Consumer News: Wildfire smoke could claim 70,000 U.S. lives each year by 2050, study finds

Research suggests weight-loss operations may offer stronger long-term cardiovascular benefits

• A new Mayo Clinic study compared bariatric surgery with GLP-1 weight-loss medications in adults with obesity.

• Both treatments improved cardiovascular health, but surgery was linked to larger reductions in long-term heart disease risk.

• Researchers say the findings support a more personalized approach to obesity treatment rather than viewing medications and surgery as competing options.

For years, bariatric surgery was often seen as a last-resort option for people struggling with obesity. But as newer GLP-1 medications such as semaglutide and tirzepatide have surged in popularity, doctors and researchers have been taking a closer look at how these treatments compare especially when it comes to long-term health, not just the number on the scale.

Now, a new study from Mayo Clinic suggests that while both approaches can improve cardiovascular health, bariatric surgery may provide a greater reduction in long-term heart disease risk. The research, published in the journal Annals of Surgery, focused on adults with obesity and examined how different treatment approaches affected estimated cardiovascular risk over time.

"This study reinforces that obesity treatment should be viewed as a strategy to reduce cardiovascular risk, not just body weight," researcher Omar Ghanem, M.D. said in a news release.

"It supports a more individualized, patient-centered approach where treatment decisions are based on long-term health impact."

The study

The researchers analyzed outcomes from 812 adults with obesity who were treated between 2020 and 2023 within a large U.S. health system.

Of those participants, 579 underwent metabolic or bariatric surgery, while 233 received GLP-1 receptor agonist medications.

Rather than simply measuring pounds lost, investigators looked at changes in estimated cardiovascular disease risk, including both 10-year and lifetime risk calculations. They also tracked changes in body weight after treatment. The study was observational, meaning researchers reviewed real-world patient outcomes instead of assigning participants to treatments in a randomized trial.

What the study found

According to the findings, both treatments improved cardiovascular risk profiles, but the changes were more substantial among people who underwent surgery.

Lifetime cardiovascular risk declined by 8.6% in the surgery group, compared with 1.7% among patients treated with GLP-1 medications.

Researchers also found that surgery produced greater overall weight loss. On average, patients who had bariatric surgery lost nearly 28% of their body weight, while those taking medications lost about 11%.

The study also found that larger amounts of weight loss were closely tied to greater reductions in cardiovascular risk, particularly among patients who lost more than 20% of their body weight after surgery.

Researchers emphasized that the findings should not be interpreted as an argument against medications. Instead, they say both treatments have an important role in obesity care.

"Rather than thinking of these treatments as competing options, we should view them as complementary tools," says Dr. Ghanem. "Both surgery and medications play important roles in reducing long-term cardiovascular risk, and the right approach depends on the individual patient."

The authors noted that additional long-term studies are still needed to evaluate outcomes such as heart attacks, strokes, survival rates, and how durable medication-related weight loss remains over time.

Researchers say cognitive decline can worsen after major stroke events

• A large national study found that dementia risk increased as stroke severity increased.

• People with the most severe strokes had five times higher odds of developing dementia than those who did not have a stroke.

• Researchers also found that stroke survivors experienced faster declines in memory, thinking skills, and executive function over time.

A new study from researchers at Michigan Medicine suggests that the severity of a stroke may play a major role in long-term brain health.

According to findings published in JAMA Network Open, people who experience more severe strokes appear to face a much greater risk of cognitive decline and dementia in the years that follow.

Stroke severity strongly affects thinking and memory after stroke, senior author Deborah A. Levine, M.D., M.P.H., said in a news release.

Our findings highlight the need to closely monitor cognition and aggressively treat dementia risk factors in all stroke survivors, especially those with severe strokes.

The study

To conduct the study, researchers analyzed health data from more than 42,000 adults in the United States, including roughly 1,500 stroke survivors. Participants came from three large long-term research cohorts and were followed for as long as 30 years. The study focused specifically on ischemic strokes, which occur when blood flow to the brain is blocked.

