ALL THE MONEY NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW | | | |  |
Happy Friday! I'm looking out of my home-office window to a kind-of dreary day, but it is 50 degrees. That feels "balmy" to us in the Midwest after some bone-chilling cold last week. Besides, it's almost the weekend! |
This is Betty Lin-Fisher with today's The Daily Money. Each Friday, I will bring you a consumer-focused edition of this newsletter. |
In its latest annual report, the San Diego-based Identity Theft Resource Center said 2023 set a new record for the number of data compromises. There were also 353 million victims of ID theft, a 22% decrease from 2022, but still a staggering number. |
Every time I talk to the experts at the nonprofit center, I get a stomach ache. I hear the latest ways criminals are targeting businesses ––– both big and small – and consumers. You can read more, including ways to protect yourself in my story. | 2023 was an all-time record for data breaches, according to a new study by the Identity Theft Resource Center. spyarm / iStock via Getty Images |
Is TurboTax really free for some consumers? |
The Federal Trade Commission and Intuit, the makers of TurboTax are fighting about what "free" means and whether saying something is "free" really costs you nothing. |
The FTC has issued two orders, one in 2022 and another earlier this week, alleging that TurboTax is misleading consumers with its ads saying some consumers qualify to use its software and file their income taxes for free. The FTC alleges consumers find out after they've input all their information that they don't qualify. TurboTax says that is not true and the FTC and its internal legal system is "accuser, judge, jury, and then appellate judge." TurboTax has filed an appeal in federal court. |
Read more about whether you would qualify for "free" in my story. |
I'll throw in one more of my consumer stories this week for your reading list. Earlier this month, Chris Hawkins of Chesterfield, Missouri emailed USA TODAY. His 2018 Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrid electric van, which had been serviced for a recall linked to a fire risk, caught on fire while off and plugged in at his home. |
I started investigating and while I was reporting, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened a recall investigation into that specific recall. Three other car owners reported nearly the exact same fire incident. |
You can read more about the recall and investigation in my story. I have also been hearing from more Pacifica owners with similar complaints or worries about their vehicles. |
📰 Consumer stories you shouldn't miss 📰 |
Have you ever heard of golden syrup? Me, neither. But here's the tea on golden syrup and why the enduring sweetener from the United Kingdom is gaining popularity around the world. |
Each weekday, The Daily Money delivers the best consumer news from USA TODAY. We break down financial news and provide the TLDR version: how decisions by the Federal Reserve, government and companies impact you. | | | | 2023 saw more data breaches than any other year, said the Identity Theft Resource Center. Here's some tips to protect yourself. | | | |  | The FTC and makers of TurboTax are in a fight about whether the tax software company really offers free income-tax filing. | | | | A Missouri couple's 2018 Pacifica electric minivan caught fire while plugged in the garage, two months after being "serviced" for a fire-risk recall. | | | | Here are some common issues experts have found with completing FAFSA. How to handle them and what to do to lessen stress while waiting for your award. | | | | New reports on new home sales and mortgage rates could offer hope for buyers and sellers in 2024. Here's what the latest housing data show. | | | | There are ways to get ahead of the 2024 spring break crowds. The herd is moving to the same predictable places. | | | | Thrill seekers who've been cooped up all winter only have a few more months to wait for their favorite regional amusement and theme parks to reopen. | | | | Tesla is recalling nearly 200,000 vehicles in the U.S. because the rearview camera image may not display. An OTA software update will be issued. | | | | Royal Caribbean's highly-anticipated new ship, Icon of the Seas, launches this weekend. Here's what guests can expect. | | | | Golden syrup is a thick, amber-colored syrup that is similar in color to maple syrup, but with a consistency closer to honey and a distinct taste. | | | | |  | Sign up for the news you want | Exclusive newsletters are part of your subscription, don't miss out! We're always working to add benefits for subscribers like you. | | | | | | |
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