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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More than 10 million U.S. subscribers to YouTube TV lost access to a major lineup of networks from The Walt Disney Company, including ESPN, ABC, FX and National Geographic, after the carriage agreement between the two sides expired without renewal late Thursday.
The dispute centers on fees and competitive positioning: Disney accuses Google (YouTube TVs parent) of using its market dominance to demand below-market rates, while YouTube TV claims Disneys proposed terms would force a subscription-price hike for customers and steer viewers toward Disney-owned platforms like Hulu + Live TV.
As the blackout kicks off just as the college-football season hits a high point, YouTube TV is offering a $20 credit to affected subscribers if the channels remain unavailable for an extended period.
In a dramatic escalation of carriage-fees tensions in U.S. streaming television, YouTube TV and Disney failed to strike a renewal deal by the midnight deadline, prompting the immediate removal of Disneys collection of premium networks from YouTube TVs lineup.
Late Thursday night, YouTube TV alerted its users that channels owned or operated by Disney would go dark, shortly before the official contract expiration time. Disney responded by accusing Google of refusing to pay fair rates for its content, while YouTube TV fired back that Disney was attempting to raise costs on its platform and drive customers toward Disneys own live-TV services.
In a statement on X, Google TV said the standoff is over higher rates demanded by Disney, and that the platform is holding firm to protect subscribers from higher rates.
The blackout affects networks across the board: major sports outlets like ESPN are unusable on YouTube TV, ABCs linear broadcasts are gone, and broader entertainment and factual-programming brands such as FX, National Geographic and Freeform are also off the service.
Why now?
The underlying issue is two-fold:
Escalating rights costs and subscriber pressure. YouTube TV, which claims more than 10 million subscribers, says it refuses to accept a deal from Disney that would push more costs onto consumers and degrade the value of the bundle.
Streaming competitive dynamics. Disney argues that the contract fight is less about cost and more about YouTube TVs desire to integrate Disneys streaming apps (Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+) into its platform, something Disney has rejected. Meanwhile, Disney views the blackout as serving its strategy of steering viewers toward its own platforms.
Impact on consumers and sports viewers
The timing couldnt be worse for sports fans: the beginning of college footballs most intense weekend coincides with the blackout, meaning YouTube TV subscribers may miss marquee match-ups as well as ESPNs flagship shows like College GameDay. Viewers who rely solely on YouTube TV for live programming may now have to resort to alternate services, antennas or other subscriptions to catch the action.
Each side says it remains willing to negotiate, though neither is blinking yet. YouTube TV has promised a $20 credit for subscribers if the channels remain off the service for an extended period. Disneys public messaging signals that it will hold firm, framing Google as leveraging its size to undercut industry norms.
Historically, carriage disputes like this have sometimes resolved at the eleventh hour, but given the layers of streaming competition and strategic stakes this time, analysts worry the outage could last longer than past fights.
Mortgage rates fell for the fourth straight week, with the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaging 6.17% and the 15-year at 5.41%, their lowest levels in over a year, according to Freddie Mac.
The typical monthly housing payment dropped to $2,530, down 1.4% year over year, as lower borrowing costs offset modestly rising home prices.
Buyer and seller activity is picking up: pending home sales rose 1%, new listings climbed 4.6%, and agents say pricing homes correctly from the start is key in a market where buyers hold more negotiating power.
Conditions continue to improve for home buyers. Not only are home prices easing in several large housing markets, mortgage rates continue to decline.
Freddie Mac reports its Primary Mortgage Market Survey shows the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 6.17% this week. Thats only two basis points less than the previous week, but Freddie Mac Chief Economist Sam Khater its part of a promising trend.
Mortgage rates decreased for the fourth consecutive week, Khater said in a statement. The last few months have brought lower rates and homebuyers are increasingly entering the market.
Current rates
The 30-year FRM averaged 6.17% as of October 30, 2025, down from last week when it averaged 6.19%. A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.72%.
The 15-year FRM averaged 5.41%, down from last week when it averaged 5.44%. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 5.99%.
