momok, is recalling its Fixwal 7-Drawer Dressers, which were sold in black and white with metal frames and collapsable fabric drawers. The recall was prompted because these dressers do not meet the mandatory stability standards required for clothing storage units, putting children at risk. The affected dressers measure 55.1 inches long, 11.8 inches wide, and 31.5 inches tall.

The hazard

The dressers are unstable when not anchored to the wall, violating the STURDY Act. This instability presents a serious risk of tip-over and entrapment, which can lead to significant injury or even death, especially for young children. No incidents or injuries have been reported as of the recall date.

What to do

Immediately stop using the recalled dresser if it is not anchored to the wall, and move it to an area inaccessible to children. Contact Momok for a full refund.

Company contact

Email Momok at fixwaldresserrecall@outlook.com for refund details.

Source

Lotus Joy sweet birch essential oil bottles recalled due to poisoning risk

Zan International Trading is recalling Lotus Joy Organic Sweet Birch Essential Oil bottles sold on Amazon because the packaging is not child resistant and could lead to serious poisoning.

• The bottle contains methyl salicylate and fails child-resistant packaging requirements, posing a poisoning risk if swallowed by children.
• About 470 bottles were sold on Amazon.com from August 2025 through November 2025 for about $13 each.
• Consumers should secure the product away from children and contact Zan International Trading for a refund.

Guangzhou Tenghui Fragrance & Flavor Co., Ltd. is recalling its Lotus Joy Organic Sweet Birch Essential Oil bottles distributed by Zan International Trading. The recall is due to the bottles not meeting the mandatory child-resistant packaging standards, thus posing a child poisoning risk. The essential oil was sold in small amber bottles with glass droppers and a distinctive white, orange, and black label.

The hazard

The product contains methyl salicylate, which must be secured in child-resistant packaging under the Poison Prevention Packaging Act. The lack of compliant packaging means children could easily access the contents and ingest the oil, resulting in potentially fatal poisoning. No known injuries have been reported.

What to do

Consumers should immediately store the recalled essential oil out of sight and reach of children. To receive a refund, pour the product contents into the trash, write RECALLED on the bottle, and send a photo of the disposed bottle to Zan International Trading at the provided email address.

Company contact

Contact Zan International Trading toll-free at 888-5739-288 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or email zantradellc@hotmail.com.

Source

Dresbe LED Christmas headbands recalled for battery ingestion hazard

Dresbe LED Christmas Headbands are being recalled after it was found that the button cell batteries are easily accessible to children, creating a life-threatening ingestion hazard.

• The headbands contain accessible button cell batteries and lack required safety warnings, risking serious injury if swallowed by children.
• About 250 units sold on Amazon.com from March 2024 to June 2025 for around $13 per two-pack.
• Consumers should stop using the headbands and contact Dresbe for a refund.

Wenxi Xuefeng Technology Co., Ltd., dba Dresbe, is recalling its LED Christmas Headbands sold as novelty two-packs, including red candy cane and green Christmas tree designs. The recall was issued because the headbands contain button cell batteries that children can easily access, and the products lack the safety warnings mandated under Reeses Law.

The hazard

The accessible button cell batteries pose a serious ingestion hazard to children, risking severe internal injuries, chemical burns, or death if swallowed. The headbands and packaging also fail to carry legally required warnings for button cell battery products. No injuries have been reported so far.

What to do

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled headbands and keep them away from children. Contact Dresbe for refund instructions.

Company contact

Contact Dresbe by email at dresberecall@shineprom.com for refund details.

Source

Cobelae Busy Books recalled due to choking hazard from small beads

Flyindream is recalling Cobelae Busy Books after discovering that beads can detach and pose a deadly choking hazard to children.

• The apple-shaped beads on page eight of the book can loosen and detach, violating the small parts ban and creating a choking risk.
• About 3,500 books sold on Amazon.com in October and November 2025 for around $26 each.
• Consumers should stop using the product and contact Flyindream for a free replacement.

Shenzhenmengzhongfeikejiyouxiangongsi, doing business as Flyindream, is recalling its Cobelae Busy Book, model 2025-Q3-0702. The recall follows concerns that the string of beads in the apple on page eight can loosen and detach, posing a serious choking hazard. The book is easily recognized by a yellow and brown giraffe on the front cover.

