Consumer News: The truth behind food labels that look healthy (but often aren’t)

From spiral ham to ready-made sides, heres how the warehouse giant is simplifying Easter hosting in 2026

• A ready-to-serve Easter meal from Sam's Club is designed to cut down prep time and stress.

• The spread includes classic mains, sides, and desserts that can feed a crowd.

• Convenience and value are the big selling points but shoppers should plan ahead.

If youre hosting Easter this year but not exactly thrilled about spending the entire day in the kitchen, Sam's Club has a solution.

The retailer is leaning hard into convenience for 2026 with a holiday meal offering thats designed to take the pressure off planning, prepping, and cooking without sacrificing that traditional Easter spread.

The idea is simple: let shoppers pick up most (or all) of their holiday meals in one stop, with minimal prep required at home. Its part of a broader push toward stress-free entertaining, with options that work whether youre hosting a big family gathering or keeping things low-key.

Whats included in the Easter meal

At the center of the offering is a lineup of classic Easter staples. And if youre hosting a group of 15, the total comes out to about $9 per person.

Shoppers can choose from mains like spiral-cut ham or lamb, along with a variety of ready-made sides and desserts. Think mac and cheese, potatoes, rolls, and bakery items like cakes or cookies all designed to complement the main dish.

Heres a look at some of the options:

• Members Mark All Butter Cocktail Croissants, 20-count: $5.46

• Members Mark Macaroni and Cheese: $8.10 ($3.24/lb.)

• Members Mark Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes, 32 oz., two-count: $7.98

• Members Mark Australian Boneless Leg of Lamb: $37.32 ($6.48/lb.)

• Members Mark Boneless Spiral-Sliced Fully-Cooked Double-Glazed Uncured Ham: $22.57 ($2.97/lb.)

• Members Mark 10 Coconut Dessert Cake: $17.97

• Members Mark Cherry Pistachio Crunch Salad: $12.89 ($7.16/lb.)

• Asparagus: $6.52 ($3.52/lb.)

• Members Mark Seasoned Green Beans with Almonds: $7.67 ($4.26/lb.)

Many of the items come pre-cooked or require minimal heating, which means less hands-on time and fewer dishes to juggle. The retailer also highlights flexible options, including brunch-style foods and grazing boards, so you can mix and match depending on your plans.

Another big perk: the meals are built to serve groups. Like most warehouse offerings, portions are generous, making it easier to feed a crowd without constantly refilling the table.

What shoppers should know before buying

While the convenience factor is a major win, there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, if you dont have a membership to shop at Sams Club, you could get hit with an extra fee. Timing also matters, as stores are closed on Easter Sunday, so everything needs to be picked up ahead of time.

Its also worth thinking about customization. While these meal components cover the basics, you may still want to add a personal touch, whether thats a homemade side dish or a family-favorite dessert.

An audio expert shares the red flags to watch for and simple ways to stay one step ahead of AI-powered fraud

• Voice cloning are on the rise, with scammers using just seconds of audio to mimic people you know and create convincing, high-pressure calls.

• Key warning signs include flat or unusual emotional tone, odd pauses or phrasing, and urgent requests often coming from unknown numbers.

• You can protect yourself by slowing down, verifying the caller through trusted contact methods, and using tools like family codewords to confirm identities.

If you got a call from a loved one asking for help, youd probably trust it without a second thought. Thats exactly what scammers are counting on.

A growing wave of voice cloning is using artificial intelligence to mimic real people sometimes with just a few seconds of audio pulled from social media to create eerily convincing calls.

ConsumerAffairs spoke with security expert James Grifo, Owner and CEO of Audiovisual Nation, to break down the biggest warning signs, how to avoid falling victim to these , and practical steps you and your family can take to stay safe in an era where hearing a familiar voice isnt always enough to trust it.

Know the warning signs

Grifo shared the biggest red flags that consumers should look for when it comes to voice cloning :

• Small inconsistencies that you dont expect from a real person. One inconsistency is easy to overlook, but be wary when they add up.

