http://www.nysconsumer.gov/informing/consumercasts.htm ConsumerCast is a new audio feature of the New York State Consumer Protection Board. Available in English and Spanish, ConsumerCast usually appears the first Wednesday of each month providing helpful consumer information. en-us Fri Aug 27 11:18:24 EDT 2010 Fri Aug 27 11:18:24 EDT 2010 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss NYS Consumer Protection Board (NYS CPB) Helpful consumer information from the NYS Consumer Protection Board. ConsumerCast is an audio feature of the New York State Consumer Protection Board. Available in English and Spanish, ConsumerCast usually appears the first Wednesday of each month providing helpful consumer information. NYS Consumer Protection Board (NYS CPB) podcast@consumer.state.ny.us http://www.nysconsumer.gov/informing/podcast_text/september2010_english.htm This month, we'll be covering tips about shopping for and using school art supplies. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the CPB urge parents, caretakers and educators to be vigilant when purchasing and giving children art supplies for their craft projects. Safety http://www.nysconsumer.gov/audio/podcast/september_2010_english_podcast.mp3 Fri, 27 Aug 2010 11:13:11 EDT New York State Consumer Protection Board (NYS CPB) no September 2010 ConsumerCast -- Tips About Shopping For and Using School Art Supplies This month, we'll be covering tips about shopping for and using school art supplies. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the CPB urge parents, caretakers and educators to be vigilant when purchasing and giving children art supplies for their craft projects. 0:02:51 consumer protection, New York State, phishing, scam prevention, back to school, art supplies, safety http://www.nysconsumer.gov/informing/podcast_text/august2010_english.htm This month, we're going to talk about the new rules that apply to overdraft fees on ATM cards and debit cards. Many banks and credit unions offer a service called overdraft protection or overdraft coverage, which allows consumers to spend more on their ATM and one-time debit card transactions than they have in their bank account from which the money is deducted. However, this service is generally associated with a fee, and fees can be $35 or more. In the past, financial institutions would automatically enroll consumers into this service. This is about to change. http://www.nysconsumer.gov/audio/podcast/august_2010_english_podcast.mp3 Fri, 27 Aug 2010 10:35:32 EDT New York State Consumer Protection Board (NYS CPB) no August 2010 ConsumerCast -- New Rules That Apply to Overdraft Fees on ATM Cards, Debit Cards This month, we're going to talk about the new rules that apply to overdraft fees on ATM cards and debit cards. Many banks and credit unions offer a service called overdraft protection or overdraft coverage, which allows consumers to spend more on their ATM and one-time debit card transactions than they have in their bank account from which the money is deducted. However, this service is generally associated with a fee, and fees can be $35 or more. In the past, financial institutions would automatically enroll consumers into this service. This is about to change. 0:02:44 consumer protection, New York State, phishing, scam prevention, energy, saving money http://www.nysconsumer.gov/informing/podcast_text/july2010_english.htm This month, we'll be covering ways to reduce your energy bill while still keeping your home comfortable over the rest of the summer. During the summer heat, the air conditioner is our best friend. We make every effort to stay cool in our home and this translates into high electricity bills. By employing some simple tips, offered by the CPB and the New York State Public Service Commission, you can remain comfortable during the summer months without breaking your budget. http://www.nysconsumer.gov/audio/podcast/july_2010_english_podcast.mp3 Fri, 27 Aug 2010 10:35:32 EDT New York State Consumer Protection Board (NYS CPB) no July 2010 ConsumerCast -- Reducing Energy Consumption During the Hot Summer Months This month, we'll be covering ways to reduce your energy bill while still keeping your home comfortable over the rest of the summer. During the summer heat, the air conditioner is our best friend. We make every effort to stay cool in our home and this translates into high electricity bills. By employing some simple tips, offered by the CPB and the New York State Public Service Commission, you can remain comfortable during the summer months without breaking your budget. 0:02:34 consumer protection, New York State, phishing, scam prevention, energy, saving money http://www.nysconsumer.gov/informing/podcast_text/oct09_english.htm Knowing how to handle phishing e-mails can help prevent victimization. Make sure you do not click on links in unsolicited messages. At times, these unsolicited messages connect to suspicious websites. It is also important to remember that most Internet e-mail is NOT secure, which is why the CPB recommends against e-mailing personal or financial information, for example credit card or bank account numbers, passwords or Social Security numbers. Safety http://www.nysconsumer.gov/audio/podcast/october_2009_english_podcast.mp3 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 13:30:11 EDT New York State Consumer Protection Board (NYS CPB) no October 2009: Internet Transaction Safety as part of Cyber Security Month Knowing how to handle phishing e-mails can help prevent victimization. Make sure you do not click on links in unsolicited messages. At times, these unsolicited messages connect to suspicious websites. It is also important to remember that most Internet e-mail is NOT secure, which is why the CPB recommends against e-mailing personal or financial information, for example credit card or bank account numbers, passwords or Social Security numbers. 