- ABC 6 TOP STORIES
- ABC 6 ON YOUR SIDE
- BACK TO SCHOOL HQ
- BEST OF CLASS 2010
- CALL FOR ACTION
- DIRTY DINING
- VOTE 2010
- FUGITIVE FILES
- HEALTH SOLUTIONS
- HEY! IT'S HALF OFF RESTAURANTS
- JERRY'S GARDEN
- SEE IT/SHOOT IT/SEND IT
- Fighting Back
- RAW NEWS
- SAFE FROM THE STORM
- STRIDES IN MEDICINE
- WHAT'S BUGGING YOU?
- YOUR VOICE
- ABC 6 RECIPES
- BUSINESS NEWS
- CONSUMER NEWS
- INTERNATIONAL NEWS
- NATIONAL NEWS
- NEWS LINKS
- OFFBEAT NEWS
- OHIO NEWS
- PUMP PATROL
- SCHOOL CLOSING HQ
- SCIENCE & TECH NEWS
- TODAY IN HISTORY
 |
|
|
ABC 6 ON Your Side Story Of The Day
MYSTERY SHOPPER SCAM ALERT
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Shopping and getting paid for it!
It sounded like a great idea. But tonight, a local teen is sorry she ever responded to an ad hiring mystery shoppers.
17-year-old Deashonna Cunningham called the ad's 800 number, and within a few days received a package in the mail: Two $950 U.S. Postal Money Orders, and instructions.
Deashonna was told to deposit the money orders into her bank account, send $1,550 to "another mystery shopper" via Western Union, and keep the rest of the money.
Deashonna did just that. Turns out, those U.S. Postal Money Orders are bogus, and the bank says Deashonna owes them the money.
The U.S. Postal Service says there are security meassures in place, like watermarks, to distinguish real ones from fake ones. The real mystery here then is why did Deashonna's bank cash them in the first place?
Emails to Chase's corporate communications office were not returned.
According to ABC 6 Consumer Investigator Tom Sussi, here's a few red flags to watch out for when dealing with these sort of ads.
First, never cash money orders from companies you know nothing about.
Second, never send money to companies via Western Union or MoneyGram unless you really know who you're dealing with.
And lastly, legitimate mystery shoppers drop by businesses and critique the service they got. Something Deashonna was never asked to do.
In cases like this, where the crooks who run these sort of scams are based in another country, it's highly unlikely they'll get caught.
Jobnewscolumbus.com says it has pulled that ad.
On Your Side works to investigate and uncover news stories you can't get anywhere else.
Let us know what On Your Side should investigate.
ABC 6 ON YOUR SIDE STORIES
SCAM ALERTS
FRAUD DETECTED IN CHINESE SPEAKING COMMUNITIES
San Francisco, California — Consumer Action and AT&T are working together to protect Chinese speaking consumers from retailers that are using suspicious business practices to commit fraud. Consumer Action’s advice and referral hotline — which responds to complaints in English, Chinese and Spanish — has seen an uptick in complaints from Chinese speaking consumers about a wireless phone fraud. Victimized by false promises at retail stores that are not authorized by major wireless carriers, these consumers end up owing money under contractual obligation and receiving nothing in return.
“Everybody likes a good deal,” said Jamie Woo, a Consumer Action Community Outreach Manager who works in the Asian American community. “But in this case, consumers who respond to a money saving offer find themselves owing way more money than they would have saved because they become victims of heartless fraudsters.”
“We’re working with Consumer Action to educate Chinese speaking consumers,” said Loretta Walker, AT&T’s Vice President for External Affairs in the Bay Area. “Unfortunately, some fraudulent and dishonest retailers are targeting the Chinese community. Some of these customers are not getting the devices they ordered. In some cases, they receive bills from fraudulent accounts opened in their name. We’re working with Consumer Action to prevent more consumers from becoming victims of fraud.”
The Issue:
According to 40 wireless complaints received at Consumer Action’s hotline this year, Chinese-speaking consumers in the San Francisco Bay Area are being lured into mobile phone deals via advertised rebates of up to $300. These rebates are promised in the form of $12 monthly installments, or cash back at a future date.
Consumers are told by shop clerks not to unpack the mobile device when it arrives at their homes. Instead, they are instructed to bring it back to the point of sale to get it activated. At the shop, consumers are told the wrong wireless phone was delivered and the store will have to send it back.
The Real Story:
- In order to get the phone, the retailer activates an account in the consumer’s name and for this purpose asks and obtains from the customer, the customer’s personal information, including but not limited to, full name, address, drivers’ license, social security and credit card information.
- The store keeps the phone (and probably profits from its resale) or replaces it with a much lesser model.
- The consumer winds up with no phone, or a lesser model.
- The consumer is left with the responsibility of paying charges due on an open account that the unscrupulous shop clerk opened in the customer’s name.
- Consumers can face early termination fees, black marks on their credit and even fraud charges, while the unscrupulous retailer profits from the phone the consumer has paid for.
In addition, unscrupulous retailers have committed fraud by claiming on consumer applications that the consumer qualifies for a monthly discount as an employee of the U.S. Postal Service. These misrepresentations are made without the consumer’s knowledge and could result in back billing and even charges of fraud against the unwitting consumer.
These retailers appear to be using online companies to place these orders with multiple carriers. In some cases, the retailer appears to be actually posing as the consumer making changes in the account and ordering more products in the consumer’s name.
Unfortunately, consumers can be held responsible for unauthorized calls on the phone account established in their name. The customer is contractually responsible if they provided the unauthorized dealer with their personal information and permitted the unauthorized dealer to open a wireless service account in the customer’s name.
Consumer Action and AT&T recommend that the consumers who have been victimized by this sales scam should file a police report in order to establish that they were duped.
10 Tips to Protect Yourself
- Purchase directly from a company you know. If possible, purchase directly from a known wireless company.
- Purchase from authorized dealers. (For example, AT&T uses a company called Impact Communications as its official Chinese language authorized reseller with 11 locations in the San Francisco Bay Area.)
- Be cautious about offers that involve shipping a device to your home and then requiring you to bring the unopened box to a store for activation.
- Beware of rebates offered in monthly installments. Rebates are common, but most carriers offer them in the form of a one-time rebate check or debit card.
- Beware of cash back offers—as stated above, most carriers issue rebates as checks or debit cards.
- Most authorized dealers are exclusive to one carrier. If a company is selling phones and contracts from multiple wireless carriers, it might not be an authorized dealer as major carriers have exclusive deals.
- Safeguard personal information to minimize the risk of fraud and identify theft.
- Make it clear to the retailer that you do not want them to call the carrier on your behalf or use your name to alter your original order without your express permission. Review all contracts before you sign them.
- Be alert. If an offer sounds too good to be true it probably is.
- Contact the carrier that is billing you and ask for customer care.
If you think you’re a victim, ask how the carrier can help you resolve
the situation. If the carrier can’t help, contact the California Public
Utilities Commission (www.cpuc.ca.gov; 800-649-7570) and file a complaint.
Someone who claims to work for the Federal Trade Commission calls to inform you that you have won a lottery or sweepstakes. To receive the prize, all you have to do is pay the taxes and insurance. The caller asks you to wire money or send a check for an amount between $1,000 and $10,000. What should you do? Don’t send money or account information, and immediately report the incident to the real Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
The FTC is the nation’s consumer protection agency. It investigates fraud and provides free information, but it never collects money directly from consumers. FTC staffers don’t have any involvement with this sweepstakes scam, but they do want you to avoid it.
The caller might suggest that the FTC is supervising the giveaway. He or she might even use the name of a real FTC employee. Your Caller ID might display the Federal Trade Commission’s name or a Washington, DC area code. Don’t be surprised if you receive repeated calls and follow-up faxes.
No matter how convincing the impersonation, you should never send money to claim a prize. No FTC employee will ever call to ask you to send money. Legitimate sweepstakes companies won’t either. Many older consumers and their families have reported this kind of scam, but anyone could be contacted.
Keep from falling for the lure of sweepstakes scams by taking a few precautions:
• Don’t pay to collect sweepstakes winnings. If you have to pay to collect your winnings, you haven’t won anything. Legitimate sweepstakes don’t require you to pay “insurance,” “taxes,” or “shipping and handling charges” to collect your prize.
• Hold on to your money. Scammers pressure people to wire money through commercial money transfer companies like Western Union because wiring money is the same as sending cash. If you discover you’ve been scammed, the money’s gone, and there’s very little chance of recovery. Likewise, resist any push to send a check or money order by overnight delivery or courier. Con artists recommend these services, so they can get your money before you realize you’ve been cheated.
• Look-alikes aren’t the real thing. It’s illegal for any promoter to lie about an affiliation with — or an endorsement by — a government agency or any other well-known organization. Disreputable companies sometimes use a variation of an official or nationally recognized name
to try to confuse you and give you confidence in their offers. Insurance companies, including Lloyd’s of London, do not insure delivery of sweepstakes winnings.
• Phone numbers can deceive. Some con artists use Internet technology to call you. It allows them to disguise their area code: although it may look like they’re calling from Washington, DC, or your local area, they could be calling from anywhere in the world.
• File a complaint with the FTC. If you receive a call from someone who claims to be a representative of the government trying to arrange for you to collect supposed sweepstakes winnings, file a complaint at ftc.gov or call 1-877-FTC-HELP. Your complaint will be most useful to enforcement officials if you include the date and time of the call, the name or phone number of the organization that called you, the FTC employee name that was used, the prize amount, the amount of money requested, the payment method, and any other details.
The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint or to get free information on consumer issues, visit ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The FTC enters consumer complaints into the Consumer Sentinel Network, a secure online database and investigative tool used by hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.
FTC Warns that New College Grads Should Be Wary of Mystery Shopping Offers
College graduates who need temporary work while looking for
full-time jobs may be interested in mystery shopping, but the FTC
cautions that many mystery shopping offers are scams.
It seems like an attractive proposition: getting paid to shop or dine
out, and then provide reports about the experience. However, scammers
often ask mystery shoppers to pay an up-front fee before they start, or
to deposit a check that turns out to be phony.
To learn more, go to Mystery Shopping Scams May Target New College Grads.
The Federal Trade Commission works for consumers to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices and to provide information to help spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint in English or Spanish, visit the FTC’s online Complaint Assistant or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). The FTC enters complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to more than 1,800 civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad. The FTC’s Web site provides free information on a variety of consumer topics.
Putting a Lid on International Scams: 10 Tips for Being a Canny ConsumerMass marketing fraud is a significant source of income for international crime rings. Con artists ignore geographic boundaries to reach out to potential victims by phone, email, postal mail, and through the Internet, and then trick them into sending money or giving out personal information. According to the Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s consumer protection agency, Americans report losses of more than a billion dollars a year to these frauds.
To be sure, con artists can be clever, but many can be foiled by
knowledgeable — and equally canny — consumers.
Here are 10 things you can do to stop a scam:
Keep in mind that wiring money is like sending cash: the sender has no protections against loss. Con artists often insist that people wire money, especially overseas, because it’s nearly impossible to reverse the transaction or trace the money. Don’t wire money to strangers, to sellers who insist on wire transfers for payment, or to someone who claims to be a relative in an emergency (and wants to keep the request a secret).Don’t send money to someone you don’t know. That includes an online merchant you’ve never heard of — or an online love interest who asks for money or favors. It’s best to do business with sites you know and trust. If you buy items through an online auction, consider a payment option that provides protection, like a credit card. Don’t send cash or use a wire transfer service.
Don’t respond to messages that ask for your personal or financial information, whether the message comes as an email, a phone call, a text message, or an ad. Don’t click on links in the message, or call phone numbers that are left on your answering machine, either. The crooks behind these messages are trying to trick you into giving up your personal information. If you get a message and are concerned about your account status, call the number on your credit or debit card — or your statement — and check it out.
Don’t play a foreign lottery. First, it’s easy to be tempted by messages that boast enticing odds in a foreign lottery, or messages that claim you’ve already won. Inevitably, you’ll be asked to pay “taxes,” “fees,” or “customs duties” to collect your prize. If you send money, you won’t get it back, regardless of the promises. Second, it’s illegal to play foreign lotteries.
Don’t agree to deposit a check from someone you don’t know and then wire money back, no matter how convincing the story. By law, banks must make funds from deposited checks available within days, but uncovering a fake check can take weeks. You are responsible for the checks you deposit: When a check turns out to be a fake, it’s you who is responsible for paying back the bank.