The hazard

The beads can detach from the toy, creating a potential choking hazard for young children. This violates the federal small parts ban and could lead to injury or death if swallowed. No injuries have been reported.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the recalled busy book immediately. Write RECALLED on the front of the book with a permanent marker, dispose of the product, and email a photo of the discarded book to cobelaeservice@outlook.com to receive a free replacement.

Company contact

Email cobelaeservice@outlook.com for replacement instructions.

Source

Furnulem 5-drawer dressers recalled for tip-over and entrapment risk

Furnulem is recalling select 5-Drawer Dressers due to instability, which can result in serious injury or death if the dresser tips over and traps a child.

• Dressers without feet extensions violate the STURDY Act and can tip over if not anchored, creating entrapment hazards.
• About 50 white wooden dressers sold on Amazon.com in July 2025 for about $140 each.
• Consumers should stop using and dispose of the dresser, then contact Furnulem for a full refund.

Shanghai Taiye Furniture Co., Ltd., doing business as Furnulem, is recalling its five-drawer dressers (model HK-DS-017-CL-5D-1-W) that did not come with feet extensions. The white wooden dresser, sold exclusively on Amazon, has a top with recessed power outlets and round pull knobs on each drawer. The recall addresses the risk that these dressers can tip over if not properly anchored.

The hazard

If the dresser is not anchored to the wall, it can tip over, violating the mandatory stability standard under the STURDY Act. This poses tip-over and entrapment hazards that can result in serious injuries or even death to children. No injuries have been reported so far.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the recalled dresser immediately, make sure it is out of reach of children, and contact Furnulem for disposal instructions. Consumers must send a photo demonstrating the dressers disposal to receive a full refund.

Company contact

Call Furnulem collect at 310-227-9560 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, email support@furnulem.com, or visit furnulem.com/pages/voluntary-safety-recall for more details.

Source

Little Cow Company 9 oz candles recalled for fire and laceration hazards

Little Cow Company is recalling its 9 oz candles in glass jars after reports that the jars can crack or break during use, posing risks of fire, burns, and cuts.

• The glass jar can break or crack, leading to fire, burn, and laceration hazards.
• About 1,140 candles sold nationwide at New Seasons Market and Town and Country stores between December 2025 and January 2026 for about $25 each.
• Consumers should stop using the candle and contact Little Cow Company for a full refund.

Little Cow Company LLC, based in Portland, Oregon, is recalling its Little Cow Co. branded 9 oz candles in glass jars. The recall follows two reports of the glass jars breaking during use, which could potentially cause fire, burns, or lacerations. The affected candles have a sticker with the brand name and state 100% natural soy wax candle, laced with organic butter.

The hazard

The glass jars used for these candles can break or crack while burning, posing fire and burn hazards as well as the risk of cuts from broken glass. Although two incidents of jar breakage have been reported, there have been no injuries so far.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the recalled candles immediately. To obtain a refund, draw an X on the glass container with a permanent marker, cut the wicks, and email a photo of the marked jar and cut wicks to Little Cow Company.

Company contact

Email info@littlecowco.com or visit littlecowco.com/pages/recall and click on Recalls for more information.

Source

PurSteam travel steamers recalled for serious burn risk

Aterian is recalling PurSteam Elite Travel Steamers and Mighty Lil Steamers due to reports of hot water expelling from the nozzle, resulting in dozens of burn injuries.

• The steamers can expel hot water during use, creating a serious burn hazard.
• About 75,400 PurSteam Elite and 119,000 Mighty Lil Steamers sold online from December 2020 through April 2025.
• Consumers should stop use immediately and follow recall instructions to receive a full refund.

Aterian, Inc. of Summit, New Jersey, is recalling its PurSteam Elite Travel Steamers (model PS-510) and PurSteam Mighty Lil Steamers (model PS-550), which were sold online through Pursteam.com, Amazon, and Walmart. The recall comes after hundreds of reports of hot water being expelled from the steam nozzle, resulting in dozens of burn injuries. The affected steamers are white and can be identified by model number and date code labels on the bottom.

The hazard

Both steamer models can unexpectedly expel hot water from the nozzle during use, posing a risk of serious burns. There have been 80 reports (including 14 burns) associated with the PS-510 model and 392 reports (including 40 burns, two second-degree) with the PS-550. Additional incidents were reported before Aterian acquired PurSteam in 2020.

