Consumer News: World Cup ticket are already here — Here’s how to avoid getting played

Fewer late-model vehicles for sale, along with heavy demand, is pushing prices higher

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Used-car prices rose 6.2% year over year in March, reaching their highest level since summer 2023.

• Tight inventory and strong consumer demand are driving sustained price increases.

• Cox Automotive expects prices to remain firm through midyear before easing later in 2026.

Consumers often buy a late-model used car because they can be priced thousands of dollars less than a new model. However, the latest data suggest that the gap may be closing at leastat the wholesale level.

Used-vehicle prices surged in the first quarter of 2026, continuing a rebound that has pushed wholesale values to their highest levels in nearly three years, according to Cox Automotives latest Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index (MUVVI) report.

The index rose to 215.3 in March, up 6.2% from a year earlier and marking the fifth consecutive month of gains. Prices also increased 1.4% month over month, reflecting what Cox described as a stronger-than-normal spring market.

Supply and demand

Cox Automotive said the gains were driven largely by robust demand and limited supply. Inventory levels tightened throughout the quarter, with days supply falling below 40 days in March one of the lowest readings this year as vehicles sold quickly at auction and on dealer lots.

At the same time, high new-car prices averaging above $49,000 are pushing more consumers into the used market, further boosting demand. However, slower new-vehicle sales have reduced the number of trade-ins, exacerbating the shortage of used vehicles.

Used-vehicle demand is healthy and inventory levels are relatively tight, Cox Automotive Chief Economist Jeremy Robb said in the report, noting that dealer competition at auctions has intensified and sales conversion rates have risen above recent averages.

Demand forused EVs

The first quarter also showed strength in specific segments, including used electric vehicles, where increased off-lease supply and relative affordability compared to new EVs supported pricing and activity.

Retail sales reflected the same momentum, rising about 2% year over year in the first quarter, even as overall supply remained constrained.

Looking ahead, Cox Automotive expects the used-car market to remain near current levels in the near term. Prices are likely to hold steady through the spring and early summer, supported by tax refund season and ongoing demand. However, the company suggests the market may be more favorable for buyers in the second half of the year.

From makeup to hair care, this limited-time event offers daily discounts that make stocking up surprisingly affordable

• Dollar General is running a seven-day beauty sale with new deals dropping each day from April 1218.

• Discounts include buy-one-get-one offers, spend-and-save deals, and major markdowns on popular brands.

• Shoppers can maximize savings by planning purchases around specific daily promotions.

If your beauty routine could use a refresh but your budget says otherwise Dollar General may have the perfect solution.

The retailer just announced a 7 Days of Savings beauty event, a limited-time promotion focused on delivering discounts across a wide range of everyday essentials. Running from April 12 through April 18, the sale is built around a simple concept: a new deal every day, featuring recognizable brands and practical self-care staples.

The event is part of the companys broader push to make beauty more accessible, offering everything from skincare and cosmetics to hair care and hygiene products at lower price points. With inflation still top of mind for many shoppers, the timing and the emphasis on affordability could make this sale especially appealing.

Our customers appreciate access to quality beauty and personal care products without compromising their budgets, Jimmy Nguyen, vice president and division merchandise manager of health and beauty, said in a news release.

This 7 Days of Savings event is another example of how DG is elevating our offerings while staying true to our promise of affordability customers count on. From leading national brands to exciting new additions, were proud to bring even more value, selection and innovation to the communities we serve.

What shoppers can expect each day

Unlike traditional sales that apply blanket discounts, this event rotates deals daily, meaning timing matters. Each day highlights a different category or brand lineup, with promotions that include both percentage discounts and buy-more-save-more offers.

Heres a snapshot of whats on deck:

• April 12: Spend $15 on brands like LOral, Garnier, and Maybelline, get $5 off

• April 13: Buy two MONDAY Hair Care products, save $5

• April 14: Spend $12 on Degree deodorant or body wash, save $5

• April 15: Buy one BIC razor (priced $7+), get another for $1

• April 16: Buy one Suave item ($3+), get one 50% off

• April 17: Buy one Old Spice or Secret whole body deodorant, get one free

• April 18: Buy Dial bar soap and get hand soap free

Overall, discounts can reach up to about 50% off select items, depending on the promotion.

How to make the most of the sale

Because the deals change daily, the biggest savings will likely go to shoppers who plan ahead. If you already know which products you need whether its shampoo, deodorant, or makeup staples its worth checking the schedule and timing your trip accordingly.

Its also a good idea to combine these offers with digital coupons through Dollar Generals app, which can sometimes stack additional savings on top of the daily promotions. And since many of these deals are limited to specific product types or sizes, reading the fine print can help avoid surprises at checkout.

The bottom line: this isnt a one-size-fits-all sale. But with a little strategy, it could be an easy way to stock up on essentials without overspending exactly what many shoppers are looking for right now.