Read your bills and monthly statements regularly—on paper and online. Scammers steal account information and then run up charges or commit crimes in your name. Dishonest merchants sometimes bill you for monthly “membership fees” and other goods or services you didn’t authorize. If you see charges you don’t recognize or didn’t okay, contact your bank, card issuer, or other creditor immediately.
In the wake of a natural disaster or another crisis, give to established charities rather than one that seems to have sprung up overnight. Pop-up charities probably don’t have the infrastructure to get help to the affected areas or people, and they could be collecting the money to finance illegal activity. Check out ftc.gov/charityfraud to learn more.
Talk to your doctor before buying health products or signing up for medical treatments. Ask about research that supports a product’s claims—and possible risks or side effects. Buy prescription drugs only from licensed U.S. pharmacies. Otherwise, you could end up with products that are fake, expired or mislabeled — in short, products that could be dangerous. Visit ftc.gov/health for more information.
Remember there’s no such thing as a sure thing. If someone contacts you promoting low-risk, high-return investment opportunities, stay away. When you hear pitches that insist you act now, guarantees of big profits, promises of little or no financial risk, or demands that you send cash immediately, report them to the FTC. For more information about investment fraud, visit cftc.gov.
Know where an offer comes from and who you’re dealing with. Try to find a seller’s physical address (not just a P.O. Box) and phone number. With VoIP and other web-based technologies, it’s tough to tell where someone is calling from. Do an internet search for the company name and website and look for negative reviews. Check them out with the Better Business Bureau at bbb.org.
One bonus tip: Visit OnGuardOnline.gov to learn how to avoid internet fraud, secure your computer and protect your personal information
FTC Warns of Gulf Oil Spill Job Scams
Scammers who prey on people eager for work have turned their attention to the Gulf oil spill. Bogus ads for oil spill clean-up jobs in the Gulf are appearing in newspapers, online, and in e-mail inboxes. Con artists may try to get up-front payment from job seekers, or gain access to their sensitive personal or financial information. Fake job promoters also may claim they have been authorized by BP to hire clean-up crews.
There are legitimate opportunities – some volunteer and some paid – to get involved in the oil spill clean-up efforts. The FTC has issued a new consumer alert that warns consumers about the tell-tale signs of job scams and lists sources of legitimate employment and volunteer opportunities. To learn more, go to FTC Warns of Oil Spill Job Scams.
The Federal Trade Commission works for consumers to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices and to provide information to help spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint in English or Spanish, visit the FTC’s online Complaint Assistant or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). The FTC enters complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to more than 1,800 civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad. The FTC’s website provides free information on a variety of consumer topics.
Seniors Warned of 'Donut Hole' Scams
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AG) -- As Ohio senior citizens this week begin to receive $250 Medicare rebate checks in the mail from the federal government, Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray is warning seniors to watch out for accompanying scams.
"The release of these checks, while clearly a very good thing, unfortunately will also bring about an onslaught of scams targeting older Ohioans," Cordray said. "We know that some seniors may not be expecting the check or may not fully understand that the checks come with no strings attached. Unfortunately, we also expect that some pretty sophisticated con artists will be looking to capitalize on that element of surprise and confusion. Our best line of defense is to generate awareness."
The first batch of $250 checks was sent out last week by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as a result of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The rebate checks will be sent to eligible Medicare recipients who have fallen through a gap in prescription drug coverage known as the "donut hole." The one-time, tax-free check will be sent in batches once a month until the end of the year.
Cordray said Ohioans should be wary of scams, particularly if they receive a solicitation over the phone or in the mail that:
- Asks for their Medicare card number
- Asks for their Social Security number
- Says they must apply for the $250 rebate
- Asks for their bank account information
- Tells them to complete a form to receive the rebate
- Instructs them to click on a link or visit a website other than www.Medicare.gov
- Asks for money to cover taxes associated with the rebate
- Says they must send money via wire transfer (for any reason)
- Says there's been a problem with their rebate check
- Tells them to send money to receive their check early
For more information on the rebate checks, call (800) MEDICARE. Ohioans who feel that they are the target of a scam should contact Cordray's office at www.SpeakOutOhio.gov or (800) 282-0515.
No Credit? Bad Credit? Beware of Loan Scams,
Warns Better Business Bureau
Columbus
OH - June 9, 2010 -
According to complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau, victims
across the country have lost a total estimated quarter million dollars
to advance fee loan scams this spring. Advance fee loan scams target
individuals and small business owners who are desperate to get a loan
and often take the victim for thousands of dollars.
Despite
recent improvements, the economy continues to provide a great
opportunity for scammers to take advantage of struggling individuals and
small business owners. Lending standards remain stringent at most banks
and many cash-strapped individuals are turning to fraudulent lenders
that promise loans regardless of your credit history.
“Schemes
preying on people looking for loans are not new, and they are
flourishing in an economy when so many are struggling to get by,” said
Kip Morse, President, BBB serving Central Ohio. “The complaints received
by BBB are only the vocal few and we know from experience that many
more people across the country are falling for this scam every day—just
when they can least afford it.”
BBB has
recently received complaints about advance fee loan scammers operating
under more than 75 different names including Capital Alliance Financial
Group, Harford
Financial Services, Howard and Clark Financial, Lending Hand Financial, among others.
Most
people stumble upon the scam online or learn about the bogus loan offer
from ads in local Thrifty Nickel publications and online through
classified sites like Craigslist. Often,
an advance fee loan scam website will be created and taken down within a
couple weeks only to be replaced by another operating under a different
name and fake business address.
The
websites look professional and might even put the victim through the
rigors of filling out loan application forms—often requiring the
victim’s bank account and Social Security numbers. Eventually victims
are told they are approved for the loan and just need to pay as much as
thousands of dollars upfront via money order or wire transfer to pay for
insurance or collateral. Those that pay, never get the promised loan
and are even sometimes tricked into giving the scammers even more money.
BBB
advises cash-strapped individuals and small business owners to recognize
the red flags of an advance fee loan scam:
The
lender has a bad reputation—or none at all. Research the lender
thoroughly online and with your BBB. Most trustworthy lenders have an
established track record; be wary if you can’t find much information
about the lender online.
The
lender is not registered in your state to do business. Check with your
state financial or banking regulators.
The
lender asks you to wire money or send a money order—such as for
insurance or collateral—before you can receive the loan. You might be
told to wire money to another country, consider this yet another red
flag.
If
you’ve become a victim of an advance fee loan scam, contact your local
Better Business Bureau and report the incident to your police
department. If you were asked to wire money to Canada, file a complaint
with Canadian law enforcement by calling toll free: 1-888-495-8501
or e-mail: info@phonebusters.com
Text Scam Targets Ohio Welfare Recipients
COLUMBUS, Ohio (OAGO) -- Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray today warned Ohioans who use the Ohio EPPICard program to access public assistance cash benefit payments such as Ohio Works First and Disability Financial Assistance, that they could now be the target of a new scam. Since the beginning of May, the Attorney General's office has received 10 complaints from Ohioans who have reported scams involving these public assistance debit cards."In most of the complaints that we received, consumers were contacted through text messages," said Cordray. "They were told that their EPPICard had been frozen and that they needed to call a phone number. After calling the number, the consumers were prompted to enter account and pin numbers. This is a typical phishing scam, and under no circumstances should consumers ever provide account information to unidentified sources."
"The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) will never text or call consumers asking for personal information," said ODJFS Director Douglas Lumpkin. "Anyone who receives such a message should contact the Attorney General."
Ohio EPPICard provides benefit payments from programs such as Ohio Works First, Ohio Works First Work Allowance, Ohio Refugee Cash Assistance and Disability Financial Assistance, allowing recipients to access their benefit payments using a prepaid debit card.
The scam has been noted in various parts of central Ohio, including reports from Chillicothe, Columbus, Mount Sterling, Pataskala, Marysville, Delaware, Newark and Lancaster. However, Cordray advised all Ohioans to be on alert for the scam.
Ohioans who have fallen victim to the scam are urged to call the number on the back of the card to prevent any further misuse. Card holders can also contact ODJFS Constituent Affairs at (614) 466-2100.
Consumers who believe that they are a target of this scam should contact the Attorney General's office at www.SpeakOutOhio.gov or (800) 282-0515.
For real time notification of scams as they emerge in the marketplace, download the Attorney General's scam widget, available at http://www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov/ScamAlertWidget
Warning About Scam Targeting Grandparents
COLUMBUS (Ohio Ins. Dept.) -- The Ohio Department of Insurance’s Take Action – Protect Yourself from Fraud Program is warning Ohio grandparents about a new type of fraud scheme making its way across the country. Dubbed “The Grandparent Scam,” the scammer, posing as the senior’s grandchild, makes a distressed phone call to an unsuspecting senior, and asks that the grandparent wire money to get them out of trouble.“We’ve seen cases such as this reported in 12 states, including Ohio,” said Ohio Department of Insurance Director Mary Jo Hudson. “During Older Americans Month in May, we are urging grandparents across the state to arm themselves with fraud prevention information so they don’t fall victim to this scam.”
In Ohio, someone posing as their grandson asked an elderly couple to wire-transfer $3,000 to pay a fine he incurred fishing illegally on an Indian Reservation in Canada. The con artist sounded like a loving and charming grandchild, but said he had a cold and they shouldn’t try to reach him by calling his cell phone. Thankfully, the couple became suspicious and stopped the scam. According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), other variations of the “Grandparent Scam” might include the grandchildren claiming they caused a car accident or were arrested for drug possession. Victims have also been contacted by someone claiming to be a police officer or lawyer representing the grandchild in court.
The Ohio story appears on the new Take Action Web site that was recently launched. The Web site at www.takeaction.ohio.gov is a portal for all consumers to learn about insurance fraud and financial exploitation targeted toward older Ohioans. It’s also a place where consumers can go to find out about state resources, ask questions, file complaints and report fraud.
Protect Yourself from the Grandparent Scam:
- If you receive a call from someone claiming to be your grandchild in distress, don’t disclose any information before you have confirmed it really is your grandchild.
- If a caller says “It’s me, grandma!” don’t respond with a name but instead let the caller explain who he or she is. One easy way to confirm their identity is to ask a simple question that your grandchild would know such as what school he or she goes to or their middle name.
- One of the ways that these scammers are getting information about their potential victims is by visiting social media Web sites, such as Facebook or MySpace. Check the security settings on any social media accounts that you may have. Make sure the settings only allow people that you have confirmed as friends to access any personal information.
- If you have fallen victim to the scam, report the incident immediately to local police and the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at 1-800-282-0515 or www.speakoutohio.gov.
- If there is a request to wire money to Canada, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Call Centre has established the PhoneBusters hotline and Web site to report such fraud. Reports can be filed easily online through the PhoneBusters site at: www.phonebusters.com, or by phone, toll free at, 1-888-495-8501. (Source: BBB)
Ohioans can visit www.takeaction.ohio.gov to read the Take Action consumer guide, stay informed on the latest fraud news and alerts and get their personal fraud stories published. Consumers with specific insurance questions and complaints can call the Ohio Department of Insurance consumer hotline at 1-800-686-1526. Partners in the Take Action initiative include: The Office of Attorney General Richard Corday, the Ohio Department of Aging, the Ohio Department of Commerce, the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel, the Office of State Treasurer Kevin Boyce and the Central Ohio Better Business Bureau.
Consumer Alert: Insurance Department Warns Grandparents About Targeted Scam
COLUMBUS —The Ohio Department of Insurance is warning Ohio grandparents about a new type of fraud scheme making its way across the country. Dubbed “The Grandparent Scam,” the scammer, posing as the senior’s grandchild, makes a distressed phone call to an unsuspecting senior, and asks that the grandparent wire money to get them out of trouble.
In Ohio, someone posing as their grandson asked an elderly couple to wire-transfer $3,000 to pay a fine he incurred fishing illegally on an Indian Reservation in Canada. The con artist sounded like a loving and charming grandchild, but said he had a cold and they shouldn’t try to reach him by calling his cell phone. Thankfully, the couple became suspicious and stopped the scam. According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), other variations of the “Grandparent Scam” might include the grandchildren claiming they caused a car accident or were arrested for drug possession. Victims have also been contacted by someone claiming to be a police officer or lawyer representing the grandchild in court.
