Consumer News: Here are some phrases smishing scammers use to hook you

The tax agency said the accounts will reduce fraud

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• The IRS is urging taxpayers to create an Individual Online Account to securely access their tax information and reduce the risk of identity theft and fraud.

• The online account gives taxpayers 24/7 access to refunds, transcripts, payments, notices, and other key tax services, similar to online banking.

• In early 2025, the IRS expanded the service to let users view and download common tax documents such as W-2s and 1099s for recent tax years.

Among all federal agencies, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) was among the first to fully embrace the internet.

Now, the tax agency is encouraging all taxpayers to set up an IRS Individual Online Account, a secure digital portal designed to make managing tax matters easier while strengthening protections against identity theft and fraud.

Available to anyone who can verify their identity, the Individual Online Account allows taxpayers to handle many routine tax tasks without waiting on the phone or mailing paperwork. The IRS is also asking tax professionals to support the effort by encouraging clients to create accounts and by using their own Tax Pro Accounts to carry out authorized actions on clients behalf.

Similar to online banking

With functionality similar to online banking, the IRS Individual Online Account lets taxpayers view important tax return details, including adjusted gross income, check the status of refunds and amended returns, and access account transcripts such as wage and income records.

Users can also request and retrieve an identity protection PIN, approve power of attorney or tax information authorization requests, and manage communication preferences, including language settings and alternative media.

The account also serves as a central hub for IRS communications and payments. Taxpayers can receive and review more than 200 types of IRS digital notices, make or cancel payments, set up or modify payment plans, and monitor their outstanding balances. Tax documents can also be accessed directly through the account, reducing the need to store paper copies.

In early 2025, the IRS expanded the Individual Online Account to include access to certain information return documents filed with the agency. Taxpayers can now view and download forms such as the W-2 (Wage and Tax Statement), 1095-A (Health Insurance Marketplace Statement), and several common 1099 forms, including those for non-employee compensation, interest income, dividends, and miscellaneous income.

These information return documents are submitted to the IRS by employers, financial institutions, government agencies, and other payers, and they provide critical data taxpayers need to accurately file their returns. The documents are currently available for tax years 2023, 2024, and 2025 and can be found under the Records and Status tab within the IRS Individual Online Account.

The IRS says expanding digital access is part of its broader effort to improve customer service, increase transparency, and give taxpayers more control over their tax information in a secure online environment.

Health insurance, tuition help, and paid time off even if youre not clocking 40 hours

• Part-time doesnt have to mean part-benefits some major employers offer health insurance, retirement plans, and tuition help even if youre not working 40 hours a week.

• If you need flexibility but still want real-world perks like paid time off and medical coverage, these companies are worth a serious look.

• From coffee shops to warehouses, these jobs prove you can work fewer hours without giving up the safety net.

Many job seekers think that part-time automatically means no real benefits. Im here to tell you that is just not the case.

I found a bunch of major employers who offer legit benefits to part-time workers, including health insurance, retirement plans, education help, paid time off, and the other stuff that actually makes a job sustainable.

A quick heads-up: benefits can vary by role, state, union status, and whether youre regular vs. seasonal. Always confirm during the interview or on their official benefits portal once youre hired.

Starbucks

Starbucks has one of the clearest part-time can still get benefits plans in retail, and theyre very transparent with how it all works.

The benefits part-timers can get:

• Health coverage options (medical/dental/vision)
• 401(k) savings plan with a 4% company match
• Free Spotify Premium subscription
• Free pound of coffee or box of tea every week
• Free tuition to Arizona State University online.

Whos eligible + when:

For U.S. part-time employees, you become benefits-eligible the first day of the second monthafter you hit 240 total hours over threefull consecutive months.

For example, if you worked full months in February, March, and April and totaled at least 240 hours during that time, you would qualify for benefits. Your benefits would then start on June1,which is the first day of the second month after April.

To qualify for the free tuition to ASU, you cant already have a bachelors degree.

Extra savings: Part-time employees also get a free drink and food item during every shift, and a flat 30% in-store discount when you arent on the clock.

Costco

Benefits vary by position at Costco, and whether youre classified as regular part-time vs. seasonal. However, eligible part-time Costco employees can gain access to a ton of great perks.

The benefits part-timers can get:

• Health insurance:Costco offers medical, dental, and vision coverage to part-time employees once they meet hour and service requirements. This is one of the biggest reasons Costco jobs are so competitive.
• 401(k) retirement plan:Part-time employees can participate in Costcos retirement plan with company contributions once eligibility rules are met.
• Paid time off:Part-time workers accrue vacation and sick/personal time based on hours worked and length of service.
• Employee perks:Discounted prescriptions through Costco pharmacies along with access to employee assistance programs.

