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- Weis Markets is greener with everything from refrigeration to restrooms
The grocer’s sustainability report covers areas where energy and gas emissions are reduced [TheTopNews] Read More.57 mins ago - Target uses new tech for first-ever Receive Center in HoustonThe facility was designed using 3D visualization and simulation technology [TheTopNews] Read More.1 hour ago
- How electric vehicles could reshape household energy bills
New research shows EV adoption may lower fuel prices and strengthen U.S. energy security By Kristen Dalli of ConsumerAffairs April 29, 2026 Widespread EV adoption could cut U.S. household energy costs by more than 6% by 2035. Reduced gasoline demand may lower prices at the pump even for non-EV drivers. The shift could also reduce oil imports and boost U.S. energy exports. Electric vehicles (EVs) are often framed as a personal choice one that benefits drivers willing to invest in newer technology. But new research suggests the ripple effects could extend far beyond individual car owners. According to a study from Georgia Tech, putting more EVs on the road could actually lower energy costs across the board, including for people who still drive gas-powered cars. The reasoning is fairly straightforward: when more drivers switch to electricity, demand for gasoline drops. That reduced demand can push down fuel prices, meaning even households without EVs may see savings. At the same time, the study points to broader national impacts, including improved energy security and shifts in how the U.S. participates in global energy markets. Proponents of eliminating fuel efficiency standards and other EV-boosting policies often frame regulatory approaches as consumer-unfriendly, but our analysis shows that such policies have many long-term benefits, both for consumers and for the nations energy security, researcher Niraj K. Palsule said in a news release. How researchers modeled the impact To understand these potential effects, researchers used a version of the National Energy Modeling System a tool designed to simulate how energy is produced, consumed, and priced over time. Their version was tailored to better capture how different parts of the energy system interact with each other. The study compared multiple policy scenarios between 2022 and 2035. One scenario assumed fewer incentives for EV adoption and weaker fuel efficiency standards. Another modeled a more moderate path forward, incorporating a mix of federal and state-level policies aimed at increasing EV use. By running these side-by-side simulations, researchers were able to estimate how changes in vehicle technology and policy could influence fuel demand, electricity prices, and overall household energy spending over time. What the study found The results point to measurable, if gradual, economic benefits. By 2035, widespread EV adoption could reduce overall household energy bills by more than 6%, including over 4% savings on gasoline alone. Lower demand for oil… [TheTopNews] Read More.1 hour ago - That ‘expiring points’ text might be a scamAI-powered texts are impersonating major brands to trick consumers into handing over personal information By Kristen Dalli of ConsumerAffairs April 29, 2026 Scammers are using AI to send convincing expiring rewards points texts that impersonate major brands like telecom companies and retailers These messages create urgency and often link to fake websites designed to steal personal or financial information Experts say the safest move is to ignore unexpected texts and check your accounts directly through official websites or apps If youve recently gotten a text warning that your reward points are about to expire, youre not alone and you may want to think twice before clicking anything. A new wave of scams is targeting consumers across the U.S. by posing as trusted brands and creating a false sense of urgency around loyalty rewards. These messages often look convincing, mimicking companies like major telecom providers or retailers, and push you to redeem now before its too late. According to TrendLife, scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence to generate highly personalized, brand-specific messages at scale. The result? Fraud attempts that are not only more frequent, but also much harder to spot. ConsumerAffairs spoke with Marike Kuyper, Manager of Content Marketing and Education at TrendLife, and she explained how these scams are evolving, why rewards programs have become such a prime target, and what simple steps consumers can take to protect themselves. What signs to look for These scams operate in the same way. First, youll receive a text message claiming that your rewards points from a well-known brand are about to expire. The message will urge you to take immediate action, usually with a link to redeem points before theyre lost. Kuyper explained that many scammers are pretending to be popular phone carriers in the U.S., like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. Its common to see messages that look like this: Your AT&T reward points expire today. Redeem now, or Final notice: your Verizon points are about to expire. What makes these scams particularly effective is how familiar they feel, she said. Loyalty programs are part of everyday life, so these messages blend in easily. Our researchers have observed campaigns timed to coincide with genuine loyalty program news cycles, so that when a consumer has vaguely heard something about points expiring, the scam text feels like confirmation rather than a red flag, creating manufactured… [TheTopNews] Read More.1 hour ago
