Government agencies are renewing their warnings about the unpaid toll scam that usually arrives in the form of a text. The text claims the recipient has one or more unpaid tolls and offers a strange way to pay.
In recent years, highway authorities have phased out toll booths with human operators. Today, they use cameras that make contact with a transponder, such as from E-ZPass, that debits the drivers account.
If a driver doesnt have a transponder, the camera records the license plate number and sends the driver an invoice through the mail a couple of weeks later. No state contacts drivers by text and demands to be paid in gift cards.
The FBI began issuing warnings about this scam last year, reporting at the time that it had received more than 2,000 complaints. The law enforcement agency now says the scammers appear to be moving from state to state, sometimes posing as E-ZPass.
The FTCs advice
The Federal Trade Commission has also issued warnings about the scam. In January, the agency warned Americans the scammers are trying to steal both money and personal information.
Dont click on any links in, or respond to, unexpected texts, the FTC said in a statement. Scammers want you to react quickly, but its best to stop and check it out.
To avoid being victimized by these scams, the FTC offers this advice:
Dont click on any links in, or respond to, unexpected texts. Scammers want you to react quickly, but its best to stop and check it out.
Check to see if the text is legit. Reach out to the states tolling agency using a phone number or website you know is real not the info from the text.
Report and delete unwanted text messages. Use your phones report junk option to report unwanted texts to your messaging app or forward them to 7726 (SPAM). Once youve checked it out and reported it, delete the text.
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Wait for deeper markdowns. Clearance follows a cycle (15% 30% 50% 70% 90%). If theres lots of inventory at 15% or 30%, come back in a week or two.
Stack every app discount. Combine Circle offers, activated manufacturer coupons, gift card promos, and your 5% Circle Card savings in one trip.
Buy dcor and seasonal items off-season. Trendy home goods and holiday stuff oftenends up 5090% off, and not just in the main clearance aisle, but scattered on random endcaps.
Target is a carefully designed environment set-up for you to overspend. How many times have you walked in for just a couple things and walked out with a $78 receipt?
The lighting feels nicer than Walmarts, the aisles are roomy, the displays look more like Pinterest boards, and the prices feel cheap enough.
Once you understand how the system at Target works, you can flip the script and start walking out with actual deals instead of credit card regret.
Heres how to really save money at Target.
Learn the Target clearance markdown rhythm
Target doesnt randomly mark clearance items down. A pattern definitely exists.Employees know it, but most regular Target shoppers dont.
When you see a clearance price tag, know that it gets marked down in stages.
Specifically, clearance starts at 15% off, then goes to 30%, then 50%, then 70%, and then the holy grail of 90% off (if inventory lingers).
Look at the little number in the upper-right corner of the clearance price sticker, it will read 15, 30, 50, 70 or 90. Thats the percent off the original price. That tells you where the item is in the markdown process.
I was told by more than one Target employee that they do their clearance markdowns every 10-14 days.
So, when you see something on clearance and its only marked down by 15% or 30%, know that it will get marked down further if it doesnt sell out.
The takeaway: If you see something you like on clearance and its only 15% off, walk away, especially if theres a lot of inventory. Theres a great chance you can come back in a week or two and get it for 50% or even 70% off.
Learn to use the Target app to stack discounts
Most people use the Target app to see if something is in stock. Thats fine, but the real power with their app is in learning to stack discounts for some serious savings.
Inside the app youve got the following:
Target Circle offers (store coupons)
Manufacturer coupons (yes, digital ones still exist)
When you learn to stackthese discounts together, the savings canadd up quickly.
For example, lets say youre buying $50 of household stuff like paper towels, dish soap, detergent, and trash bags.
You can often stack the following discounts via their app:
Clip a Target Circle offerand save aflat dollar amount -OR-up to 20%.
Add a dollar-offmanufacturer coupon.
Activate a Spend $50, get a $15 gift card promo.
Pay with a Target Circle Card and save another 5%.
In my example above, you could end up only paying around $41 out of pocket, and also walk away with a $15 gift card.
Your net cost for $50 worth of essentials just dropped into the mid-$20s.
Other tips worth knowing when stacking Target offers:
Circle offers will apply automatically to your purchase; you just need the cashier to scan your barcode within the app.
For manufacturer coupons, you actually have to activate them. Just tap the small green box next to the deal to add it.
Manufacturer coupons refresh often in the Target app, so its smart to scroll through them before you shop and hit apply on anything you might use. That way theyll stay saved to your account, which means fewer missed savings at checkout.