The research team examined how stroke severity related to later changes in cognitive performance and dementia diagnoses. They evaluated several aspects of cognition, including memory, executive function, and overall mental performance. Stroke severity was categorized from minor to severe, allowing researchers to compare outcomes across different levels of impairment.

Researchers also accounted for a variety of factors that could affect brain health, including age and other health conditions. According to the study authors, this helped them better isolate the relationship between stroke severity and long-term cognitive decline. The investigation was observational, meaning it identified associations rather than proving that strokes directly caused dementia.

The results

The results showed a clear pattern: dementia risk rose alongside stroke severity. Compared with people who did not experience a stroke, dementia risk was about twice as high after a minor stroke, roughly three times higher after a moderate stroke, and five times higher after a severe stroke.

Stroke survivors also showed faster declines in thinking abilities over time than people who had not experienced strokes. On average, researchers found that survivors of mild-to-moderate stroke showed cognitive decline similar to being about 1.8 years older at baseline, while survivors of moderate-to-severe stroke declined as if they were approximately 2.6 years older cognitively.

The researchers say several biological factors may help explain the connection, including structural brain damage, inflammation, and neurodegeneration.

Moving forward, the team encourages consumers to maintain overall physical health to help boost long-term cognitive health.

"The best ways to prevent poststroke dementia and cognitive decline are to prevent first and second strokes, Dr. Levine said.

That means controlling blood pressure, glucose, and cholesterol to optimal levels, and taking an anticoagulant when atrial fibrillation is present, as recommended.

Credit card mistakes are hitting new grads early

• Many recent grads are entering the real world without really understanding how quickly bad credit can make their lives more expensive.

• It doesn'ttake much, either. A missed payment, a maxed-out card, or relying too much on credit cards can snowball pretty quickly into a financial problem.

• Having good credit early on can make life easier (and cheaper) when it comes to renting an apartment orgetting a car loan.

Graduation season is full of big milestones. Landing your first real job. Moving into your first apartment. Having to buy furniture you suddenly realize is ridiculously expensive. And for many young adults, opening a first credit card.

But the problem is a lot of new grads are entering adulthood without fully understanding how credit actually works.

New survey data from Citi found that 50% of Americans say they only learned how to manage credit after getting their first credit card, while another 36% said they learned through trial and error. Even more surprising, only 11% could correctly identify all the factors that impact a credit score.

A strong credit score can help young adults qualify for apartments, secure better loan rates, and eventually save thousands of dollars over time. Meanwhile, poor credit habits developed early-on can linger for years and become very expensive mistakes.

And unfortunately, many grads dont realize theyre damaging their credit until after the damage is already done.

Why new grads often struggle with credit

A lot of young adults understand basic budgeting, but not concepts like credit utilization, interest compounding, payment history, or how minimum payments actually work. Credit cards also create a dangerous psychological trap, because the spending doesnt feel immediately painful in the same way spending cash does.

Thats especially risky right now as many recent graduates are entering a tough economic environment filled with high rent prices, student loans, rising living costs, and a competitive job market.

Because of these factors, it becomes very easy to lean on credit cards to bridge any financial gaps.

The biggest mistake many young adults make

One of the most common mistakes new grads make is treating a credit limit like available spending money instead of borrowed money that must be repaid within 30 days.

Experts recommend keeping credit card balances low and paying them off in full every month. Carrying large balances month after month can quickly become expensive because todays credit card interest rates remain extremely high, with the national average being 19.57%.

Missing even one payment can also hurt a young persons credit score surprisingly fast.

And once late fees and interest charges start piling up, your debt starts to snowball and it becomes much harder to recover.

Pro tip: One of the easiest ways for recent graduates to build healthy credit is by putting one small recurring expense, like Spotify, Netflix, or a phone bill, onto a credit card and setting up automatic full payments every month. That creates a positive payment history by using just a small monthly purchase.

The bottom line

Most Americans say they learned about credit the hard way, and many recent graduates are now entering adulthood facing the exact same learning curve.

The good news is building a strong credit history doesnt require being wealthy or being financially perfect. It mostly comes down to being consistent and understanding how debt actually works.