The Ohio story appears on the new Take Action website that was recently launched. The website at www.takeaction.ohio.gov is a portal for all consumers to learn about insurance fraud and financial exploitation targeted toward older Ohioans. It’s also a place where consumers can go to find out about state resources, ask questions, file complaints and report fraud.
Protect Yourself from the Grandparent Scam:
If you receive a call from someone claiming to be your grandchild in distress, don’t disclose any information before you have confirmed it really is your grandchild.If a caller says “It’s me, grandma!” don’t respond with a name but instead let the caller explain who he or she is. One easy way to confirm their identity is to ask a simple question that your grandchild would know such as what school he or she goes to or their middle name. One of the ways that these scammers are getting information about their potential victims is by visiting social media websites, such as Facebook or MySpace. Check the security settings on any social media accounts that you may have. Make sure the settings only allow people that you have confirmed as friends to access any personal information.If you have fallen victim to the scam, report the incident immediately to local police and the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at 1-800-282-0515 or www.speakoutohio.gov. If there is a request to wire money to Canada, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Call Centre has established the PhoneBusters hotline and website to report such fraud. Reports can be filed easily online through the PhoneBusters site at: www.phonebusters.com, or by phone, toll free at, 1-888-495-8501. (Source: BBB)
REALTORS WARN OF REAL ESTATE SCAMS ON CRAIGSLIST
(May 5, 2010) Central Ohio REALTORS® have reported that scammers have been using their home sale listings to create fraudulent posts on Craigslist.
These con artists pull information from listings of homes for sale and create Craigslist postings offering the home for rent. Then interested respondents are asked to send them large sums of money for a deposit.
“While CBR has no jurisdiction over Craigslist, we want the public to be aware of – and cautious about – these sorts of scams,” said CBR President Sue Lusk-Gleich. “They can only operate if no one knows about them.”
Warning signs include properties that are listed at incredibly low rents or ones that need to be rented quickly. International phone numbers, requirements that money be sent to a P.O. box or requests that personal information be provided online could also be red flags.
In many cases, phone numbers, contact names and/or email addresses used in the advertisements are – or appear to be - legitimate. But look for minor changes such as one extra letter in the email address. There is always some change so that the scammer receives the contact.
Craigslist users are encouraged to investigate rental opportunities thoroughly. Search the property address through an internet search engine to see if other information is available and check with area REALTORS® before making a commitment that seems too good to be true.
Other safety measures to observe include: deal locally and in person; never wire funds; and never give out financial information.
This type of scam has been used with increasing consistency in central Ohio in the past months so Craigslist users are encouraged to be cautious.
ATTORNEY GENERAL WARNS OF SCAMMERS POSING AS DEBT COLLECTORS
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) – In a new twist on an old scam, con artists are now targeting recipients of payday loans using debt collection tactics. Attorney General Richard Cordray today warned Ohioans to verify callers and money owed before paying out to debt collectors.
"My office recently received notice that con artists are posing as debt collectors attempting to collect on payday loans in Ohio," said Cordray. "The ploy is dangerous because scammers aim to catch consumers off-guard by calling out of the blue and demanding repayment. Even if the consumer has not borrowed money, the natural instinct for some will be to respond to this ambush by paying a debt that they do not owe. In this situation it is absolutely imperative that consumers ask for a letter stating the debt owed and then verify the source. Under no circumstance should consumers rush to make payment or give out any personal information including banking and credit card information."
Some red flags in identifying this scam include:
Refusal to provide the consumer with supporting documentation of debt allegedly owed. Callers claim to be representatives from "U.S. Cash." Repayment required through wiring or wire transfer of payments. Threats of retaliation if the debt is not immediately repaid.Cordray advises Ohioans to know their rights under the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), which requires debt collectors to send consumers a written "validation notice" listing the amount of debt a consumer owes within five days of first contact. In turn, consumers have the right to request validation of a debt by sending the collector a letter.
The FDCPA can be reviewed in full at: www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre27.pdf
This year, Cordray introduced a real-time scam alert widget that provides early warning when questionable tactics emerge in the marketplace. The widget, available at www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov/ConsumerSummit, provides instant updates about scams as they emerge. Ohioans are encouraged to use the tool to report or ask about tactics that they fear could be scams. Consumers can also file complaints at www.SpeakOutOhio.gov or (800) 282-0515.
Scammers Target Medicare Recipients in Ohio
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- During the past several weeks, the Ohio Attorney General’s Office has seen an influx of complaints against scammers who make reference to the Medicare program in a ploy to get consumer information. Attorney General Richard Cordray today warns Ohioans to be wary of unsolicited phone calls from "Medicare" seeking personal information.
"We have received notice from 28 Ohioans who were contacted by someone identifying themselves as a Medicare representative," said Cordray. "All of the calls came from the phone number (866) 234-2255 and, in each, the caller requested personal information including bank account numbers. Ohioans should never give out personal information through unsolicited contact whether it be by phone or e-mail."
Cordray said this Medicare scam targeted consumers from locations across the state, including Akron, Canton, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Coshocton, Fairfield, Lima, Lisbon, Mansfield, Stow and Warren. The callers claimed that they needed consumers’ bank account information to issue a new benefits card and threatened to terminate the consumers’ benefits if they did not provide that information.
Cordray offers the following tips to avoid phone scams:
- Don’t give out personal information over the phone. Never give personal information, such as your Social Security number or bank account number, to anyone you don’t know.
- Guard your credit card number. Unless you are certain that you are dealing with a reputable organization and you initiated the call yourself, do not give your credit card number over the phone.
- Take your time. If someone tells you to "act now" or to keep the transaction a secret, be skeptical. Don’t be pressured into making a rash decision. Talk to trusted family members and friends for advice.
- Get information in writing. Demand that callers send you written information before you send any money. If they refuse, don’t trust them. Under Ohio’s Telephone Solicitation Sales Act, a purchase is not valid until the telemarketer receives written confirmation from the consumer. Once you get written information, review it carefully and make sure the company has a physical address—not just a P.O. Box. Verify that the address is real.
- Do your research. Check a company’s reputation by contacting the Ohio Attorney General’s office and the Better Business Bureau before doing business with them. Before doing business with any company verify that they are registered with the Secretary of State to do business in Ohio. Go to www.sos.state.oh.us/SOS/businessServices.aspx
- Don’t pay to play. No purchase is required to enter or win a contest, except for state lottery sales and licensed nonprofit charities.
- Be wary of requests for money orders or wire transfers. If you receive a request to wire transfer money to another country, be careful. Many victims of foreign lottery scams and advance fee loan scams are instructed to send money via wire transfer, because wire transferring is fast, and transfer agents are available in most communities.
- Watch out for phony insurance plans. Some of the worst scams involve the sale of identity theft insurance, telemarketing fraud prevention plans and phony medical plans. Before you sign up, contact the Ohio Department of Insurance to make sure a company is licensed to sell insurance in Ohio.
- When in doubt, hang up the phone. If something seems fishy, it probably is.
To report a scam or to file a consumer complaint, contact Attorney General Cordray’s office at www.SpeakOutOhio.gov or (800) 282-0515.
RISING TREND: SCAMMERS POSING AS MILIARY MEMBERS
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) – Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray today warned consumers to watch for scammers who impersonate military members online to swindle money.
"We have recently heard of various scenarios in which con artists claim to be deployed servicemen in order to exploit well-meaning people," Cordray said. "The stories run the gamut, from selling non-existent cars online to using dating sites to entice women into sending money. These scams are truly despicable."
In one scam, the con man pretends to be stationed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base or another U.S. military base. He says he will soon be deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan and must sell his car before he leaves. Victims of this scam think they are helping a member of the military and getting a good deal on a car. In reality, they are simply lining the pockets of a scammer because they never receive the car after wire-transferring the money.
In another version of the military ploy, scammers use online dating services to meet unsuspecting women. After wooing the victims with stories of service in Iraq or Afghanistan, these scam artists ask for money to purchase various items including laptops, plane tickets and "leave papers." The victims transfer money but then never hear from the scammer again.
Most of these scams are difficult to detect because they take place online. The vehicle sale scam is particularly tricky because the scammers often post photos of real vehicles that actually are for sale on other online auction sites. They list the correct descriptions and Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) for the vehicles. Some even send consumers e-mailed instructions that appear to be official messages from the online auction site. The messages tell consumers how to send payment and falsely claim that their purchase is guaranteed.
To avoid these scams, Attorney General Corday encourages Ohioans to never send money via wire transfer to anyone you have not met in person and to never buy a car online unless you have seen it and been allowed to test-drive it.
To report a scam or to file a consumer complaint, contact Attorney General Cordray's office at www.SpeakOutOhio.gov or (800) 282-0515.
HILLIARD POLICE ISSUE SCAM ALERT
Residents should be wary of phone calls from number 817.688.7853. The call is reportedly concerning their “Visa Debit” card and advising fraud had occurred. The caller will then request the victim’s banking information.Residents are reminded to never give personal or banking information over the phone without first verifying who they are actually speaking to by contacting the bank/credit card provider directly using the numbers on their bank statements or the back of their credit cards.
Cordray: Wave of Check Scams Hitting Ohio
COLUMBUS, Ohio –- Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray is warning consumers Friday about a wave of new fake check scams recently reported to his office.
"Fake check scams have become very prevalent in the last several years, and unfortunately new variations make these scams increasingly difficult to detect," Cordray said. "Fortunately, consumers usually can avoid falling victim to these scams by simply refusing to wire transfer money to anyone who sends them a check and asks for money in return."
In one case, a Toledo consumer said he received an e-mail from a company offering a job placing advertisements on the sides of vehicles. The company sent him a $2,850 check and told him to keep $400, then wire transfer the rest of the money back to the company.
Similarly, a Franklin County consumer said she received a phone call stating she had won $450,000 in a contest. The caller verified the consumer's address, asked about her bank accounts and said her check would be delivered soon. In exchange, the consumer would have to pay $599 in processing fees. When the consumer said she did not have $599, the caller offered to send someone to escort her to the bank.
Another version of the fake check scam targets consumers who sell items on Web sites such as eBay, Craigslist and Facebook. A potential buyer contacts the consumer and expresses interest in the item for sale. The "buyer" sends the consumer a check for more than the sale price, then asks the consumer to wire transfer the difference back to the buyer. Ultimately, the buyer's check is returned as counterfeit, and the consumer loses any money he or she sent.
Fake check scams may involve job offers, sweepstakes awards or overpayment online. In some cases, the checks are marked "certified," making them seem even more legitimate. Nevertheless, any time someone sends a check then asks for money in return, it's likely to be a scam.
To report a scam or to get more information, contact Attorney General Cordray's office at www.SpeakOutOhio.gov or (800) 282-0515
Beware of Online Job Posting Scams
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- With hundreds of thousands of Ohioans looking for work, ABC6 On Your Side wants to warn you about scam artists posting illegitimate jobs online.
Anissa Brown, of Greensboro, N.C., like many people, is checking for available jobs online. She ended up, though, becoming a victim of a work-from-home job scam.
"I've been looking for a job since April. I got laid off," she said.
“The freight forwarding where I get a package and they send me another label and I send it to somebody else and it's merchandise.”
But, police say the merchandise is stolen and that criminals use job ads like the one Brown saw to recruit people to re-ship such goods.
Brown said, “They said the next packages would be Xboxes and maybe digital cameras and real merchandise.”
She says she spoke with a person she says she thought was a potential employer. But, after getting the contract promising $350 a week, she says she became suspicious.
“I called the Better Business Bureau because I was having little thoughts in my head,” she said.
The BBB told her the job was a scam; one that could get her into trouble with the law, too.
Kevin Hinterberger, of the BBB, said, “If this is a stolen goods kind of thing where people are actually forwarding on stolen goods and not knowing it, they could be charged at a later date as an offense.”
The scammers, apparently, know how to target and take advantage of people. The job that Brown applied for listed the name of a BBB accredited company.
Hinterberger said, “They're getting much more savvy in their deception. They actually stole the identity of a legitimate company in Columbus, Ohio.”
That’s why, he says, it’s very important to ask questions even when you’re desperate to find employment.
Brown said, “You need to really, really investigate it like I did before you get yourself in trouble.”
BBB Alerts Consumers about U.S. Census Workers: Be Cooperative, But Cautious!