The decline in mortgage rates coincides with an improvement in homeowners bottom line. The typical monthly housing payment has fallen to $2,530 down 1.4% from a year ago marking the biggest annual decline since November 2024, according to a new Redfin report.
The drop comes as mortgage rates slid to their lowest level in more than a year, following a cooler-than-expected inflation report and a recent Federal Reserve rate cut. Even though home prices are still rising up 1.9% year over year the decline in borrowing costs has helped offset those gains.
However, Redfin economists caution that further drops in mortgage rates arent likely soon. The Fed has signaled it may hold off on another rate cut in December, which already caused a slight uptick in daily averages late this week.
Homebuyers and sellers react
While overall homebuying demand remains muted, there are early signs of renewed interest. Pending sales rose 1% from last year, and mortgage-purchase applications climbed 5% from the previous week. Some buyers are waiting to see if rates dip below 6%, while others remain hesitant amid ongoing economic uncertainty.
On the other side of the market, new home listings jumped 4.6%, the largest increase in five months. Many sellers are hoping to attract buyers now that financing costs have eased slightly.
Sellers should do their research and price correctly from the beginning, said Matt Purdy, a Redfin Premier agent in Denver. The longer your house sits on the market, the lower the sale price is likely to be. Buyers today are choosy and have negotiating power, especially if theyre not relying on selling another home first.
With more homes hitting the market and cautious buyers testing the waters, this falls housing market could offer rare opportunities but both sides will need to stay flexible and well-informed.
Search for deals, not pics: On X or Facebook, try simple tags like #Deals, #Coupons, or #Walmart #Deals to find fresh posts with codes
Check captions + just ask: Brands often hide promo codes in Instagram captions; if you dont see one, DM or live-chat and politely ask for a code
Use local crowds: Join your citys Facebook groups or subreddits for I just saw this on aisle ___ , follow active boards and make sure the post is recent
I dont need more vacation pictures. I need lower prices. Used right, social media platforms like Instagram, X, Facebook, and Pinterest are basically a savings toolbox. Filled with coupon codes, sale information, and intel from people who were just in the aisle youre shopping. Here are some practical tips to start using your social media accounts to save money.
Smarter hashtag + keyword searches
Hashtags are a really quick way to hunt specific topics across social platforms.
But most people use them wrong when looking for deals and coupons. X (formerly Twitter) is still the best place to use hashtags to search for discounts, with Facebook turning up solid finds too.
Try searching for the following:
Use two hashtags, not a mash-up. I like to try tags like #AirFryer #Coupon or #AirFryer #Deal instead of #AirFryerCoupon. Ive found that splitting them up surfaces way more real posts and codes then one really long hashtag.
Search #(StoreName) #Deals for in-store finds. An example that I just recently used on X to find a great deal on a new TV was #Walmart #Deals. Super simple. Its a great way to find current promos and coupon matchups that allow you to pair a sale with a coupon for even bigger savings.
Try searching for #(StoreName) #Coupon for storewide codes. Ive found that this tends to work for both online and in-store coupons. But be aware it can be hit-or-miss with smaller retailers. Example: #JCrew #Coupon
Tap Instagram descriptions (the sneaky deal spot)
IG is mostly vibes and photos, so deals can be buried, but they do exist. Its easier on your phone than the web version, which is pretty limited.
Trythis:
Find the retailer. Hit the search (), type the store name, and open their profile.
Open the posts with captions. Tap into posts and swipe through them, taking note of the captions, where retailers actually talk.
Scan the captions for codes. Look for phrases like use code, limited offer, or IG-only. Brands drop exclusive coupons and deals here all the time.
Timing tip: Fridays are hot. Lots of retailers post promos to setup weekend shoppers making Instagram always worth a quick scroll.
Speak up (nicely) and ask for a code
Cant find a coupon after hunting everywhere? Just ask on Facebook. Open the brands Facebook page and hit Message to DM them, or use the live chat on their website. Keep it short and friendly as reps often have online-only codes they can share with those who politely ask.
