Consumer News: Investigation finds gaps in Roblox’s child safety measures

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Consumer Daily Reports

Details: Written by Consumer Affairs News; Category: Consumer Daily Reports; Published: 15 April 2025; Created: 15 April 2025; Last Updated: 15 April 2025

Children as young as five exposed to explicit content and inadequate protective measures, the report found

By Truman Lewis

of ConsumerAffairs

April 15, 2025

Key takeaways:

Kids as young as 5 encountered explicit content and unsupervised contact with adults
Safety controls found to be weak despite Roblox's recent updates
Platform calls for government action and industry collaboration to protect young users

A deeply disturbing investigation has raised serious concerns about the safety of children on the massively popular gaming platform Roblox, where kids as young as five were found to be exposed to graphic content and interactions with adults, despite platform safeguards.

The findings, reported by The Guardiancome from a study by digital behavior research firm Revealing Reality, and point to a stark disconnect between Robloxs child-friendly branding and the reality of what young users experience on the platform. The report documents multiple incidents of age-inappropriate environments, sexual content, and grooming risks faced by young users.

Safety controls that exist are limited in their effectiveness and there are still significant risks for children on the platform, the report concludes.

Avatars as young as 5 accessed suggestive content

To conduct the investigation, researchers created multiple fake Roblox accounts registered to fictional users aged 5, 9, 10, 13, and 40+. These accounts only interacted with each other, ensuring results were not influenced by real users.

They found that even very young avatars could access highly suggestive environments, including virtual hotel rooms with sexualized roleplay and fetish gear, and bathroom settings where avatars mimicked inappropriate behavior. Audio chat also exposed users to sexually explicit sounds and conversations, despite Robloxs claim that its voice features are AI-moderated and restricted to verified users aged 13 and older.

In one alarming example, an adult test account was able to request a five-year-old avatars Snapchat handle using thinly veiled language highlighting how easily built-in filters and moderation systems can be bypassed, the Guardian reported.

Roblox responds, but pressure mounts

In response, Roblox Corporation acknowledged the presence of harmful content and bad actors on its platform and said it is working to strengthen safeguards. However, the company stressed that tens of millions of people have a positive, enriching, and safe experience on Roblox every day.

It also called for government intervention and broader industry efforts to help address these systemic issues.

We deeply sympathize with any parent whose child has had a harmful experience, a Roblox spokesperson said.

Despite recent updates including new parental controls and restrictions for users under 13, Revealing Reality found these measures to be inconsistently effective and easily circumvented.

Parents Voice Alarm

The findings echo the growing concern among parents over childrens screen time, online addiction, and exposure to danger on open digital platforms. Many have voiced frustration that current moderation tools fail to keep pace with evolving online threats, particularly in user-generated environments like Roblox.

With more than 85 million daily users, 40% of whom are estimated to be under 13, Robloxs influence on young audiences is profound and experts say these revelations should serve as a wake-up call for both the company and regulators.

We must stop assuming that a child-friendly appearance equals a child-safe experience, the report warns.

As the debate over online child safety intensifies, the Roblox case may become a litmus test for digital accountability in an era dominated by user-created content and AI-driven moderation.

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Posted: 2025-04-15 17:49:30

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Consumer News: Mortgage rates have fallen: Is now a good time to refinance?
Thu, 26 Feb 2026 08:07:07 +0000

There are a lot of individual factors that determine that answer

By Mark Huffman

of ConsumerAffairs

February 25, 2026

Mortgage rates remain higher than pandemic-era lows, but theyve eased from recent peaks, creating selective refinancing opportunities.
Homeowners with rates at least 0.75% to 1% above todays averages may benefit but closing costs can erase savings if they plan to move soon.
Cash-out refinancing can provide liquidity, but it increases long-term interest costs and resets loan terms.

As mortgage rates settle into a new normal, many homeowners are wondering whether 2026 could finally be the right time to refinance. The answer depends less on national headlines and more on individual math.

After climbing sharply in recent years, mortgage rates have stabilized compared with their highs by one account falling below 6% though they remain well above the rock-bottom levels seen in 2020 and 2021. That means refinancing is no longer a universal money-saving move but for some borrowers, it can still make financial sense.

When refinancing may make sense

The traditional rule of thumb has been that refinancing is worth considering if you can lower your interest rate by at least onepercentage point. In todays environment, some lenders say a reduction of 0.75 percentage points can still be worthwhile, depending on loan size and how long you plan to stay in the home.