For years, Better Business Bureau has educated consumers about not giving out personal information over the telephone or to anyone who shows up at their front door. With the U.S. Census process beginning, BBB advises people to be cooperative, but cautious, so as not to become a victim of fraud or identity theft.
The first phase of the 2010 U.S. Census is under way as workers have begun verifying the addresses of households across the country. Eventually, more than 140,000 U.S. Census workers will count every person in the United States and will gather information about every person living at each address including name, age, gender, race and other relevant data.
The Census data will be used to allocate more than $300 billion in federal funds every year, as well as determine a State’s number of Congressional representatives. Households are actually required by law to respond to the Census Bureau’s request for information.
During the U.S. Census, households will be contacted by mail, telephone or visited by a U.S. Census worker who will inquire about the number of people living in the house. Unfortunately, people may also be contacted by scammers, who impersonate Census workers to get access to banking and financial information. Law enforcement in several states have issued warnings that scammers are already posing as Census Bureau employees and knocking on doors asking for donations and Social Security numbers.
The big question is - how do you tell the difference between a U.S. Census worker and a con artist? BBB offers the following advice:
* If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, they will have a badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag and a confidentiality notice. Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering their questions. However, you should never invite anyone you don’t know into your home.
* Census workers are currently only knocking on doors to verify address information. Do not give your Social Security number, credit card or banking information to anyone, even if they claim they need it for the U.S. Census. Census workers will not ask for banking and financial information nor will they solicit donations.
* Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail or in person at home. However, they will not contact you by e-mail, so be on the look out for e-mail scams impersonating the Census. Never click on a link or open any attachments in an e-mail that are supposedly from the U.S. Census Bureau.
For more advice on avoiding identity theft and fraud, visit www.bbb.org.
Credit Card Scam Preys on Union Workers
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — Union workers who receive pre-approved credit card offers that sound too good to be true should indeed be wary. Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray today warns of advance fee credit card offers targeting Ohio union workers with promises that often fall short.
The Attorney General's Office has received numerous complaints regarding credit card scams that promise easy credit and trick consumers into paying upfront fees for credit cards or guaranteed loans that do not actually exist. The latest scam targets union workers, offering low interest rates if applicants send in a membership fee upfront. The fee does not guarantee that a consumer will receive a card. If they do receive the card, it can only be used to purchase items from a specific catalog.
"In tough economic times, we're all looking for a little relief and, unfortunately, scammers know it and work to exploit it," said Cordray. "While it is a shame that we need to constantly be on guard, it is a necessity. I strongly urge Ohioans to think twice before responding to deals or offers that sound too good to be true. And always read the fine print."
Cordray offers the following advice to avoid advance fee scams:
• Never send money to anyone who claims they can guarantee you a credit card or loan.
• Be wary of ads that claim bad credit is no problem and guarantee a loan will be issued. No legitimate financial institution guarantees financing.
• Apply for loans through local banks and credit unions; not through a company that you've never heard of.
• Do not give personal or financial information over the Internet or by phone unless you know the business is legitimate and you understand why the information is necessary. Scam artists may promise you a loan just to get your financial or personal information.
• Be suspicious of anyone asking you to send an advance fee for a loan through overnight mail, by courier service or wire service, and especially to a post office box.
• Research the lender. Determine whether it's licensed by a state or federal agency. Start by checking with the Better Business Bureau and the Attorney General's Office.
To file a complaint or to learn about your consumer rights, visit www.SpeakOutOhio.gov or call (800) 282-0515.
Phony Texts Target Jobless
Ohio’s Attorney General is warning of a national scheme targeting Ohio recipients of unemployment compensation benefits. But it’s all just a phishing scam, designed to hijack your personal information.
The text messages claim to be from state unemployment agencies. The fake messages tell recipients their benefits have been suspended and to call a phone number to reactivate. Once victims call, they are asked for personal information including debit card numbers and PINs.
Complaints filed with Attorney General Richard Cordray show several versions of the scam are circulating with similar messages alleging account problems with credit cards issued by US Bank. Cordray is urging Ohioans to disregard those messages and not fall for the bait.
Victims should call local police or the Attorney General’s office (800-282-0515).
Licking County Clerk of Courts Scam
The Licking County Clerk of Courts office says if you get a call from their office requesting an account number, it is a scam.
According to the reports, from Newark Residents the caller claims to be from the Clerk of Courts office and states that the resident owes a fine to the Clerk of Courts, then requests the resident's account number.
The Clerk of Courts office never makes calls asking for account numbers.
If you receive a fraudulent call, you should contact the Licking County Clerk of Courts at (740) 670-5794.
By Tom Bosco
A warrant out for your arrest because you failed to show up for jury duty? Ohio law enforcement officials are warning you not to fall for it.
The Ohio Supreme Court and Attorney General are warning Ohioans about the return of an old scam. Con artists call victims, claiming to work for the court system. The caller tells the victim a warrant has been issued for his arrest for failing to report for jury duty. The scammer then asks for a social security number and in some cases a credit card number.
“This scam, like most, plays on fear,” said Richard Cordray, Ohio Attorney General.
Cordray urges consumers to never give out personal information over the phone. The Supreme Court points out that officers of the court never request personal information over the phone.
This scam is referred to as a “phishing” scam, since the con artists are “fishing” for your personal information. Cordray says victims should report such calls to police and contact his office at www.SpeakOutOhio.gov or by calling 800-282-0515.
H1N1 Computer Scam
Ohioans are urged to beware of an H1N1-related e-mail that could infect your PC with a virus.
The scammers pose as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Attorney General Richard Cordray says, in an effort to pray on people's fears about contracting the H1N1 virus.
The e-mail encourages the user to create a personal vaccination profile. It provides a link to a Web page that looks similar to the CDC site. Within the page are downloadable instructions for creating your personal vaccination profile.
Cordray warns that by downloading the instructions, visitors are downloading a virus onto their computers.
"Any time you receive an e-mail from someone you are not familiar with, I strongly recommend avoiding the provided links," Cordray said. "Clicking on that link can unleash downloadable viruses capable of capturing your personal information and sending it back to the scam artist."
Because of these potential phishing attacks and e-mail scams, Cordray encourages consumers who are interested in H1N1 influenza virus information to visit the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services informational Web site at www.flu.gov or the Ohio Department of Health informational site, www.flu.ohio.gov. Cordray also offers the following tips to help Ohioans avoid phishing scams:
Contact the institution yourself:
Don't respond to unsolicited requests for your personal information. Instead, contact the organization at a phone number or a Web address you know to be correct.
Don't click on links in e-mails: Be cautious about opening any attachments or downloading any files from e-mail messages. Links and attachments can make your computer vulnerable to viruses.
Look for warning signs: Misspelled words or a lack of personal greetings may signal fraud. However, the presence of a personal greeting or a lack of errors does not guarantee legitimacy. Always be skeptical.
Use spam filters, anti-virus software, anti-spyware software and a firewall: Update your security software regularly. The software can help stop your computer from accepting unwanted files that can be sent via phishing e-mails.
Don't give out personal information via e-mail: E-mail is not a secure method of transmitting personal information. A bank or governmental agency will never request personal information via e-mail.
Monitor your accounts: Review credit card and bank account statements as soon as you receive them. If you find unauthorized charges, immediately notify your bank or credit card provider.
Report phishing scams to the company or organization the scam artist is impersonating and to the Ohio Attorney General's Office.
 |
|
|
RECALL ROUNDUP
Updated August 31, 2010:
P&G RECALLS SOME IAMS CAT FOOD
CARGILL RECALLS GROUND BEEF - ECOLI SCARE
Cargill recalled 8,500 pounds of ground beef late Friday that may contain E coli.
"The move came after three people, two in Maine and one in New York, were identified as becoming ill from a strain of E. coli," CNN said, citing a government statement. "The USDA says it believes certain BJ's Wholesale Club stores in Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York and Virginia received the products," the news service added.
Cargill is one of the largest companies in the U.S., with annual revenue of $108 billion and net income of $2.6 billion.
WILLIAMS-SONOMA RECALLS BABY BOTTLE WARMERS
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.
CHAR-BROIL RECALLS VERTICAL GAS SMOKERS
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.
TELEVISION WALL MOUNTS RECALLED
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.
MAGNETIC MAZE BOARDS RECALLED
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.
NEW AUGUST TOYOTA RECALL:
Toyota Motor Corp. said Thursday it is recalling 1.33 million Corolla sedans and Matrix hatchbacks from the 2005-2008 model years because their engines may stall. Three accidents and one minor injury may be related to the recall.
Contact:
Egg Safety Media Hotline
404/367-2761
info@eggsafety.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.
BABY MONITORS RECALLED BECAUSE OF OVERHEATING
SALINAS, California (USFDA) -- Fresh Express is voluntarily recalling 2,825 cases of Veggie Lovers Salad with a Product Code of I208 and Use-by Date of August 10, 2010 out of an abundance of caution due to a possible health risk from Listeria monocytogenes. No other Fresh Express salads are included in the recall. No illnesses have been reported in association with the recall.
Only the Veggie Lovers salad products with a Product Code of I208 and a Use-by Date of August 10 are included in the recall. Retailers and Consumers who have any remaining product should not consume it, but rather discard it. Retailers and Consumers with questions may call the Fresh Express Consumer Response Center at (800) 242-5472, Monday – Friday, 5 a.m. – 8 p.m., Pacific Time. Consumers can find the Product Code and Use-by Date in the upper right-hand corner of the package.
This precautionary recall is being conducted to reach retailers as well as consumers. Consumers should check their refrigerators for Fresh Express Veggie Lovers salad with a Product Code of I208 and a Use-by Dates of August 10, 2010. If they have the product, they should immediately discard it. Retailers should check their inventories and store shelves to confirm that none of the product is mistakenly present or available for purchase by consumers or in warehouse inventories. Fresh Express customer service representatives are already contacting retailers and are in the process of confirming that the recalled product is not in the stream of commerce. Although limited in number, the cases were distributed by Fresh Express to 13 states with the potential for redistribution by customers to an additional 14 states (see listing).
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause foodborne illness in a person who eats a food item contaminated with it. Symptoms of infection may include fever, muscle aches, gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea or diarrhea. If it spreads to the nervous system symptoms may include headache, stiff neck or confusion. The illness primarily impacts pregnant women and adults with weakened immune systems. Most healthy adults and children rarely become seriously ill.
The precautionary recall notification is being issued due to an isolated instance in which one package of Fresh Express Veggie Lovers Salad yielded a positive result for Listeria monocytogenes in a random sample test collected and conducted by the Ohio Department of Agriculture.
Fresh Express is coordinating closely with regulatory officials. Immediately upon learning about the positive test result, Fresh Express conducted a traceability assessment and a full review of its food safety documentation, all of which were found to be in compliance and were negative for the presence of any bacteria.
- States Distributed: MO, MI, OH, IL, WI, IN, MD, MA, NY, KS, KY, PA, NJ
- Possible Redistribution States: AR, TN, WV, IA, MN, DC, VA, VT, NH, NE, RI, PA, CT, MS
TWEEN BRANDS RECALLS CHILDRENS METAL JEWELRY
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.
Name of Product: Metal Necklaces, Bracelets and Earrings
Units: About 137,000
Importer/Distributor: Tween Brands Inc., of New Albany, Ohio
Hazard: The children's metal jewelry contains high levels of cadmium. Cadmium is toxic if ingested by children and can cause adverse health effects.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported
Description: This recall involves 19 different styles of children's metal necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Styles and shapes of the jewelry include hearts, heart locks, butterflies, cupcakes, peace signs and crowns. Some jewelry contains the words "Best," "Friends" or "Forever" and/or "BFF." Only style numbers listed below are included in this recall. The style number is included on the jewelry's packaging.
Johnson & Johnson Unit Recalls More OTC Products
NEW YORK (AP) -- Johnson & Johnson said Thursday it is expanding a recall of over-the-counter drugs including Tylenol and Motrin IB because of a musty or moldy smell.
The McNeil Consumer Healthcare business said it is recalling 21 lots of over-the-counter drugs sold in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Fiji, Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago, and Jamaica. The drugs that are being recalled include Benadryl, Children's Tylenol, Motrin IB, Tylenol Extra Strength, Tylenol Day & Night, and Tylenol PM.