What to do

Stop using the recalled steamers right away. Visit recall.pursteam.com to submit a recall request. Consumers will need to provide contact information, cut the steamers cord, and upload a photo of the device with the cord cut to receive a full refund. Hold onto the steamer until receiving a refund, as some consumers may need to return the product using a prepaid mailer.

Company contact

Call Aterian toll-free at 833-910-6095 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, email recall@pursteam.com, or visit pursteam.com and click Product Recall for more information.

Source

Lancaster Table & Seating powder-coated outdoor chairs and barstools recalled for fall hazard

Clark Associates is recalling three models of Lancaster Table & Seating Powder-Coated Aluminum Outdoor Chairs and Barstools after multiple reports of legs bending or breaking, resulting in falls and injuries.

• The legs of the chairs and barstools can bend or break during use, presenting a fall risk.
• About 158,486 units sold nationwide and online from April 2020 through October 2025 for $55 to $133.
• Consumers should stop using the affected chairs and barstools and contact Clark Associates for a refund.

Clark Core Services LLC, dba Clark Associates, is recalling three models of its Lancaster Table & Seating Powder-Coated Aluminum Outdoor Chairs and Barstools. The affected items include arm chairs, side chairs, and barstools sold under 180 item numbers, available at Clark Pro, Clark National Accounts, and through several online vendors.

The hazard

The legs of these chairs and barstools can bend or break while in use, creating a significant risk of falls. The company has received 36 reports of broken or bent legs, resulting in four falls and three injuries.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the recalled chairs and barstools immediately and contact Clark Associates to arrange for a refund.

Company contact

Call Clark Associates toll-free at 800-285-8172 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or email pcachairsandbarstools@lancastertableandseating.com. Visit lancastertableandseating.com/recalls/powder-coated-aluminum-chairs for more information.

Source

YITA recalls multiple brands of 16-drawer dressers for tip-over hazard

Yita LLC is recalling five different brands of 16-drawer dressers after finding they can tip over if not anchored, posing risks of serious injury or death to children.

• The dressers violate the STURDY Act and can tip over if unanchored, creating tip-over and entrapment hazards.
• About 6,800 dressers sold on Amazon.com and Walmart.com from September 2023 through August 2025 for $75-$100 each.
• Consumers should stop use, disassemble and dispose of the dresser, then contact YITA for a refund.

Yita LLC, doing business as Yitahome, Uforic, Dextrus, Yintatech, and ModFusion, is recalling several brands of 16-drawer dressers. The affected dressers are available in gray, black, white, pink, and brown, with collapsable fabric drawers and metal frames. The recall affects dressers sold online between September 2023 and August 2025.

The hazard

The recalled dressers are unstable if they are not anchored to the wall, violating the mandatory standard required by the STURDY Act. This instability can lead to tip-overs and entrapment, posing significant injury or death risks to children. No injuries have been reported so far.

What to do

Stop using the recalled dressers immediately. Move them out of areas accessible to children. Disassemble and dispose of the dresser, write RECALL on it with permanent marker, and provide a photo of the disposed product to YITA to receive a full refund.

Company contact

Call YITA toll-free at 877-672-0878 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, email yitamotor@outlook.com, or see yitahome.com/article/voluntary-safety-recall-16-drawer-dresser-fabric-dresser.html?aid=152 for full instructions.

Source

Warning: Creative Dice Lighters pose fire and burn risks

The CPSC warns consumers to stop using Creative Dice Lighters, which resemble stacked dice, because they lack required child-resistant features and pose a serious fire hazard.

• The lighters do not have child-resistant mechanisms, violating federal standards and increasing fire and burn risks.
• Sold on Amazon.com from May 2024 to November 2025 for about $16; may also be available from other sellers.
• Consumers should stop use immediately and dispose of the lighter per local regulations.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is warning consumers to immediately stop using Creative Dice Lighters. These novelty lighters, shaped like stacked dice in various colors, do not include the child-resistant mechanisms required by federal law, creating a risk of serious injury or death from fire or burns. The lighters were primarily sold on Amazon but may be available from other third-party sellers.

The hazard

Creative Dice Lighters violate the mandatory standard for cigarette lighters by lacking child-resistant safety mechanisms. This makes it easier for children to operate the lighter, increasing the risk of accidental fires and burns. No specific incidents have been reported, but the risk is considered severe.

