Consumer News: A growing number of car owners are underwater on their auto loans

SHEIN makes shopping easy but returns have some major gotchas

• SHEIN gives shoppers 30 days from delivery to make most eligible returns. Final-sale items and several product categories can be excluded.

• Bundle your returns whenever possible. The first USPS return from an order is free, while additional returns from that same order can cost $7.99 each.

• Keep the tags and packaging until you're sure. Items generally need to be unworn and undamaged, and SHEIN may occasionally issue a return-less refund.

Did you know that in terms of U.S. online fashion and apparel sales, only Amazon and Walmart rank ahead of SHEIN? Pretty impressive. And the reason theyre an obvious choice to be included in our return policy breakdown series.

From SHIENs one-free-return trick, to missing tags, to final-sale surprises, and refunds without returns, here's what shoppers need to know.

SHEIN makes it incredibly easy to fill a virtual shopping cart with $8 tops, $12 dresses, and enough accessories to make your mail carrier question your life choices. But when it comes to returning that haul, that's when things can get a little more complicated.

Here's what you should know before starting a SHEIN return.

1. Your 30 days start when the package arrives

In the U.S., SHEIN allows returns within 30 days of delivery, not 30 days from when you placed the order. Thats an important distinction.

That's also good news considering SHEIN orders can take time to reach you since they typically originate in China.

There's one wrinkle: SHEIN now sells some merchandise from third-party sellers, and those products can have different return windows. Be sure to check the product page, or your order history, rather than automatically assuming you have 30 days.

Pro tip: The day your order arrives, put a reminder in your phone for about a week before the return deadline. That prevents an unwanted $14 sweater from becoming a permanent member of your wardrobe because you forgot about it.

2. Don't make two returns when one will do

This may be the single most important SHEIN return trick.

SHEIN currently gives you FREE return shipping (via USPS) on the first return from each order, and that return can contain multiple eligible items. Make another return from that same order, however, and SHEIN deducts $7.99 from your refund for each additional return.

So don't immediately mail back the first thing that doesn't fit. Instead, take your time and try on everything first.

If six items need to go back, initiate one return and send them all together.

Pro tip: Create a temporary "SHEIN return pile" after opening a large order. Give yourself a few days to try everything on, then make one return. Otherwise, returning a $9 shirt later could potentially cost you almost as much as the shirt itself.

3. Don't assume clearance merchandise is returnable

This is an area where older advice about SHEIN can get you in trouble.

SHEIN's current U.S. policy lists clearance items and other merchandise identified as final sale/non-returnable among products that aren't eligible for returns.

So before buying something because the price seems ridiculously low, check the product page and check if its final sale.

That $6 dress isn't much of a bargain if it doesn't fit and you can't send it back.

4. Some categories are return-policy landmines

SHEIN's non-returnable list currently includes the following categories:

• Bodysuits

• Lingerie

• Underwear

• Jewelry and accessories

• Cosmetics

• Pet products

• Free gifts

• Customized products

• Some clearance and final-sale merchandise

Of this list, customized merchandise deserves some special attention.

Always make it a habit to double-check names, spelling, and other personalization before ordering because customized products generally can't be returned.

In other words, proofread before turning an inexpensive backpack into a permanent monument to your typo.

5. Don't rip the tags off too quickly

This is another reason to hold off on wearing your SHEIN haul immediately.

SHEIN's official policy says clothing should be returned new, unworn, unwashed, undamaged, and unaltered, with the original tags attached. Hygiene stickers, when applicable, also need to remain intact.

Some shoppers have reported being able to return items when a detached tag was included with the item, but that's not SHEIN's official policy and isn't something I'd count on.

Your safest move is simple to try it on before removing anything.

6. Be careful where you try on shoes

SHEIN says shoes, bags, and luggage need to come back new and undamaged, with original branded boxes and accessories. Shoes should only be tried on a soft, clean surface.

So don't walk outside to see how your new shoes feel and get the bottoms scuffed up.

If possible, try them on indoors on carpet. Otherwise, a few scuffs on the soles could turn a perfectly legitimate return into a dispute.

7. Keep those little SHEIN bags at least temporarily

Those transparent plastic bags scattered across your bedroom after opening a big SHEIN order aren't necessarily trash.

SHEIN asks shoppers to return merchandise in the original transparent bag containing the product's SKC and barcode if possible. If you've lost or damaged the outer packaging, however, SHEIN says you can use your own packaging (like a Ziploc bag) and write the SKC on the bag.