Batteries, water bottles, helmets, chocolate bars and deli meats are part of this week's recall roundup

Recall roundup

Here is a consumer-focused roundup of recent recalls, safety warnings and food alerts announced by CPSC, FDA and USDA agencies.

Battery pouches recalled for missing child-resistant packaging

EEMB lithium coin batteries sold on Amazon lack required safety packaging.

• If swallowed by a child, coin batteries can cause internal chemical burns and death.
• About 312,100 units were sold on Amazon.com from August 2023 through April 2026 for between $3 and $9.
• Consumers should stop using the batteries immediately, store them away from children and contact EEMB USA for a full refund.

EEMB USA, doing business as A2batt, Inc., of Redlands, California, is recalling EEMB lithium batteries sold in individual pouches. Models include CR2025, CR2032, CR2450, CR2477, CR2016, CR1220, CR1225, CR1616, CR1620, CR1632 and CR2025-10, sold in five, ten or twenty size packs. "EEMB" and the battery type are printed on the face of each coin battery. The batteries were sold on Amazon.com for between $3 and $9.

The hazard

The lithium coin batteries are in pouches that are not child-resistant as required under Reese's Law. If a child swallows button cell or coin batteries, the ingested batteries can cause serious injuries, including internal chemical burns and death. No incidents or injuries have been reported.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the lithium batteries immediately, place them in an area that children cannot access and contact EEMB USA to receive a full refund.

Company contact

EEMB USA: email info@a2batt.com; online at www.eemb.com/recall.

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Glass-lined water bottles recalled for laceration risk

Analemma stainless-steel bottles can shatter internally, causing cuts.

• The inner glass liner can break, posing a risk of serious injury or death from laceration and ingestion hazards.
• About 800 units were sold on Analemma-water.com from November 2025 through February 2026 for about $250.
• Consumers should immediately stop using the bottles and contact New Earth Technologies for a full refund or free repair.

New Earth Technologies d.o.o., doing business as Analemma, of Zagreb, Croatia, is recalling Analemma-branded stainless-steel water bottles in black or white with a glass inner liner and screw-on top. The bottles were sold for about $250 each. There have been 20 reports of the glass inner liner breaking, including one oral injury.

The hazard

The recalled water bottle's inner glass liner can break, posing a risk of serious injury or death from laceration and ingestion hazards. The company has received 20 reports of the glass inner liner breaking, including one oral injury.

What to do

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled water bottles and contact New Earth Technologies d.o.o. for a full refund or a free repair, including shipping.

Company contact

New Earth Technologies: 844-841-2711 (toll-free); email info@analemma-water.com; online at www.analemma-water.com/pages/recall.

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Youth sweatshirts with drawstrings pose strangulation risk

Allura Imports recalls Bobcat-logo hoodies sold at Gabe's stores.

• The drawstrings can get caught on objects, posing a risk of death or serious injury to children from strangulation.
• About 120 units were sold at Gabe's stores from October 2025 through November 2025 for about $15.
• Consumers should take the clothing away from children immediately, remove the drawstrings and contact Allura Imports for a full refund.

Allura Imports Inc., of New York, New York, is recalling gray youth sweatshirts with the Bobcat name and logo printed in black, with drawstrings. The sweatshirts were sold in youth sizes 8/10 and 12/14 at Gabe's stores for about $15. The recalled clothing violates federal regulations for children's upper outerwear.

The hazard

The drawstrings in the recalled clothing can get caught on objects and cause death or serious injury to children from strangulation. This violates federal regulations for children's upper outerwear. No incidents or injuries have been reported.

What to do

Consumers should take the recalled clothing away from children immediately, remove the drawstrings to eliminate the hazard and contact Allura Imports for a full refund.

Company contact

Allura Imports: 800-808-5789 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday; email cs@alluraimports.com; online at www.alluraimports.com/recall-information.

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Light-up toys recalled over accessible button batteries

ZMC Group recalls wands, headbands and other toys sold at discount stores.