If its decorative, assume its headed to clearance
Targets home dcor is a trap. A stylish, well-lit, smells-like-vanilla trap.
Brands like Hearth & Hand, Studio McGee, and Threshold rotate constantly. New looks come in, old ones quietly slide to the back and then to clearance.
Throw pillows. Table runners. Fake plants. Picture frames. Random ceramic objects that serve no purpose but feel important in the moment.
If its not essential and its tied to a look or season, theres a very good chance itll be 30% to 70% off within a few months.
This is especially true right after:
Back-to-school resets
Fall dcor transitions
Holiday flips (Christmas to winter, winter to spring)
If you love it but dont need it now, wait. Your future self might buy it for half price.
The clearance sections are not always where you think
Most people check one sad little endcap and assume thats the clearance. Thats not how it works at Target.
Instead, Target hides clearance stuff in multiple spots in the store:
A dedicated clearance endcap in each department.
Random endcaps scattered throughout aisles.
The back wall of clothing departments.
Sometimes mixed right into the regular racks and shelves.
The back wall in womens, mens, and kids clothing is especially good. Thats where 50% and 70% off racks often live.
And heres the kicker: shelf tags are frequently wrong or outdated.
Always scan items in the app. Youll sometimes find a price thats way lower than the sticker. Ive seen $19.99 items ring up for $5.98 because they were on a later markdown stage the tag didnt show yet.
Scanning feels annoying until you realize its basically a price-check lottery you win more often than youd think.
By being a patient shopper, and waiting for these sales, you can often save 50%, then 70%, then sometimes 90% as Target basically starts to give stuff away.
Right after major holidays is the perfect time to buy the following:
Gift wrap and bags
Party supplies
Classroom treats and dcor
Storage bins and baskets
Outdoor string lights after summer
Also, consider buying Valentines stuff for next year on February 15th of this year.
Grab Easter basket fillers right after Easter. Stock-up on patio accessories in late summer, when the store is pushing back-to-school gear.
Pro tip: Dont just check the seasonal aisle. Instead, walk the endcaps and random clearance shelves around the store. When Target goes into deep clearance mode (7090%), employees start consolidating leftover holiday items and scatterthem throughout the store to clear space fast.
Romance have evolved beyond fake profiles and obvious lies, with fraudsters now using AI-powered video impersonation, stolen social media identities, and long-term emotional manipulation to gain trust.
Emotionally vulnerable moments like Valentines Day or the loss of a loved one are prime targets, as scammers exploit loneliness and grief before ever asking for money.
Knowing the red flags and slowing things down can stop before they start, especially when it comes to rushed intimacy, avoiding in-person meetings, or any request for money or personal information.
Valentines Day is supposed to be about connection flowers, sweet messages, maybe a candlelit dinner. But for scammers, its also prime season.
Romance have long been associated with fake profiles and clumsy requests for money. Today, they look very different and far more convincing.
According to Charles Laugen, Senior Manager of Client Risk Prevention at RBC Wealth Management, the showing up now are more sophisticated than ever. Fraudsters are using AI-enabled impersonation during live video chats, hijacking real social media profiles, and even combing through obituaries to target recent widows and widowers.
ConsumerAffairs spoke with Laugen to learn how these modern romance work, the subtle red flags people tend to miss, and why loneliness and emotionally charged moments like Valentines Day create the perfect conditions for fraud.
Know the red flags
The technology available today makes it harder than ever to spot a romance scam. How can consumers know if theyre being targeted?
Laugen shared his top three red flags to look out for:
They move too fast emotionally: Someone youve just met online quickly expresses strong feelings or love before meeting in person. This is meant to create emotional closeness quickly and make it harder to question their intentions.
They avoid meeting or video chatting: They always have a reason they cant meet in person or do a live video call often saying they are overseas for work, in the military, or dealing with an emergency. They may also push you to move conversations off dating apps to private messaging platforms.
They ask for money or personal information: At some point, the scammer will request money, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers often for supposed emergencies, travel plans, medical issues, or investment opportunities. They may also ask for personal or financial details.
Obituary
Another scam tactic that has been circulating specifically targets individuals during periods of grief by exploiting information tied to a recent death.
Laugen broke down what these efforts typically look like:
Scammers actively monitor public obituaries, funeral notices, and social media posts announcing recent deaths, he said. Using readily available online sources or illicit data markets, fraudsters can quickly obtain a deceased individuals personal information, such as home address, Social Security number, and in some cases financial account details.
They then use this information to drain existing accounts, open new financial accounts, take out loans, or file fraudulent tax returns in the deceased persons name.
