Consumer News: Gas prices start the week moving higher again

A recent victim recounted her experience on Fidelitys podcast

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Fidelity experts warn that financial are becoming more sophisticated, with criminals using AI, impersonation, and increasingly convincing phishing, text, and voice schemes.

• Consumers of all ages are being targeted, with scammers often creating a sense of urgency or posing as trusted institutions to trick victims into revealing sensitive information.

• Simple precautionssuch as verifying messages independently, avoiding suspicious links, and enabling multi-factor authenticationcan significantly reduce the risk of falling victim.

A new episode of Fidelity Investments Money Unscripted podcast is sounding the alarm on a surge in increasingly sophisticated financial , warning consumers that anyonenot just the elderlycan fall victim.

In the episode, host Ally Donnelly and Fidelitys head of cyber defense, Sean Downey, outline how modern scammers are evolving their tactics, using everything from fake emails and text messages to AI-generated videos and voice impersonations to deceive victims.

are getting smarterand harder to detect

Cybercrime is no longer limited to poorly written phishing emails. According to Fidelitys discussion, scammers now deploy a wide range of tactics, including phishing (fraudulent emails), smishing (text-based ), and vishing (voice calls designed to extract personal information).

The growing use of artificial intelligence has made these schemes more convincing. Messages may appear polished and legitimate, while deepfake audio or video can mimic trusted individuals, increasing the likelihood that victims will comply with requests.

Cyber are everywhere, Fidelity notes in its learning materials, emphasizing the need for consumers to recognize red flags in digital communications.

Anyone can be a target

Contrary to common belief, the podcast highlights that scam victims span all demographics. While older adults are often perceived as the primary targets, younger and tech-savvy individuals are also vulnerableparticularly as increasingly rely on urgency and emotional manipulation rather than obvious technical flaws.

Cybercriminals often impersonate trusted institutions, including financial firms, and may claim there is an urgent problem with an account to pressure victims into acting quickly.

Key warning signs

Fidelity experts stress that recognizing common warning signs is critical. Among the biggest red flags:

• Unexpected messages or calls requesting sensitive information

• Urgent language demanding immediate action to avoid financial loss

• Requests for passwords, codes, or account access

• Suspicious links or mismatched web addresses

Even legitimate-looking communications can be fraudulent, especially as scammers use advanced tools to mimic real organizations.

How to protect yourself

The podcast emphasizes simple but effective steps consumers can take to safeguard their finances and personal data:

• Verify communications independently by contacting companies through official channels

• Avoid clicking links or downloading attachments from unknown sources

• Enable multi-factor authentication on financial and personal accounts

• Keep contact information updated to receive legitimate security alerts

Experts also advise slowing down when faced with urgent requests. Taking a moment to verify information can prevent costly mistakes.

If consumers suspect theyve been targeted or compromised, Fidelity recommends acting quicklycontacting financial institutions, securing accounts, and reporting the incident to appropriate authorities.

The data show the growing economic stress on households

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• A growing number of U.S. households are losing electricity due to unpaid utility bills, according to a new federal report.

• The data highlights persistent energy affordability challenges, especially for low-income families.

• Experts warn the trend could worsen as energy costs and economic pressures remain elevated.

A new report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) is shedding light on the economic pressure facing a growing number of American households.

According to the agencys report the first of its kind a significant share of U.S. households have experienced electricity shutoffs for non-payment in recent years. The report, based on nationwide survey data, underscores the financial strain many families face in keeping up with rising energy costs.

The EIAs Residential Energy Consumption Survey indicates that millions of households reported either being disconnected from service or receiving a disconnection notice. While the exact figures vary by year and region, the data consistently show that lower-income households are disproportionately affected.

Electricity rates are rising

Energy affordability has become an increasing concern as utility prices climb and wages fail to keep pace. Households already struggling with rent, food, and healthcare expenses often face difficult trade-offs, with electricity bills sometimes falling behind.

Consumer advocates say the consequences of shutoffs go beyond inconvenience. Loss of power can mean spoiled food, unsafe indoor temperatures, and disruption to medical devices that rely on electricity.

The report also highlights disparities across demographic groups. Renters, households with children,and those relying on fixed incomes are more likely to experience energy insecurity. In some regions, extreme weather both hot and cold can intensify the risks associated with losing power.

Federal and state assistance programs, such as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), aim to help vulnerable households cover utility costs. However, advocates argue that funding often falls short of meeting demand, leaving many without adequate support.

How to reduce electricity usage

With summer heat on the way, the problem could get worse. However, a few targeted changes can make a noticeable difference in electric bills.

• Start with your thermostat. Setting it a few degrees higher (around 78F when youre home) can significantly reduce cooling costs. Pair that with a programmable or smart thermostat so temperatures automatically rise when youre away.
• Use fans strategically. Ceiling or box fans help circulate air, making rooms feel cooler without lowering the thermostat. Just remember: fans cool people, not rooms turn them off when you leave.
• Block out heat from the sun. Close blinds or curtains during the hottest parts of the day, especially on south- and west-facing windows. Blackout curtains or reflective shades can reduce indoor temperatures by several degrees.
• Limit heat-generating activities. Ovens, stoves, and dryers add extra warmth to your home. Try grilling outdoors, using a microwave, or running appliances like dishwashers and laundry machines at night.
• Seal and insulate. Small air leaks around windows, doors, or ductwork can let cool air escape. Weatherstripping and sealing gaps help your AC system work more efficiently.
• Maintain your cooling system. Replace or clean air filters regularly and keep vents unobstructed. If you have central air, an annual tune-up can improve efficiency and extend the systems lifespan.
• Consider longer-term upgrades. Improving insulation, installing energy-efficient windows, or upgrading to a high-efficiency HVAC system can deliver lasting savings, especially in hotter climates.

