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Consumer Daily Reports

Settlement checks expected after final court approval on May 21, 2025

By Truman Lewis Consumer News: USAA to pay .25 mIllion in data breach settlement of ConsumerAffairs
April 21, 2025

Key takeaways:

  • USAA settles class-action lawsuit over 2021 data breach affecting 22,600 members.

  • Deadline for filing claims has passed. Victims have been notified.

  • Settlement checks expected after final court approval on May 21, 2025.


Scammers and cybercriminals are constantly evolvingand in 2021, United Services Automobile Association (USAA) became one of their many victims. A data breach that year exposed the sensitive personal information of roughly 22,600 USAA members, prompting a class-action lawsuit that has now led to a $3.25 million settlement.

While USAA has not admitted any wrongdoing, the financial services provider has agreed to the payout to resolve claims that it failed to properly safeguard customer data. Affected members may be eligible for financial compensation, but theyll need to act quickly to claim it.

Who qualifies?

If your personal data was compromised in the breach around May 6, 2021, you could be eligible for a payment. Impacted individuals should have received notice via email or mail with a claimant ID and confirmation code after the settlement was reached in December 2024.

To qualify, you'll need to file your claim by April 7, 2025either through the official settlement website or by mailing your form to Angeion Group LLC in Philadelphia. Those wishing to opt out or object to the settlement must also submit a request by the same deadline.

How much?

The settlement will be divided equally among all valid claimants, though the exact payout per person is not yet known. Based on similar class actions, eligible members can likely expect to receive between $10 and $50, depending on how many people participate. Payments may be issued by check or direct deposit following the final approval hearing on May 21, 2025.

This case highlights the growing risks posed by cyberattacks and the importance of corporate data protectionespecially for organizations like USAA that serve military members and their families. For affected members, this settlement may offer some measure of restitutionand a reminder to stay vigilant about data privacy.

Sign up below for The Daily Consumer, our newsletter on the latest consumer news, including recalls, scams, lawsuits and more.




Posted: 2025-04-21 19:18:11

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Consumer News: Beef-eaters rejoice: new study says the stuff won't kill you

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 04:07:07 +0000

Large cattlemen-funded survey found no link between animal protein and increased mortality

By James R. Hood of ConsumerAffairs
August 25, 2025
  • Large U.S. survey finds no link between animal protein and increased mortality
  • Higher intake tied to modest reduction in cancer-related deaths

  • Researchers say both plant and animal protein support long-term health


Eating animal-sourced protein does not raise the risk of early death and may even lower the odds of dying from cancer, according to a new study published in Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism. While that may be surprising, it's worth noting that the study was funded by the National Cattlemens Beef Association,though the organization was not involved in the design, data collection, analysis or publication of the findings, the study's authors said.

The research analyzed dietary data from nearly 16,000 adults aged 19 and older who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III). Scientists compared typical animal and plant protein intake with the risk of death from cancer, cardiovascular disease and all causes.

While the cattlemen may not have controlled the study's outcome, it's possible they had their eye on the calendar when they signed on to support it. That's because new dietary guidelines are expected to be issued this year and they're expected to favor plant protein over animal sources.

For the first time, according to a ConsumerReports article, theguidelines advisory committeerecommends that people put plant protein at the top over their menu.Beans, peas, and lentils would move to the top of the list of protein sources, encouraging people to emphasize those, while red meat moves to the bottom as the protein source you should eat least, says Christopher Gardner, PhD, professor of medicine at Stanford Prevention Research Center in Palo Alto, Calif., and one of the committee members, according to the non-profit organization.

The National Cattlemen's Beef Association is a contractor to the USDA's Beef Check-Off program. Proceeds are used to fund "public education" and promotion.(Disclosure: the author of this story was once a consultant to the cattlemen'sassociation.)

No added risk, possible benefit

The results of the study showed no increased mortality risk from eating more animal protein. In fact, participants with higher intakes had a modest but statistically significant reduction in cancer-related mortality.

Theres a lot of confusion around protein how much to eat, what kind and what it means for long-term health. This study adds clarity, said Stuart Phillips, Professor and Chair of Kinesiology at McMaster University in Ontario, who supervised the work.

To strengthen the analysis, researchers used advanced statistical models, including the National Cancer Institute method and multivariate Markov Chain Monte Carlo modeling, to better capture long-term eating patterns and reduce measurement errors.

Plant vs. animal protein

When both plant and animal protein were included in the models, the findings held steady: neither type increased overall mortality risk, though plant protein showed little effect on cancer outcomes, while animal protein appeared to provide a slight protective edge.

Lead researcher Yanni Papanikolaou, MPH, said the results align with decades of clinical evidence. When both observational data like this and clinical research are considered, its clear both animal and plant protein foods promote health and longevity, he said.


Read More ...