For example, a homeowner with a $350,000 loan who reduces their rate by 1% could save hundreds per month. Over time, that adds up but only if they stay in the house long enough to recover closing costs, which typically range from 2% to 5% of the loan amount.

Borrowers who originally purchased when rates were elevated particularly in 2023 or 2024 may be best positioned to benefit if rates dip modestly.

Monthly payment vs. long-term cost

One common mistake homeowners make is focusing solely on lowering their monthly payment.

Refinancing into a new 30-year loan resets the clock. Even at a slightly lower rate, extending repayment can increase the total interest paid over the life of the loan. Homeowners who have already paid down several years of their mortgage may want to consider a 15- or 20-year refinance instead, or choose a new term that matches their remaining payoff timeline.

The key calculation is the break-even point how many months it will take for monthly savings to exceed upfront refinancing costs.

Cash-out refinancing: Proceed carefully

For homeowners who have built significant equity, a cash-out refinance can unlock funds for home improvements, debt consolidation,or other expenses. But this strategy carries risk.

By increasing the loan balance, borrowers may trade lower-interest mortgage debt for higher long-term costs. And if home values soften, they could reduce their equity cushion.

Financial advisers generally caution against using home equity to fund discretionary spending. However, using it strategically such as consolidating high-interest credit card debt or financing value-adding renovations can make sense in certain circumstances.

Credit score and home equity matter

Lenders reserve the best refinance rates for borrowers with strong credit typically 700 or higher and at least 20% equity in their home. Those with lower credit scores may see smaller rate improvements or higher fees.

Homeowners should also consider whether theyll need a new appraisal and whether their homes value has changed significantly.

Experts consistently recommend gathering at least three quotes. Fees, lender credits, and rate-lock policies can vary widely. Even a fraction of a percentage point difference can translate into thousands of dollars over time.

Online lenders, credit unions, and traditional banks may all price loans differently, and some offer streamlined refinance programs that reduce paperwork for borrowers with government-backed loans.

Now can be a good time to refinance but only for the right borrower.

Homeowners who secured mortgages at higher recent rates, plan to remain in their homes for several years, and can meaningfully reduce their rate may benefit. Those who locked in ultra-low pandemic-era loans are unlikely to find better terms in the current environment.

Consumer News: How to coupon at Walmart (without getting your coupons rejected)
Thu, 26 Feb 2026 02:07:06 +0000

The Walmart coupon rules most shoppers miss

By Kyle James of ConsumerAffairs

February 25, 2026

Walmart accepts paper and print-at-home manufacturer coupons that scan, arent expired, and match the exact item (size and variety).
Follow the limits. One coupon per item and they limit you to four identical coupons per day. Go over those limits and expect a denial.
Stack smart. Pair a manufacturer coupon with Rollbacks or clearance for the best deal. Choose between a paper coupon or Walmart Cash on the same item not both.

We all know that Walmart is known for its everyday low prices and price rollbacks, but if you learn the couponing game at Walmart, you can take your savings to a whole new level.

Heres everything you need to know, from the coupons they accept to what they dont. Along with a few insider pro tips to help you save even more.

What coupons Walmart accepts (and what they dont)

Walmart accepts:

Paper manufacturer coupons (from the newspaper, mailers, product packaging, etc.) as long as they scan, arent expired, and match the exact item.
Print-at-home internet manufacturer coupons (again, must scan, be readable, and match the item exactly).
BOGO manufacturer coupons (these come with some rules, more on that below).

Walmart does not accept:

Coupons on your phone (no mobile/digital coupons scanned off a device).
Competitor/retailer coupons.
Expired coupons.
Coupon overages (This means if the item costs $1.99, and your coupon is for $2 off, the coupon will adjust down to $1.99).
Manufacturer coupons on prepaid products or gift cards.

Pro tip: Print-at-home coupons need to look perfect. Walmart makes it clear that they wont accept internet coupons that are blurry, out of proportion, dont scan, or appear altered. If your printer ink is fading, dont waste the trip.

How to use coupons at checkout

At self-checkout:

Scan your items first.
When its time, scan each coupon barcode so it registers.
If the machine asks for help or a coupon wont scan, dont force it. Thats how you end up in the coupon standoff customer service line.

At a regular register:

Hand coupons over when the cashier is ready for them, and make sure every coupon matches whats in your cart (right size, right variety, right count). Walmarts policy is clear that unmatched coupons are not supposed to be accepted and are typically denied.