The New Brunswick, N.J., company has already made a large recall of those drugs and over-the-counter products, saying about 70 people noticed the smell. Some of them got sick, with symptoms including nausea, stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhea. The odor was linked to a chemical in shipping pallets and traced to a facility in Puerto Rico.
The company had planned to stop shipping those products on wooden pallets treated with the chemical, and asked its suppliers to do the same.
Johnson & Johnson said the latest recall applies to products made before the January recall.
The world's biggest maker of health care products, Johnson & Johnson enjoyed a strong reputation for safety, but it has dealt with several product recalls since late last year. It withdrew over-the-counter drugs in November and December 2009 before issuing a much larger recall in January. Federal regulators said McNeil was told about the problem in early 2008 but made a limited investigation and did not tell the Food and Drug Administration quickly.
The original withdrawal also included other types of Tylenol, Benadryl, Rolaids, Simply Sleep, and St. Joseph's aspirin.
In late April, McNeil recalled more than 130 million bottles of children's medicines like Tylenol, Benadryl, and Motrin because of manufacturing problems at a plant in Fort Washington, Pa. Some of the drugs had the wrong ingredient levels, and others contained tiny particles of metal.
In afternoon trading, Johnson & Johnson shares rose 50 cents to $61.11.
Campbell Soup Supply Company is recalling approximately 15,000,000 pounds of "SpaghettiOs with Meatballs" canned products due to possible under-processing.
The following products are subject to recall:
The products subject to recall bear the establishment number "EST 4K," as well as a "Use By" date between June 2010 and December 2011 ink-jetted on the bottom of each can. These products were manufactured between December 2008 and June 2010 and distributed to retail establishments nationwide. When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on FSIS' website at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/FSIS_Recalls/
Open_Federal_Cases/index.asp.
The problem was discovered through a routine warehouse inspection by the company and its subsequent investigation. FSIS has received no reports of illnesses from consumption of these products.
FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers.
Consumer questions regarding the recall should be directed to Campbell's Hotline at (866) 495-3774; media inquiries should be directed to the company's Director of Corporate Communications, Anthony Sanzio at (856) 968-4390.
Marie Callender Recall After Salmonella Outbreak
ConAgra Foods is announcing a precautionary recall of Marie Callender’s Cheesy Chicken & Rice single-serve frozen entrées. Consumers who have this product in their freezer should discard it or return it to their retailer for a refund.
The company has been working closely with state and federal authorities, and while there is no definitive link between the recalled product and any illness, the company is proactively recalling the product after being informed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of a possible association between the product and eight people in the U.S. who have been diagnosed with salmonellosis linked to Salmonella Chester. CDC interviews have identified individuals who reported eating this product in April and May, 2010. The last reported illness was reported on May 22.
Individuals concerned about an illness should contact a physician. Consumption of food contaminated with Salmonella can cause salmonellosis, a common bacterial food borne illness. Consumers with questions about the recall should contact ConAgra Foods at 1-866-484-9610.
ConAgra Foods produces, markets and sells Marie Callender’s-branded consumer products, all sold in freezer cases at supermarkets and grocery retailers nationwide, under a license agreement with Marie Callender’s Pie Shops, Inc. This recall does not apply to any products sold in Marie Callender’s restaurants.
MCNEIL CONSUMER HEALTHCARE RECALLS FOUR PRODUCT LOTS OF BENADRYL® ALLERGY ULTRATAB™ TABLETS, 100 COUNT, AND ONE PRODUCT LOT OF EXTRA STRENGTH TYLENOL® RAPID RELEASE GELS, 50 COUNT
Fort Washington, PA (June 15, 2010) McNeil Consumer Healthcare, Division of McNEIL-PPC, Inc., is recalling five product lots as an addition to the list of products included in the company’s January 15th, 2010 product recall. The additional lots involved are four product lots of BENADRYL® ALLERGY ULTRATAB™ TABLETS, 100 count, sold in the U.S.; and one product lot of EXTRA STRENGTH TYLENOL® Rapid Release Gels, 50 count sold in the U.S., Trinidad and Tobago, Bermuda, and Puerto Rico (FULL RECALLED PRODUCT LIST BELOW). This recall is a follow-up to the product recall that McNeil Consumer Healthcare announced on January 15th, 2010 and is being taken because the products were inadvertently omitted from the initial recall action. McNeil Consumer Healthcare identified the omission and informed the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of its decision to add these product lots to the recall list. All these products were produced before the January 15th, 2010 recall. Since January, McNeil Consumer Healthcare has continued to analyze and evaluate 2,4,6-tribromoanisole (TBA) and has shared that information with the FDA. This further analysis confirms that the risk of serious adverse medical events is remote. This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the FDA.
BENADRYL® ALLERGY ULTRATAB™ TABLETS is sold over-the-counter and is indicated for the relief of allergy associated symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy throat, and itchy and watery eyes. EXTRA STRENGTH TYLENOL® Rapid Release Gels is sold over-the-counter and is indicated for the temporary reduction of fever and for the temporary relief of minor aches and pains due to headache, muscular aches, backache, minor arthritis pain, the common cold, toothache, pre-menstrual and menstrual cramps, and flu.
The January 15th, 2010 recall was initiated as a result of consumer complaints of a musty or moldy odor that has since been linked to the presence of trace amounts of a chemical called 2,4,6-tribromoanisole (TBA). After a thorough investigation, it was determined that the source of TBA was the result of a breakdown of a chemical that is applied to wood used to build wooden pallets that transport and store product packaging materials.
Consumers who purchased product from the lots included in this recall should stop using the product and contact McNeil Consumer Healthcare for instructions on a refund or replacement. For these instructions or information regarding how to return or dispose of the product, consumers should log on to the internet at www.mcneilproductrecall.com or call 1-888-222-6036 (Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time, and Saturday-Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time). Requests for reimbursement can be made at www.mcneilproductrecall.com. Consumers who have medical concerns or questions should contact their healthcare provider.
Any adverse reactions may also be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Program by fax at 1-800-FDA-0178, by mail at MedWatch, HF-2, FDA, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20852-9787, or on the MedWatch website at www.fda.gov/safety/medwatch/default.htm.
Kroger Ice Cream Recalled in Ohio, 16 States
Are you, or is someone you know allergic to tree nuts? Kroger has just recalled Kroger Deluxe Chocolate Paradise Ice Cream because the packaging does not specify that it may contain tree nuts.
This recall does not affect those without nut allergies as there is no other reason for this recall. Those who are allergic may have serious allergic reactions if they consume this product. Kroger is asking consumers who have allergies to return the recalled product(s) to place of purchase for a full refund.
Only very specific Kroger stores and affilates are affected by this recall including Kroger stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia.
Jay C, Food 4 Less, Hilander, Owen’s, Pay Less and Scott’s stores in Illinois and Indiana are also affected by this recall, but no other Kroger affilaite stores are included.
Kroger Deluxe Chocolate Paradise Ice Cream in 48-ounce containers with a "sell by" date of Jan 24 11 with a UPC Code: 11110 50712 are being recalled.
Consumers who have questions or concerns may contact Kroger at (800) 632-6900.
Dritz™ Electric Scissors Recalled by Prym Due to Fire and Burn Hazards
About 12,000 Dritz Quick Cut™ Electric Scissors, distributed by Prym Consumer USA, of Spartanburg, SC, have been recalled. The electric scissors can overheat, posing fire and burn hazards. Prym Consumer USA has received two reports of the electric scissors igniting causing minor property damage. No injuries have been reported.
Name of product: GE Front-Load Washing Machines
Units: About 181,000
Manufacturer: GE Appliances & Lighting, of Louisville, Ky.
Hazard: A wire can break in the machine and make contact with a metal part on the washtub while the machine is operating, posing fire and shock hazards to consumers.
Incidents/Injuries: GE is aware of seven incidents in which flames escaped the units and caused minor smoke damage. No injuries have been reported.
Description: This recall involves GE front-load washing machines without auxiliary water heating. Model and serial numbers are listed below. Recalled washing machines were made between December 2006 and February 2010. The model and serial numbers are located on the bottom right side and on the bottom door frame of the washers.
Brand: GE
Model number begins with: WBVH5
Serial number begins with: AM, AR, AS, AT, DM, DR, DS, FM, FR, FS, GM, GS, HM, HR, HS, LM, LR, LS, MM, MR, MS, RM, RR, RS, SM, SR, SS, TM, TR, TS, VM, VR, VS, ZL, ZM, ZR, ZS
Sold at: Department and various retail stores nationwide from December 2006 through May 2010 for about $700.
Made in: China
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled washers, unplug it from the electrical outlet and contact GE for a free repair. Consumers should not operate the washer until it has been repaired.
Consumer Contact: For more information, contact GE toll-free at 888-345-4124 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's website at www.geappliances.com.
IKEA RECALLS ROLLER, ROMAN, & ROLL UP BLINDS
WASHINGTON, D.C. (CPSC) -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following product.
Consumers should stop using products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.
Name of Product: Roller, Roman, and Roll-Up blinds
Units: About 3,360,000 (About 790,000 Roman blinds were recalled in November 2008 and August 2009 and about 533,000 Roller blinds were recalled in October 2009)
Distributor: IKEA Home Furnishings, of Conshohocken, Pa.
Hazards:
Roller Blinds
Strangulations can occur if the blind’s looped bead chain is not attached to the wall or the floor with the tension device provided and a child’s neck becomes entangled in the free-standing loop.
Roman Blinds
Strangulations can occur when a child places his/her neck between the exposed inner cord and the fabric on the backside of the blind or when a child pulls the cord out and wraps it around his/her neck. An additional hazard exists when the Roman blind has a continuous looped bead chain that if not attached to the wall or floor, which poses a strangulation hazard to children.
Roll-up Blinds
Strangulations can occur if the lifting loops slide off the side of the blind and a child’s neck becomes entangled on the free-standing loop or if a child places his/her neck between the lifting loop and the roll-up blind material.
Incidents/Injuries:
Roman blinds: CPSC and IKEA received a new report of a 1 ½-year old boy in Lowell, Massachusetts who suffered a near strangulation in February 28, 2010. On April 4, 2008, a 1-year-old girl in Greenwich, Conn. became entangled in the inner cord of an IKEA Roman blind and strangled. CPSC and IKEA also received a report of a 2-year old boy who suffered a near strangulation. The last two incidents prompted previous recalls.
Roll-up blinds: No incidents reported.
Roller blinds: No incidents reported.
Description: This recall involves roller blinds that do not have a tension device attached to the bead chain, all Roman blinds and all roll-up blinds.
Sold at: IKEA stores nationwide from January 1998 through June 2009 for between $5 and $55.
Manufactured in : India, Estonia, China, and Poland.
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the roller blinds that do not have a tension device attached to the chain, all Roman blinds and all roll-up blinds and return them to any IKEA store for a full refund. In a previous recall, IKEA reminded consumers who have roller blinds with a tension device attached to the bead chain to make sure the tension device is installed into the wall or floor. If the consumer has difficulty installing the tension device, contact IKEA for additional information.
Consumer Contact : For additional information, contact IKEA toll-free at (888) 966-4532 anytime, or visit the firm’s website at www.ikea-usa.com
Note: Examine all shades and blinds in your home. Make sure there are no accessible cords on the front, side, or back of the product. CPSC recommends the use of cordless window coverings in all homes where children live or visit.
CPSC is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about it by visiting https://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx.
GM Recalling 1.5M Vehicles Over Fire Concerns
WASHINGTON (AP) -- General Motors Co. said Tuesday it was recalling about 1.5 million vehicles worldwide to address a problem with a heated windshield wiper fluid system that could lead to a fire, its second recall over the issue in two years.
The recall affects several pickup trucks, sport utility vehicles, crossovers and passenger car models from the 2006 to 2009 model years. GM conducted a similar recall in 2008 but came across new reports of fires in vehicles that had been fixed.
GM said it would disable the heated washer fluid system module that could lead to fires. The Detroit automaker will pay owners and those leasing vehicles $100 each since the feature is being disabled.
GM said it was aware of five fires but there had been no injuries or crashes reported. Nearly 1.4 million vehicles are in the U.S. and more than 100,000 vehicles are in Canada, Mexico and other international markets.
"While our analysis shows the number of incidents is very small compared with the number of vehicles on the road, we want our customers to have complete peace of mind," said Jeff Boyer, GM's executive director of safety.