In some cases, scammers directly contact surviving spouses or family members, initially expressing sympathy before transitioning into fraudulent requests for money, attempts to steal inheritance funds, or even initiating romance that prey on emotional vulnerability.
Other warning signs to look for: impersonation of funeral home staff demanding additional payments, fraudulent invoices or bills, or phony psychics or spiritual advisors who promise contact with the deceased in exchange for ongoing payments.
Protect yourself from scammers
Laugen explained that these kinds of cams thrive on isolation and emotional vulnerability. While building relationships gradually and maintaining strong, real-world connections remain among the most effective defenses, he offered other ways for consumers to protect themselves.
Never send money, gift cards, or valuables to an online romantic interest you have not met in person.
Be cautious of rapid emotional attachment, repeated excuses to avoid meeting or video calls, and any request for financial assistance.
Keep early interactions within reputable dating platforms and avoid quickly moving conversations to unmonitored messaging apps.
Use strong privacy settings on social media and limit the personal information you share publicly.
Research new online contacts thoroughly by conducting reverse image searches and verifying details shared. Watch for inconsistencies in their stories.
Report suspicious dating profiles or communications to the platform immediately.
In obituary or funeral-related situations, independently verify any payment requests by contacting the funeral home directly.
More than half of pet owners are delaying or skipping vet care as inflation drives up the cost of routine exams, preventive treatments, and medications.
Pet ownership is reshaping major life and money decisions, from taking on side hustles and debt to choosing jobs, pay cuts, or even where to live.
Experts warn that skipping preventive care can cost more in the long run, as small health issues turn into expensive emergencies making planning ahead more important than ever.
For many Americans, pets arent just animals theyre family. But as inflation continues to squeeze household budgets, that bond is being tested in tough and sometimes heartbreaking ways.
A new study from MetLife Pet Insurance reveals that more than half of pet owners have delayed or skipped veterinary care because of rising costs, forcing difficult decisions between financial stability and a pets health.
From taking on side hustles to going into debt and even reconsidering jobs to stay home with their animals pet parents are quietly making major sacrifices. ConsumerAffairs spoke with Brian Jorgensen, CEO of MetLife Pet Insurance, to dig into what these trends say about the true cost of pet ownership today and what owners can do if caring for their pet starts to feel financially out of reach.
Skipping vet visits
In an October 2025 survey of 1,000 American pet owners, 54% reported skipping or delaying routine vet exams and preventive care often because of rising costs.
These visits are essential for early detection of issues like dental disease, obesity, parasites, or chronic conditions that may not be obvious at home, Jorgensen said. When preventive care slips, small concerns can quietly escalate into urgent or emergency situations that are far more stressful and expensive.
Preventive services such as vaccinations, wellness screenings, flea/tick and heartworm prevention, dental cleanings, and behavioral support help pets stay ahead of potential health issues. Prioritizing these routine checkins keeps pets healthier longterm and gives pet parents the peace of mind that comes from staying one step ahead.
Key findings from the study
28% of pet owners have taken on a side hustle to afford vet bills and other pet care costs
15% have made decisions about taking or declining a job offer because of how it would affect their pet
53% of in-office workers said theyd take a lower paycheck if it meant being home with their pet
10% of pet owners took on debt in the last year to pay for vet bills, with the average totaling $1,100
48% of pet owners said theyd move to a more affordable area to better care for their pets
Pets are influencing decisions about where people live, how they budget, and even how they plan their longterm futures, Jorgensen said.
For many households, pets are truly part of the family. This means their needs shape everything from housing choices to lifestyle preferences reinforcing just how central pets have become in peoples lives.
Rising vet costs continue to climb
Rising veterinary costs continue to challenge many families. These study findings highlight the strain pet owners are feeling from ongoing care for chronic conditions, medications, and sudden injuries or illnesses.
One of the most effective ways for pet parents to protect their budgets is to plan ahead for the unexpected, Jorgensen said. That includes considering pet insurance. With the added security of pet insurance, it becomes much easier to make care decisions based on what is best for a pet without worrying about their financial impact.
Amazon is laying off 16,000 corporate employees worldwide as it restructures and shifts more internal work to generative AI and automation.
Executives say this is a long-term workforce shift, not just cost-cutting, with AI changing how work gets done in office, support, and administrative roles.
These cuts follow 14,000 corporate layoffs in the fall a sign AI-driven changes are accelerating across white-collar industries.
Amazon is cutting about 16,000 jobs worldwide, marking its second major wave of layoffs in just three months. Cuts come as the company reshapes its workforce and leans harder into generative artificial intelligence.
