consumer

ConsumerWatch: New Car Insurance Could Benefit Low-Mileage Drivers

A recently-approved type of car insurance could mean lower rates for California drivers who are cutting back on their mileage.

KPIX 5–2011/04/28

ConsumerWatch: Avoid Paying For Text Message Spam

Business seems to booming for text message spammers, despite the fact that the practice violates California law.

KPIX 5–2011/04/07

ConsumerWatch: Errors Delay Cash For Appliances Payouts

It has been months since the cash for appliances rebate program ended, and many Californians are still waiting for their checks from the state.

KPIX 5–2011/03/31

ConsumerWatch: No Strings Attached For PG&E Reward

San Francisco and San Mateo residents who received a $25 prepaid debit card as reward from Pacific Gas and Electric Co. don’t have to worry about any fees associated with the promotion, despite what they may find in the small print.

KPIX 5–2011/03/28

PG&E Introducing Smart Meter Opt-Out Proposal

PG&E was scheduled to submit opt-out procedures Thursday for customers who don’t want to participate in the utility’s SmartMeter program.

CBS San Francisco–2011/03/24

ConsumerWatch: Credit Protection Plans Prove Hard To Cash In

Consumers may be in for a nasty surprise when trying to use protection plans offered by credit card companies that promise help bills when faced with illness or unemployment.

KPIX 5–2011/03/23

ConsumerWatch: Small Claims Victory Doesn’t Guarantee Payout

Americans are increasingly taking their financial disputes to small claims court, but before you get your case heard, it might be smart to find out if you could actually collect.

KPIX 5–2011/03/16

A consumer uses a debit card (John MacDougall/Getty Images)

ConsumerWatch: Banks Balk At Proposed End Of Debit Fees

Bankers and merchants, pillars of the business world and frequent allies, are embroiled in a bitter lobbying battle over something Americans do 38 billion times a year — swipe their debit cards. Both sides vigorously claim to speak for consumers.

KPIX 5–2011/03/10

ConsumerWatch: Auto Refinance Options Expanding

Refinancing your car loan has become more of an option lately as the economy continues a slow recovery, with more companies offering auto-refis with favorable terms, according to industry experts.

KPIX 5–2011/03/07

ConsumerWatch: Ex-Anchor Blue Workers Still Waiting To Be Paid

The popular teen clothing chain store Anchor Blue has filed for bankruptcy. It recently closed all of its 117 stores, including 60 stores in California. According to some employees, they are still waiting to get paid.

KPIX 5–2011/02/25

Listen Live!