The recall covers the 2006-2009 model year Buick Lucerne, Cadillac DTS, and Hummer H2; 2008-2009 Buick Enclave and Cadillac CTS; 2007-2009 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV and Escalade EXT; 2007-2009 Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban and Tahoe; 2007-2009 GMC Acadia, Sierra, Yukon and Yukon XL; 2007-2009 Saturn Outlook; and 2009 Chevrolet Traverse.
The auto company said customers will begin to receive recall letters later this month but can contact their dealer to make an appointment to have the heated washer system removed. Dealers will remove the heated washer fluid module and reroute washer fluid hoses.
GM said the technology was available from only one supplier, Microheat Inc., of Farmington Hills, Mich., which went out of business, preventing GM from working with another supplier on an improved design.
GM recalled more than 900,000 vehicles because of the heated washer fluid system in August 2008 because a short circuit on the circuit board could overheat the ground wire. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration had opened an investigation in February 2008 into 2007 Yukon and Tahoe vehicles over potential engine compartment fires.
The government closed its investigation after the 2008 recall but GM later came across fires in vehicles that had been fixed under the previous recall, prompting the latest safety action.
Owners can contact Buick at (866) 608-8080, Cadillac at (866) 982-2339, Chevrolet at (800) 630-2438, Saturn at (800) 972-8876, GMC at (866) 996-9463 and Hummer at (800) 732-5493.
P&G RECALLS SOME IAMS CAT FOOD
Procter & Gamble (P&G) is voluntarily recalling a small number of bags of its Iams Proactive Health Indoor Weight & Hairball Care dry cat food which may have been sold recently in one or two stores in Loveland, Colorado.
These bags have the potential to contain salmonella, although no illnesses have been reported. No other Iams pet food products are affected.
The Iams Proactive Health Indoor Weight & Hairball Care cat food in question is sold in blue 6.8-pound bags. These bags feature a code date of 02304173 (B1-B6) and the UPC number 1901403921.
If you have this product, please discard it and call P&G toll-free for a product replacement at 800-862-3332 Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EST.
P&G has worked with its retailers to remove the affected product from stores in the area. P&G believes that only three bags may have been purchased recently by consumers in the area. Yet, as a precautionary measure, the company is initiating this retrieval.
People handling dry pet food can become infected with salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with surfaces exposed to this product. Healthy people infected with salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, salmonella can result in more serious ailments including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.
Pets with salmonella infections may have decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. If left untreated, pets may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
CARGILL RECALLS GROUND BEEF - ECOLI SCARE
Cargill recalled 8,500 pounds of ground beef late Friday that may contain E coli.
"The move came after three people, two in Maine and one in New York, were identified as becoming ill from a strain of E. coli," CNN said, citing a government statement. "The USDA says it believes certain BJ's Wholesale Club stores in Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York and Virginia received the products," the news service added.
Cargill is one of the largest companies in the U.S., with annual revenue of $108 billion and net income of $2.6 billion.
WILLIAMS-SONOMA RECALLS BABY BOTTLE WARMERS
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.
Name of Product: Beaba Express Steam Bottle Warmers
Units: About 11,000
Importer: Williams-Sonoma Inc., of San Francisco, Calif.
Hazard: The bottle warmers can overheat liquids and baby food, posing a burn hazard to adults and babies.
Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received 10 reports of the bottles overheating, including one report of an adult who received a finger burn from touching a hot bottle.
Description: This recall involves the Beaba Express Steam Bottle Warmer which uses steam to heat baby bottles or baby food. The bottle warmer is green with an orange temperature dial. "Beaba" is printed on the base and model number 9602 is printed on the underside of the warmer.
Sold at: Williams-Sonoma stores nationwide, online at www.williams-sonoma.com and through Williams-Sonoma catalogs from June 2010 through July 2010 for about $65.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled bottle warmers and call Williams-Sonoma for instructions on how to return the product for a full refund. Additionally, consumers who return the bottle warmers will receive a $25 Williams-Sonoma merchandise card.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Williams-Sonoma toll-free at (877) 548-0850 between 4 a.m. and 9 p.m. PT seven days a week or visit the firm's website at www.williams-sonoma.com
CHAR-BROIL RECALLS VERTICAL GAS SMOKERS
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.
Name of Product: Char-Broil vertical gas smokers
Units: About 18,450
Importer: Char-Broil LLC, of Columbus, Ga.
Manufacturer: Ningbo Spring Communications of China
Hazard: When the temperature setting is in "low," the smoker's hose/valve/regulator (HVR) assembly does not allow sufficient gas to flow, causing the flame to extinguish. Gas continues to flow and build up inside the smoker. If the smoker is reignited the build-up of propane gas can cause an explosion that bursts the smoker's door open, posing an injury hazard.
Incidents/Injuries: The company has received five reports of doors bursting open and hitting consumers. Injuries reported include burns to face and head, head concussion and cuts.
Description: This recall involves the Char-Broil vertical gas smokers with model number 07701413. The model number is printed on a metal tag located on the right rear leg of the smoker. The smoker measures 21.5" x 19.5" x 45.5" and weighs 75 pounds. A "G" inside a triangle is printed on the regulator (see photo).
Sold at: Walmart and various other retailers nationwide from March 2008 through June 2010 for about $140.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled smokers and contact Char-Broil for a free replacement hose/valve/regulator assembly and installation instructions.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Char-Broil toll-free at (866) 671-7988 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's website at www.charbroil.com
TELEVISION WALL MOUNTS RECALLED
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.
Name of Product: Flat screen television wall mounts
Units: About 131,000
Manufacturer: Milestone AV Technologies LLC, of Savage, Minn.
Hazard: The elbow joint components on the wall mount’s arm do not fit together properly, causing the attached television to tilt and possibly fall when the television is adjusted. This could pose an injury hazard to a consumer.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported.
Description: This recall involves the Sanus Vision Mount model LF228-B1 wall mounts and Simplicity model SLF2. The wall mounts were sold for flat screen televisions. The model numbers can be found on the UL sticker on the wall plate.
Sold at: The Sanus Vision Mount model LF228-B1 was sold through independent television mount dealers nationwide from June 2009 through July 2010 for about $450. The Simplicity model SLF2 was sold through Costco from June 2009 through July 2010 for about $200.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should immediately inspect the wall mount to determine if the elbow joint fits properly and contact Milestone for a free replacement wall mount arm. Instructions for visual inspections are located at www.milestone.com/recall
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Milestone toll-free at (877) 894-6280 between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. CT Monday through Friday and between 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. CT Saturday through Sunday or visit the firm’s website at www.milestone.com/recall
MAGNETIC MAZE BOARDS RECALLED
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.
Name of Product: Magnetic maze boards
Units: About 18,500
Manufacturer: Lakeshore Learning Materials, of Carson, Calif.
Hazard: The magnetic maze board’s plastic wand can separate and expose a magnet that can be a choking hazard to children. Also, if a child has more than one of these toys and the magnets detach and are swallowed, the magnets can attract each other and cause intestinal perforations or blockages, which can be fatal.
Incidents/Injuries: Lakeshore has received ten reports of wands separating and magnets detaching. No injuries have been reported.
Description: This recall involves wooden magnetic maze boards. The wooden boards have a clear plastic sheet that covers small wooden or plastic pieces located inside a maze. A plastic wand containing a magnet in its tip is attached to the board by a cord. The wand is used to move items inside the maze. The top of the board reads: “Who’s Hiding in the Garden?,” “Who’s Hiding in the Ocean?,” “Magnetic Counting Maze,” “Magnetic Alphabet Board” or “My Community Magnetic Board.”
Sold by: Lakeshore Learning Materials stores nationwide, its catalogs and online at www.lakeshorelearning.com from January 2009 through May 2010 singly or in sets for between $30 and $40.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should immediately take this toy away from children and contact Lakeshore to receive a free replacement product.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Lakeshore Learning Materials at (800) 428-4414 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the company’s website at www.lakeshorelearning.com
NEW AUGUST TOYOTA RECALL:
Toyota Motor Corp. said Thursday it is recalling 1.33 million Corolla sedans and Matrix hatchbacks from the 2005-2008 model years because their engines may stall. Three accidents and one minor injury may be related to the recall.
Toyota has recalled more than 10 million vehicles worldwide over the past year for a range of quality problems. Federal regulators have been investigating the Corolla and Matrix engine issue since December.
Toyota will alert owners and fix the engine problem for
free starting in mid-September.
Contact:
Egg Safety Media Hotline
404/367-2761
info@eggsafety.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - August 18, 2010 - The following statement was released by officials of Wright County Egg regarding the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) investigation of potential incidence of Salmonella enteritidis (SE).
Wright County Egg of Galt, Iowa is expanding its voluntary recall (original recall date: August 13, 2010) of specific Julian dates of shell eggs produced by their farms because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections, endocarditis or arthritis.
Eggs affected by the expanded recall were distributed to food wholesalers, distribution centers and foodservice companies in California, Arizona, Missouri, Minnesota, Texas, Georgia, Washington, Oregon, Colorado, Nevada, Iowa, Illinois, Utah, Nebraska, Arkansas, Wisconsin and Oklahoma. These companies distribute nationwide.
Eggs are packaged under the following brand names: Albertsons, Farm Fresh, James Farms, Glenview, Mountain Dairy, Ralphs, Boomsma, Lund, Kemps and Pacific Coast. Eggs are packed in varying sizes of cartons (6-egg cartons, dozen egg cartons, 18-egg cartons, and loose eggs for institutional use and repackaging) with Julian dates ranging from 136 to 229 and plant numbers 1720 and 1942.
Dates and codes can be found stamped on the end of the egg carton or printed on the case label. The plant number begins with the letter P and then the number. The Julian date follows the plant number, for example: P-1720 223.
Prior Recall
Eggs under the August 13, 2010 recall are packaged under the following brand names: Lucerne, Albertson, Mountain Dairy, Ralph’s, Boomsma’s, Sunshine, Hillandale, Trafficanda, Farm Fresh, Shoreland, Lund, Dutch Farms and Kemps. Eggs are packed in varying sizes of cartons (6-egg cartons, dozen egg cartons, 18-egg cartons, and loose eggs for institutional use and repackaging) with Julian dates ranging from 136 to 225 and plant numbers 1026, 1413 and 1946.
There have been confirmed Salmonella enteritidis illnesses relating to the shell eggs and traceback investigations are ongoing.
Wright County Egg is fully cooperating with FDA’s investigation by undertaking this voluntary recall. Our primary concern is keeping Salmonella out of the food supply and away from consumers. As a precautionary measure, Wright County Egg also has decided to divert its existing inventory of shell eggs from the recalled plants to a breaker, where they will be pasteurized to kill any Salmonella bacteria present.
Consumers who believe they may have purchased these shell eggs should not eat them but should return them to the store where they were purchased for a full refund. This recall is of shell eggs only. Other egg products produced by Wright County Eggs are not affected. Consumers with questions should visit www.eggsafety.org9 or call Wright County’s toll-free information number (866-272-5582), which contains a message outlining recall instructions for consumers.
We are undertaking this additional recall to further protect the safety of consumers - this voluntary measure is consistent with our commitment to egg safety, and it is our responsibility.
DOUBLE STROLLERS RECALLED: COLLAPSE HAZARD
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.
Name of Product: Double stroller
Units: About 3,700
Distributor: Lan Enterprises LLC of Hillsboro, Ore., and formerly of Beaverton, Ore.
Hazard: The stroller's frame latch above the front wheels can fail when the stroller hits an object, causing the stroller to unexpectedly collapse. This can result in minor scrapes, cuts and bruises.
Incidents/Injuries: The company has received 185 reports of frame latch failures. In one incident a 13-month-old boy and a 3-year-old boy received scrapes and bruises when their stroller hit a sidewalk and the stroller collapsed.
Description: This recall involves 2007 and 2008 Zooper Tango double strollers with a model number of SL808B and SL808F. The model numbers were printed on the original packaging. The strollers have production dates ranging from January 1, 2007, through April 30, 2008. The production dates are printed on the warning labels attached to the seats. The word "Zooper" is printed on the stroller canopies and grab bars. The Web address www.zooper.com is printed on the basket under the stroller seats.
Sold at: Juvenile product and mass merchandise retailers nationwide and at www.babiesrus.com from January 2007 through August 2008 for between $400 and $430.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using these recalled strollers and contact Zooper USA to receive a free repair kit.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Zooper USA toll-free at (888) 966-7379 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or visit the firm's website at www.zooper.com
ELECTRICAL WIRE RECALLED DUE TO FIRE HAZARDWASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.