The move is one of the largest corporate workforce reductions in Amazons history.
Why Amazon is cutting jobs
According to a message from senior vice president Beth Galetti, Amazon says the cuts are part of a broader effort to reduce management layers, eliminate bureaucracy, and make teams more efficient after years of rapid hiring.
But theres a bigger shift happening in the background.
Amazon has been increasingly open about its plan to use generative AI and automation to handle more internal tasks. That includes everything from writing and analysis to customer support functions and operational planning.
CEO Andy Jassy has previously said AI will change how work gets done across the company and that some jobs simply wont be needed in the same numbers going forward.
In other words, this isnt just cost-cutting. Its structural change.
Part of a larger layoff wave
These latest layoffs follow a previous round in October, when Amazon cut about 14,000 corporate roles.
Combined, that brings the total to nearly 30,000 corporate jobs eliminated in a matter of months. That equates to close to 10% of Amazons corporate workforce.
Importantly, these cuts are focused on corporate and administrative roles, not warehouse or delivery workers. Amazon still employs well over a million people globally, and the company says it will continue hiring in certain growth areas.
U.S.-based employees affected by the layoffs are being given 90 days to find another role inside Amazon. Those who dont transition internally will receive severance pay, outplacement services, and continued health benefits for a period of time.
A nervous moment inside the company
Tensions around the layoffs were made worse this week when some Amazon Web Services employees received an internal email that appeared to reference the job cuts under the name Project Dawn.
The email included a calendar invitation that was mistakenly sent and was then quickly cancelled. But the damage, and the ensuing confusion amongst employees, had already been done.
While Amazon later clarified the mistake, the incident highlighted just how unsettled many tech workers feel right now.
What this means for job seekers
Amazons job cuts are worth paying attention to, especially if you work in office support, customer support, or manufacturing.
Here are a few smart moves to consider:
Highlight human skills on your resume.
AI is really good at handling repetitive tasks and basic analysis.
Its not very good at skills like decision-making, cross-team collaboration, negotiation, and strategic planning.
To this end, make sure your resume emphasizes the human impacts youve made, not just the tasks youve completed.
Learn how to use AI tools.
Companies increasingly want employees who can work with AI, not necessarily compete against it and try to beat it.
Familiarity with generative AI tools for research, writing or data summaries can make you more valuable, not less.
Target growth areas.
Even companies cutting jobs overall are hiring in specific departments. Roles tied to AI implementation, cybersecurity, data analysis, and cloud services are still seeing demand.
Start networking before you need it.
Dont wait for a layoff to reconnect with former coworkers or industry contacts. Many roles are filled through referrals, especially in tighter job markets.
Keep building skills.
By taking short courses and gaining certifications at your current job, you can add important skills to your resume that can make a big difference if you need to pivot quickly.
Blood drives were canceled and donors stayed home as the winter storm swept across large parts of the country last weekend.
The American Red Cross says its blood supply has dropped to critically low levels as a result.
Officials are urging eligible donors to roll up their sleeves in the coming days to help avert potential shortages at hospitals.
The American Red Cross is issuing an urgent call for blood donations after last weekends powerful winter storm forced the cancellation of hundreds of blood drives and sharply reduced donor turnout across several regions.
According to the organization, severe weather conditionsincluding heavy snow, icy roads, and widespread power outagesmade it unsafe or impossible for many donors to reach scheduled appointments. In some areas, entire blood drives were called off, cutting off a vital source of supply for hospitals that rely on daily donations to treat patients.
"This time of year is always challenging for blood collection but right now, the perfect storm of a long holiday season, record flu activity and winter weather are all impeding donation efforts," said Dr. Courtney Lawrence, executive medical director for the Red Cross. "Every person's blood donation can help save lives plus you help ease the tremendous burden on our doctors and nurses, allowing them to focus on caring for patients."
The Red Cross says the impact is being felt nationwide, with certain blood typesparticularly O-negative and O-positivenow in especially short supply. These types are frequently used in trauma situations and emergency surgeries, making consistent availability critical.
Low inventories are typical
Hospitals typically operate with a narrow margin when it comes to blood inventory, and even a brief disruption can strain the system. The Red Cross warns that if donations do not rebound soon, some medical centers may be forced to postpone non-emergency procedures.
To address the shortage, the organization has reopened donation sites as weather conditions improve and is extending hours at some locations. Additional safety measures are also in place to ensure donors can give blood comfortably and securely.
Officials are encouraging anyone who is healthy and eligible to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Donors can find nearby blood drives and make appointments through the Red Cross website or mobile app.
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