James R. Hood

How to spot — and respond to — smart-glasses recording

Camera-equipped glasses can look almost identical to ordinary eyewear, making it difficult to know when someone is taking photographs, recording video or using an AI service to analyze what they see. Look for the recording light Meta’s Ray-Ban glasses display a small white light on the front

Consumer Protection

Payday lender’s bank deal could bring loans charging up to 195% APR to every state

OppFi is seeking federal approval to acquire BNC National Bank, giving the high-cost lender control of a national bank charter

Consumer Protection

How to recognize a payday loan disguised as an installment loan

When is an installment loan really a payday loan in disguise? Answer these questions to find out.

Consumer Protection

California’s new consumer agency targets junk fees, kickbacks and ‘corrupt practices’

Former CFPB Director Rohit Chopra says California will pursue companies that use illegal fees, hidden kickbacks and manipulative schemes to drive up consumer costs.

Consumer Protection

Where California consumers should complain

California is stepping up its consumer protection efforts as federal agencies back away from energetic enforcement. With former CFPB director Rohit Chopra at the helm of the new agency, the new agency is expected to tighten existing rules and enact new ones.

Housing Watch: condo buyers face a tougher mortgage filing

Condo HOAs will need to increase their reserve funds to win mortgage approval in many cases.

Consumer Protection

Zelle fraud case moves forward as New York court rejects most dismissal arguments

The ruling allows New York’s attorney general to investigate whether Zelle’s operator knowingly left consumers exposed to scams

Money

Consumer costs shift as inflation data, housing and autos compete for wallets

Inflation, war, tariffs - there's nowhere for consumers to hide from rising costs.

Insurance

Claim delayed? Build a paper trail regulators can use

It's important to stay on top of pending insurance claims, and to keep complete records in case of a dispute.

Health

Justice Department retreats from landmark disability rights protections

Advocates fear weaker federal enforcement — combined with deep Medicaid funding reductions — could make community-based care an easier target for state budget cuts.

Consumer Protection

Hims & Hers 'shared sensitive health information' with ad platforms, FTC charges

Despite promising privacy, the telehealth provider shared consumer info with ad platforms, consumer protection agencies said.

Consumer Protection

America’s scam economy is costing households an estimated $1,009 a year

Americans’ true losses to online scams and other internet crimes may have reached $148.2 billion in 2025, the Consumer Federation of America estimates.