- Walmart opens third milk processing plant in TexasThe move will bolster the retailer’s supply chain [TheTopNews] Read More.2 hours ago
- Fidelity highlights financial scams that are growing more dangerousA recent victim recounted her experience on Fidelitys podcast By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs April 27, 2026 Fidelity experts warn that financial scams are becoming more sophisticated, with criminals using AI, impersonation, and increasingly convincing phishing, text, and voice schemes. Consumers of all ages are being targeted, with scammers often creating a sense of urgency or posing as trusted institutions to trick victims into revealing sensitive information. Simple precautions such as verifying messages independently, avoiding suspicious links, and enabling multi-factor authentication can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim. A new episode of Fidelity Investments Money Unscripted podcast is sounding the alarm on a surge in increasingly sophisticated financial scams, warning consumers that anyone not just the elderly can fall victim. In the episode, host Ally Donnelly and Fidelitys head of cyber defense, Sean Downey, outline how modern scammers are evolving their tactics, using everything from fake emails and text messages to AI-generated videos and voice impersonations to deceive victims. Scams are getting smarter and harder to detect Cybercrime is no longer limited to poorly written phishing emails. According to Fidelitys discussion, scammers now deploy a wide range of tactics, including phishing (fraudulent emails), smishing (text-based scams), and vishing (voice calls designed to extract personal information). The growing use of artificial intelligence has made these schemes more convincing. Messages may appear polished and legitimate, while deepfake audio or video can mimic trusted individuals, increasing the likelihood that victims will comply with requests. Cyber scams are everywhere, Fidelity notes in its learning materials, emphasizing the need for consumers to recognize red flags in digital communications. Anyone can be a target Contrary to common belief, the podcast highlights that scam victims span all demographics. While older adults are often perceived as the primary targets, younger and tech-savvy individuals are also vulnerable particularly as scams increasingly rely on urgency and emotional manipulation rather than obvious technical flaws. Cybercriminals often impersonate trusted institutions, including financial firms, and may claim there is an urgent problem with an account to pressure victims into acting quickly. Key warning signs Fidelity experts stress that recognizing common warning signs is critical. Among the biggest red flags: Unexpected messages or calls requesting sensitive information Urgent language demanding immediate action to avoid financial loss Requests for passwords, codes, or account access Suspicious… [TheTopNews] Read More.2 hours ago
- Social media scams are costing Americans billions as fraud shifts onlineSocial media ads for fake shopping sites are doing the most damage By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs April 28, 2026 Americans reported losing $2.1 billion to social media scams in 2025, the highest losses tied to any contact method. Nearly one in threescam victims said the fraud started on social media, according to new FTC data. Losses from social media scams have increased roughly eightfold since 2020, showing a rapid growth in online fraud. Americans are losing billions of dollars to scams that originate on social media platforms, according to newly released data from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The agency says it shows a dramatic shift in how scammers target consumers. The FTC reported that consumers lost about $2.1 billion to social media scams in 2025, more than losses tied to any other method scammers use to reach victims. The figures reflect a steep rise in fraud activity online, with losses from these schemes increasing roughly eightfold since 2020. Nearly 30% of people who reported losing money to scams said the fraud began on a social media platform, highlighting how central those services have become to scammers operations. The FTCs data shows that scammers frequently use social platforms to initiate contact before directing victims to fraudulent websites, fake storefronts, or other deceptive channels. Shopping scams were among the most common, with many consumers reporting that they purchased items advertised online that were never delivered or were misrepresented. Facebook drew the most complaints Certain platforms appear more frequently in reports than others. Consumers said they lost more money to scams that originated on Facebook than on any other social network, with WhatsApp and Instagram also cited but at lower levels. The FTC data is part of a broader surge in fraud losses nationwide. Across all types of scams, Americans reported losing nearly $15.9 billion in 2025, reflecting a growing financial toll as criminals adopt more sophisticated and targeted tactics. Officials say the trend illustrates how scammers are adapting to where people spend their time online, using social media ads, messages, and posts to build trust and exploit consumers. The agency continues to urge consumers to be cautious when responding to ads or messages on social platforms, especially those promoting steep discounts or urgent offers, and to verify sellers and websites before making purchases. [TheTopNews] Read More.2 hours ago
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