What to say (copy/paste and tweak):
Hey there! Im about to order [item]. Any current promo or free-shipping code I should use today? Thanks so much.
Hi! I love [product]! Is there a code for first-time/loyal customers I can apply?
Live chat angle: Id love to complete my order, but shippings a bit higher than I expected. Any coupon you can add so I can check out now?
Brands that tend to play ball include the following: Shutterfly, Gap, Macys, Lands End, Zappos, Michaels and plenty of others. Sometimes youll get free shipping, a percent off, or a one-time courtesy code.
Tips that help:
Be specific (item, size/color, cart total).
Be polite and patient, sending one message is enough.
Try during business hours and especially FriMon when promos are more active.
Once you have items in your virtual cart, sellers hate losing the sale so by asking nicely you can often nudge them to sweeten the deal.
Search Pinterest boards for real, current deals
Pinterest is gorgeous, filled with highly visual pins for all kinds of DIY and dcor ideas. But its not super fresh and search results often return outdated pins from months or even years ago.
So, its time to switch tactics when searching Pinterest for money saving opportunities.
How to find the good stuff on Pinterest:
Use the search bar for keywords like Home Goods deals, grocery coupons, or promo codes, then tap the Boards tab.
Open boards to find the curators who update regularly and follow them. Click through to their post or website and check the date on the destination page.
Follow the best boards so new pins land in your home feed. Save the good ones to your own board so you can find them fast.
Pro move: Make your own board (e.g., This Weeks Deals) and save only current, legit finds. Youll end up building your own a little network of deal hunters, and youll have your bargains organized by store or category for later.
Join local Facebook groups & subreddits
This is where youll find real world deal tips like I was just at Costco, endcap A20 has managers markdown on air fryers for the best price of the season.
Do the following to make it happen:
Search Facebook for YOUR CITY + deals, couponing, clearance, or Buy Nothing. Then join at least 2-3 active groups, more if you live in a large metropolitan area.
On Reddit, subscribe to your city sub (r/YourCity) plus store subs like r/Target, r/Costco, or r/Walmart.
Ive found that before you post a question about a specific deal youre looking for, do a quick group search. Odds are someone already asked your question and several answers have been posted. Group users tend to get a little annoyed when people ask questions that have already been answered.
When asking questions, be as specific as you can. An example would be: Sacramento, CA, Walmart, what new clearance electronics are available this week? Youll be amazed with the intel that fellow shoppers either know or have already shared.
Thats it. Next time you search, youll see more trusted answers from us.
Why it matters
Roughly half of the internet is AI-generated in 2025. At ConsumerAffairs, every article you read is researched, edited and fact-checked by real people. We work hard to provide transparent reviews, data-driven insights and expert guidance you can rely on.
Some things are too important to rely on algorithmic guesswork. Whether youre comparing warranties, planning a move or researching your next big purchase, you deserve information you can trust.
H-E-B recall: thousands of glow bracelets can cause skin irritation
H-E-B customers who bought 12-pack Destination Holiday Glow Light Stick Bracelets should stop using them and request a refund.
Green glow stick in bracelet pack can leak and irritate skin
About 6,600 12-pack sets affected, sold in Texas stores
Stop using bracelets and contact H-E-B for a refund
H-E-B is recalling about 6,600 12-pack Destination Holiday Glow Light Stick Bracelets after reports that the green bracelet can leak and cause skin irritation. The recall covers bracelets sold at H-E-B stores in Texas in September and October 2025.
The hazard
The green glow stick bracelet in the pack may leak, posing a skin irritation hazard. One report of a leaking bracelet has been received, but no injuries were reported.
What to do
Consumers should immediately stop using the bracelets and return them to H-E-B for a refund.
Company contact
H-E-B toll-free at 855-432-4438 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or online at H-E-B recalls page by clicking Product Recalls at the bottom or visit H-E-B newsroom recalls for more information.
Avenco and Novilla recall: thousands of mattresses fail fire safety
Owners of Avenco and Novilla mattresses should stop use and request a free safety cover due to fire hazards.