How to use Walmart Cash (the digital coupon they wantyou to use)

Walmart Cash is tied to manufacturer offers in the Walmart app as well as on Walmart.com.

You clip offers and save them to your account, then you buy the item, and youll have Walmart Cash land in your account.

Redeeming Walmart Cash in-store:

Open the Walmart app, use Walmart Pay at checkout, scan the QR code, then select Use Walmart Cash.

Missed it at checkout?

If you forgot to connect Walmart Pay, Walmart says you can still earn Walmart Cash by scanning your receipt barcode in the app within sevendays (as long as the offer was clipped before checkout).

Pro tip: Before you checkout, decide which deal is better a paper coupon ORa Walmart Cash offer. This is important because you cant use a paper coupon and get Walmart Cash for the same item in the same purchase.

Where to find Walmart-usable coupons (the real sources)

Youre basically hunting for manufacturer coupons, so go where manufacturer coupons live:

Sunday newspaper inserts (still a big source of paper coupons in many areas)
Print-at-home coupon sites. My favorites include Coupons.com, KrazyCouponLady, and ValPak.
Manufacturer sites and brand emails (P&G, Unilever brands, cereal brands, and even detergent brands; theyll send you coupons if you sign up)
As you start looking online for coupons, youll notice coupon roundup websites and apps that organize whats out there. Bookmark your favorites as you find them, but remember that you still need the actual manufacturer coupon source.

The two Walmart limits that trip people up

One coupon per item.You cant use two manufacturer coupons on the same item.
Limit of four identical couponsper household, per day (unless the coupon itself says otherwise).

Pro tip:If, for example, you have six of the exact same $1 off coupon, dont expect all six to go through in one day.

If youre planning a bigger haul, split the coupons across two days. Or have your spouse make a separate purchase so you can use more than fouridentical coupons in one visit.

'Stacking'at Walmart: Whats actually allowed

True coupon stacking is limited at Walmart because theyre mainly taking manufacturer coupons.

Butheres what you can stack:

1. Coupon + sale price (Rollback/clearance)

Walmart allows coupons on discounted items, and this is where the magic happens. You find a Rollback, clearance, or end-cap markdown then drop a manufacturer coupon on top.

2. Coupons + Walmart Cash (but not on the same item)

Walmart has manufacturer offers in the app that pay you back as Walmart Cash. You can earn Walmart Cash and spend your Walmart Cash, but theres a big rule:

If you use a paper coupon on an item, you wont get Walmart Cash for the manufacturer offer on that same item.

You can still earn Walmart Cash on other items in the transaction. And you can still redeem your existing Walmart Cash balance in-store by scanning the QR code in Walmart Pay.

3. Coupons + cash-back rebate apps.

Some popular cash-back apps, like Ibotta, allow you to stack an offer with a manufacturer coupon, but not always.

If you use a paper manufacturer coupon, the coupon often takes precedence and you may not receive the Ibotta rebate.

You can, however, use a digital manufacturer coupon (must be in the Walmart app) and still receive an Ibotta rebate, but you cannot use two manufacturer offers on the same item.

BOGO coupons at Walmart (the quick rules)

Walmart does take buy one, get one (BOGO) manufacturer coupons, but you have to know the specific rules:

You typically must buy two eligible items, and one will be discounted by its full retail price.
Walmart says you cant double dip with two BOGO coupons to make both items free (unless the coupon explicitly allows it).
They also dont accept BOGO manufacturer coupons with a percentage off the second item (example: buy one, get second 50% off).

Pro tip: Dont forget to look for paper coupons on (or near) products on the actual shelf at Walmart. These are called peelie coupons. You can just peel one off and use it at checkout to save money.

Consumer News: The sneaky Amazon 'quantity trap' that could be costing you money
Wed, 25 Feb 2026 20:07:06 +0000

The hidden math under Amazon prices

By Kyle James of ConsumerAffairs

February 25, 2026

Bigger isnt always cheaper. On Amazon, larger packs can cost more per unit than smaller ones. Different sellers price each size separately, and prices fluctuate constantly.
Check the price per unit. Always look at the cost per ounce, count, or item under the main price and click every size option. The default Best Choice isnt always the best deal.
Dont overspend upfront. Even if bulk is slightly cheaper per unit, spending $50 instead of $17 only makes sense if youll actually use it.