0:05:10 consumer protection, New York State, phishing, scam prevention, firewalls, unsolicited message http://www.nysconsumer.gov/informing/podcast_text/sept09_english.htm This month, in commemoration of National Baby Safety Awareness Month, we’ll be focusing on information to help parents and caregivers keep young children safe while they are riding in cars. Safety http://www.nysconsumer.gov/audio/podcast/september_2009_english_podcast.mp3 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 13:30:10 EDT New York State Consumer Protection Board (NYS CPB) no September 2009: National Baby Safety Awareness Month This month, in commemoration of National Baby Safety Awareness Month, we’ll be focusing on information to help parents and caregivers keep young children safe while they are riding in cars. 0:04:12 consumer protection, New York State, baby safety, booster seat, seat belts http://www.nysconsumer.gov/informing/podcast_text/aug09_english.htm Parents and guardians, caregivers, and teachers are preparing for students to return to school. While back-to-school sales may be advertised in your community, these purchases do not need to break your budget. Consumers should keep the CPB’s Stretch Your Back-to-School Dollar tips in mind to help save money on school clothing, supplies and lunches. In addition, the CPB has worked to educate students, parents and faculty about the option and benefits of purchasing used textbooks. To assist consumers and to create a fairer marketplace, the New York State Textbook Access Act of 2008 was signed into law by Governor Paterson in August 2008 and is now in effect. The new law promotes “open and transparent marketing, choice, pricing and purchasing of course materials” which will help consumers as they make their spending decisions. Savings http://www.nysconsumer.gov/audio/podcast/august_2009_english_podcast.mp3 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 13:30:09 EDT New York State Consumer Protection Board (NYS CPB) no August 2009: Back to School Savings Tips Parents and guardians, caregivers, and teachers are preparing for students to return to school. While back-to-school sales may be advertised in your community, these purchases do not need to break your budget. Consumers should keep the CPB’s Stretch Your Back-to-School Dollar tips in mind to help save money on school clothing, supplies and lunches. In addition, the CPB has worked to educate students, parents and faculty about the option and benefits of purchasing used textbooks. To assist consumers and to create a fairer marketplace, the New York State Textbook Access Act of 2008 was signed into law by Governor Paterson in August 2008 and is now in effect. The new law promotes “open and transparent marketing, choice, pricing and purchasing of course materials” which will help consumers as they make their spending decisions. 0:03:36 consumer protection, New York State, saving money, marketplace, Fall, back-to-school, savings, used textbooks http://www.nysconsumer.gov/informing/podcast_text/july09_english.htm Nationally, on average, more than 280 children younger than 5 drown in pools and spas each year. During these hot summer months with children generally out of school, the Consumer Protection Board is offering the following tips to make sure children and their loved ones are safe in the water. http://www.nysconsumer.gov/audio/podcast/july_2009_english_podcast.mp3 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 13:30:08 EDT New York State Consumer Protection Board (NYS CPB) no July 2009: Pool Safety for Parents and Children Nationally, on average, more than 280 children younger than 5 drown in pools and spas each year. During these hot summer months with children generally out of school, the Consumer Protection Board is offering the following tips to make sure children and their loved ones are safe in the water. 0:03:07 consumer protection, New York State, saving money, marketplace, child safety, pool safety, water, summer http://www.nysconsumer.gov/informing/podcast_text/june09_english.htm School may soon be out for the summer, but safety shouldn’t be. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), each year, more than 200,000 children are brought to hospital emergency rooms with injuries sustained as a result of recreational activity on or around playground equipment, especially during the summer. To help parents and caregivers in providing a safe and fun playground experience for their children, the NYS Consumer Protection Board (CPB) has joined with the CPSC and Safe Kids USA to provide a safety checklist to all New Yorkers. http://www.nysconsumer.gov/audio/podcast/june_2009_english_podcast.mp3 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 13:30:08 EDT New York State Consumer Protection Board (NYS CPB) no June 2009: Keeping Children Safe When Playing Outdoors in the Summer School may soon be out for the summer, but safety shouldn’t be. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), each year, more than 200,000 children are brought to hospital emergency rooms with injuries sustained as a result of recreational activity on or around playground equipment, especially during the summer. To help parents and caregivers in providing a safe and fun playground experience for their children, the NYS Consumer Protection Board (CPB) has joined with the CPSC and Safe Kids USA to provide a safety checklist to all New Yorkers. 0:02:02 consumer protection, New York State, saving money, marketplace, child safety, summer, oudoors, playground safety http://www.nysconsumer.gov/informing/podcast_text/may09_english.htm Tough winters, usage and general aging take a toll on a house. Consumers should be cautious when entertaining the notion of home improvement work. Sadly, the CPB addresses thousands of complaints involving home improvement contractors, but it doesn’t have to be that way! Keep these points in mind when handling home improvements. They may help you avoid falling victim to a home improvement scam. http://www.nysconsumer.gov/audio/podcast/may_2009_english_podcast.mp3 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 13:30:08 EDT New York State Consumer Protection Board (NYS CPB) no May 2009: Home Improvement -- Ask the Expert Tough winters, usage and general aging take a toll on a house. Consumers should be cautious when entertaining the notion of home improvement work. Sadly, the CPB addresses thousands of complaints involving home improvement contractors, but it doesn’t have to be that way! Keep these points in mind when handling home improvements. They may help you avoid falling victim to a home improvement scam. 0:02:56 consumer protection, New York State, saving money, marketplace, home improvement, preventing scams http://www.nysconsumer.gov/informing/podcast_text/apr09_english.htm April is a critical time for consumers. It is when your personal income tax returns are typically filed with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the State of New York for the activity of the previous year. Take note that the Paterson Administration is assisting New Yorkers through this process. http://www.nysconsumer.gov/audio/podcast/april_2009_english_podcast.mp3 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 13:30:08 EDT New York State Consumer Protection Board (NYS CPB) no April 2009: Taxes, the EITC and Assistance with Filing April is a critical time for consumers. It is when your personal income tax returns are typically filed with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the State of New York for the activity of the previous year. Take note that the Paterson Administration is assisting New Yorkers through this process. 0:03:27 consumer protection, New York State, saving money, marketplace, taxes, tax preparers, free tax preperation, Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Consumer Bill of Rights Regarding Tax Preparers, Refund Anticipation Loans (RAL), IRS http://www.nysconsumer.gov/informing/podcast_text/mar09_english.htm Households across the country are struggling with their personal debt. Here is a description of a consumer's rights relating to debt collection in New York State. http://www.nysconsumer.gov/audio/podcast/march_2009_english.mp3 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 13:30:08 EDT New York State Consumer Protection Board (NYS CPB) no March 2009: Knowing Your Rights Regarding Debt Collection Households across the country are struggling with their personal debt. Here is a description of a consumer's rights regarding debt collection in New York State. 0:03:51 consumer protection, New York State, saving money, marketplace, debt collection http://www.nysconsumer.gov/informing/podcast_text/feb09_english.htm New York State is facing an historic economic challenge. During his 2009 State of the State Address, Governor Paterson reminded us that this was “no time for fear. This is a time for action. This is a time for courage. This is a time for hope.” To that end, the Paterson Administration is acting. Here are examples of opportunities of which New Yorkers can take advantage during this unprecedented economic downturn. http://www.nysconsumer.gov/audio/podcast/february_2009_english.mp3 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 13:30:08 EDT New York State Consumer Protection Board (NYS CPB) no February 2009: New York State Works For You During his 2009 State of the State Address, Governor Paterson reminded us that this was “no time for fear. This is a time for action. This is a time for courage. This is a time for hope.” To that end, the Paterson Administration is acting. Here are examples of opportunities of which New Yorkers can take advantage during this unprecedented economic downturn. 