My rule would be simple: Don't throw away packaging until you know what you're keeping.

8. Exchanges aren't really exchanges anymore

Need the exact same shirt one size larger? Don't expect a traditional exchange.

SHEIN's current FAQ says it doesn't provide an exchange service. Instead, you're instructed to return the unwanted item for a refund and place a new order for the correct size.

That creates an interesting decision.

If the replacement size is running low, you may want to order it immediately rather than waiting for your refund and risking it selling out.

Just remember you'll temporarily have money tied up in both purchases.

9. SHEIN may tell you to keep the item

Here's one of the strangest quirks in the policy.

SHEIN shoppers have reported situations in which SHEIN issued refunds and told them they didn't need to return the merchandise.

And SHEIN's current official policy confirms that this can happen: the company says that, in certain cases, it may issue a refund without requiring the product to be returned.

Don't expect it, and certainly don't try to game the system.

But if SHEIN explicitly tells you to keep an item during the return process, follow the instructions you're given rather than mailing it back anyway.

10. Don't send your return back to the address on the original package

This is an easy mistake that could create a big headache.

SHEIN specifically warns shoppers not to mail returns to the sender address printed on the original package. That's not necessarily the company's designated return address and doing so can interfere with your refund.

Always initiate the return through your account and use the QR code or shipping label SHEIN provides.

For U.S. returns, SHEIN currently offers options including Happy Returns and USPS, although availability can depend on the merchandise and carrier restrictions.

11. Check your return before sealing the package

When you're returning eight inexpensive items at once, it's surprisingly easy to forget one or accidentally include something that doesn't belong.

SHEIN says returned merchandise must match what's listed on your return request. Discrepancies can delay or prevent a refund. The company also warns customers not to accidentally include merchandise that wasn't purchased through SHEIN because it won't be responsible for returning those items to you.

Pro tip: Lay everything you're returning on the floor and take one photo before packing the box. Then take another picture of the sealed package and shipping label.

If eight items go into the box and your refund only includes seven, you've got documentation of what you sent.

12. Your refund isn't necessarily immediate

Don't expect the money to hit your credit card the moment the tracking on your return says "delivered."

SHEIN says returned merchandise goes through a quality check before the refund is issued. Once SHEIN issues the refund, your financial institution can take one to 10 business days to process it. Refunds can generally go back to your original payment method or your SHEIN Wallet.

Its also worth noting that your original shipping charges will not be refunded.

We apologize in advance, but your bare feet need to hear this

• Hotel carpets can trap some nasty stuff. That includes dirt, food particles, dead skin, mold, allergens, and bacteria tracked in on shoes.

• Vacuumed doesnt necessarily mean clean. Germs and debris can remain deep in carpet fibers, and vacuuming may even stir particles into the air.

• Keep your bare feet off the floor. Pack slippers or flip-flops, especially if you have cuts or blisters, and keep luggage off the carpet.

You check into your hotel, kick off your shoes, and start walking around barefoot.

After reading this article, you may want to keep your socks on.

Hotel guests tend to worry about dirty TV remotes, bathroom surfaces, and whether those decorative pillows ever actually get washed. But one of the grimiest surfaces in the room may be directly under your feet.

A longtime AAA hotel inspector tells the whole story: Hotel carpeting can essentially become reservoirs for whatever guests and their shoes drag into a room.

And some of it is pretty gross.

Your shoes bring the outside world inside

Think about everywhere the bottom of your shoes goes during a typical travel day. Places like airport bathrooms, sidewalks, restaurants, gas stations and maybe a dog-friendly park.

Then you walk across the hotel carpet.

University of Arizona microbiologist Charles Gerba has studied bacteria found on shoes and says they can carry potentially harmful pathogens, including E. coli and other bacteria associated with fecal matter.

Carpets can also accumulate food particles, dust, dead skin cells, mold, and allergens. Walking across the carpet, or even vacuuming it, can disturb some of those particles and send them back up into the air.

Does that mean you're going to get sick because you walked barefoot from the bed to the bathroom? Probably not.

For most healthy adults, experts say the risk of becoming ill specifically from hotel carpeting is relatively low. But there's still a pretty compelling ick factor.

Definitely cover up cuts and blisters

There are situations where you should be more careful.

If you have a blister, cut, or other open wound on your foot, wearing socks or slippers makes even more sense because broken skin can provide an entry point for bacteria.

Also, according to S. Wesley Long, medical director of diagnostic microbiology at Houston Methodist Hospital, young children are another consideration.