What to do

Consumers should stop using these lighters immediately and dispose of them according to local regulations. Do not sell or give away these hazardous products.

Company contact

Report any incidents involving injury or product defects to CPSC at www.SaferProducts.gov.

Source

Mays Chemical Company recalls imported frozen pork loins in Puerto Rico

Mays Chemical Company of Puerto Rico is recalling frozen, raw pork boneless loins imported from Canada without required reinspection, posing a high food safety risk.

• The products were imported without the benefit of import reinspection, violating food safety regulations and creating a Class I health risk.
• The recall affects items marked with Cert. No. Cert 336662 and Canada establishment Canada 12, distributed in Puerto Rico.
• Consumers and businesses should throw away or return affected products to the place of purchase.

Mays Chemical Company of Puerto Rico is recalling its frozen, raw pork boneless loins after it was discovered the products were imported from Canada without the necessary U.S. import reinspection. These pork loins were distributed to various institutions, restaurants, and federal establishments across Puerto Rico and can be identified by an export mark stating Cert. No. Cert 336662 and establishment Canada 12.

The hazard

Because the pork was imported without the required FSIS reinspection, there is a heightened risk that the product could pose a food safety threat. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has designated this recall as Class I, indicating a high or medium risk to health. No illnesses have been reported to date, but consumption of uninspected meat can lead to serious health consequences.

What to do

Distributors, institutions, restaurants, and federal establishments should not serve, sell, or consume the affected pork loins. The products should be discarded or returned to the place of purchase as soon as possible.

Company contact

Contact Mr. Julio Westerband, Purchasing-Inventory Control, Mays Ochoa at (787) 340-1327 or Julio.Westerband@maysochoa.com, or Ms. Dora Chevres, Traffic Manager, Mays Ochoa at (787) 479-2109 or Dora.Chevres@maysochoa.com for more information.

Source

A low-effort way to grow your savings using money you wont miss

• Dont spend the difference. When a bill goes down, act like that money never existed in your spending budget.

• Auto-transfer the exact amount. If your bill drops by $15, set up a $15 automatic move to savings right after payday.

• Stack the drops. A few small reductions (insurance, phone, subscriptions) can quietly turn into $1,000+ a year saved with zero lifestyle change.

Most budgeting advice focuses on cutting things out of your life. Cancel this. Skip that. Stop buying lattes. Cook everything from scratch.

That works until it doesnt. Because eventually, you get tired of feeling restricted, and your old habits start to creep back in.

Heres a different approach that feels way less painful and way more realistic:

Instead of saving when your income goes up, start saving whenever your bills go down.

Its a small mindset shift that can quietly add hundreds to your savings each year without making your day-to-day life feel tighter.

I call it the bill drop savings plan.

Whatis the 'bill drop savings plan'?

The idea behind this is pretty simple really.

Any time one of your regular monthly expenses drops, or you negotiate a lower utility bill, you automatically redirect the difference into savings.

No more telling yourself youll do it if theres extra at the end of the month or when things calm down.

Instead, make it happen right away. Automatically.

Think about it like this, you were already living with that higher bill, so your lifestyle doesnt need that money to keep you comfortable.

Instead of letting it disappear into random spending, you give it a permanent new job: to grow your savings for future goals.

Why this works better than traditional 'save more'advice

Most people tend to treat a lowered bill like they got a mini raise of some sort.

Your car insurance drops $20 a month? Cool, that becomes takeout money.

You cancel a streaming service? Guess you can justify another subscription somewhere else.

A wireless promo kicks in? That extra cash gets absorbed into everyday spending without you even noticing.

The problem here is lifestyle creep. Your expenses quietly rise to meet whatever money is available.

The bill drop savings plan interrupts that cycle.

And the best part? Youre not actually cutting out something youre currently using. Instead, youre just holding onto money you already proved you could live without.

How to setup this savings plan in 10 minutes

You dont need a new budgeting app or some complicated system youll never stick to.

Instead, just try these three steps to start:

Step 1: Scan your last twoto three months of statements

Look at your checking account or credit card transactions and find any regular bill that went down.

Maybe you negotiated a lower rate, cancelled a service, or maybe you got re-priced at renewal time.