Whos eligible + when:

The Costco website doesnt spell out any specific eligibility requirements or time-frames.

So, I visited my local Costco and an assistant manager told me that part time employees need to work for at least 60 days, and average 23-25 hours per week to qualify for medical, dental, and vision benefits.

Target

Target has been expanding access to part-time workers recently, with the major change being how many hours you have to work to become eligible.

The benefits part-timers can get:

• Part-time workers are eligible for medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• You can also get prescription drug discounts and free 24/7 virtual care.
• They also have a matching 401(k) plan for part-time employees with a solid 5% matching.
• Lastly, via their Dream to Be education program, part-time employees are eligible for 100% free tuition for select programs, and up to $5,250/year for other undergrad programs.

Whos eligible + when:

Target says hourly store team members who work a minimum average of 25 hours/week are eligible to enroll in a Target medical plan (down from 30 hours/week).

This is further reduced to only 20 hours/week for HQ and distribution center employees.

They also require you to work at least 90 days to become eligible.

Extra savings: Employees also get a 10% discount onTarget merchandise and an extra 20% off food and wellness products.

Lowe's

Unlike Home Depot, Lowes straight-up advertises health care plans for part-time regular associates, which is not something every retailer is willing to put in writing.

The benefits part-timers can get:

Lowes says it offers affordable health care plans to regular full-time and part-time associates, including medical, dental, and vision insurance.

Thats a big deal if youre trying to avoid the two jobs, no insurance trap.

Whos eligible + when:

Their public page clearly says part-time regular associates are included, but it also notes benefits can depend on eligibility criteria.

This means youll still want to confirm your status (regular vs. seasonal/temporary) and any waiting period during the interview or onboarding process.

With that said, it's my understanding that you become eligible after 30 days of employment.

Extra savings: All Lowes associates get a 10% discount on store merchandise. If you work for Lowes for 25+ years,their employee discount becomes a lifetime discount.

Walmart

At Walmart, part-timers can get benefits that rival those of full-time workers.

But its important to realize that youll need to average 30 hours a week, which can be tricky for some employees who are constantly fighting for more hours.

The benefits part-timers can get:

Walmart offers some solid benefits for part-time employees. They include:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) matching up to 6%
• A stock purchase plan
• Free Walmart+ or Sams Club membership
• 24/7 virtual Doctor on Demand service included with their health package.

Whos eligible + when:

This is where things get a little tricky.

Walmart states that part-time and temporary associates must work an average of at least 30 hours/week, over a 60-day period, to become eligible.

They also list certain jobs that only require you to work 24 hours/week to qualify (example: some pharmacy and supply chain jobs).

So, the cheat code here is consistency. If your schedule regularly lands you at 30+ hours, youre no longer in true part-time territory for benefits purposes.

Extra savings: Walmart offers all employees a 10% discount via their Associate Discount Card that youll get when hired. They claim the discount is good on 95% of the regularly-priced items across the store.

UPS

UPS is one of the rare jobs where part-time can come with this is actually a career-level benefits package especially in union roles.

The benefits part-timers can get:

UPS publicly promotes that part-time union employees can get low-cost health care with no premiums, plus tuition reimbursement and strong pension benefits.

Thats not normal in 2026. Like at all.

Whos eligible + when:

UPS notes that part-time employees are eligible for benefits after a short waiting period,but doesnt spell it out on their site. Some sources say you must work 225 hours for threeconsecutive months, while others say you must work nine months to qualify.

It appears it could vary by region, sobe sure to ask during your interview process.

Also, for many union UPS roles, health care is administered through TeamCare, whichdescribes eligibility starting only after the plan has receivedeight weeks of contributions on your behalf.

IKEA

If you get a part-time job at IKEA in the U.S., youre eligible for some excellent perks and benefits within 15 days of starting the job.

The benefits you can get:

• Health insurance:Eligible part-time workers get access to medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan:IKEA contributes your retirement plan, helping part-timers build long-term savings.
• Paid time off:Part-time employees can earn paid vacation and sick time based on hours worked.
• IKEA co-worker discount:Part-time employees get a 15% discount on IKEA products and meals in the store restaurant.

Whos eligible + when:

Part-time employees are eligible for the full benefits package when they work at least 20 hours per week, and most become eligible after just 15 days of employment.

If you average less than 20 hours/week, you will still get access to most of IKEAs other employee benefits. Everything except Medical/Rx.

Practical tips and expert insight on staying safe in frigid temperatures

• Extreme cold can be dangerous, not just uncomfortable, increasing the risk of hypothermia, frostbite, falls, overexertion, and even carbon monoxide poisoning.

• Simple habits make a big difference, including dressing in layers, staying hydrated, eating nutrient-dense foods, getting enough sleep, and avoiding overexertion outdoors.

