Consumer News: Airlines are raising checked bag fees as the cost of jet fuel soars

Scammers impersonate government officials to steal personal information

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Federal watchdog warns of a sharp rise in scam emails posing as Social Security statements.

• Fraudsters are using official-looking logos, language, and links to steal personal data.

• Officials urge Americans to delete suspicious messages and access accounts only through SSA.gov.

Everyone should be on the lookout for especially retirees. Scammers target seniors because they are often vulnerable targets with money in the bank. In recent months, theyve used the disguise of an employee with the the Social Security Administration (SSA).

SSAs Office of the Inspector General (OIG) is warning Americans about a surge in fraudulent emails designed to look like official Social Security communications, part of a broader rise in government imposter .

In an alert earlier this year, the OIG said it is seeing a significant increase in emails that falsely claim recipients can download their Social Security statements. The messages are not legitimate and are intended to trick people into clicking links or opening attachments that can lead to identity theft or financial loss.

These messages are not from Social Security, said Michelle Anderson, a top official in the inspector generals office, who urged recipients to delete them and report the incident.

Clever impersonation

The emails often closely mimic official government correspondence, using agency logos, formatting, and language to appear authentic. In many cases, they attempt to create urgency by telling recipients their statement is ready or that immediate action is required.

Clicking on links in the emails can direct users to fake websites or install malware, allowing scammers to steal sensitive personal and financial information, officials said.

The OIG emphasized that legitimate Social Security emails come only from addresses ending in .gov and do not include unsolicited links or attachments asking users to download documents.

To stay safe, officials advise consumers not to click on links in unexpected emails and instead access their Social Security accounts by typing the official website address directly into their browser.

The warning comes as scammers increasingly target Americans particularly older adults by impersonating government agencies in an effort to gain access to money or personal information.

Anyone who receives a suspicious message is encouraged to delete it and report the incident through the Social Security OIGs fraud reporting channels.

The next phase of Costcos gas strategy

• Faster, less chaotic fill-ups: Standalone stations mean more pumps, shorter lines, and no warehouse parking lot traffic.

• Same cheap gas, easier access: Expect Costcos typically lower prices (often 2030 less per gallon) without the usual hassle.

• Bigger impact ahead: If this works, more locations could roll out boosting competition and helping keep gas prices lower long-term.

Costco is doubling down on one of its biggest traffic drivers: cheap gas.

The retailer plans to open its first-ever standalone gas station in Mission Viejo, CA, by June 2026. The site, about 40 miles from downtown Los Angeles, will feature 40 pumps, making it the largest Costco gas station to date.

A second standalone location is already in the works for Honolulu, expected in 2027.

While youll still need a Costco membership to take advantage, heres what it means for drivers long-term.

Whats changing (and why its a big deal)

Costco gas has always been tied to its warehouse locations. Thats part of their strategy, as they know cheap fuel pulls you in, and then you shop.

But it also creates problems:

• Long lines
• Packed parking lots
• Limited access during peak hours

A standalone Costco gas station fixes that, at least in theory.

By separating fuel from the warehouse, Costco can:

• Serve more drivers, faster.
• Reduce congestion at stores.
• Expand into areas without a full warehouse.

And for shoppers, that likely means easier access to some of the cheapest gas around.

Why Costco gas is so popular

Costco doesnt make much profit on fuel, but thats not really its job. Low gas prices are designed to drive loyalty to the Costco warehouse.

But for members, the savings are real:

• Often 2030 cheaper per gallon than nearby stations.
• Consistent pricing (less fluctuation than competitors).
• High-quality fuel standards.

Thats why lines to get gas can get ridiculous at peak times.

What you should actually do (actionable tips)

1. Use standalone stations strategically.When they expand to other cities, theyll likely be less crowded than warehouse locations, especially if they have 40+ pumps. That means faster fill-ups without the wait at most stations.
2. Stack your gas savings. Pair Costco gas with a 3%5% cash-back credit card. On $250/month in gas, thats:
   
   - ~$90/year back at 3%
   -~$150/year back at 5%
3. Time your fill-ups. Even with new stations, timing will still matter:

• Best time: Early morning or late evening.
• Worst time: Weekends and right after work.

Why this matters long-term

If this first location performs well, expect more standalone Costco gas stations across the country.

Thats important because:

• It increases competition, which helps keepgas prices lower overall.
• Gives members more ways to justify their membership.
• Makes Costco a bigger player in everyday spending, not just bulk shopping.

Bottom line

This isnt just another boring new gas station popping up. Its Costco testing a new way to expand its cheapest, perhaps most useful product.

And if it works, it could mean more convenient access to lower gas prices without the usual Costco chaos.

If you arent going to be ready, file for an extension

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• The IRS is urging taxpayers to file electronically and choose direct deposit to speed refunds.

• April 15 remains the deadline for most filers, with extensions available, but not extensions to pay.

• Free filing options are available for eligible taxpayers through IRS Free File and Direct File programs.

With the April 15 tax filing deadline fast approaching, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is reminding millions of Americans to finalize and submit their returns while taking advantage of tools designed to make the process faster, safer, and more accurate.