Kids have a habit of sitting and crawling on floors and then putting their fingers in their mouths. If you're traveling with a toddler, the hotel carpet probably isn't the best place to spread out the toys and snacks.

People with asthma or respiratory sensitivities may also want to consider hotel rooms with hardwood or laminate flooring, since carpeting can hold dust, pollen, mold spores, and other allergens.

Pro tip: Pack a cheap pair of lightweight slippers or flip-flops specifically for your hotel room. They take up almost no suitcase space and eliminate the temptation to walk barefoot.

Vacuumed doesn't necessarily mean clean

Here's the part that might change how you look at housekeeping: A carpet can be freshly vacuumed and still contain plenty of unwanted material.

Vacuuming primarily removes loose debris near the surface. Deep cleaning or steam cleaning is much better at removing material embedded in carpet fibers, but hotels obviously aren't steam-cleaning every room between every guest.

There's another potential issue: the vacuum itself.

Research has found that microorganisms can collect on vacuum brushes and inside bags. Vacuuming can also kick tiny particles back into the air.

So if housekeeping is actively vacuuming your room or hallway, giving the dust a few minutes to settle isn't a bad idea.

Pro tip: Don't put your suitcase, clothes, or travel pillow directly on the carpet. Use the luggage rack, desk, chair, or another elevated surface instead.

Want a cleaner option? Look down before you book

More hotels are now using hard flooring such as luxury vinyl planks, porcelain tile, and engineered wood. Those surfaces aren't germ-free, of course, but they're generally easier to thoroughly clean and don't trap debris the way carpet fibers can.

You may even be able to spot the difference before booking. Be sure to scroll through the hotel's room photos and look at the floors.

It's one of those tiny details you probably never thought to check until now.

Ragweed and mold can make the transition to fall a rough one for allergy sufferers

• Fall allergies can look a lot like a cold, but symptoms that persist for weeks or worsen outdoors may point to ragweed or mold.

• Over-the-counter antihistamines and steroid nasal sprays can help, but persistent or worsening symptoms may warrant a doctors visit.

• Keeping windows closed, using HEPA filters, showering after spending time outdoors, and monitoring pollen counts can help keep allergy symptoms under control.

As summer winds down, allergy sufferers may soon find themselves dealing with a familiar set of symptoms. Fall allergy season typically gets underway around Labor Day, with ragweed pollen, and mold spores among the biggest triggers.

Ragweed can be especially difficult to avoid because its pollen can travel long distances through the air. Even if you don't live near a ragweed plant, those tiny pollen particles can still make their way into your nose and lungs.

So what can you do before the sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes really get going?

ConsumerAffairs spoke with Dr. Adam Solomon, Regional Medical Officer at CareMore Health, about the symptoms to watch for and some simple ways consumers can prepare for and manage fall allergies.

Early allergy warning signs

As the seasons change, allergy sufferers may struggle differentiating between seasonal allergy symptoms and a regular cold. Dr. Solomon shared his best tips for knowing whats what.

There is significant overlap between cold symptoms and seasonal allergies, he said. Both tend to cause itching of the eyes, nose, and throat, and both can result in sneezing, a runny nose with clear, watery mucus, as well as nasal congestion.

However, there are some ways to tell the difference.

Smetimes colds can be associated with more thick and cloudy mucus, a low-grade fever, some muscle aches, and/or a generally sick feeling that allergies typically dont bring, Dr. Solomon said.

Persistence of symptoms is also a key marker. Colds should resolve within 10 days (usually less) from onset of symptoms while allergies continue for as long as the person is exposed to the allergen (an allergen is a substance that is typically harmless but that a given persons immune system treats as a threat, causing an allergic reaction). For ragweed and mold, that can last for weeks. You might also notice that the symptoms get worse when youre outside, especially on high pollen count days.

When to see a doctor

Your local drugstore could be seeing you more often during allergy season, and youre certainly not alone there. However, when is it time to see a doctor, and when can you rely on over-the-counter options?

Some of the most effective medications for allergies that used to need a prescription are now available over the counter, so thats great, Dr. Solomon said.

However, if your symptoms arent controlled despite using antihistamines and steroid nasal sprays reliably, and especially if your symptoms are interfering with daily life, Dr. Solomon says it could be worth seeing a doctor to discuss other options.

(Patients) should also be evaluated if the allergies seem to be worsening breathing symptoms, especially if they have underlying asthma or another lung condition, he said. There are also red flag signs that merit faster attention, including nosebleeds, symptoms localized to just one side of the nose, loss of smell or taste, or if symptoms are associated with a severe headache, especially after a recent injury.