• The toys contain button cell batteries that children can easily access, posing a risk of internal chemical burns and death if swallowed.
• About 124,560 units were sold at various discount stores nationwide from May 2023 through April 2026 for about $1.
• Consumers should stop using the toys immediately, take them away from children and contact ZMC Group for a full refund.

ZMC Group, Inc., of Los Angeles, California, is recalling various battery-operated light-up toys including light-up sticks, Halloween wands, halo flower headbands, devil horns headbands, polka dot bow headbands, LED flying discs, lite-up maracas, light-up yo-yos and flashing whistle necklaces. The toys were sold at various discount stores for about $1 each.

The hazard

The recalled toys violate the mandatory safety standard for children's toys because they contain button cell batteries that can be easily accessed by children. If button cell or coin batteries are swallowed, the ingested batteries can cause serious injuries, including internal chemical burns and death. No incidents or injuries have been reported.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the toys immediately, take them away from children and contact ZMC Group for a full refund.

Company contact

ZMC Group: 888-407-3225 from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. PT Monday through Friday; email recallzmctoy@gmail.com; online at www.zmcgroupinc.com.

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Bed rails recalled for entrapment and suffocation risks

Svnntaa adult bed rails sold on Amazon fail safety standards.

• Users can become entrapped within the bed rail or between the rail and mattress, posing a risk of death by asphyxiation.
• About 4,200 units were sold on Amazon.com from August 2023 through January 2026 for about $32.
• Consumers should stop using the recalled bed rails immediately and contact Eokeanon for a full refund.

Shenzhen Kaiwendi Trading Co., Ltd., doing business as Eokeanon, of China, is recalling Svnntaa-branded adult portable bed rails with white metal tubing, black foam handle grips and a fabric pouch. The rails are about 21.2 inches tall by 11.8 inches wide and 20.5 inches long. They were sold on Amazon.com for about $32.

The hazard

The recalled bed rails violate the mandatory standard for adult portable bed rails because users can become entrapped within the bed rail or between the bed rail and the side of the mattress, posing a serious entrapment hazard and risk of death by asphyxiation. They also do not meet structural stability or retention strap requirements, posing a fall hazard, and push pins are incorrectly sized, posing a laceration hazard. No incidents or injuries have been reported.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the recalled bed rails immediately and contact Eokeanon for a full refund.

Company contact

Eokeanon: email Kaiwendi316@outlook.com.

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Mattresses recalled for failing flammability standard

EVLWZL and Gunugu mattresses sold online pose a fire hazard.

• The mattresses violate the mandatory flammability standard, posing a risk of serious injury or death from fire.
• About 670 units were sold on Amazon.com, Walmart.com and Wayfair.com from October 2025 through March 2026 for between $100 and $260.
• Consumers should stop using the mattress immediately and contact EVLWZL to receive a free fitted cover as a repair.

Foshan Kangzhibao Furniture Co., Ltd. (doing business as EVLWZL) and Foshan Simengduo Home Furnishings Co., Ltd. (doing business as Gunugu), both of China, are recalling EVLWZL and Gunugu mattresses. The mattresses are 10 and 12 inches thick, available in twin, full, queen and king sizes, with black tops and sides. They were sold compressed in a box for between $100 and $260.

The hazard

The mattresses violate the mandatory flammability standard for mattresses, posing a risk of serious injury or death from fire. No incidents or injuries have been reported.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the recalled mattress immediately and contact EVLWZL for repair. Consumers will receive a free fitted cover to put over their mattress.

Company contact

EVLWZL: email EVLWZLMattressrecall@outlook.com.

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Bicycle helmets recalled for failing safety standard

Favoto helmets sold on Amazon may not protect riders in a crash.

• The helmets do not meet positional stability and certification requirements, and can fail to protect the user in a crash.
• About 2,200 units were sold on Amazon.com from April 2022 through January 2026 for between $20 and $27.
• Consumers should stop using the helmets immediately and contact Favoto for a full refund after destroying the helmet.