Mattresses violate flammability standards, risk serious fire injury or death
About 5,340 mattresses sold online are affected
Consumers must stop use and request a free fitted cover
About 5,340 Avenco and Novilla brand mattresses are being recalled because they do not meet mandatory flammability standards, posing a risk of serious injury or death from fire. The mattresses were sold online between January and April 2025.
The hazard
The recalled mattresses do not comply with required flammability standards, increasing the risk of fire-related injury or death. No incidents or injuries have been reported.
What to do
Consumers should stop using the recalled mattresses immediately and contact PT Champion for a free fitted cover to bring the product into compliance.
Company contact
PT Champion by email at recall@champmattress.com, or online at Novilla recall page or Avenco recall page, or visit their main websites and click Recall at the bottom of the page.
DINBooonLUX recall: full size mattresses fail fire standards
Consumers using DINBooonLUX 12-inch full size mattresses from Amazon should stop use and request a refund due to fire danger.
12-inch full size DINBooonLUX mattresses do not meet flammability standards
About 200 mattresses affected, sold on Amazon
Stop use immediately and contact DINBooonLUX for a refund
DINBooonLUX 12-inch full size hybrid mattresses sold on Amazon are recalled because they do not meet fire safety standards. About 200 mattresses are affected.
The hazard
The mattresses fail the mandatory flammability standard, posing a risk of serious injury or death from fire. No incidents or injuries have been reported.
What to do
Consumers should stop using the mattresses immediately and email DINBooonLUX for a full refund.
Company contact
DINBooonLUX by email at Dingbangrecall2025@outlook.com.
Kroger recall: thousands of Halloween candles pose fire hazard
Shoppers who bought Halloween-themed skeleton wax candles at Kroger stores should return them for a refund due to fire risks.
Flammable ornaments on candle pose fire and burn hazards
About 3,680 skeleton wax candles affected, sold nationwide
Consumers should stop use and contact Kroger for a refund
Kroger is recalling about 3,680 Halloween-themed skeleton wax candles due to a fire risk from flammable ornaments on the candle. The candles were sold at Kroger stores and affiliated retailers nationwide.
The hazard
The candle contains flammable ornaments, posing fire and burn hazards. No incidents or injuries have been reported.
What to do
Customers should stop using the candle and return it to Kroger for a refund.
Company contact
The Kroger Co. toll-free at 800-576-4377 from 7 a.m. to Midnight ET Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. ET Saturday and Sunday, leave a message at Kroger contact form or visit Kroger recall alerts for more information.
Harppa recall: thousands of high chairs pose fall and entrapment danger
Consumers with Harppa 5-in-1 convertible high chairs should stop use and request a replacement due to missing safety restraints and entrapment risks.
High chairs lack required restraint system, risk falls and entrapment
About 4,300 Harppa Model BHC001 high chairs sold on Walmart.com affected
Stop use immediately and contact Harppa for a replacement
Harppa 5-in-1 convertible high chairs sold on Walmart.com have been recalled due to missing safety restraints and potential entrapment risks for children.
The hazard
The high chairs violate mandatory safety standards because they lack the required attached restraint system, increasing the risk of falls. There is also a risk that a child's head could become trapped between the seat and tray, posing a deadly hazard. No incidents or injuries have been reported.
What to do
Consumers should stop using the high chair immediately and contact Harppa for a free replacement.
Company contact
Harppa toll-free at 844-796-8168 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, email at recall@harppababy.com, or online at Harppa recall page and click Recall at the top of the page.
YaFiti recall: thousands of 12-drawer dressers at tip-over risk
Consumers with YaFiti fabric 12-drawer dressers bought from Amazon should stop use and request a refund due to serious tip-over hazard.
Dressers can tip over and entrap children, risking serious injury or death
About 6,880 YaFiti 12-drawer dressers affected
Consumers should stop use and contact YaFiti for a refund
About 6,880 YaFiti fabric 12-drawer dressers sold on Amazon are recalled because they can tip over if not anchored, posing serious injury or death risks to children. The dressers violate safety standards required by the STURDY Act.