Despite the pessimism, consumers are still spending

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• U.S. consumer sentiment fell to a record low of 49.8 in April, reflecting broad pessimism across income, age, and political groups, according to the University of Michigan survey.

• Rising inflation concerns and economic uncertainty drove the decline, with expectations for future conditions and personal finances weakening significantly.

• Despite worsening sentiment, consumer spending has remained relatively stable so far, though economists warn prolonged pessimism could eventually slow economic growth.

U.S. consumer sentiment fell sharply in April, dropping to the lowest level on record, as households grew increasingly pessimistic about the economy, according to the University of Michigans latest Survey of Consumers.

The final April reading of the Consumer Sentiment Index came in at 49.8, down from 53.3 in March, marking a 6.6% monthly decline and a 4.6% drop from a year earlier. This represents the weakest level in the surveys decades-long history and underscores a broad deterioration in public confidence.

Broad-based decline across households

The decline was widespread, cutting across income levels, age groups, and political affiliations, with all major components of the index weakening.

• The Current Economic Conditions Index fell to 52.5, down from 55.8 in March.

• The Index of Consumer Expectations, which measures outlook for the economy, dropped to 48.1 from 51.7.

Preliminary data earlier in the month had shown an even steeper decline to 47.6, reflecting an approximately 11% drop from March and signaling a rapid shift in sentiment.

Survey director Joanne Hsu noted that the downturn has been broad-based, with declines observed across all demographic groups.

Inflation fears and global tensions influence outlook

Consumers cited rising prices and economic uncertainty as key drivers of their pessimism. Many respondents reported growing concern over inflation, declining personal finances, and weaker asset values, according to the survey data.

Expectations for inflation have also increased notably. One-year inflation expectations surged to around 4.7%4.8%, representing one of the largest monthly jumps in recent years.

Geopolitical tensions particularly the ongoing conflict involving Iran have further intensified concerns, contributing to higher energy prices and broader economic uncertainty.

The Iran conflict appears to influence consumer views primarily through shocks to gasoline and potentially other prices, said Surveys of Consumers Director Joanne Hsu. In contrast, military and diplomatic developments that do not lift supply constraints or lower energy prices are unlikely to buoy consumers.

Not-so-great expectations

Forward-looking indicators showed some of the steepest declines. Expectations for business conditions and the broader economy weakened significantly, with one-year business outlooks dropping sharply and personal finance expectations falling by roughly 11%.

The survey also found that consumers are increasingly worried about their ability to maintain living standards amid rising costs, a trend that could weigh on future spending decisions.

Despite the sharp drop in sentiment, actual consumer behavior has not yet fully reflected the pessimism. Recent data show solid household finances and stable spending, suggesting a disconnect between how consumers feel and how they are acting.

Economists warn, however, that sustained low sentiment could eventually translate into reduced consumption, slower economic growth, and more cautious business investment if confidence fails to recover.

Aprils data highlights a significant shift in consumer psychology as economic uncertainty intensifies. While sentiment improved slightly from its preliminary reading, it remains near historic lows, signaling continued caution among U.S. households heading into the second quarter of 2026.

Dozens of people in 13 states have gotten sick

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Thirty-four people in 13 states have been infected with Salmonella linked to backyard poultry, with 13 hospitalizations and no deaths reported.

• Contact with chickens, ducks, or their environments is the likely source, even when birds appear healthy.

• The CDC is urging flock owners to take hygiene precautions, including handwashing and keeping poultry out of homes.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has launched an investigation into a multi-state outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to backyard poultry.

The CDC reports that at least 34 people across 13 states have been sickened by the same strain of Salmonella, identified as Salmonella Saintpaul. Of those cases, 13 people have been hospitalized, though no deaths have been reported so far.

The illnesses began between late February and the end of March, and public health officials warn the true number of infections is likely higher because many cases go unreported or undiagnosed.

Illnesses linked to chickens and ducks

Investigators say the outbreak is linked to contact with backyard poultry, including chickens and ducks. These animals can carry Salmonella bacteria even when they appear clean and healthy, and people can become infected by touching the birds or contaminated surfaces and then ingesting the bacteria.

The CDC emphasized that young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of severe illness. Symptoms typically include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, appearing within six hours to six days after exposure and lasting up to a week.

To reduce the risk of infection, the agency recommends washing hands thoroughly after handling poultry or collecting eggs, using dedicated footwear in coops, and keeping birds and their supplies outside the home. Children under 5 should not handle backyard poultry or anything in their living areas.

Businesses that sell poultry are also being advised to implement sanitation measures and provide handwashing stations for customers.

The CDC and state health officials continue to investigate the outbreak using laboratory and epidemiological data, and additional cases may be identified in the coming weeks.