0:05:33 consumer protection, New York State, saving money, marketplace, work supports, myBenefits, government assistance, food stamps, welfare http://www.nysconsumer.gov/informing/podcast_text/jan09_english.htm We’ve all heard that old adage that, when it comes to holiday gifts, it is the thought that counts and you may be pleased that you were remembered. But rather than tucking an undesirable gift away, why not consider these options courtesy of the New York State Consumer Protection Board. http://www.nysconsumer.gov/audio/podcast/podcast_january_2009.mp3 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 13:30:08 EDT New York State Consumer Protection Board (NYS CPB) no January 2009: Returning Unwanted Holiday Gifts We’ve all heard that old adage that, when it comes to holiday gifts, it is the thought that counts and you may be pleased that you were remembered. But rather than tucking an undesirable gift away, why not consider these options courtesy of the New York State Consumer Protection Board. 0:02:41 consumer protection, New York State, saving money, marketplace, re-gifting, returning, gifts, yankee swap, rebates http://www.nysconsumer.gov/informing/podcast_text/dec08_english.htm With the holiday shopping season upon us, the New York State Consumer Protection Board is warning consumers to use caution as they look for bargains. http://www.nysconsumer.gov/audio/podcast/podcast_december_2008.mp3 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 13:30:08 EDT New York State Consumer Protection Board (NYS CPB) no December 2008: Safe and Savvy Holiday Shopping Tips With the holiday shopping season upon us, the New York State Consumer Protection Board is warning consumers to use caution as they look for bargains. 0:03:42 consumer protection, New York State, saving money, marketplace, online shopping, layaway, refund http://www.nysconsumer.gov/informing/podcast_text/nov08_english.htm Headlines from across the country about unsafe toys and durable children’s products continue to sound an alarm with parents and caregivers. It is also crucial that parents and guardians make sure that their children are not playing with unsafe or recalled toys and durable children’s products. Here are some safety tips during November 2008 Toy Safety Month to help our families stay safe. http://www.nysconsumer.gov/audio/podcast/podcast_november_2008.mp3 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 13:30:08 EDT New York State Consumer Protection Board (NYS CPB) no November 2008: Toy Safety Tips Headlines from across the country about unsafe toys and durable children’s products continue to sound an alarm with parents and caregivers. It is also crucial that parents and guardians make sure that their children are not playing with unsafe or recalled toys and durable children’s products. Here are some safety tips during November 2008 Toy Safety Month to help our families stay safe. 0:03:03 consumer protection, New York State, saving money, marketplace, children's safety, recalls, toy safety month, toys http://www.nysconsumer.gov/informing/podcast_text/oct08_english.htm The month of October often ushers in cooler weather, the first thoughts about the holidays and Halloween. Children choose costumes, attend parties and go Trick-or-Treating. While Halloween can be a fun time for kids and adults, it is important to keep in mind these safety tips to promote your well-being. http://www.nysconsumer.gov/audio/podcast/podcast_october_2008.mp3 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 13:30:08 EDT New York State Consumer Protection Board (NYS CPB) no October 2008: Halloween Safety Tips The month of October often ushers in cooler weather, the first thoughts about the holidays and Halloween. Children choose costumes, attend parties and go Trick-or-Treating. While Halloween can be a fun time for kids and adults, it is important to keep in mind these safety tips to promote your well-being. 0:02:19 consumer protection, New York State, saving money, marketplace, children's safety, halloween safety, trick-or-treat http://www.nysconsumer.gov/informing/podcast_text/sept08_english.htm As young and older students return to classrooms, the New York State Consumer Protection Board (CPB), the CPB is calling on consumers to be vigilant with their personal information to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft. http://www.nysconsumer.gov/audio/podcast/podcast_september_2008.mp3 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 13:30:08 EDT New York State Consumer Protection Board (NYS CPB) no September 2008: Social Security Number Safety As young and older students return to classrooms, the New York State Consumer Protection Board (CPB), the CPB is calling on consumers to be vigilant with their personal information to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft. 0:02:15 consumer protection, New York State, saving money, marketplace, identity theft, social security number safety, phishing, information privacy http://www.nysconsumer.gov/informing/podcast_text/july_aug08_english.htm Whether visiting family, going back to school, or on vacation, traveling is an important part of our everyday lives and its associated costs can easily add up, leaving you stressed over bills. This episode offers a few travel tips to stretch your dollars during long and short trips and will help you avoid falling victim to travel scams. http://www.nysconsumer.gov/audio/podcast/podcast_july_aug_2008.mp3 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 13:30:08 EDT New York State Consumer Protection Board (NYS CPB) no July/August 2008: Stretching Your Travel Dollar Whether visiting family, going back to school, or on vacation, traveling is an important part of our everyday lives and its associated costs can easily add up, leaving you stressed over bills. This episode offers a few travel tips to stretch your dollars during long and short trips and will help you avoid falling victim to travel scams. 