The hazard
The recalled dressers are unstable if not anchored to the wall, creating tip-over and entrapment hazards that can result in severe injuries or fatalities to children. No injuries have been reported.
What to do
Consumers should stop using the dresser and contact YaFiti for a refund.
Company contact
YaFiti toll free at 877-452-4067 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, email at Yafitiservice@outlook.com, or online at YaFiti recall page and click Recall at the top of the page.
Grundens recall: thousands of youth jackets pose strangulation risk
Parents should stop using Grundens youth jackets with hood drawstrings and contact the company for a refund.
Hood drawstrings can catch and pose strangulation hazard to children
About 8,850 Grundens youth Clipper 282 and Zenith 282 jackets affected
Stop use and contact Grundens for a refund
Grundens is recalling approximately 8,850 youth Clipper 282 and Zenith 282 jackets due to a strangulation risk from drawstrings in the hood. The jackets were sold in youth sizes and various colors.
The hazard
Jackets have hood drawstrings that can become entangled with objects, risking serious injury or death by strangulation. No injuries have been reported.
What to do
Consumers should stop using the jackets immediately and contact Grundens for a refund.
Company contact
Grundens toll-free at 800-323-7327 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Friday, email at recall@Grundens.com or online at Grundens recall page or Grundens main site and click Recall at the bottom of the page.
Polaris recall: thousands of off-road vehicles risk fire
Owners of 2025-2026 Polaris Ranger XP 1000 NorthStar vehicles should stop use and arrange for a free repair due to fire hazard.
Improper alternator cable routing can cause electrical short and fire
About 5,130 off-road vehicles affected in the US, 460 in Canada
Consumers should contact Polaris for a repair
Polaris Industries is recalling about 5,130 model year 2025-2026 Ranger XP 1000 NorthStar and Ranger Crew XP 1000 NorthStar off-road vehicles due to a risk of fire and serious injury.
The hazard
An improperly routed alternator cable can become damaged and contact the negative battery post, causing an electrical short and fire hazard. Polaris has received five reports of sparking, smoking or melting and one report of fire, but no injuries or property damage.
What to do
Owners should stop using the affected vehicles and contact Polaris for a free repair. Check if your vehicle identification number (VIN) is affected using the companys online resources.
Modera recall: tens of thousands of crib mattresses pose entrapment danger
Parents should stop using Modera Pack N Play mattresses and request a refund due to deadly entrapment hazard.
Mattresses may not fit play yards properly, risking infant suffocation
About 15,000 Modera Organic Cotton Pack N Play mattresses affected
Stop use, destroy mattress and contact Modera for a refund
Modera Organic Cotton Pack N Play mattresses are being recalled due to a risk of entrapment and suffocation if the mattress does not fit certain play yards securely. The recall affects about 15,000 mattresses sold on Amazon.
The hazard
The mattresses may not adequately fit certain play yards, violating safety standards and creating dangerous gaps that can trap and suffocate infants. No injuries have been reported.
What to do
Consumers should stop using the recalled mattresses immediately, cut them in half, and send a photo of the destroyed product to Modera for a full refund.
Company contact
Modera toll-free at 877-450-0320 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, by email at recall@moderababy.com, or online at Modera recall page and click Recall at the top of the page.
Warning: ILIKER childrens pajamas fail fire safety standard
Parents should immediately stop use and dispose of ILIKER pink pajama sets from SHEIN due to burn risk.
Pajama sets violate flammability standards, pose burn and death risk to children
Sold on SHEIN.com from April to September 2025
CPSC urges consumers to stop use and dispose of sets
CPSC warns consumers to immediately stop using ILIKER pink pajama sets sold on SHEIN.com, as they fail to meet mandatory flammability standards for childrens sleepwear and pose a serious burn risk.
The hazard
The pajamas do not comply with flammability requirements, exposing children to potential burn injury or death.
What to do
Consumers should stop using and dispose of the pajamas immediately. Do not sell or give away these products.
Company contact
Report any incidents involving injury or product defect to CPSC at SaferProducts.gov.
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