Shenzhen Favoto Co., Ltd., doing business as Favoto, of China, is recalling Favoto Model H-1 bike helmets. The black helmet has red stripes, black padding, black straps with a silver reflective pattern and a black and red buckle. It was sold in youth size large (L) with "FAVOTO" in white letters on the side. The helmets were sold on Amazon.com for between $20 and $27.

The hazard

The recalled helmets violate the mandatory safety standard for bicycle helmets because they do not comply with positional stability, labeling and certification requirements. The helmets can fail to protect the user in the event of a crash, posing a serious risk of injury or death due to head injury. No incidents or injuries have been reported.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the helmets immediately and contact Favoto for a full refund. Consumers will be asked to destroy the recalled helmet by cutting the straps, write "Recalled" on it and email a photo of the destroyed helmet to the company.

Company contact

Favoto: email safety@favoto.com; online at www.favoto.com/pages/recall.

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Art solvents recalled for missing child-resistant caps

Rublev Colours turpentine and mineral spirits lack required packaging.

• The bottles are not child-resistant, posing a risk of serious injury or death from poisoning if young children swallow the contents.
• About 860 units were sold at Blick Art Materials and other stores and online from August 2022 through March 2026 for between $11 and $16.
• Consumers should secure the bottles away from children immediately and contact Natural Pigments for a replacement or refund.

Natural Pigments LLC, of Willits, California, is recalling bottles of Rublev Colours Gum Turpentine and Mineral Spirits. The amber glass bottles have a beige, orange and white label with "Rublev Colours" in white lettering. They were sold at Blick Art Materials, Art Supply Warehouse and Soho Art Materials stores and online at NaturalPigments.com and DickBlick.com for between $11 and $16.

The hazard

The gum turpentine and mineral spirits contain turpentine and low-viscosity hydrocarbons that must be in child-resistant packaging as required by the Poison Prevention Packaging Act. The bottles are not child-resistant, posing a risk of serious injury or death from poisoning if the contents are swallowed by young children. No incidents or injuries have been reported.

What to do

Consumers should secure the recalled bottles out of sight and reach of children immediately and contact Natural Pigments to receive a replacement product with child-resistant packaging or a refund.

Company contact

Natural Pigments: 888-361-5900 (toll-free) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT Monday through Friday; email service@naturalpigments.com; online at www.naturalpigments.com/recall/.

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Multi-purpose helmets recalled for failing crash protection

Foubeaka and Geniuss helmets sold on Temu do not meet safety standards.

• The helmets do not comply with positional stability and certification requirements, and can fail to protect users in a crash.
• About 740 units were sold on Temu.com from August 2024 through February 2026 for between $9 and $11.
• Consumers should stop using the helmets immediately and contact the seller for a full refund after destroying the helmet.

Shenzhenshilingkexunkeji Co., Ltd. (Shenzhen Lingkexun Technology Co., Ltd.), doing business as Foubeaka and Geniuss, of China, is recalling multi-purpose helmets sold in white and black in size small (S), fitting a head circumference of about 18.9 to 20.5 inches. The helmets have black padding, straps, a buckle and a knob at the back for adjusting fit. They were sold on Temu.com for between $9 and $11.

The hazard

The recalled helmets violate the mandatory safety standard for bicycle helmets because they do not comply with positional stability and certification requirements. The helmets can fail to protect the user in the event of a crash, posing a serious risk of injury or death due to head injury. No incidents or injuries have been reported.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the recalled helmets immediately and contact Foubeaka or Geniuss for a full refund. Consumers will be asked to destroy the recalled helmet by cutting the straps and then send a photo of the destroyed helmet to the company.

Company contact

Foubeaka/Geniuss: email LKX_jiayichen@outlook.com; or on Temu.com at Foubeaka or Geniuss.

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Rainbow wall toy recalled over choking hazard for children

Justforjoyful wooden wall toy has a drumstick that poses a choking risk.

• The xylophone drumstick has a spherical end that can pose a choking hazard to young children.
• About 160 units were sold on Amazon.com from December 2025 through March 2026 for about $90.
• Consumers should stop using the toy immediately, take it away from children and contact Justforjoyful for a full refund.