Youre looking for things like these:

• Insurance
• Subscriptions
• Phone or internet
• Utilities
• Childcare
• Loans that were paid off

Step 2: Write down the difference

Compare what you used to pay versus what you pay now.

Example:

Car insurance used to be $142/month, now its $121

Thats a $21 drop.

Step 3: Set up an automatic transfer

Log into your bank and create a recurring transfer to savings for that exact amount. Schedule it for the day after payday so you never see the money sitting in checking.

Thats it. You just turned a boring bill change into some automatic savings.

Pro tip: Rename your savings account and give it a name that reminds you of where the money came from. Something like Canceled Bills Fund or Money I Dont Miss.

It sounds silly, but labeling it like this makes it feel real and keeps you from raiding it for random spending.

Some real-world examples (and the math)

The cool thing about this plan is that while the savings may not feel like much in the beginning, it starts to add up fast.

Example #1: The insurance win

Lets say Maria shops around for more affordable car insurance at renewal time.

She ends up switching providers which drops her premium from $165 to $138 a month.

Difference: $27/month

She then sets up an automatic $27 transfer to a high-yield savings account.

Savings after one year:

$27 12 = $324

She didnt cut anything from her lifestyle. She just locked in the savings instead of spending it with nothing to show for it.

Example #2: The streaming shuffle

Derek realizes hes paying for four streaming services but only regularly uses two.

He decides to cancel two subscriptions that cost $14.99 and $9.99.

Difference: $24.98/month (round it to $25)

He sets up a $25 automatic transfer.

Savings after one year:

$25 12 = $300

Thats $300 saved annually just by being aware of subscription creep, and taking the money saved by cancelling two services, and throwing it automatically into savings.

Example #3: The phone bill drops

Maybe a promo ends and then your carrier offers a new loyalty discount when you call to ask if one exists.

Consequently, your bill goes from $86 to $68 a month.

Difference: $18/month

You then redirect that $18.

Savings after one year:

$18 12 = $216

Again, no sacrifice. Same phone, same service. More savings.

Example #4: The big one daycare ends

Lets say Jasmines youngest child starts kindergarten, and her $640/month daycare payment disappears forever.

Now, I completely understand that not everyone can redirect the full $640 into savings. Things like rising grocery costs, kids sports, and other various activities rise, too.

But lets say she decides she can safely redirect $300 of that old payment. So, she sets up a $300 automatic transfer.

Her savings after one year:

$300 12 = $3,600

Thats some pretty significant money, and over time it can definitely be life-changing. In 10 years, factoring in a fairly conservative 4% rate of return, that turns into over $44,000.

Pro tip: Try to do a quick bill review every six months, minimum. You could even make a calendar reminder twice a year to check for drops in your insurance rates, internet and phone plans, and of course your subscriptions.

The snowball effect most people miss

Heres where this frugal hack gets really powerful.

These bill drops dont happen just once. Over time, I think youll find that life naturally creates more opportunities:

• You pay off a car loan
• A promo lowers your internet rate
• You re-configure insurance
• You finally cancel that gym membership you werent using
• A student loan gets paid off

Lets say over a two-year period you can stack the following things:

• $27 from insurance
• $25 from streaming
• $18 from your phone
• $40 from a cheaper internet plan

That turns into $110/month now going straight to your savings.

$110 12 = $1,320 per year

And the best part? You never once felt like you were on a budget.

How advanced are preying on tax filers and the red flags experts say not to ignore

• Fraudsters are using artificial intelligence to impersonate the IRS, tax software companies, and even tax preparers through realistic texts, emails, calls, and social media posts.

• While seniors are frequent targets, younger filers are also at risk especially on social media and anyone feeling rushed or overwhelmed can be vulnerable.

• The IRS wont text or email you, urgent threats are a major warning sign, and unusual payment requests or fake websites are clear signals of a scam.

For many Americans, tax season already comes with enough stress gathering paperwork, double-checking numbers, and hoping for a refund instead of a bill. But this year, theres another threat quietly lurking in inboxes, text messages, and phone calls: AI-powered designed to look and sound more convincing than ever.

Fraudsters are increasingly using artificial intelligence to impersonate IRS agents, tax software companies, and even trusted tax preparers, making it harder for consumers to tell whats legitimate and whats a trap. These can arrive as a perfectly worded email, a realistic robocall, or a text message that seems to know just enough personal information to feel real. The goal is simple trick tax filers into handing over sensitive data or money before they realize somethings wrong.