Improve air quality

On top of allergy medications and nasal sprays, Dr. Solomon says that there are several low-effort, high-impact ways to manage your allergy symptoms.

• Keep the windows closed and use air conditioning in the car and at home during pollen season to keep the pollen out.

• Use a HEPA air filter or air purifier in the bedroom to capture pollen, mold, and other airborne particles.

• It is helpful to shower and change your clothes after being outdoors. Bathing before bed can rinse the pollen out of the hair and off of the skin so it doesnt transfer to the bedding.

• Using a dehumidifier will discourage mold and dust mites which thrive in damp air. The air conditioner also helps with this. All of these should be combined to truly benefit the most.

Weve seen allergy seasons and pollen counts getting worse and lasting longer over the last decade or so in many regions, so if youre experiencing new or worse symptoms than in the past, this might be why, Dr. Solomon said.

People can track real-time pollen and air-quality maps on their phone weather app or at pollen.com, airnow.gov, and IQAir to help plan outdoor activities and when to be especially careful about keeping their windows closed.

Dr. Solomons last piece of advice: Allergy treatments work best when you use them regularly.

It is easier to prevent the start of symptoms than to stop them once theyve started, he said.

Cybercriminals are using blockbuster excitement to lure movie fans into fake streaming sites and phishing

• Fake movie sites can look legitimate, but prompts to download software, enable browser notifications, or respond to urgent security warnings are major red flags.

• A piracy scam can lead to bigger problems, including stolen passwords, compromised accounts, financial fraud, and follow-up phishing attempts.

• If you think youve fallen for a scam, act quickly by disconnecting the affected device, running a security scan, changing compromised passwords, and contacting your bank if financial information may be at risk.

Movie fans looking forward to highly anticipated releases like The Odyssey and Spider-Man: Brand New Day have plenty to be excited about. But that excitement can also create an opportunity for cybercriminals, who are using popular movies as bait for designed to steal personal information.

Fake streaming sites, bogus browser alerts, and prompts to install a missing codec can all look convincing enough to catch viewers off guard particularly when they're searching for a free way to watch a movie.

Once a victim takes the bait, scammers may be able to steal passwords or financial information, install malicious software, or use the stolen data in follow-up .

ConsumerAffairs spoke with Lynette Owens, Vice President of Consumer Marketing & Education, ROW at TrendLife, about the warning signs consumers should know and what they can do to protect themselves.

How to spot a scam

Owens explained that one of the biggest red flags in these types of is being asked to download or install something to watch a movie.

Consumers searching for free copies may land on convincing fake streaming or torrent sites that tell them they need to install a missing codec, download a media player, enable browser notifications, or click a fix it now security warning, she said.

Consumers should also be wary if a supposed movie download is actually a Windows .exe file, particularly one using a movie title and media-player icon to appear legitimate. Pop-ups claiming additional software is required, requests to allow browser notifications, urgent warnings about problems with your device, and mirror or lookalike domains using familiar piracy-site branding are also key warning signs.

Owens warns about an important distinction with these : the victim may never receive a suspicious email or text.

Instead, consumers searching for free copies of popular movies can encounter the malicious site themselves, which can make the threat feel less like a traditional phishing scam, she said.

Know the best defense

To best avoid one of these , Owens recommends that consumers maintain extreme caution when streaming or downloading content.

Consumers should stick to legitimate, trusted streaming platforms and never run an executable file, such as a .exe, that claims to be a movie, she said. They should also avoid installing unfamiliar codecs, media players, browser extensions, or other software simply because a streaming site says they're required.

More tips from Owens:

• Dont grant browser notification permissions to unfamiliar websites or interact with urgent fix it now warnings.

• Keep browsers, operating systems, and security software up-to-date provides another layer of protection.

• Be cautious of mirror and lookalike domains, even when they use familiar names or branding.

One fuels follow-up

These piracy are particularly dangerous because the initial attack can often lead to follow-up attacks down the road.

If a consumer downloads info-stealing malware, attackers may be able to obtain login credentials and other sensitive information from the compromised device, Owens explained.

That stolen information can then be used to fuel additional fraud. Criminals can try stolen usernames and passwords on other services, particularly when consumers reuse passwords across multiple accounts. Compromised credentials can also give attackers access to accounts containing additional personal or financial information.

What starts as an attempt to watch a free movie can therefore lead to credential theft, account compromise, financial fraud, and/or additional phishing attempts.

