FSA Changes Expand Health Spending Options During Pandemic
The NBC Bay Area Responds team has helped families avoid some FSA hurdles over the years, but now there are new ways to use your money.
Got a consumer problem? Call 1-888-996-TIPS. We respond to every call, every e-mail.
The Latest
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Bankruptcy: Attorney Says Consider It Before You Dig Yourself Too Deep
What do you do if your family finances are falling apart? Before you start dipping into your 401(k), putting bills on high-interest credit cards or taking out exotic loans, try to get some credit advice.
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SF Lawsuit Targets Ticketmaster For Postponed Concert Refunds
A San Francisco man has filed a class action lawsuit against Beverly Hills-based Ticketmaster on behalf of would-be concertgoers, seeking refunds for events postponed during the pandemic. Attorneys for Derek Hansen filed the suit last month. They’re seeking damages for false advertising, fraud, breach of contract, and violating the California... -
As Some Summer Camps Stay Closed, Families Fight for Refunds
We’ve known for weeks now that this will be a summer unlike any other. Many traditional activities will be drastically changed or canceled outright over coronavirus concerns, and that includes many summer camps. While new guidelines from camping advocates are helping some camps stay open, others have decided to call things off this year. That... -
Use Your Restaurant Gift Cards Before You Lose Them
Do you have a restaurant gift card? Our consumer team says use it before you possibly lose it. Chris Chmura reports.
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DMV Announces Extension for All Expiring Driver’s Licenses
UPDATE, MAY 22: DMV announced it will automatically extend most expiring driver’s licenses through at least July. All drivers over age 70 with licenses expiring in June or July will get an automatic 120-day extension. Please click here for complete details. As California Department of Motor Vehicles offices remain closed statewide, the agency... -
Student Tour Group Agrees to More Refund Options Amid Canceled Trips
A major provider of student and educational group tours is offering additional refund options, after reaching an agreement with the Massachusetts Attorney General. Several families contacted NBC Bay Area with complaints concerning EF Tours. The Massachusetts-based company canceled most student trips scheduled for this spring and summer, over pandem... -
Pandemic Financial Resources: Help for Surviving the Coronavirus Economy
Whether you’re struggling to pay bills or just need a little bit of guidance, help is available.
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Preying on Puppy Love: Scammers Target Lonely Dog Buyers
Spending extended time at home — often alone — has prompted many people to ponder purchasing a puppy. But if you’re shopping online for your next four-legged friend, be aware — many of the puppies you see advertised might be bait set by con artists.
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We’re Answering Your Stimulus Payment Questions
UPDATE, May 20: The IRS this week started sending out stimulus payments to millions via prepaid debit cards, and the agency launched a new hot line to help guide people through the debit card use: 1-800-919-9835. UPDATE, May 5: An IRS spokesperson tells NBC Bay Area the Treasury Department now says families who received stimulus payments for deceas... -
Televangelist Cites Religious Freedom in Touting ‘Coronavirus Cure’ on TV
A televangelist accused of selling an unproven product for treating coronavirus on his TV show says he is being censored. NBC Bay Area first reported on Jim Bakker in March, when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned his company to stop marketing “Silver Solution,” an unapproved product, and threatening legal action if the compan... -
Airline Complaints Soar as Passengers Complain of Refund Denials
Consumer complaints against airlines climbed more than 700% in the weeks after the pandemic reached U.S. shores, with many travelers saying they weren’t getting refunds for cancelled flights. Now Congress is taking a look.
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More Options for Homeowners Facing Hardship During Pandemic
Homeowners in a financial crunch because of pandemic-related income loss may be able to defer payments on their mortgages.
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Celebrity Chefs, Virus Claims, and Wildfires: Legal Battle Over Insurance Heats Up
The insurance industry is pushing back on a growing legal push from restaurant owners to pay out business interruption claims caused by coronavirus. A multi-billion-dollar legal battle is brewing between business owners and insurance companies — and homeowners could end up caught in the crossfire.
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‘Unofficial CA Unemployment’ Facebook Group Aims to Help Jobless
A group of dedicated volunteers has stepped up to help tens of thousands of Californians having trouble getting unemployment benefits.
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Glitches, Fees Hinder Unemployment Payments
Dozens of San Francisco Bay Area workers tell NBC Bay Area their unemployment payments are missing — even though they were approved for benefits weeks ago.
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Billed $400 for Unused Parking Spots
Parking lots around the Bay Area have been empty for months now, but some commuters were still getting billed for their reserved spots. Consumer investigator Chris Chmura reports.
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Waiting for Your Stimulus Check? IRS Deadline to Set Up Direct Deposit Is Wednesday
There’s still time to submit your bank account information to the IRS to get your $1,200 stimulus payment more quickly. But that window is closing, the IRS said on Friday. Americans who qualify for a one-time payment now have until noon on Wednesday, May 13, to get their money faster by submitting their direct deposit information on the&n...