Consumer News: FDA warns sunscreen companies over foams and mousses

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 04:07:07 +0000

Agency says whipped products not approved forms of sunscreen

By Truman Lewis of ConsumerAffairs
August 25, 2025
  • Agency says whipped products not approved forms of sunscreen
  • Five brands cited, including popular Supergoop
  • Doctors caution consumers until effectiveness is proven

The Food and Drug Administration has issued warning letters to five companies selling sunscreen foams and mousses, saying the airy products are not among the forms of sunscreen the agency allows on the market.

In a post on X, the agency cautioned consumers to beware of the trendy sunscreens, which have gone viral for their whipped-cream-like texture. While the F.D.A. permits sticks, sprays, gels, powders, oils, butters, and ointments to be marketed as sunscreens, mousses and foams remain off the approved list.

Five companies targeted

The letters went to Supergoop, Vacation Inc., Kalani Sunwear, K & Care Organics, and Fallien Cosmeceuticals. The F.D.A. said the companies were improperly advertising the products as protecting against sunburn or reducing the risk of skin cancer.

A spokesman said the agency has not received data proving sunscreen mousses are safe or effective. Still, dermatologists noted that does not necessarily mean they dont work only that the products have not yet been reviewed against federal standards.

The F.D.A. has a very tight definition of what they allow to be marketed as sunscreens, said Dr. Ahmad Amin, a dermatologist at Northwestern Medicine in a New York Times report.

Some experts say the lightweight formulas might not offer reliable coverage because they are too "airy." Also, some experts say that foams may not adhere to the skin as well as traditional sprays and lotions, though he saw no reason to consider them unsafe.

Until the F.D.A. weighs in, doctors urged caution.

Companies respond

Supergoop said in a statement the letter is focused on product labeling and has nothing to do with its safety, effectiveness, or formula. Kalani Sunwear, based in Sweden, paused U.S. sales of its sun mousse while reviewing the rules. Vacation Inc. said it has full confidence in the integrity of its product.

Fallien Cosmeceuticals and K & Care Organics did not supply comments.


Read More ...


Consumer News: Walmart plugs into EV future with nationwide charging network

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 04:07:07 +0000

The retail giant's new plan should give EV adoption a jolt

By James R. Hood of ConsumerAffairs
August 25, 2025

  • Three pilot stations already open in Texas and Arkansas

  • Thousands more planned at Walmart and Sams Club stores by 2030

  • Company says lower charging prices could give drivers a break


Walmart is accelerating its push into clean transportation, unveiling new details about its plan to blanket the United States with electric vehicle chargers.

The retail giant, which announced last year it would install chargers at thousands of its Walmart and Sams Club locations by 2030, has already opened three pilot stations two in Texas and one in Arkansas, according to Charged EVs.

We're talking about thousands of locations with tens of thousands of chargers online by the end of this decade, charging industry expert Tom Moloughney said.

The scale of Walmarts network could dramatically expand access to public fast charging. With more than 5,200 stores nationwide, and 90% of Americans living within 10 miles of one, the retailers footprint makes it well-positioned to reach millions of drivers who struggle to find convenient charging.

Charging through the Walmart app

Drivers will be able to start a charging session by scanning a code on the charger through the Walmart app. Moloughney reported paying about 42 cents per kilowatt-hour at one site slightly below competing rates nearby.

The stations will support both of the dominant U.S. fast-charging standards: CCS1, used by most non-Tesla EVs, and NACS, Teslas slimmer plug now being adopted by other carmakers. The chargers will also be powerful enough to add hundreds of miles of driving range in under 30 minutes.

A boost for EV adoption

The expansion could reduce one of the biggest barriers to EV adoption: charging access. While gasoline cars release more than 5 tons of carbon pollution each year, EVs produce no tailpipe emissions. Even hybrids pollute less than gas-only vehicles.

EVs also cost less to operate owners spend about 60% less annually on charging compared to fueling a gas-powered car. Walmarts presence in the charging space could push costs down even further, especially for budget-conscious drivers.

Other big-box retailers are following suit. Ikea has rolled out charging at more of its stores, signaling that corporate America sees an opportunity in fueling the nations EV future.


Read More ...


Consumer News: European postal services halt U.S. shipments as tariff exemption ends

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 04:07:07 +0000

The change means U.S. consumers won't be getting fast fashion bargains from China anymore

By James R. Hood of ConsumerAffairs
August 25, 2025

  • End of duty-free threshold: The U.S. is eliminating its de minimis exemption, which let packages worth under $800 enter the country without duties.

  • Shipping suspensions: Postal operators in Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Italy, France, Austria, and the U.K. are pausing or restricting shipments to the U.S. amid uncertainty.

  • Tariff confusion: With little clarity from U.S. authorities, carriers warn of delays, higher costs, and widespread disruption to cross-border e-commerce.