Act quickly if youre a victim

The sophistication of these make it easier for consumers to fall victim to them. If you find yourself involved in a piracy scam, Owens biggest piece of advice is to act quickly.

Here are her tips:

• If a suspicious file was downloaded or executed, disconnect the affected device from the internet and run a security scan to check for malicious software.

• Remove suspicious programs or browser extensions and revoke any notification permissions granted to suspicious websites.

• Change passwords for potentially affected accounts, prioritizing email, banking, and other sensitive accounts. If the same password was reused elsewhere, it should be changed on those accounts as well, and multi-factor authentication should be enabled wherever possible.

• If payment or financial information may have been compromised, consumers should contact their bank or card provider immediately and continue monitoring their financial and other important accounts for suspicious activity.

These are a reminder that online safety is increasingly a whole-family issue, especially as AI makes it easier for cybercriminals to create more polished, convincing and personalized at scale, Owens said. Threats aren't limited to suspicious emails or texts anymore; they can appear in the everyday places people go online for entertainment, information, and other activities.

From savings contributions to everyday spending, consumers are making room in their budgets for weight-loss medications

• 58% of GLP-1 users consider their medication an essential or important healthcare expense, according to a new Trimi survey.

• Nearly half of GLP-1 users say they would pause savings or retirement contributions rather than stop their treatment.

• Cost remains a major barrier to starting GLP-1 treatment, with nearly half of survey respondents identifying affordability as their biggest obstacle.

For Americans already juggling housing, groceries, and other rising household expenses, adding another monthly bill can mean making some difficult choices.

But a new survey suggests that many people taking GLP-1 medications are finding ways to make room for the cost of treatment even when that means putting other financial priorities on hold.

Trimi surveyed 1,065 U.S. adults and found that 58% of GLP-1 users consider their medication an essential or important healthcare expense. Nearly half said they would pause savings or retirement contributions rather than postpone treatment, while 44% said they would rather take on debt than stop using a GLP-1 and potentially lose their progress.

The findings highlight a bigger question for consumers: As these medications become part of their healthcare routines, how much are people willing to rearrange their finances to keep paying for them?

ConsumerAffairs spoke withSean Arora, MD, Medical Director of Weight Loss Medicine at Trimi Health, who explained what these spending choices reveal about the growing role GLP-1s are playing in household budgets.

A necessity, not an option

With over 40% of survey respondents saying theyd go into debt for their GLP-1 medication, Dr. Arora explained that many consumers are no longer thinking about the weight loss drugs as optional.

According to the survey results, a large portion of the patients don't consider GLP-1s as just an option anymore; they see them as a necessity rather than a discretionary purchase, he said. An overwhelming 58% said they consider these medications an essential or important healthcare expense, indicating that many perceive the benefits, whether that be weight management, metabolic health, or maintaining progress, as being worth the financial sacrifice.

For some patients, the idea of discontinuing the treatment is associated with regaining weight and increased health problems. These findings show that for many users of GLP-1 drugs, treatment has become not only a necessity, but also a recurrent one.

The impact on budget and long-term saving

Another key concept identified in the survey was that many GLP-1 users are willing to rework their monthly budgets or even change their retirement or other long-term savings plans to afford the weight loss drugs.

Putting off saving for retirement or increasing the emergency fund could negatively impact the future of patients because the loss of compound interest means missing the chance to save enough money during the years when it is easier to do, Dr. Arora said. Moreover, a smaller emergency fund increases the chances of using costly debt to cover the unexpected expenses that might arise.

Additionally, Dr. Arora explained that many patients are willing to sacrifice discretionary spending, including vacation, among others, to pay for treatment.

GLP-1 medication became an additional expense that had to be paid monthly, which forced people to readjust their budget priorities, he said.

Cost remains the biggest barrier

Nearly 50% of survey respondents said that the cost of GLP-1 drugs are the primary barrier to starting treatment. Dr. Arora shared his best advice to help consumers manage the monthly expense.

People interested in GLP-1s should talk to a healthcare professional about all the available options, he said. In some cases, depending on the situation of the respondent, the following steps might be recommended:

• Reviewing one's insurance policy and its prior authorization requirements.

• Determining whether he or she is eligible for manufacturer assistance programs or patient assistance programs.

• Exploring the available options, which might differ in terms of the price or coverage.

• Exploring telemedicine as a cheaper option of getting the treatment.

• Checking the cost of the medication, laboratory tests, and other expenses associated with treatment.

Each person requires a specific strategy and solution for his or her particular case, Dr. Arora said.