Why crowded places are becoming prime targets for this scam

• Ghost tapping are up ~150%:Scammersusefake NFC readers to charge your credit card or phone in crowded places without you noticing.

• Protect yourself:Turnon instant alerts, lock your phone, and keepcards secure (not loose in pockets or near the edge of your wallet).

• Dont ignore small charges:Scammers test with $5$10 transactions first, and catching it early can stop bigger fraud and improve your chances of getting your money back.

Tap-to-pay is fast, easy, and everywhere. But that same convenience is now being exploited in a growing scam called ghost tapping, where thieves can charge your card or phone without you even realizing it.

Fraud tied to this tactic has surged by roughly 150% over the past year, with scammers targeting crowded places like malls, airports, and public transit.

Heres whats happening, and what you should actually do about it.

What is 'ghost tapping'?

Ghost tapping uses the same near-field communication (NFC) technology that powers tap-to-pay.

Instead of a legitimate checkout terminal, scammers use handheld devices that mimic a payment reader. If they get close enough to your phone or card, they can trigger a transaction without you actively paying.

In some cases, victims dont notice until days later when they check their statements.

Why it works

The scam relies on two things: proximity and distraction.

When youre in crowded areas with people all around, it makes it easy for someone to get close enough to you without raising any suspicion in your mind. And because tap-to-pay doesnt always require a PIN for small purchases, scammers often test with a low-dollar charge first.

Thats why many victims initially see charges in the $5$10 range before a bigger charge likely happens.

What you should do right now

1. Turn on instant transaction alerts. This is your first line of defense. Set up push notifications or texts through your bank or credit card so youre alerted immediately when a charge hits. Then call your credit card or bank immediately if you get notified of a charge you didnt make.
2. Lock down your phone and wallet. Enable Face ID, fingerprint, or passcode protection on your phone. For physical cards, avoid keeping them loose in your pocket where someone can easily get close to it. Also, try not to have your credit card as the card nearest the outside of your wallet. Have that card be a gift card, loyalty card, or some other harmless card.
3. Watch for small test charges. Dont ignore a random $6 charge. Thats often how scammers test if your account is active. Report it immediately to stop larger fraud attempts.

Smart tips to stay ahead

• Use a digital wallet (like Apple Pay or Google Pay) instead of tapping your physical card:They add an extra layer of tokenized security.
• Consider RFID-blocking wallets or sleeves for your cards:A wallet can be picked up on Amazon for less than $15.
• Make it a habit to check your statements weekly, not monthly: Reporting a fraud claim right after it happens improves your chances of a recovery.

Why this matters

Tap-to-pay isnt going anywhere. In fact, its becoming the default way most people pay.

But as that convenience increases, so does the opportunity for scammers to take advantage.

The takeaway is simple: You dont need to stop tapping to pay, you just need to tighten how you use it. Small adjustments now can save you from a much bigger headache later.

Fewer late-model vehicles for sale, along with heavy demand, is pushing prices higher

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Used-car prices rose 6.2% year over year in March, reaching their highest level since summer 2023

• Tight inventory and strong consumer demand are driving sustained price increases

• Cox Automotive expects prices to remain firm through midyear before easing later in 2026

Consumers often buy a late-model used car because they can be priced thousands of dollars less than a new model. However, the latest data suggest that the gap may be closing at least. at the wholesale level.

Used-vehicle prices surged in the first quarter of 2026, continuing a rebound that has pushed wholesale values to their highest level in nearly three years, according to Cox Automotives latest Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index (MUVVI) report.

The index rose to 215.3 in March, up 6.2% from a year earlier and marking the fifth consecutive month of gains. Prices also increased 1.4% month over month, reflecting what Cox described as a stronger-than-normal spring market.

Supply and demand

Cox Automotive said the gains were driven largely by robust demand and limited supply. Inventory levels tightened throughout the quarter, with days supply falling below 40 days in March one of the lowest readings this year as vehicles sold quickly at auction and on dealer lots.

At the same time, high new-car prices averaging above $49,000 are pushing more consumers into the used market, further boosting demand. However, slower new-vehicle sales have reduced the number of trade-ins, exacerbating the the shortage of used vehicles.

Used-vehicle demand is healthy and inventory levels are relatively tight, Cox Automotive Chief Economist Jeremy Robb said in the report, noting that dealer competition at auctions has intensified and sales conversion rates have risen above recent averages.

Demand for used EVs

The first quarter also showed strength in specific segments, including used electric vehicles, where increased off-lease supply and relative affordability compared to new EVs supported pricing and activity.

Retail sales reflected the same momentum, rising about 2% year over year in the first quarter, even as overall supply remained constrained.

Looking ahead, Cox Automotive expects the used-car market to remain near current levels in the near term. Prices are likely to hold steady through the spring and early summer, supported by tax refund season and ongoing demand. However, the company suggests the market may be more favorable for buyers in the second half of the year.