• Emotional tone. The voice can come across as slightly flat or off, even if what they are saying sounds convincing. In an emergency, people sound less controlled, so you might hear strain, tone variation, or even panic in their voice. AI still struggles to replicate that fully.

• The way the person speaks. You might notice odd pauses, unusual pacing, or phrasing that doesnt sound like the person you know. Speech patterns are incredibly personal, making it easy to notice when they are off.

• A sense of urgency. These calls almost always come with urgency and pressure to act quickly, typically from an unknown number. That combination is a red flag.

Dont be fooled by realistic voice clones

AI has made it all too easy for scammers to sound like people you know and trust. Grifo says not getting fooled by this is the key.

Cloned voices are surprisingly realistic, but only at surface level, he said. Scammers only need a few seconds of audio to recreate tone, accent, and cadence well enough to sound familiar.

Context is what makes these calls convincing. If you get a call that sounds like your child in distress and asking for help, your brain fills in the gaps. You arent analyzing audio quality in that moment because its emotionally charged.

You can stop the scam

If you suspect that someone youre on the phone with is scamming you, what should you do? Grifo says that the power lies in your hands.

If you suspect a scam, pause and break the momentum of the call, Grifo said. These rely on urgency. As soon as you slow things down, you take away their advantage.

Here are his best tips for stopping the scam:

• Hang up and contact the person directly on their usual number. Dont rely on the call you just received, even if it sounds convincing. If you cant reach the person, check with someone else who can confirm where they are, like a partner or workplace.

• Avoid sending money or sharing any personal information until youve verified the situation.

• If something feels off, trust that instinct. Its better to double-check and be wrong than to act quickly and regret it.

Protecting yourself from scammers

While it may seem like these are unavoidable, there are some steps to protect yourself and your family.

Protection starts with putting checks in place before anything happens, Grifo said. He also offered some advice for consumers to steer clear of these :

• Establish a codeword. A verbal codeword with close family is a strong first step. You can ask for it straight away in suspicious circumstances, and a scammer wont be able to provide it.

• Build the habit of verifying before doing. Dont act on a single call, especially if it involves money or urgency. Hang up and contact the person directly using a number you trust.

• Ask questions that only that person would know. Also,take a moment to think about whether the scenario makes sense. It all helps to pressure-test the scenario.

Scammers rely on timing and emotion, " Grifo said. The voice technology is only part of it. They are putting you in a situation where you feel you have to act immediately. But if you pause and verify, you can stop a scam in its tracks.

Dont let fear override common sense

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Tech support cost victims billions each year and often target the most vulnerable users.

• Scammers use fear and urgency to trick people into giving access to their devices or financial information.

• Knowing the warning signs can stop a scam before any damage is done.

As the internet became mainstream in the 1990s, scammers learned that fake tech support schemes were a powerful tool in their arsenal. In the following decades, tech support have evolved into one of the most pervasive forms of online fraud.

What began as crude pop-up warnings has turned into sophisticated operations involving call centers, remote access tools, and convincing impersonation tactics. These dont just cause financial loss they can lead to identity theft, compromised devices, and long-term security risks.

At their core, tech support exploit a simple idea: most people rely on technology but dont fully understand how it works. Scammers step into that gap, pretending to be trusted experts from well-known companies like Microsoft, Apple, or antivirus providers.

Why these are so dangerous

The danger of tech support goes beyond a one-time payment. Once a scammer gains your trust or worse, access to your device the consequences can multiply quickly.

First, theres financial loss. Victims are often pressured into paying hundreds or even thousands of dollars for fake repairs or unnecessary software.

Second, theres data exposure. If you allow remote access, scammers can view files, copy sensitive information, install malware, or capture passwords.

Third, theres an ongoing vulnerability. Some scammers install backdoors or convince victims to sign up for recurring support services, keeping the door open for future exploitation.

Finally, these often rely on psychological manipulation. Victims may feel embarrassed afterward, which can delay reporting and allow scammers to continue targeting others.