Name of Product: THHN Electrical Wire
Units: About 1,000
Manufacturer: Cerro Wire Inc., of Crothersville, Ind.
Hazard: While the actual electrical wire has “14 gauge” printed on it, the packaging incorrectly labels the electrical wire as 12 gauge. If used as a 12 gauge wire, it can overload, posing a fire hazard to consumers.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported.
Description: This recall involves THNN electrical wire labeled on its packaging as 12 gauge solid white 100’ UPC 48243982721 and 12 gauge stranded red 50’ UPC 48243229215. The actual wire has “THHN Cerro Wire 14 gauge” printed on it. The UPC number and 12 gauge is found on the plastic wrap and on a label at the bottom of the reel.
Sold at: Home Depot & Menards stores in the following states: Colo., Iowa, Idaho, Ill., Ind., Kan., Ky., Mich., Minn., Mo., Mont., N.D., Neb., Ohio, Ore., Pa., S.D., Utah, Wash., Wis., Wyo. from December 2009 through April 2010. The 50-foot wire spools were sold for $9 and the 100-foot spools for about $16.
Manufactured in: United States
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using any switches, outlets or electrical devices using this wire and contact Cerro Wire for instructions on returning the product for a refund. Any contractor or subcontractor who used this wire should inspect their work to see that their work meets local electrical wiring code.
Consumer
Contact: For additional information, contact Cerro Wire toll-free
at (866) 572-3776 ext. 269 between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through
Friday or visit the firm’s website at www.cerrowire.com
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.
Name of Product: Bunk Beds
Units: About 405
Importer/ Distributor: Pottery Barn Kids, a division of Williams-Sonoma, Inc., of San Francisco, Calif.
Hazard: The end structure of the bunk bed can pose an entrapment hazard to young children, a violation of the Safety Standard for Entrapment Hazards in Bunk Beds, 16 C.F.R. Part 1513. Children can get their necks caught in the opening between the post and the decorative molding.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported.
Description: This recall involves Madeline bunk beds. The bed is white and is made of wood and medium-density fiberboard. It has guardrails on either side of the top bunk and a ladder that attaches to the side of the beds.
Sold at: Pottery Barn Kids stores, catalog and www.potterybarnkids.com from July 2009 to March 2010 for $1,400
Manufactured in: Vietnam
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the bed and contact Pottery Barn Kids to schedule installation of a free repair kit.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Pottery Barn Kids toll-free at (888) 779-8692 between 7 a.m. and midnight PT seven days a week or visit the company's website at www.potterybarnkids.com
COUNTERFEIT BLACKBERRY BATTERIES RECALLED -- BURN HAZARDName of Product: Counterfeit BlackBerry®-branded cell phone batteries in refurbished devices
Units: About 470,000
Distributor: Asurion, of Smyrna, Tenn.
Hazard: The counterfeit batteries can overheat, posing burn and fire hazards.
Incidents/Injuries: Asurion has received two reports of counterfeit BlackBerry®-branded batteries overheating, causing minor burns to a consumer's finger and minor property damage to a sofa and car seat.
Description: This recall involves only BlackBerry®-branded batteries provided with refurbished Blackberry®-branded devices. The refurbished devices were sent to consumers by Asurion through a handset protection program. The batteries were used across virtually all models of refurbished BlackBerry devices distributed by Asurion prior to November 1, 2009. Genuine Blackberry-branded batteries are not included in this recall. No other Asurion or BlackBerry products are involved in this recall.
Distributed through: Asurion as part of their handset protection claim program nationwide from March 2004 through October 2009.
Manufactured in: Unknown
Remedy: Consumers who received refurbished BlackBerry devices through Asurion prior to November 1, 2009 should immediately stop using the product and contact Asurion for a replacement product. Asurion is directly contacting known consumers with the affected batteries to notify them of this recall.
Consumer Contact: For more information, contact Asurion toll-free at (866) 384-9175 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's website at www.001batex.com
REPAIR LEVERAGE GYMS RECALLED BECAUSE OF INJURY RISKThe following product safety recall was voluntarily conducted by the firm in cooperation with the CPSC and Health Canada. Consumers should stop using the product immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.
Name of product: Leverage Gyms
Units: About 1,000
Manufacturer: Powertec, of Carson, Calif.
Hazard: Detachment of the exercise workbench from the gym system causes instability, posing a risk of injury to consumers.
Incidents/Injuries: No injuries have been reported.
Description: This recall involves the Workbench Leverage Gym, 2010 version, which has a lock and load removable bench section opening up the lever area for power exercises such as squats, shrugs and rows. The gym has black upholstery and either a black or yellow frame. The Powertec logo with the Workbench series name is printed on the removable bench. The models affected by this recall are WB-LS10 and WB-LS10-B. . Workbench Levergyms™ with model numbers WB-LS10 and WB-LS10B sold after February 2010 are not affected by this recall.
Sold by: Fitness equipment dealers nationwide and online at www.powertecfitness.com from October 2009 through February 2010 for about $850.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Customers should immediately stop using the product and contact Powertec to receive a free repair kit or to schedule a free repair with an authorized dealer. The firm has contacted all known purchasers of this product.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, call Powertec toll-free at (877) 525-5710 between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, email the firm at info@powertecfitness.com or visit the firm's website at www.powertecfitness.com
Note: Health Canada's press release is available at http://cpsr-rspc.hc-sc.gc.ca/PR-RP/recall-retrait-eng.jsp?re_id=1142
BABY MONITORS RECALLED BECAUSE OF OVERHEATING
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.
Name of Product: Levana Wireless Video Baby Monitors
Units: About 800
Distributor: Circus World Displays Limited (CWD), of Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.
Hazard: Wiring in the baby monitor camera can overheat and emit smoke, posing a burn hazard to consumers.
Incidents/Injuries: Circus World Displays has received two reports of the camera portion of the monitors overheating and smoking. No injuries have been reported.
Description: This recall involves Levana wireless baby monitors with model number LV-TW300. The receiver front is white and green with six round buttons and the printed word "Levana". It is 7 inches tall and includes a stand/base. The camera is all white, about 5 inches tall and is attached to a 3 1/2 inch long white base. The camera can rotate and swivel in various directions. The camera and receiver each has its own A/C adapter.
Sold at: BB Buggy and Health and Safety stores nationwide and on the Internet between February 2010 and May 2010 for about $200.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using and return the baby monitor directly to CWD for a refund or replacement with a different model. When returning, please include the entire product, your complete name, mailing address and phone number in the package and mail to Circus World Displays Ltd, Attention: Adam Crysler, Dealer Returns Specialist, 60 Industrial Parkway Suite Z64, Cheektowaga, NY 14227
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Circus World Displays toll-free at (866) 946-7828 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, by e-mail at support@svat.com or on the firm's website at www.mylevana.com
SALAD RECALL BECAUSE OF LISTERIASALINAS, California (USFDA) -- Fresh Express is voluntarily recalling 2,825 cases of Veggie Lovers Salad with a Product Code of I208 and Use-by Date of August 10, 2010 out of an abundance of caution due to a possible health risk from Listeria monocytogenes. No other Fresh Express salads are included in the recall. No illnesses have been reported in association with the recall.
Only the Veggie Lovers salad products with a Product Code of I208 and a Use-by Date of August 10 are included in the recall. Retailers and Consumers who have any remaining product should not consume it, but rather discard it. Retailers and Consumers with questions may call the Fresh Express Consumer Response Center at (800) 242-5472, Monday – Friday, 5 a.m. – 8 p.m., Pacific Time. Consumers can find the Product Code and Use-by Date in the upper right-hand corner of the package.
This precautionary recall is being conducted to reach retailers as well as consumers. Consumers should check their refrigerators for Fresh Express Veggie Lovers salad with a Product Code of I208 and a Use-by Dates of August 10, 2010. If they have the product, they should immediately discard it. Retailers should check their inventories and store shelves to confirm that none of the product is mistakenly present or available for purchase by consumers or in warehouse inventories. Fresh Express customer service representatives are already contacting retailers and are in the process of confirming that the recalled product is not in the stream of commerce. Although limited in number, the cases were distributed by Fresh Express to 13 states with the potential for redistribution by customers to an additional 14 states (see listing).
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause foodborne illness in a person who eats a food item contaminated with it. Symptoms of infection may include fever, muscle aches, gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea or diarrhea. If it spreads to the nervous system symptoms may include headache, stiff neck or confusion. The illness primarily impacts pregnant women and adults with weakened immune systems. Most healthy adults and children rarely become seriously ill.
The precautionary recall notification is being issued due to an isolated instance in which one package of Fresh Express Veggie Lovers Salad yielded a positive result for Listeria monocytogenes in a random sample test collected and conducted by the Ohio Department of Agriculture.
Fresh Express is coordinating closely with regulatory officials. Immediately upon learning about the positive test result, Fresh Express conducted a traceability assessment and a full review of its food safety documentation, all of which were found to be in compliance and were negative for the presence of any bacteria.
- States Distributed: MO, MI, OH, IL, WI, IN, MD, MA, NY, KS, KY, PA, NJ
- Possible Redistribution States: AR, TN, WV, IA, MN, DC, VA, VT, NH, NE, RI, PA, CT, MS
TWEEN BRANDS RECALLS CHILDRENS METAL JEWELRY
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.
Name of Product: Metal Necklaces, Bracelets and Earrings
Units: About 137,000
Importer/Distributor: Tween Brands Inc., of New Albany, Ohio
Hazard: The children's metal jewelry contains high levels of cadmium. Cadmium is toxic if ingested by children and can cause adverse health effects.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported
Description: This recall involves 19 different styles of children's metal necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Styles and shapes of the jewelry include hearts, heart locks, butterflies, cupcakes, peace signs and crowns. Some jewelry contains the words "Best," "Friends" or "Forever" and/or "BFF." Only style numbers listed below are included in this recall. The style number is included on the jewelry's packaging.
Johnson & Johnson Unit Recalls More OTC Products
NEW YORK (AP) -- Johnson & Johnson said Thursday it is expanding a recall of over-the-counter drugs including Tylenol and Motrin IB because of a musty or moldy smell.
The McNeil Consumer Healthcare business said it is recalling 21 lots of over-the-counter drugs sold in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Fiji, Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago, and Jamaica. The drugs that are being recalled include Benadryl, Children's Tylenol, Motrin IB, Tylenol Extra Strength, Tylenol Day & Night, and Tylenol PM.
The New Brunswick, N.J., company has already made a large recall of those drugs and over-the-counter products, saying about 70 people noticed the smell. Some of them got sick, with symptoms including nausea, stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhea. The odor was linked to a chemical in shipping pallets and traced to a facility in Puerto Rico.
The company had planned to stop shipping those products on wooden pallets treated with the chemical, and asked its suppliers to do the same.
Johnson & Johnson said the latest recall applies to products made before the January recall.
The world's biggest maker of health care products, Johnson & Johnson enjoyed a strong reputation for safety, but it has dealt with several product recalls since late last year. It withdrew over-the-counter drugs in November and December 2009 before issuing a much larger recall in January. Federal regulators said McNeil was told about the problem in early 2008 but made a limited investigation and did not tell the Food and Drug Administration quickly.
The original withdrawal also included other types of Tylenol, Benadryl, Rolaids, Simply Sleep, and St. Joseph's aspirin.
In late April, McNeil recalled more than 130 million bottles of children's medicines like Tylenol, Benadryl, and Motrin because of manufacturing problems at a plant in Fort Washington, Pa. Some of the drugs had the wrong ingredient levels, and others contained tiny particles of metal.
In afternoon trading, Johnson & Johnson shares rose 50 cents to $61.11.
Campbell Soup Supply Company is recalling approximately 15,000,000 pounds of "SpaghettiOs with Meatballs" canned products due to possible under-processing.
The following products are subject to recall:
- 14.75-ounce cans of "SpaghettiOs" with Meatballs, bearing the identifying product code "U5" on the bottom of the can.
- 14.75-ounce cans of "SpaghettiOs" A to Z with Meatballs, bearing the identifying product code "4N" on the bottom of the can.
- 14.75-ounce cans of "SpaghettiOs" Fun Shapes with Meatballs (Cars), bearing the identifying product code "KS" on the bottom of the can.