ConsumerAffairs spoke with Clayton LiaBraaten, Senior Executive Industry Expert at Truecaller, to learn more about who is most vulnerable to these , the red flags to watch for, and how to protect your personal information.

What to look for

LiaBraaten explained that while the tools that scammers are using are more sophisticated, the underlying patterns of deception remain visible if you know where to look. Here are some red flags to look out for this tax season:

• Know the IRS' contact methods: The IRS will never initiate contact via text, email, or social media to discuss personal tax matters or refunds. If you didn't initiate the conversation, treat it with extreme caution. If a social media ad promises a secret credit or a refund that seems mathematically impossible, its bait.

• False sense of urgency: Scammers rely on a false sense of urgency, capitalizing on external environmental factors that work on people's insecurities and fears. Pressure tactics such as threatening immediate arrest, deportation, or the loss of your refund if you don't act now.

• Strange money requests: Any request to pay a tax bill via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, Zelle, or gift cards is a definite red flag.

• Look closely at website addresses: Something like a link to IRS-refund-portal.gov instead of the official site is a trap designed to harvest your Social Security number and personal information, which could lead to identity theft and defrauding.

Whos most at risk?

When it comes to these , LiaBraaten explained that no age group is out of reach for scammers. While seniors are the primary targets, Gen Z and Millennials are also targets.

Seniors are more likely to answer the phone and treat incoming communication as a call to action, he said. This vulnerability stems from the fact that seniors have predictable wealth and income structures they have built, such as Social Security benefits, monthly pensions and retirement distributions.

However, younger generations have less experience with filing taxes and spend more time on social media, where scammers are now setting traps through fake influencers and too good to be true tax advice. Ultimately, anyone overwhelmed by the complexity of the tax code or the pressure of a tough and uncertain economy is susceptible.

Protect your personal information

With much of tax season still left to go, there are ways to protect your personal information. Here are LiaBraatens best tips:

• Never click a link in an unsolicited text or email. Instead, type "IRS.gov" directly into your browser or log in through your official tax software portal to check your status.

• Deploy the necessary technological insurance to cover yourself the extra mile. Use call and text screening solutions that utilize massive databases and AI to block known scammers before they reach you.

• Utilizean Identity Protection PIN from the IRS. This 6-digit code acts as a secondary lock, preventing anyone from filing a return using your Social Security number without your authorization.

• If you must pay a fee, use a credit card rather than a debit card. Credit cards offer superior fraud protection, and youre essentially using the banks money and not your own.

Heres what now happens at the airport without a REAL ID

• TSA has introduced a paid backup identity check for travelers who arrive without acceptable identification.

• Expect extra steps, manual identity verification, and longer checkpoint wait times that could put you at risk of missing your flight.

• A REAL IDcompliant license, passport, or other accepted federal ID lets you skip the fee and move through security normally.

Heads up if youre flying soon: As of February 1st, travelers who show up to the airport without a REAL ID or other acceptable ID can still flybut it may cost you $45 and extra time.

Heres whats changing and how to avoid turning your trip into a security-line nightmare.

Whats new at airport security

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is rolling out a paid backup identity check called TSA ConfirmID.

If you arrive at the checkpoint without an acceptable ID, youll be referred to the TSA ConfirmID website.

From there, youll follow the steps to get your ID confirmed and be charged a flat $45 fee in the process.

Youll then show your TSA ConfirmID receipt to the TSA officer and follow their instructions.

This is essentially a paid workaround for people who still dont have a REAL IDcompliant license or another approved document.

But TSA is very clear to state that this will likely slow you down, and you could risk missing your flight.

IDs that do get you through without the fee

You do not have to pay the $45 if you bring one of these:

• REAL IDcompliant drivers license (look for the star)
• U.S. passport or passport card
• DHS Trusted Traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
• U.S. military ID
• Permanent resident card
• Tribal-issued photo ID
• Transportation Worker ID (TWIC)
• Veteran Health ID Card

Not accepted: Temporary paper licenses or standard licenses that arent REAL IDcompliant.

The times when paying $45 might make sense

This fee isnt meant to be routine. Its more of a last-minute rescue option.

It could be worth it if:

• You have an urgent, non-refundable trip.
• Your ID was lost or stolen right before travel.
• You didnt realize your license wasnt REAL ID compliant.