Shenzhen Jijia Trading Co., Ltd., doing business as Justforjoyful, of China, is recalling Justforjoyful Rainbow Wall Toys, model JJ1602. The toy is composed of various colorful wooden pieces intended to be assembled and mounted on a wall, including interlocking gears, a washboard and xylophone with a pick and mallet on cords, a rotating maze, two wooden puzzles, a sun, a clock with hands, a rotating hourglass and a wooden tortoise and hare on a track. It was sold on Amazon.com for about $90.

The hazard

The recalled toys violate the mandatory safety standard for children's toys because the drumstick attached to the xylophone component has a spherical end that can pose a choking hazard. No incidents or injuries have been reported.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the recalled toys immediately, take them away from children and contact Justforjoyful for a full refund. Consumers will be asked to write "RECALLED" on the back of the individual wooden components, submit a photo to the company, then dispose of the toy.

Company contact

Justforjoyful: email Justforjoyful@outlook.com.

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Crib bumpers violate federal ban, pose suffocation risk

CPSC warns consumers to stop using CPLRECR padded crib bumpers.

• Padded crib bumpers can obstruct an infant's breathing, posing a risk of serious injury or death from suffocation.
• About 630 units were sold on TikTok Shop from September 2025 through February 2026 for about $35.
• Consumers should stop using the crib bumpers immediately and dispose of them do not sell or give them away.

CPSC is warning consumers to stop using CPLRECR crib bumpers immediately. The padded crib bumpers are white with pear patterns and have no distinguishable markings or labels. The seller also sold the bumpers in forest animal, pink tree, blue tree, fawn, triangle and plaid patterns. They were sold on TikTok Shop for about $35. Padded crib bumpers are banned under the Safe Sleep for Babies Act.

The hazard

Padded crib bumpers can obstruct an infant's breathing, posing a risk of serious injury or death from suffocation. These products are banned under the Safe Sleep for Babies Act.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the crib bumpers immediately and dispose of them. Do not sell or give away these hazardous crib bumpers.

Company contact

No company contact provided. This is a CPSC safety warning.

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Handheld steam cleaners can eject hot water or steam

CPSC warns consumers to stop using Dovety steam cleaners immediately.

• The steam cleaners can leak or suddenly eject hot water or steam, posing a risk of serious burn injuries.
• The units were sold on Amazon.com and TikTok.
• Consumers should stop using the steam cleaners immediately and dispose of them do not sell or give them away.

CPSC is warning consumers to stop using Dovety Steam Cleaners, Model TMSC-001, immediately. The handheld, pressurized steam cleaner has a compact plastic body, an integrated water tank, a trigger-style steam release on the handle and a screw-type cap on top for filling the tank. It comes with 12 accessories. The model number "TMSC-001" is printed on a label on the bottom and "Dovety" can be found on the side. The units were sold on Amazon.com and TikTok.

The hazard

The steam cleaners can leak or suddenly eject hot water or steam, posing a risk of serious burn injuries to consumers.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the steam cleaners immediately and dispose of them. Do not sell or give away these hazardous steam cleaners.

Company contact

No company contact provided. This is a CPSC safety warning.

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Tabletop fireplaces pose flame jetting and fire hazards

CPSC warns consumers to stop using Northlight bio ethanol fireplaces.

• Using the fireplaces can result in uncontrolled pool fires and flame jetting from fuel containers, causing serious or fatal burns.
• Sold online at Target.com, Walmart.com, BestBuy.com, HomeDepot.com and other websites for about $35 to $90.
• Consumers should stop using the tabletop fireplaces immediately and dispose of them do not sell or give them away.

CPSC is warning consumers to stop using Northlight Bio Ethanol Portable Tabletop Fireplaces immediately. The fireplaces come in round, square or rectangular containers with a white, silver or black base. Consumers pour liquid fuel into the container and ignite the pooled liquid. Item numbers include IF91990, IF91991, IF91992, IF91993, IF91994, IF91996 and IF91997. They were sold online at NorthlightSeasonal.com, Target.com, Walmart.com, BestBuy.com, HomeDepot.com and other websites for about $35 to $90.