The agency is encouraging taxpayers who have not yet filed to do so as soon as possible, noting that electronic filing combined with direct deposit remains the quickest way to receive a refund. Most refunds are issued within 21 days when returns are filed electronically without errors.

Extensions available but taxes still due

For those who need more time, the IRS says taxpayers can request an automatic six-month extension, pushing the filing deadline to October. However, officials stress that an extension to file is not an extension to pay.

Taxpayers are still required to estimate and pay any owed taxes by April 15 to avoid potential penalties and interest. Payments can be made online through IRS Direct Pay, debit or credit card, or other electronic options.

Free filing options expand access

The IRS continues to promote free filing programs for eligible individuals. IRS Free File allows taxpayers below certain income thresholds to use guided tax software at no cost, while Direct File available in select states offers a simplified way to file directly with the IRS.

These tools are designed to help taxpayers file accurately and avoid common errors that can delay processing, the agency said.

Common errors can delay refunds

The IRS is also warning filers to double-check their returns for frequent mistakes, including incorrect Social Security numbers, mismatched income figures, and missing signatures. Errors can slow down processing and delay refunds.

Taxpayers are also advised to gather all necessary documents, such as W-2s, 1099 forms, and records of credits or deductions, before filing.

Eligible taxpayers may still benefit from valuable tax credits, including the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit, which can significantly boost refunds. The IRS encourages filers to review eligibility carefully, as many taxpayers miss out on credits each year.

Watch for

As the deadline nears, the IRS is cautioning taxpayers to remain vigilant against and fraudulent communications. The agency emphasizes that it does not initiate contact via email, text, or social media to request personal or financial information.

With just days remaining before April 15, IRS officials say filing sooner rather than later can help taxpayers avoid last-minute stress, processing delays, and potential penalties.

For those still preparing their returns, the message is straightforward: file electronically, pay what you owe on time, and use trusted IRS resources to ensure a smooth filing season.

Because of the conflict in the Middle East, global food prices surged 2.4% in March

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Global food prices rose 2.4% in March, the second straight monthly increase, driven largely by higher energy and fertilizer costs tied to the Iran war.

• Fertilizer shortages and surging fuel prices are raising farm costs and threatening crop yields, creating lagged inflation risks later in 2026.

• U.S. food inflation had been expected to ease this year, but rising oil prices and supply disruptions are now likely to push grocery prices higher again.

The most visible effects of the war against Iran showed up quickly in the form of surging gasoline prices. But the second act may appear at the supermarket checkout counter, and the latest data suggest it could be worse.

Data released by the United Nations show the FAO Food Price Index climbed 2.4% in March, marking a second consecutive increase and reversing the easing trend seen through much of 2025. The gains were broad-based, with sugar and vegetable oil prices jumping sharply and wheat also rising.

The immediate catalyst is the escalating conflict involving Iran, which has disrupted critical shipping lanes and driven up oil prices, two factors that feed directly into food production and distribution costs.

Energy shock feeds directly into grocery bills

Economists say the most immediate transmission channel to U.S. consumers is energy. Oil prices have surged above $100 per barrel amid supply disruptions, lifting gasoline and diesel costs nationwide.

That matters because food is highly energy-intensive: fuel powers farm machinery, irrigation systems, processing facilities, and transportation networks.

Higher transportation costs are often the first to show up in grocery prices, followed by broader increases as producers pass along rising input costs.

Fertilizer shortages pose longer-term risk

Beyond energy, the conflict is also constraining supplies of fertilizer, arguably the more significant medium-term risk.

Key fertilizer components move through the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint now affected by the conflict. Disruptions have already driven sharp increases in input costs, andin some cases, reduced availability.

Farmers facing higher costs are expected to cut back on fertilizer use or plant fewer acres, decisions that could reduce yields later this year and into 2027.

That creates what analysts describe as a lagged inflation effect, where todays input shocks translate into tighter food supplies months later.

From easing to re-acceleration

Before the conflict escalated, the outlook for U.S. food inflation was relatively benign. The USDA had projected food-at-home prices would rise about 3.1% in 2026, only modestly above historical averages.

Recent developments, however, are forcing economists to reassess.

Early indicators already show pressure building: U.S. grocery prices were up about 3% year-over-year as of February, even before the full impact of the conflict.

Now, some analysts warn that global food prices could rise 12% to 18% if disruptions persist, adding significantly to household grocery bills.

Consumer impact and policy implications

Rising food costs tend to hit lower-income households hardest, as groceries make up a larger share of their spending.

Persistent food inflation could also complicate monetary policy. Federal Reserve officials had been watching for signs of easing price pressures, but renewed increases in food and energy could delay interest rate cuts and keep borrowing costs elevated.

Business leaders are already flagging the risk. JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon recently warned that inflation could become a skunk at the party if geopolitical tensions continue to push up commodity prices.

The trajectory of food inflation in the U.S. now hinges heavily on geopolitics.

If energy markets stabilize and fertilizer flows resume, price pressures could moderate later in the year. But prolonged disruption particularly during the critical planting season raises the risk of sustained or even accelerating food inflation into 2027.