0:04:24 consumer protection, New York State, saving money, marketplace, travel, stretch your dollar effort (SYDE) http://www.nysconsumer.gov/informing/podcast_text/may_june08_english.htm Difficult economic times are forcing many New Yorkers to make tough choices. Daily purchases of food, clothing and fuel, as well as investments in lifestyles and education are harder for the average American to afford and sustain. For this reason, the New York State Consumer Protection Board has developed a series of helpful money-saving suggestions to assist New York consumers to stretch their dollars, be more organized and positively impact the environment. http://www.nysconsumer.gov/audio/podcast/podcast_may_june_2008.mp3 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 13:30:08 EDT New York State Consumer Protection Board (NYS CPB) no May/June 2008: Stretching Your Food Dollar Difficult economic times are forcing many New Yorkers to make tough choices. Daily purchases of food, clothing and fuel, as well as investments in lifestyles and education are harder for the average American to afford and sustain. For this reason, the New York State Consumer Protection Board has developed a series of helpful money-saving suggestions to assist New York consumers to stretch their dollars, be more organized and positively impact the environment. 0:04:52 consumer protection, New York State, saving money, marketplace, food, healthy eating, , stretch your dollar effort (SYDE), cheap eats http://www.nysconsumer.gov/informing/podcast_text/apr08_english.htm Unfortunately, we face gloomy economic forecasts that are leaving a shadow over future job creation, uncertainty in the marketplace and possible long-term fiscal problems for the country. Congressional leaders came together early this year to pass an economic stimulus package in hopes of reviving the slumping U.S. economy and averting a recession. To receive a payment, taxpayers must have a valid Social Security number, $3,000 in income and file a 2007 federal tax return. The Consumer Protection Board seeks to alert consumers to some important tips to remember when preparing and filing your tax returns. http://www.nysconsumer.gov/audio/podcast/podcast_april_2008.mp3 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 13:30:08 EDT New York State Consumer Protection Board (NYS CPB) no April 2008: Filing, Rebates and Scams Unfortunately, we face gloomy economic forecasts that are leaving a shadow over future job creation, uncertainty in the marketplace and possible long-term fiscal problems for the country. Congressional leaders came together early this year to pass an economic stimulus package in hopes of reviving the slumping U.S. economy and averting a recession. To receive a payment, taxpayers must have a valid Social Security number, $3,000 in income and file a 2007 federal tax return. The Consumer Protection Board seeks to alert consumers to some important tips to remember when preparing and filing your tax returns. 0:06:36 consumer protection, New York State, saving money, marketplace, tax preparers, economic stimulus http://www.nysconsumer.gov/informing/podcast_text/mar08_english.htm Tens of thousands of consumers are receiving phone calls or being approached by door-to-door salespeople who say something like, “I can save you lots of money on your electricity or natural gas bills” only to find that the promises made to them are false. If you are considering obtaining electricity and/or natural gas from a supplier other than your utility, please keep these tips in mind. http://www.nysconsumer.gov/audio/podcast/podcast_march_2008.mp3 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 13:30:08 EDT New York State Consumer Protection Board (NYS CPB) no March 2008: Being Energy-Wise Tens of thousands of consumers are receiving phone calls or being approached by door-to-door salespeople who say something like, “I can save you lots of money on your electricity or natural gas bills” only to find that the promises made to them are false. If you are considering obtaining electricity and/or natural gas from a supplier other than your utility, please keep these tips in mind. 0:05:23 consumer protection, New York State, saving money, marketplace, energy conservation, "green" http://www.nysconsumer.gov/informing/podcast_text/feb08_english.htm With the holiday season behind us, we are once again readjusting our lifestyles, setting new goals and trying hard to keep up with our new year’s resolutions. Not to mention, catching up with our bills. The CPB offers some useful tips to help you avoid the financial winter time blues. http://www.nysconsumer.gov/audio/podcast/february_2008_podcast.mp3 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 13:30:08 EDT New York State Consumer Protection Board (NYS CPB) no February 2008: Beating the Post-Holiday Checkbook Blues With the holiday season behind us, we are once again readjusting our lifestyles, setting new goals and trying hard to keep up with our new year’s resolutions. Not to mention, catching up with our bills. The CPB offers some useful tips to help you avoid the financial winter time blues. 0:05:44 consumer protection, New York State, saving money, marketplace