• Some people face higher risks in winter, including children, older adults, and those with chronic or respiratory conditions, making extra precautions especially important.

When frost coats our streets, its easy to think of cold weather as just a nuisance something that makes you want another cup of coffee or an extra blanket. But extreme cold isnt just uncomfortable; it can pose serious health risks that affect your whole body.

From frostbite on exposed skin to hypothermia a dangerous drop in core body temperature cold weather can quickly turn from brisk to life-threatening if youre unprepared. And its not just about shivering. Prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures has been linked to a range of medical dangers, especially for older adults, young children, and people with chronic health conditions.

ConsumerAffairs spoke with Asefeh Faraz Covelli, Ph.D., APRN, FNP-BC, FAANP, an associate professor in the Family Nurse Practitioner program at The George Washington University School of Nursing, to break down what happens to your body in the cold and more importantly, what you can do to stay safe when winter truly bites.

The biggest health risks

Dr. Faraz Covelli shared the biggest health risks during extreme cold weather:

• Hypothermia

• Frostbite

• Falls due to icy conditions

• Overexertion from shoveling snow

• Carbon monoxide poisoning and fires resulting from improper heating methods

Tips for improving health and wellness in the winter months

With spring still over a month away, the temperatures arent likely to increase much anytime soon. Dr. Faraz Covelli shared her top tips for beating the freezing temperature and how to prioritize your health and wellness.

• Dress in layers: Effective cold-weather layering includes several layers of loose, lightweight clothing (such as wool, fleece, or polypropylene) for insulation, with a waterproof outer layer. Hats, gloves or mittens, scarves, and waterproof boots are also important.

• Eat and drink for health: Stay hydrated. Limit caffeine and alcohol as these beverages are dehydrating, and eat nutrient-dense foods. Boost immunity by prioritizing foods high in vitamin C and D (citrus fruits, fish, and zinc).

• Get quality sleep: At least seven to eight hours each night is recommended.

• Maintain a workout routine indoors:Regular indoor workouts can helpboost immunity.

• Avoid overexertion if you're outdoors: If you're walking outdoors or shoveling snow,take frequent breaks.

When it comes to things to avoid, Dr. Faraz Covelli says that not all trends are backed by science including taking products like Emergen-C or other high-dose vitamin C supplements.

The evidence is mixed on the efficacy of high doses of vitamin C in shortening the duration and severity of colds in some individuals, she said. While it won't hurt, it may not necessarily help.

High-risk groups

In the cold winter months, certain groups are more susceptible to getting sick or dealing with other winter weather-related health concerns.

Children, elderly, immunocompromised populations, and those with chronic diseases such as asthma are more susceptible to health concerns during colder months, Dr. Faraz Covelli said. These groups should take additional precautions by making sure their vaccines are up to date, masking in crowded, indoor environments, and avoiding close contact with others who are ill.

For all consumers, Dr. Faraz Covelli has a simple message: take the necessary precautions to stay healthy this winter.

Stay healthy and avoid illness by frequently washing hands, sanitizing surfaces, and getting the flu vaccine if you have not done so already, she recommended.

Shoppers favorite items could be nearly 15% cheaper than usual

• PepsiCo is lowering suggested retail prices on popular snacks by up to nearly 15%.

• Price cuts apply to favorites like Lays, Doritos, Cheetos, and Tostitos starting this week.

• The decision aims to ease consumer price pain and make Super Bowl snacking more affordable.

With the Super Bowl just around the corner, snack fans across the country are getting some welcome news: PepsiCo is dropping the suggested retail prices on many of its most popular chips and snacks.

From Lays classic potato chips to Doritos, Cheetos, and Tostitos, these crowd-pleasing brands are getting a price reset and in many stores youll see savings of up to nearly 15% on shelves right now.

For many shoppers, the snack aisle has felt like a battleground in recent years. After widespread price hikes following the pandemic, consumers have been feeling the pinch, often shying away from big-name snacks or switching to cheaper store brands.

Weve spent the past year listening closely to consumers, and theyve told us theyre feeling the strain, Rachel Ferdinando, CEO, PepsiCo Foods U.S., said in a news release.

Lowering the suggested retail price reflects our commitment to help reduce the pressure where we can. Because people shouldnt have to choose between great taste and staying within their budget.

Getting the new pricing

The new pricing will start rolling out across the United States this week just in time for one of the biggest snacking occasions of the year.

While PepsiCo sets suggested retail prices, retailers ultimately decide what goes on the shelf, so your actual savings may vary and could even be greater at some stores. Importantly, the chips themselves arent changing in size or flavor its simply a more budget-friendly tag paired with the same products you know and love.