How tech support work

Most tech support follow a familiar pattern:

• A pop-up warning appears claiming your computer is infected or compromised.

• You receive an unsolicited call or email from someone claiming to be technical support.

• The scammer urges immediate action, often using alarming language.

• Youre asked to grant remote access or download software.

• Payment is demanded to fix the issue.

The entire process is designed to create panic and push you into acting without thinking. Fortunately, these schemes all reveal themselves if you know what to look for. Recognizing the warning signs is the best defense. Here are the most common red flags:

Red Flags to Watch For

1. Unsolicited contact: Legitimate tech companies do not call, email, or text you out of the blue to report problems with your device
2. Urgent or threatening language: Phrases like Your computer is infected, Your data is at risk, or Act immediately are meant to create panic.
3. Requests for remote access:No reputable company will ask for remote access unless you initiated support through official channels
4. Payment demands: Scammers often request payment via gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or unusual methods. These are nearly impossible to trace or reverse.
5. Suspicious pop-ups: Fake alerts may lock your screen or play loud warnings. Real system alerts dont include phone numbers to call.
6. Impersonation of well-known brands: Scammers frequently claim to represent companies like Microsoft or Apple but these companies dont operate this way.
7. Poor grammar or odd behavior: While are getting more polished, inconsistencies in communication can still be a clue.

How to Protect Yourself

Avoiding tech support comes down to a few simple habits:

• Dont engage with unsolicited messages or calls.

• Never give control of your device to someone you didnt contact.

• Verify support through official company websites.

• Use security software and keep your system updated.

• When in doubt, shut it down close the browser or restart your device.

If you think youve encountered a scam, disconnect from the internet immediately and run a trusted security scan. If youve already paid or shared information, contact your bank and report the incident as soon as possible.

Tech support succeed because they prey on fear and trust. The more convincing they become, the more important awareness is. By understanding how these work and recognizing their warning signs, you can avoid becoming a victim and help others do the same.

Regulators charge that users personal data was shared with an unrelated third party

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• The FTC alleges OkCupid shared users personal data including photos and location with an unrelated third party without consent.

• A proposed settlement would bar OkCupid and Match Group Americas from misrepresenting their privacy practices.

• The case stems from claims that millions of users data were exposed, despite promises it would not be shared without notice or opt-out.

Federal regulators have taken steps to end what they say is the mishandling of personal information. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has taken enforcement action against the dating app OkCupid and its service provider, Match Group Americas. The companies are accused of misleading users about how their personal data was handled.

In a federal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, the FTC alleges that OkCupid operated by Humor Rainbow, Inc. shared sensitive user information with a third party that had no formal business relationship with the company. The data reportedly included nearly three million user photos, along with location and other personal details.

According to the FTC, the disclosures violated OkCupids own privacy policy, which assured users that their information would only be shared under specific conditions, such as with service providers or after giving users notice and an opportunity to opt out.

The FTC enforces the privacy promises that companies make, said Christopher Mufarrige, director of the agencys Bureau of Consumer Protection. We will investigate, and where appropriate, take action against companies that promise to safeguard your data but fail to follow through even if that means we have to enforce our Civil Investigative Demands in court.

The complaint

The complaint alleges the data sharing occurred at the request of a third party, of which OkCupids founders were financial investors. Despite lacking a formal partnership, the FTC says the third party was granted access to large datasets without contractual limits on how the information could be used.

Regulators also claim that OkCupid and Match Group took steps to conceal the arrangement. When reports surfaced about the data transfer, the company allegedly denied involvement both publicly and to users, while also attempting to obstruct the FTCs investigation.

Under the proposed settlement, OkCupid and Match Group Americas would be permanently prohibited from misrepresenting how they collect, use, or share personal data. The order would also restrict misleading claims about privacy controls and user choices related to data handling.

The FTC voted 2-0 to authorize the complaint and proposed order. If approved by a federal judge, the settlement would carry the force of law.

The agency emphasized that its complaint reflects a reason to believe the companies violated the law and that enforcement action is in the public interest.