Think of it like an airline baggage fee: painful, but sometimes cheaper than canceling a trip.

Why this could seriously delay you

TSA says passengers using ConfirmID should expect:

• Extra screening steps.
• Manual identity verification.
• Longer wait times at the checkpoint.

And since this process varies by airport, theres no guarantee itll be quick anywhere.

Translation: This is not the line you want to be in 40 minutes before boarding.

The smart traveler play (do this instead)

If you fly even once or twice a year, skip the fee and hassle:

1. Check your license today.Look for a star in the upper corner. No star = not REAL ID.

2. Book a DMV appointment now. Wait times are getting longer as more people realize they need one.

3. Use your passport as a backup. If you already have one, this is the easiest workaround.

4. Add ID to your pre-trip checklist. Add it right next to boarding pass and charger. Seriously.

The bottom line

TSAs new $45 ConfirmID option is a pay-to-fly fallback, not really a convenience perk.

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A recent U.S. study explored how every day diet choices impact heart attack, stroke risk

• Eating more ultra-processed foods like sodas, packaged snacks, and processed meats was linked to a 47% higher risk of heart attack or stroke in a large U.S. adult sample.

• Researchers measured how much of peoples daily calories came from ultra-processed foods using established diet surveys and CVD history reports.

• Even after adjusting for age, smoking, income and other factors, the highest consumers of ultra-processed foods still showed a statistically significant increased cardiovascular disease risk.

Chances are, many of us grab a packaged snack or sugary drink without much thought theyre everywhere and easy to eat.

But what exactly counts as an ultra-processed food (UPF)? In research terms, these are foods that are industrially made with ingredients like sugars, salts, fats, emulsifiers, and other additives and often lack whole food nutrients.

A team of researchers led by Florida Atlantic University set out to explore something important: are diets high in these ultra-processed foods linked with serious heart problems like heart attacks and strokes?

The findings from our study, based on a large, nationally representative sample of 4,787 U.S. adults, show that those with the highest intake of UPFs suffer a statistically significant and clinically important 47% higher risk of cardiovascular disease, researcher Charles H. Hennekens, M.D., FACPM, FACC, said in a news release.

These results have major implications for future research as well as clinical care and public policy.

The study

To study this, scientists tapped into the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), which collects detailed information on Americans eating habits, health history, and lifestyle.

Heres what they did:

• They looked at 4,787 adults who had provided at least one day of detailed dietary records between 2021 and 2023.

• Using a widely accepted system called the NOVA classification, researchers calculated what percentage of each persons calories came from ultra-processed foods think sodas, frozen dinners, packaged snacks, and similar products.

• Participants were placed into four groups from lowest to highest UPF consumption.

• The team compared those groups against reports of cardiovascular disease (defined as having had a heart attack or stroke), while statistically controlling for factors at play like age, sex, smoking habits, and income.

The results

What stood out most was the link between high UPF intake and cardiovascular events:

• Adults in the highest group of ultra-processed food consumption had a 47% higher risk of cardiovascular disease compared with those in the lowest group even after accounting for lifestyle and demographic differences.

In simple terms, this means that among people with similar ages, smoking status, income, and more, those eating the most ultra-processed foods were more likely to report serious heart or stroke problems than those eating less.

The researchers point out that long-term, randomized studies would help confirm these findings, but for now this evidence suggests its worth paying attention to how much processed food ends up on your plate. As they put it, health professionals might consider advising patients to reduce ultra-processed food intake alongside other proven lifestyle changes.

Addressing UPFs isnt just about individual choices its about creating environments where the healthy option is the easy option, said Dr. Hennekens. Clinical guidance and public health education are necessary to make nutritious foods accessible and affordable for everyone.

What this means for everyday eating

For consumers, the takeaway from the study isnt about eliminating every packaged food its about awareness and balance.

One practical step is paying attention to how much of your daily calorie intake comes from ultra-processed items, especially foods like sugary drinks, packaged snacks, and heavily processed meats. The researchers grouped people based on proportion of calories, suggesting that overall dietary patterns matter more than any single food choice.

Ultimately, this research supports the idea that small, realistic dietary adjustments not perfection could play a role in long-term heart health, especially when combined with other well-established lifestyle factors like not smoking and staying physically active.