Consumer Alert Archives

Airfare scam risks increase as travel returns for summer

April 29, 2021 2:31 PM Zola Crowder

The BBB Scam Tracker is receiving reports of con artists creating fake airline ticket booking sites or customer service numbers.

DEFENDERS: IRS warns about stimulus check scam

January 18, 2021 4:45 PM Deborah Kendrick

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) The Internal Revenue Service is warning about a new wave of COVID-19 related scams regarding stimulus checks. The IRS says scammers are contacting people trying to get them to verify personal or financial information before issuing an economic impact payment. The IRS says it will not contact you to request any personal

Grills recalled over fire hazard

September 10, 2020 10:37 PM ABC 17 News Team

Some grills are being recalled over a potential safety issue. A recall was issued Thursday for certain Royal Gourmet grills. The recall covers the two-burner patio grill with the following SKUs: RGTC1022, RGTC1023, RGTC1024, RGTC1025. The recall affects about 1,100 units. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the grill’s plastic regulator hose can melt,

Hy-Vee recalls more salads over contamination concerns

June 27, 2020 3:49 PM Katie Greathouse

Hy-Vee has expanded a recall of salads because they could potentially be contaminated with Cyclospora, which could make people sick.

DEFENDERS: Price gouging complaints reach nearly 1,000 in Missouri

April 10, 2020 7:28 PM Deborah Kendrick

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ) Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt confirms his office is investigating 951 price gouging complaints related to COVID-19. The number of consumer complaints has increased every week since mid-March when ABC 17 News started monitoring the data. The number of complaints reported on April 10 are 30 times higher than they were

DEFENDERS: Missouri AG reports more than 500 COVID-19 price gouging complaints

April 1, 2020 7:34 PM Deborah Kendrick

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ) The Missouri Attorney General’s office said it has received more than 500 price gouging complaints in the past two weeks related to COVID-19. Chris Nuelle, Press Secretary with the Missouri Attorney General’s office, said it has received 534 complaints as of Wednesday. Attorney General Eric Schmitt says some of the top

RECALL ROUNDUP: Companies recall shrimp, herbal supplements

March 19, 2020 10:10 PM ABC 17 News Team

Two companies are recalling products in this week’s Recall Roundup.

DEFENDERS: Missouri Attorney General monitoring medical supplies price gouging

March 16, 2020 8:24 PM Deborah Kendrick

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ) Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt is warning of potential price gouging that could affect the medical supply chain in containing the spread of COVID-19. According to the state’s AG’s office, a supply shortage could potentially cause a spike in prices. As of now, the Missouri Hospital Association has not reported a

DEFENDERS: Missouri Attorney General warning about coronavirus scams

March 9, 2020 7:36 PM Deborah Kendrick

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ) Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt is asking Missourians to be on the lookout for potential scams related to COVID-19, or coronavirus. Schmitt said consumers need to be on the lookout for a large increase in prices. In most cases, price gouging could be seen with possible price increases on hand sanitizer,

Purina Animal Nutrition recalls several pet food brands

March 5, 2020 10:50 PM Katie Greathouse

Purina Animal Nutrition has recalled four different brands of pet food sold in 32 states, including Missouri. The recall was issued after customers reported pets getting sick. The recalled products include Purina Rabbit Feed, Purina Turkey Feed, Country Acres Rabbit Feed and DuMOR Chick Starter/Grower Feed. Watch the video above for more details from this

DEFENDERS: BBB warns about coronavirus scams

March 2, 2020 8:11 PM Deborah Kendrick

The BBB says consumers should be on the lookout for fake cures, phony prevention measures and other coronavirus cons.

DEFENDERS: Be cautious when using mobile payment apps

February 10, 2020 2:17 PM Deborah Kendrick

Mobile payment apps come with a lot of conveniences, but their popularity also makes them targets for scammers.

Company recalls desk chairs

February 6, 2020 8:42 PM ABC 17 News Team

Aldi has recalled two pasta sauces because they contain peanuts, which are not a listed ingredient on the product.

Sleepers recalled over safety concerns

January 30, 2020 6:23 PM Deborah Kendrick

The Consumer Product Safety Commission is warning parents about infant sleepers that could suffocate children.

Company recalls face mask after reports of burns

January 9, 2020 9:50 PM ABC 17 News Team

The company Yes To has recalled its Grapefruit Vitamin C Glow-Boosting Unicorn Paper Mask after some customers complained it irritated their skin. The mask claims to brighten dull and uneven skin. It comes in shiny, pink packaging and usually costs around three dollars. In a Jan. 3 Facebook post, the company said it is investigating

DEFENDERS: Kids using Amazon’s Alexa to order gifts

December 24, 2019 8:15 AM Deborah Kendrick

Amazon’s Alexa is obeying orders, this time from kids ordering their own Christmas gifts. According to a recent report, gifts are arriving at home thanks to kids ordering them though voice assistants, or other devices. One parent reportedly told The Wall Street Journal her daughter ordered $300 in items from her Alexa device. Parents that