How to avoid phishing scams
[Mar. 26, 2008] The number and sophistication of phishing scams sent out to consumers is continuing to increase dramatically. While online banking and e-commerce is very safe, as a general rule you should be careful about giving out your personal financial information over the Internet. [In Technology]
Also: Anti-Phishing Working Group

Consumer Reports find that the best cars sold in the U.S. are made by Honda
[Mar. 26, 2008] Overall, the best cars sold in the U.S. are still made by Honda, according to the Automaker Report Cards published in Consumer Reports’ Annual Auto Issue on sale March 4. Honda also led the pack last year. [In Autos]

Consumer Reports names best used cars for every budget
[Mar. 25, 2008] Finding a reliable car for a reasonable price may seem difficult, but consumers willing to consider buying a used car may be in luck. Consumer Reports’ latest survey results reveal that there are hundreds of used-car models that provide good reliability. Many can also be safe, fuel-efficient, and affordable. [In Autos]

Consumer Reports new top picks for 2008: Elantra SE, Sante Fe, Silverado and LS 460L
[Mar. 24, 2008] Consumer Reports has named four new models to its Top Picks list for 2008—the Hyundai Elantra SE and Hyundai Santa Fe as top choices for small sedans and midsized SUVs, respectively; the redesigned Chevrolet Silverado as the top choice for pickup truck; and the Lexus LS 460L as the best luxury sedan. [In Autos]

A fresh coat of paint can help sell your home
[Feb. 13, 2008] “If you are contemplating selling your home, consider sprucing it up with a fresh coat of paint before putting up the “For Sale” sign, Debbie Zimmer of the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute explains. “This relatively inexpensive investment can enhance your home’s curb appeal to prospective buyers.” [In Home]

Overheated clothes dryers can cause fires
[Jan. 28, 2008] The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that in 1998, clothes dryers were associated with 15,600 fires, which resulted in 20 deaths and 370 injuries. Fires can occur when lint builds up in the dryer or in the exhaust duct. Lint can block the flow of air, cause excessive heat build-up, and result in a fire in some dryers. [In Home]

Consumer Reports survey: Verizon FiOS a leading choice for Internet, televeision and telephone service
[Jan. 13, 2008] Consumers looking for Internet, television, and telephone service should consider Verizon FiOS. In Consumer Reports’ latest survey of several major telecom providers, featured in the February issue, Verizon FiOS, whose network is fiber-optic based, received superior scores for reliability and performance for its Internet, television, and telephone services. [In Home]

Consumer Reports latest tests reveal that front-loader washers have improved vastly
[Jan. 12, 2008] Consumer Reports’ latest tests of washers reveal improvements in performance compared to the models tested last year — some of which underperformed due to the struggle by manufacturers to meet new energy standards. CR’s ratings of washers, featured in the February issue, include some budget-friendly options, including a top-loader by Estate (ETW4400T[Q]), $400, that cleaned nearly as well as the LG Tromm SteamWasher WM2688H [WM], $1,500, CR’s top-rated front-loader. [In Home]

Consumer Reports expects rash of last-minute and post-holiday shopping
[Dec. 19, 2007] Consumer Reports is projecting that the last week leading up to the Holidays will be hectic with one-third (35%) of Americans still not having started their holiday shopping. Consumer Reports’ latest holiday shopping poll also found that 24 percent of shoppers will not finish until December 23rd or later and 10 percent will push it to Christmas Eve. And five percent of shoppers won’t finish up their holiday shopping until after December 25th. [In Consumer]