We all assume buying in bulk saves money, but sometimes, if youre not paying attention, it will actually cost you money.

Specifically, on Amazon, the bigger pack isnt always the best deal. And sometimes its actually significantly more expensive per unit than a smaller option. If youre not checking the price per unit line under the product price, you could be overspending without even realizing it.

Lets look at a real example

I recently noticed some cracks in my asphalt driveway and went on Amazon to buy some crack filler.

I quickly spotted the Red Devil Asphalt Crack Filler, clicked on it, and noticed it came in four different pack-quantities.

Much to my surprise, the pricing of the multiple sizes was crazy:

1 Pack $10.66
2 Pack $21.32($10.66each)
4 Pack $16.67($4.17each)
12 Pack $53.30($4.44each)

At first glance, most shoppers would assume the 12-pack is automatically the best value without looking at the per-unit price.

But in actuality, the per-unit price is lowerfor the four-pack compared to the 12-pack.

Also, I'd be spending $53upfront, instead of $16, and Id never actually use or need 12 tubes of crack filler.

This is not a one-off. In many Amazon listings (paper towels, shampoo, vitamins, pantry staples), the smaller pack is actually cheaper per unit than the larger option.

This happens often because pricing fluctuates constantly as Amazon allows third-party sellers to set their prices, and they adjust prices based on current demand.

In other words, the default size Amazon highlights isnt always the smartest buy.

Why this happens on Amazon

Amazons pricing isnt static like your local grocery store shelf.

Each size variation can be:

Sold by different sellers
Discounted differently
Eligible (or not eligible) for Subscribe & Save
Adjusted by Amazons algorithm in real time

Thats why the four-pack might be heavily discounted, while the two-pack quietly sits at full price.

If youre not scanning through each quantity option, youre only seeing part of the picture.

Smart tips to avoid thisAmazon trap

1. Click every size option

Dont trust the default selection or what Amazon might call the best choice.Tap through each quantity to compare the price-per-unit.

2. Check Subscribe & Save carefully

Sometimes the discount only applies to certain sizes. Other times, the base price is inflated on larger packs so the discount looks better than it is.

3. Dont tie up cash unnecessarily

Instead of tying up your money in bulk packs that you might not actually use, keep your money in your bank account earning interest.

Even if the 12-pack is a few cents cheaper per unit, spending over $50 upfront makes zero sense if the four-pack meets your needs.

4. Recheck before reordering

If you shop on Amazon often, youve probably noticed that their prices fluctuate daily.

When you go to reorder a product, be aware that the cheapest option last month may not be cheapest today.

5. Watch for third-party sellers

Third-party sellers on Amazon can, and do, price "pack sizes"differently. Youll notice this the most often with home improvement products, cleaning supplies, snacks, and pantry staples.

The bottom line for smart shoppers is that bulk doesnt automatically mean bargain, especially when shopping on Amazon.

Always take the extra 10 seconds to check the unit price. Its one of the easiest ways to avoid overspending and keep more money in your pocket.

Consumer News: Early environments may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes
Wed, 25 Feb 2026 20:07:06 +0000

New research shows neighborhood conditions and food access may matter for very young childrens diabetes risk

By Kristen Dalli of ConsumerAffairs

February 25, 2026

A new nationwide analysis shows very early childhood Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is still uncommon but linked with where children live and their food environments.
Researchers studied survey data from more than 174,000 U.S. children (including ~50,000 under age 5) to explore behavioral and environmental factors tied to T2D.
Findings suggest broader influences neighborhood walkability, food programs, and access to nutritious foods are associated with risk indicators beyond diet and physical activity alone.

Type 2 diabetes, once thought of as an adult disease, is becoming increasingly visible in children and teens now making up a far larger share of pediatric diabetes cases than it did decades ago.

While obesity remains a key risk factor, scientists are asking: could a childs early environment including the neighborhood they grow up in and the quality of food they access also play a role?

Thats the question driving a new study published in Pediatric Research and highlighted by Florida Atlantic University researchers.

Research has shown that neighborhood environments such as the presence of sidewalks, parks or other green spaces can directly influence a childs ability to engage in physical activity, and in turn, affect their risk of developing chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, researcher Lea Sacca, Ph.D., said in a news release.

The study

The team analyzed data from the National Survey of Childrens Health covering five years (20162020), focusing on children from birth through age 5 an under-studied group when it comes to T2D. Caregivers provided information about whether a health care provider had diagnosed the child with T2D, along with responses about dietary habits, physical activity, and aspects of their living situation.