PepsiCo is framing this shift as part of a broader strategy to make its brands more accessible.

What you need to know before shopping

• Act now for game-day deals: The lower prices are hitting shelves ahead of Super Bowl weekend so if youre stocking up for watch parties, you might want to shop sooner rather than later to catch the best savings.

• Store pricing may vary: PepsiCo sets suggested prices, but individual retailers (like grocery chains or big-box stores) decide the final tag. Some places might offer even steeper discounts.

• Same snacks, smarter spending: Theres no change to portion sizes or taste just friendlier pricing. That means you can enjoy your favorite chips without feeling like youre paying more for less.

Reducing prices on many consumers favorite snacks is an important action, Ferdinando said. Well continue taking steps that keep our most loved brands within reach, while maintaining the same quality and same taste that consumers love.

Lowering prices is one step an important one in our commitment to deliver for consumers and strengthen our brands for the future. Well continue listening, learning, and taking action to keep our consumers at the center of everything we do.

Why Amazon is betting on physical stores again

• Amazon is going big in physical retail. This new Illinois store blends groceries, essentials, and a built-in fulfillment center for faster pickup and fewer crowded aisles.

• Your Prime perks could go in-store. Expect app-based deals and personalized discounts as Amazon uses your shopping data to compete with Walmart, Costco, and Target.

• Hybrid shopping is the future. Browse in person, order digitally, and get curbside fast this format could change how you buy everyday items.

Amazon is going big. Like, really big.

The company just got approval to build what would be its largest retail store ever in the Chicago suburb of Orland Park, Illinois.

It will be a massive space (229,000 sq. ft.) that blends a grocery store, general merchandise, and a mini fulfillment center under one roof.

The store will be half supermarket, half Amazon warehouse, with digital ordering layered throughout.

After years of small store experiments with Amazon Go and Amazon Fresh, both of which they recently announced theyll be closing, this signals a big shift.

Amazon wants a serious piece of the in-person shopping pie long dominated by Walmart, Costco, and Target. Heres what this news means for shoppers.

What this store will actually be

This isnt going to be just another big grocery store or Walmart Supercenter replica.

About half the building will look like a traditional big-box retailer with:

• Groceries
• Household basics like paper towels and diapers
• Prepared food made on site

The other half will function as a fulfillment hub where employees assemble online and pickup orders separately from in-store shoppers. So its safe to assume that most things not on the sales floor will be available for quick pickup from the attached warehouse.

For us shoppers, this means fewer aisle-clogging online pickers and much faster curbside pickup.

What this means for your future shopping

1. Prices could get more competitive in-store

Amazon already uses aggressive online pricing. If it wants to pull shoppers away from Walmart and Target, expect sharp promo pricing on everyday essentials, especially items Prime members buy often.

Smart move: Watch for grand-opening loss leaders and digital coupons tied to your Prime account.

2. Your Prime data will follow you into the store

Based on your buying history, Amazon knows exactly what you buy online and at what price point you pull the trigger.

Its safe to assume this data will make its way into these physical mega-stores.

This will affect the following:

• What products get stocked locally and at what price
• What personalized deals they show you
• Personalized app-based discounts when you walk in

Smart move: Get used to the idea of checking the Amazon app before shopping. You may see location-based offers or digital coupons that dont appear on shelf tags.

3. Hybrid shopping will become the norm

See a sweater you like but want a different size or color? Youll be able to order it at a kiosk and grab it before checkout.

Plus, another perk for many shoppers is that heavy items, like pet food, can be brought directly to your car to save your back.

Smart move: Use the store as a showroom. Compare items in person, then check the Amazon app to see if a different version is cheaper online.

4. Faster pickup is a big part of the plan

Separate entrances and back-of-house fulfillment means that Amazon is designing this store for serious curbside volume.

Smart move: If you hate wandering giant stores, this could become one of the fastest grocery pickup options around. Especially during peak holiday seasons when youd rather stay out of the store altogether.

5. Prime perks will probably go physical

Amazons biggest weapon is their Prime membership, and this where they make a good chunk of their revenue.

So, dont be surprised if Prime members get perks like:

• Extra in-store discounts
• Exclusive Prime deals
• Faster pickup windows

Smart move: If you already have Prime, stores like the one they will be building in Illinois could add substantial grocery and household savings.

If you dont have Prime, its safe to assume Amazon will dangle some strong in-store perks to entice you to join.

Why this is a big deal

More than 80% of retail shopping still happens in good ol brick and mortar stores.

While Amazon dominates online, companies like Costco and Walmart win because shoppers still like buying groceries and household goods in person.

This new format is Amazon basically admitting:

We need to meet customers where they actually shop.

If this Illinois location performs well, expect more of these giant hybrid stores to pop-up across the country.