Rain, sleet and snow may not stop the mail but changes in import rules just may. Blame the end of something called the "de minimis" rule -- along-standing exemption on import duties for low-value packages entering the United States. It is expiring Friday, triggering a wave of shipping suspensions by European postal services and raising fears of higher costs for U.S. consumers and retailers.

The allowed packages worth less than $800 to enter duty-free. In 2024 alone, 1.36 billion shipments valued at $64.6 billion entered the U.S. under the rule, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. In recent years, low-cost "fast fashion" retailers like Shein have capitalized on the rule, flooding the U.S. with low-cost merchandise.

Now, with the threshold gone, international postal carriers say they cannot guarantee compliance with the new tariffs and procedures. Over the weekend, postal services in Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and Italy halted most merchandise shipments to the U.S., while France and Austria announced they would follow suit Monday. Britains Royal Mail said it would pause shipments on Tuesday, warning that items worth more than $100 including personal gifts will now face a 10% duty.

Key questions remain unresolved, particularly regarding how and by whom customs duties will be collected in the future, what additional data will be required, and how the data transmission to U.S. Customs and Border Protection will be carried out, DHL, Europes largest shipping provider, said in a statement. The company said it will no longer accept parcels from business customers bound for the U.S.

First tariffs, now this

The suspension comes just weeks after Washington and Brussels agreed to impose a 15% tariff on most EU goods. Packages previously exempt under the $800 threshold will now be subject to the same duties.

The U.S. already ended duty-free entry for Chinese goods in May, part of the Trump administrations push to curb imports of inexpensive foreign products. That restriction is now being extended worldwide.

Postal operators say they were given too little time to prepare for the change. Italys Poste Italiane, Frances La Poste, and Austrias Austrian Post each cited unclear U.S. guidance and a lack of updated customs systems. PostEurop, representing 51 European postal operators, warned that if no solution is found by August 29, all its members may suspend U.S.-bound shipments.

If you have something to send to America, you should do it today, PostNL spokesperson Wout Witteveen told the Associated Press.

De minimis not so minimus

Shein, Temu and other Chinese bargain outlets made hay while the sun shone.In 2022 alone, 83% of U.S. e-commerce imports fell under this exemption, and Shein and Temu were responsible for roughly 30% of that flood of goods. With the loopholeclosing, Shein adjusted its pricing to account for the new tariffs, which can run as high as 30% on apparel and up to 145% in some cases.

The change also destabilizes Sheins entire business strategy, which hinges on low-cost production in China, fast global shipping, and minimal regulatory friction. With tariffs in play, Shein and competitors like Temu now face more red tape, longer customs delays, and thinner margins. While some cost increases are passed along to customers, firms must be careful not to erode their appeal as affordable alternatives to domestic retailers.

Removing the de minimis exemption for Chinese imports is likely to raise prices for consumers, particularly for lower-income consumers, said Amit Khandelwal, a Yale economist and co-author of astudy by the National Bureau of Economic Research. That study estimated the de minimis rollback will cost U.S. consumers $10.9 to $13 billion overall, with poorer zip codes bearing a larger share of that burden.


Read More ...


Consumer News: School supplies, lunches cost a little less in 2025

Sun, 24 Aug 2025 04:07:07 +0000

Lunch staples are down 3.34%, supplies down 7.05%

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs
August 22, 2025
  • The cost of popular school lunch items is down 3.34% year-over-year, led by Oat & Honey granola bars (-20.1%) and applesauce cups (-5.1%), though some items like mozzarella string cheese (+2.4%) and fruit snacks (+1.4%) rose slightly.

  • Prices for 15 common items are down 7.05% from 2024, with construction paper (-51.6%), broadline markers (-23.8%), and fine line markers (-12.3%) showing the steepest drops.

  • While some supplies (like notebooks and folders) stayed flat, others climbedmost notably dry erase markers (+20.6%), kids scissors (+3.7%), and washable glue (+11.8%).


Families continue to struggle with the cost of living, but a new report from Datasembly, which tracks prices in real time, finds that some back-to-school costs are going down.

According to the data, the total cost of popular school lunch staples has fallen 3.34%, year-over-year. The biggest decline is the price of a 5-bar package of Oat & Honey granola bars, which is down more than 20% from 2024.

But pretzel twists, white bread, mayo, fruit snacks and mozzarella cheese all cost slightly more.

Heres the breakdown:

School supplies

Families are also catching a break when they stock up on school supplies. The report shows the total cost of 15 items usually found in kids backpacks is down 7.05% from last year.

Three items are down by double-digit percentages. Construction paper is down the most more than 50%.

The costs of a college notebook, a 4-pocket paper folder and 150 sheets of wide-ruled paper are the same as last year. Hand sanitizer, kids' scissors, a 12-inch ruler, washable glue and dry markers have all increased in price since last year. The price of markers recorded the largest increase, 20.6%.

Heres the breakdown:

In 2024, lunch box staples saw a modest 1.16% increase while school supplies saw prices rise 3.6% over the prior year.


Read More ...


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