Rather than looking only at weight or what kids ate, the researchers also included broader factors like neighborhood conditions (walkability, presence of litter), access to free or reduced-cost meals, participation in food assistance programs, and even whether neighbors helped out.

Statistical comparisons including proportions and chi-square tests were used to see how these variables varied with T2D status.

What the study found: Results with a twist

First, the good news: the overall rate of T2D in kids under 5 remained very low and did not change dramatically over the study period. But certain patterns stood out.

For example, children living in areas with more walkability or nearby green space tended to have different T2D indicators compared with those in less active environments. In both 2016 and 2020, having a library nearby was linked with T2D reporting possibly capturing broader lifestyle or neighborhood patterns that influence activity.

Use of food assistance programs rose over the period studied, and while these can reduce food insecurity, they are also connected with greater consumption of processed, high-sugar foods a complexity the researchers note matters for diabetes risk.

Overall, the findings highlight that preventing early-onset T2D may need strategies beyond encouraging better diet and exercise alone .

The rise in early-onset type 2 diabetes is a growing public health concern, said Dr. Sacca. Addressing it requires a comprehensive strategy. That includes improving access to nutritious foods, creating healthier neighborhood environments, and investing in policies that promote long-term wellness from the very start of life.

Consumer News: Does your zip code affect how aggressive breast cancer is?
Wed, 25 Feb 2026 20:07:06 +0000

New research links living near polluted sites to higher odds of advanced breast cancer diagnoses.

By Kristen Dalli of ConsumerAffairs

February 25, 2026

Women living close to federally designated Superfund cleanup sites were more likely to be diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer.
Researchers analyzed more than 21,000 cases and looked at links after adjusting for key demographics and income.
The findings add to evidence that environmental conditions may shape tumor progression, not just genetics or lifestyle.

The risk of breast cancer is most often discussed in terms of genes or lifestyle family history, diet, exercise, hormones.

However, scientists are digging deeper into how where people live might affect how the disease behaves.

A series of recent studies led by researchers at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and published in peer-review journals suggests that women who live near heavily polluted areas specifically Environmental Protection Agency Superfund sites are more likely to be diagnosed with more aggressive forms of breast cancer.

Superfund sites are places that the EPA has identified as severely contaminated often from decades of industrial waste and that require long-term cleanup. Communities near these hazardous areas tend to be exposed to a mix of pollutants known to interfere with hormones or damage DNA. Although this kind of environmental influence has been suspected, it hasnt been widely studied in relation to breast cancer aggressiveness until now.

Members of our community raised concerns that where they lived was making people sick, researcher Erin Kobetz, Ph.D., M.P.H., said in a news release.

Overwhelmingly, the people who were speaking up about this lived in a neighborhood relatively close to a Superfund site. Theres a growing body of evidence that living in neighborhoods close to these sites is associated with poor health outcomes.

The study

The most detailed part of this research centered on data from the Florida Cancer Data System, which included more than 21,000 women diagnosed with breast cancer from 2015 to 2019.

Scientists categorized patients by whether they lived in a census-designated place that contained at least one Superfund site. They then compared how many of these women were diagnosed with metastatic disease meaning the cancer had already spread beyond the breast versus those whose cancer was detected before it had spread.

To make sure the analysis wasnt just reflecting differences in age, race/ethnicity, or socioeconomic status, the researchers used statistical models that controlled for factors like median income, type of health insurance, and demographic variables. This means the comparison looked beyond simple differences between neighborhoods to isolate the potential effect of environmental exposure itself.

Results: What they found

The findings were striking: women living near at least one Superfund site had roughly 30% higher odds of being diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer compared to those living in areas without such sites even after adjusting for income and other factors. This pattern held true across different models that accounted for race and insurance status, suggesting the observed link isnt just about socioeconomic differences.

While this research doesnt prove pollution causes aggressive breast cancer, it adds to a growing body of evidence that environmental factors from air quality to hazardous waste exposure are important pieces of the puzzle. These results suggest that where a person lives may influence not just if cancer develops, but also how aggressively it behaves by the time its detected.

The community had a perspective, and now we have empirical and scientific data to suggest that their concerns may be valid, Dr. Kobetz said. These studies are the first puzzle pieces that will help us figure out what we should be focusing on next.

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