CONSUMERS: Opportunists working to profit from East Coast tragedies

Con artists are continuing to use seemingly philanthropic ventures to profit from tragedies occurring late in 2012 such as Hurricane Sandy and the Newtown, Conn., school shooting, said Gail Zurek.

CONSUMERS: Uncertainty is norm despite typical end-of-year confidence boost

Gail Zurek said consumer confidence remains a critical – yet fragile – component of the nation's economic health.

Protect even children's identities from theft

Children are not immune from being the victims of identity theft.

Beware those sweepstakes calls

The Federal Trade Commission warned consumers in an Aug. 3 “Tips for Consumers” publication to be wary of individuals who call claiming to be from the FTC and telling those called they have won a sweepstakes.

Jif Hazelnut and Mocha Spreads

The makers of Jif peanut butter products are introducing two delicious new "nut butter" varieties: Jif Chocolate Flavored Hazelnut Spread and Jif Mocha Cappuccino Flavored Hazelnut Spread. As a simple spread or easily used for all sorts of creative dessert recipes, they are packaged in great…

CONSUMERS: Scammers threatening to weaken higher consumer confidence levels

Frauds and scams pose a serious threat to elevated levels of consumer confidence, said Gail Zurek.

CONSUMERS: Caution still remains among U.S. spenders

Consumers have been through a lot since the recession, said Gail Zurek, a regional director for the Better Business Bureau.

VIDEO: Chicago Auto Show draws thousands

The opening day of the Chicago Auto Show attracted thousands to get a glimpse of the latest automobiles.

VIDEO: Consumers driving auto industry trends

Many of today's trends in the automotive industry are a result of listening to consumers' demands.

Cardinals Rally Squirrel

The St. Louis Cardinals Rally Squirrel became an unofficial mascot during last season's National League race.

CONSUMERS: Higher-wage earners showing higher confidence levels

Consumers aren't happy with the news that they're hearing about new federal programs or spending cuts, Gail Zurek said.

Beware sellers who promise cell phone protection with shields

Last month the Federal Trade Commission issued the Consumer Alert, "Listen Up: Tips to Help Avoid Cell Phone Radiation Scams," available at www.ftc.gov.

CONSUMERS: Unstable economy, fraud activity leads to cautious spending

Aggressive consumer spending after tax season has all but dried up, leaving businesses to worry about their prospects in the next few months.

CONSUMER AFFAIRS: Top 2010 consumer complaints

Last month the Federal Trade Commission published the annual report, Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book for January-December 2010.

Comment period opens on South Haven utility rate hike proposal

The public comment period is open for South Haven Sewer Works customers on the utility's pending request for rate increases.

NIPSCO rate hike case not over

Hearings on NIPSCO's request for an approximately 8 percent boost in electric rates wrapped up in Indianapolis on Friday and will reconvene March 22, with a number of the utility's witnesses still scheduled to answer consumer groups' questions.

CONSUMERS: Less frugal shoppers still seek trustworthy spending

The regional director of the Better Business Bureau said curious and "excited" consumers are more frequently seeking information from her organization as they open their pocketbooks.

Comment period opens on Twin Lakes rate hike proposal

The public comment period has opened for Twin Lakes Utilities Inc. customers to offer input on the utility's pending request for water and sewer rate increases.

CONSUMER AFFAIRS: Tips for avoiding international scams

The Federal Trade Commission has published "Putting a Lid on International Scams: 10 Tips for Being a Canny Consumer," available at www.ftc.gov.

Better Business Bureau seeks nominations for Torch Award

The Better Business Bureau of Northern Indiana is encouraging people to nominate organizations with whom they have had a direct relationship or that have proven to be honorable in their dealings with the public.