Consumer News: Mortgage rates edge higher, but homebuyers appear undeterred

A study traces declining birth to the 2007 introduction of the iPhone

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• A new economic study suggests the iPhone may have contributed significantly to declining U.S. birth rates after its 2007 launch.

• Researchers estimate smartphone adoption accounted for 33% to 52% of the decline in fertility among women ages 15 to 44.

• The study links smartphone access to fewer in-person interactions, lower sexual frequency, and increased online activity.

A new study from the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) argues that one of the most influential consumer products of the 21st century may have had an unexpected demographic consequence: fewer babies.

In a working paper titled "Is the iPhone Birth Control? Causal Evidence from AT&T's 20072011 Carrier Monopoly," economists Caitlin Myers and Ezekiel Hooper conclude that the spread of smartphones following the iPhone's introduction in 2007 played a significant role in reducing U.S. birth rates, particularly among younger women.

The U.S. general fertility rate has fallen by 22% since 2007, a sustained decline not readily explained by economic conditions, contraceptive use, housing or childcare costs, or other commonly cited factors, the authors wrote. We assess the potential role of a different shock: the diffusion of the smartphone.

Unique circumstance

The researchers took advantage of a unique circumstance surrounding the original iPhone. From its launch in June 2007 until early 2011, the device was available exclusively through AT&T. Because AT&T's mobile broadband network expanded unevenly across the country, the authors were able to compare fertility trends in areas that gained access to the iPhone earlier with those that received coverage later.

Their analysis found that access to the iPhone reduced births by between 4.5% and 8.0% among women ages 15 to 19 and by 3.2% to 6.6% among women ages 20 to 24. Smaller but statistically significant declines were also observed among older age groups.

The researchers estimate that smartphone diffusion explains between one-third and one-half of the overall decline in the U.S. general fertility rate among women ages 15 to 44 during the study period.

While previous research has linked economic conditions, housing costs, and changing social norms to falling birth rates, the authors argue that smartphones altered how people spend their time and interact with one another. Survey data examined in the study suggest smartphone adoption was associated with reduced face-to-face socializing, increased pornography consumption, and less frequent sexual activity.

Testing the hypothesis

To test whether the results were driven by other factors, the researchers conducted placebo analyses using the coverage footprints of rival carriers Verizon and Sprint before they carried the iPhone. Those tests found no similar effects, strengthening the argument that smartphone access itself contributed to the fertility decline.

The findings add a new dimension to the ongoing debate over the societal impact of smartphones. Since the iPhone's debut, researchers have examined links between smartphone use and everything from mental health and productivity to social relationships. This study suggests the technology may also have reshaped demographic trends in ways few anticipated when Apple's device first reached consumers nearly two decades ago.

Kidisle-brand coffeemakers can become clogged during use

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Kidisle is recalling about 17,600 coffeemakers after reports that the machines can become clogged, causing hot liquid or steam to be released unexpectedly.

• The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said the defect poses a risk of serious burn injuries and has been linked to 16 reports of hot water escaping from the machines, including six burn injuries.

• Consumers are urged to stop using the recalled coffeemakers immediately and contact Kidisle for a full refund.

Kidisle is recalling about 17,600 coffeemakers sold nationwide after receiving reports that the appliances can unexpectedly release hot liquid or steam, creating a serious burn hazard, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

The recall affects Kidisle-brand coffeemakers that can become clogged during use, allowing pressure from hot liquid or steam to build inside the machine and be released unexpectedly. The CPSC said the defect poses a risk of serious injury to consumers.

The company has received 16 reports of hot water escaping from the coffeemakers. Six of those incidents resulted in burn injuries, including second-degree burns, the agency said.

The recalled coffeemakers were sold online through Amazon and other e-commerce platforms. The products were imported by Kidisle and sold under the Kidisle brand. Approximately 17,600 units are included in the recall.

What to do

Consumers are advised to stop using the recalled coffeemakers immediately. To obtain a full refund, customers should contact Kidisle and destroy the product by unplugging it and cutting the power cord. Consumers must write Recalled on the coffeemaker, take a photo showing the model number and cut cord, and submit the image to the company as part of the refund process.

The recall was announced June 11 by the CPSC as part of its ongoing efforts to remove potentially hazardous consumer products from the marketplace. Consumers seeking additional information can contact Kidisle via email at KidisleKC101Brecall@outlook.com.

Eight people may have gotten sick

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Clover Hill Dairy has recalled all Soft Ricotta/Requeson cheese products due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.

• The recalled cheese was distributed in six jurisdictions, including Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., between May 4 and May 30.

• Health officials say eight cases of listeria infection may be linked to the recalled cheese, prompting an ongoing investigation.