The hazard

Using these fireplaces can result in uncontrolled pool fires where flames burn across the surface of pooled or spilled alcohol, as well as flame jetting from fuel containers, resulting in serious or fatal burns.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the tabletop fireplaces immediately and dispose of them. Do not sell or give away these hazardous products.

Company contact

No company contact provided. This is a CPSC safety warning.

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Its part of an elaborate scam operation

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Consumers across the U.S. are reporting mysterious blank voicemails from unknown numbers, often without their phone ever ringing.

• Experts say the messages are usually part of a robocall verification scheme designed to identify active phone numbers for future .

• Consumers should avoid calling the numbers back, delete the messages, and use carrier spam-blocking tools to reduce future targeting.

Millions of smartphone users have experienced it: You glance at your phone and see a new voicemail notification, even though the phone never rang. When you listen to the message, theres either silence, a brief rustling sound, or a robotic click before the message ends.

Cybersecurity experts say these ghost voicemails are rarely harmless glitches. In many cases, they are part of a larger robocall operation aimed at identifying working phone numbers and targeting consumers for future .

How the scam works

The scam typically begins with an automated dialing system that places thousands sometimes millions of calls in rapid succession. Rather than allowing the phone to ring normally, the system disconnects almost immediately or routes the call directly to voicemail.

That leaves behind a blank or nearly blank message.

While the message itself may seem meaningless, the real objective is data collection.

Scammers use the tactic to determine whether a phone number is active and monitored by a real person. If the voicemail system answers and stores a message, the number is flagged as live. That information can then be sold to telemarketers, scam networks, or criminals conducting phishing attacks.

Why your phone doesnt ring

Several technologies allow calls to bypass the normal ringing process.

One common method involves ringless voicemail technology, originally developed for marketers. The system deposits a message directly into voicemail servers without completing a traditional phone call.

Legitimate businesses have used ringless voicemail for advertising campaigns, but scammers increasingly exploit the same technology because it avoids some robocall detection systems and reduces the chance consumers will immediately block the number.

In other cases, scammers simply hang up after one partial ring, too quickly for the consumer to notice, but long enough for the carrier to route the call to voicemail.

The bigger objective

The blank voicemail itself is usually only the first step.

Once scammers know a number is active, consumers may begin receiving:

• Fake bank fraud alerts

• Phony package delivery texts

• Medicare or insurance

• Tech support

• Cryptocurrency investment pitches

• AI-generated voice impersonating relatives or employers

Some operations also use verified numbers to build detailed consumer profiles that can later be combined with breached personal information purchased online.

The result is a more convincing and potentially more dangerous scam attempt down the road.

Can listening to the voicemail harm you?

In most cases, simply listening to a blank voicemail will not infect your phone with malware.

However, experts warn consumers not to call the number back, click links sent afterward, or respond to follow-up texts.

Returning the call confirms to scammers that the consumer is engaged and reachable, which can lead to even more robocalls.

There is also a financial risk in some cases. Certain direct consumers to international premium-rate numbers that generate charges when called back.

What consumers should do

Experts recommend several steps to reduce exposure to these schemes:

• Dont call back unknown numbers: If the voicemail is blank or suspicious, avoid returning the call unless you can independently verify the caller.
• Block the number: Most smartphones allow users to block suspicious callers directly from the call log or voicemail screen.
• Use spam-filtering tools: Wireless carriers offer free or low-cost robocall filtering services, including:

  • AT&T ActiveArmor

  • Verizon Call Filter

  • T-Mobile Scam Shield

Third-party apps such as Hiya, Truecaller, and RoboKiller can also help screen suspicious calls.

• Report persistent scam calls: Consumers can file complaints with:

  • The Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

  • The Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

  • Their wireless carrier

• Keep voicemail passwords secure: Some scammers attempt to hack voicemail accounts using default PINs. Consumers should use strong, unique voicemail passwords whenever possible.