Clover Hill Dairy is voluntarily recalling all of its Soft Ricotta/Requeson cheese products after concerns that the cheese may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, a potentially dangerous bacterium that can cause serious illness.

The Mechanicsville, Maryland-based dairy announced the recall after being notified of a potential public health risk by the Maryland Department of Health. The company has halted production and distribution of all cheese products while federal and state officials continue investigating the source of the contamination.

According to the recall notice, the affected cheese was distributed from May 4 through May 30 in North Carolina, New York, Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, and Washington, D.C. Products were sold through bulk distributors, retail stores, and directly to consumers.

The recalled products include Soft Ricotta/Requeson cheese sold in 10-ounce, 12-ounce, and 14-ounce clamshell containers bearing the Clover Hill Dairy brand. Consumers can identify recalled products by looking for plant number 24-128 on the product label.

The cheese was also sold in bulk two-gallon and five-gallon containers that may have been repackaged and sold under other brand names, including KESSO, Quesos La Ricura, Izalco, De Mi Pueblo, and Rio Lindo.

Eight cases may be linked to the cheese

Federal officials said eight cases of listeria infection may be linked to the recalled cheese. The FDA and Maryland Department of Health are investigating those cases in cooperation with the company.

Listeria infections can be particularly dangerous for young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. Symptoms can include fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. The infection can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths in pregnant women.

Consumers who purchased the recalled cheese are urged not to consume it and should return it to the place of purchase in its original packaging for a full refund.

In a statement, Clover Hill Dairy apologized for the recall and said it hopes to resolve the issue and resume serving customers as soon as it is safe to do so.

The international event is prime time for scammers

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Fake ticket websites and resale are targeting fans eager to attend World Cup matches, often leaving victims with invalid tickets and no refunds.

• Fraudsters are using the World Cup brand to lure consumers into fake travel packages, phishing schemes, and bogus contests promising free trips.

• Experts warn that scammers are increasingly leveraging AI-generated websites, social media ads, and impersonation tactics to make their schemes appear legitimate.

As excitement builds around the FIFA World Cup, consumer advocates and law enforcement officials are warning fans to watch out for a growing number of designed to capitalize on the global sporting event.

Major international events have long attracted fraudsters looking to exploit consumer enthusiasm, but cybersecurity experts say today's are becoming more sophisticated, thanks in part to artificial intelligence and social media advertising tools that can quickly create convincing fake offers.

Ticket remain the biggest threat

The most common World Cup-related fraud involves fake ticket sales.

Scammers often create websites that closely mimic official ticket vendors or post listings on resale marketplaces and social media platforms. Consumers may pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars for tickets that either never arrive or turn out to be counterfeit.

Consumer protection agencies recommend purchasing tickets only through FIFA-authorized sellers and avoiding transactions that require payment through wire transfers, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or peer-to-peer payment apps.

Bogus travel packages target international fans

Many World Cup attendees travel long distances to attend matches, creating opportunities for fake travel agencies and fraudulent vacation packages.

These schemes frequently advertise heavily discounted airfare, hotel accommodations, and match tickets bundled together at prices that seem too good to pass up. Victims often discover that reservations do not exist when they arrive at their destination.

Consumers should independently verify hotels and airlines before making payments and be wary of companies with little online history or no physical address.

Phishing attacks exploit tournament excitement

Cybercriminals are also using the World Cup as bait in phishing emails, text messages, and social media posts.

Messages may claim that recipients have won free tickets, exclusive merchandise, or VIP experiences. Others direct users to fake login pages designed to steal passwords, credit card numbers, or other personal information.

Security experts advise consumers not to click links in unsolicited messages and to visit official websites directly by typing the address into a browser.

Merchandise and memorabilia proliferate online

Counterfeit jerseys, collectibles, and other World Cup merchandise are another growing concern.

Fraudulent online stores often advertise products using stolen images and offer deep discounts. Consumers may receive counterfeit goods, inferior products, or nothing at all.

Before purchasing, shoppers should research the seller, read customer reviews, and use credit cards that provide fraud protection.

AI makes harder to spot

The latest generation of is increasingly powered by artificial intelligence.

AI tools can generate professional-looking websites, realistic customer reviews, convincing emails, and even fake customer service representatives. Some fraudsters are also using AI-generated videos and voice cloning technology to lend credibility to their schemes.

As a result, experts say consumers should focus less on how professional an offer appears and more on verifying its legitimacy through independent sources.

How consumers can protect themselves

Experts recommend several precautions:

• Buy tickets only from authorized sellers.

• Research travel providers before booking.

• Avoid payments requested through gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.

• Be skeptical of unsolicited offers and contests.

• Verify website URLs carefully before entering payment information.

• Use credit cards when possible for added fraud protection.

• Monitor financial accounts for unauthorized activity.