The products subject to recall bear the establishment number "EST 4K," as well as a "Use By" date between June 2010 and December 2011 ink-jetted on the bottom of each can. These products were manufactured between December 2008 and June 2010 and distributed to retail establishments nationwide. When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on FSIS' website at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/FSIS_Recalls/
Open_Federal_Cases/index.asp.
The problem was discovered through a routine warehouse inspection by the company and its subsequent investigation. FSIS has received no reports of illnesses from consumption of these products.
FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers.
Consumer questions regarding the recall should be directed to Campbell's Hotline at (866) 495-3774; media inquiries should be directed to the company's Director of Corporate Communications, Anthony Sanzio at (856) 968-4390.
Marie Callender Recall After Salmonella Outbreak
ConAgra Foods is announcing a precautionary recall of Marie Callender’s Cheesy Chicken & Rice single-serve frozen entrées. Consumers who have this product in their freezer should discard it or return it to their retailer for a refund.
The company has been working closely with state and federal authorities, and while there is no definitive link between the recalled product and any illness, the company is proactively recalling the product after being informed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of a possible association between the product and eight people in the U.S. who have been diagnosed with salmonellosis linked to Salmonella Chester. CDC interviews have identified individuals who reported eating this product in April and May, 2010. The last reported illness was reported on May 22.
Individuals concerned about an illness should contact a physician. Consumption of food contaminated with Salmonella can cause salmonellosis, a common bacterial food borne illness. Consumers with questions about the recall should contact ConAgra Foods at 1-866-484-9610.
ConAgra Foods produces, markets and sells Marie Callender’s-branded consumer products, all sold in freezer cases at supermarkets and grocery retailers nationwide, under a license agreement with Marie Callender’s Pie Shops, Inc. This recall does not apply to any products sold in Marie Callender’s restaurants.
MCNEIL CONSUMER HEALTHCARE RECALLS FOUR PRODUCT LOTS OF BENADRYL® ALLERGY ULTRATAB™ TABLETS, 100 COUNT, AND ONE PRODUCT LOT OF EXTRA STRENGTH TYLENOL® RAPID RELEASE GELS, 50 COUNT
Fort Washington, PA (June 15, 2010) McNeil Consumer Healthcare, Division of McNEIL-PPC, Inc., is recalling five product lots as an addition to the list of products included in the company’s January 15th, 2010 product recall. The additional lots involved are four product lots of BENADRYL® ALLERGY ULTRATAB™ TABLETS, 100 count, sold in the U.S.; and one product lot of EXTRA STRENGTH TYLENOL® Rapid Release Gels, 50 count sold in the U.S., Trinidad and Tobago, Bermuda, and Puerto Rico (FULL RECALLED PRODUCT LIST BELOW). This recall is a follow-up to the product recall that McNeil Consumer Healthcare announced on January 15th, 2010 and is being taken because the products were inadvertently omitted from the initial recall action. McNeil Consumer Healthcare identified the omission and informed the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of its decision to add these product lots to the recall list. All these products were produced before the January 15th, 2010 recall. Since January, McNeil Consumer Healthcare has continued to analyze and evaluate 2,4,6-tribromoanisole (TBA) and has shared that information with the FDA. This further analysis confirms that the risk of serious adverse medical events is remote. This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the FDA.
BENADRYL® ALLERGY ULTRATAB™ TABLETS is sold over-the-counter and is indicated for the relief of allergy associated symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy throat, and itchy and watery eyes. EXTRA STRENGTH TYLENOL® Rapid Release Gels is sold over-the-counter and is indicated for the temporary reduction of fever and for the temporary relief of minor aches and pains due to headache, muscular aches, backache, minor arthritis pain, the common cold, toothache, pre-menstrual and menstrual cramps, and flu.
The January 15th, 2010 recall was initiated as a result of consumer complaints of a musty or moldy odor that has since been linked to the presence of trace amounts of a chemical called 2,4,6-tribromoanisole (TBA). After a thorough investigation, it was determined that the source of TBA was the result of a breakdown of a chemical that is applied to wood used to build wooden pallets that transport and store product packaging materials.
Consumers who purchased product from the lots included in this recall should stop using the product and contact McNeil Consumer Healthcare for instructions on a refund or replacement. For these instructions or information regarding how to return or dispose of the product, consumers should log on to the internet at www.mcneilproductrecall.com or call 1-888-222-6036 (Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time, and Saturday-Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time). Requests for reimbursement can be made at www.mcneilproductrecall.com. Consumers who have medical concerns or questions should contact their healthcare provider.
Any adverse reactions may also be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Program by fax at 1-800-FDA-0178, by mail at MedWatch, HF-2, FDA, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20852-9787, or on the MedWatch website at www.fda.gov/safety/medwatch/default.htm.
Kroger Ice Cream Recalled in Ohio, 16 States
Are you, or is someone you know allergic to tree nuts? Kroger has just recalled Kroger Deluxe Chocolate Paradise Ice Cream because the packaging does not specify that it may contain tree nuts.
This recall does not affect those without nut allergies as there is no other reason for this recall. Those who are allergic may have serious allergic reactions if they consume this product. Kroger is asking consumers who have allergies to return the recalled product(s) to place of purchase for a full refund.
Only very specific Kroger stores and affilates are affected by this recall including Kroger stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia.
Jay C, Food 4 Less, Hilander, Owen’s, Pay Less and Scott’s stores in Illinois and Indiana are also affected by this recall, but no other Kroger affilaite stores are included.
Kroger Deluxe Chocolate Paradise Ice Cream in 48-ounce containers with a "sell by" date of Jan 24 11 with a UPC Code: 11110 50712 are being recalled.
Consumers who have questions or concerns may contact Kroger at (800) 632-6900.
Dritz™ Electric Scissors Recalled by Prym Due to Fire and Burn Hazards
About 12,000 Dritz Quick Cut™ Electric Scissors, distributed by Prym Consumer USA, of Spartanburg, SC, have been recalled. The electric scissors can overheat, posing fire and burn hazards. Prym Consumer USA has received two reports of the electric scissors igniting causing minor property damage. No injuries have been reported.
The electric scissors are white and blue, about 10" long and include an AC adaptor. "Dritz" is written on the handle on the blue grip. These were sold at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores and other craft stores nationwide from September 2009 through February 2010 for about $50.
Return the scissors to store where purchased or mail directly to Prym Consumer USA for a refund. If mailing to Prym, please include the product, your complete name, mailing address and phone number in the package and mail to Prym Consumer USA Recall Center, 950 Brisack Road, Spartanburg, SC 29303.
For additional information, contact the firm at 800-255-7796 Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET, by e-mail at customer.service@prym-consumer-usa.com or on the firm's website at www.prym-consumer-usa.com
GE RECALLS FRONT LOAD WASHING MACHINES
WASHINGTON, D.C. (CPSC) -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.Name of product: GE Front-Load Washing Machines
Units: About 181,000
Manufacturer: GE Appliances & Lighting, of Louisville, Ky.
Hazard: A wire can break in the machine and make contact with a metal part on the washtub while the machine is operating, posing fire and shock hazards to consumers.
Incidents/Injuries: GE is aware of seven incidents in which flames escaped the units and caused minor smoke damage. No injuries have been reported.
Description: This recall involves GE front-load washing machines without auxiliary water heating. Model and serial numbers are listed below. Recalled washing machines were made between December 2006 and February 2010. The model and serial numbers are located on the bottom right side and on the bottom door frame of the washers.
Brand: GE
Model number begins with: WBVH5
Serial number begins with: AM, AR, AS, AT, DM, DR, DS, FM, FR, FS, GM, GS, HM, HR, HS, LM, LR, LS, MM, MR, MS, RM, RR, RS, SM, SR, SS, TM, TR, TS, VM, VR, VS, ZL, ZM, ZR, ZS
Sold at: Department and various retail stores nationwide from December 2006 through May 2010 for about $700.
Made in: China
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled washers, unplug it from the electrical outlet and contact GE for a free repair. Consumers should not operate the washer until it has been repaired.
Consumer Contact: For more information, contact GE toll-free at 888-345-4124 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's website at www.geappliances.com.
IKEA RECALLS ROLLER, ROMAN, & ROLL UP BLINDS
WASHINGTON, D.C. (CPSC) -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following product.
Consumers should stop using products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.
Name of Product: Roller, Roman, and Roll-Up blinds
Units: About 3,360,000 (About 790,000 Roman blinds were recalled in November 2008 and August 2009 and about 533,000 Roller blinds were recalled in October 2009)
Distributor: IKEA Home Furnishings, of Conshohocken, Pa.
Hazards:
Roller Blinds
Strangulations can occur if the blind’s looped bead chain is not attached to the wall or the floor with the tension device provided and a child’s neck becomes entangled in the free-standing loop.
Roman Blinds
Strangulations can occur when a child places his/her neck between the exposed inner cord and the fabric on the backside of the blind or when a child pulls the cord out and wraps it around his/her neck. An additional hazard exists when the Roman blind has a continuous looped bead chain that if not attached to the wall or floor, which poses a strangulation hazard to children.
Roll-up Blinds
Strangulations can occur if the lifting loops slide off the side of the blind and a child’s neck becomes entangled on the free-standing loop or if a child places his/her neck between the lifting loop and the roll-up blind material.
Incidents/Injuries:
Roman blinds: CPSC and IKEA received a new report of a 1 ½-year old boy in Lowell, Massachusetts who suffered a near strangulation in February 28, 2010. On April 4, 2008, a 1-year-old girl in Greenwich, Conn. became entangled in the inner cord of an IKEA Roman blind and strangled. CPSC and IKEA also received a report of a 2-year old boy who suffered a near strangulation. The last two incidents prompted previous recalls.
Roll-up blinds: No incidents reported.
Roller blinds: No incidents reported.
Description: This recall involves roller blinds that do not have a tension device attached to the bead chain, all Roman blinds and all roll-up blinds.
Sold at: IKEA stores nationwide from January 1998 through June 2009 for between $5 and $55.
Manufactured in : India, Estonia, China, and Poland.
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the roller blinds that do not have a tension device attached to the chain, all Roman blinds and all roll-up blinds and return them to any IKEA store for a full refund. In a previous recall, IKEA reminded consumers who have roller blinds with a tension device attached to the bead chain to make sure the tension device is installed into the wall or floor. If the consumer has difficulty installing the tension device, contact IKEA for additional information.
Consumer Contact : For additional information, contact IKEA toll-free at (888) 966-4532 anytime, or visit the firm’s website at www.ikea-usa.com
Note: Examine all shades and blinds in your home. Make sure there are no accessible cords on the front, side, or back of the product. CPSC recommends the use of cordless window coverings in all homes where children live or visit.
CPSC is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about it by visiting https://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx.
GM Recalling 1.5M Vehicles Over Fire Concerns
WASHINGTON (AP) -- General Motors Co. said Tuesday it was recalling about 1.5 million vehicles worldwide to address a problem with a heated windshield wiper fluid system that could lead to a fire, its second recall over the issue in two years.
The recall affects several pickup trucks, sport utility vehicles, crossovers and passenger car models from the 2006 to 2009 model years. GM conducted a similar recall in 2008 but came across new reports of fires in vehicles that had been fixed.
GM said it would disable the heated washer fluid system module that could lead to fires. The Detroit automaker will pay owners and those leasing vehicles $100 each since the feature is being disabled.
GM said it was aware of five fires but there had been no injuries or crashes reported. Nearly 1.4 million vehicles are in the U.S. and more than 100,000 vehicles are in Canada, Mexico and other international markets.
"While our analysis shows the number of incidents is very small compared with the number of vehicles on the road, we want our customers to have complete peace of mind," said Jeff Boyer, GM's executive director of safety.
The recall covers the 2006-2009 model year Buick Lucerne, Cadillac DTS, and Hummer H2; 2008-2009 Buick Enclave and Cadillac CTS; 2007-2009 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV and Escalade EXT; 2007-2009 Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban and Tahoe; 2007-2009 GMC Acadia, Sierra, Yukon and Yukon XL; 2007-2009 Saturn Outlook; and 2009 Chevrolet Traverse.
The auto company said customers will begin to receive recall letters later this month but can contact their dealer to make an appointment to have the heated washer system removed. Dealers will remove the heated washer fluid module and reroute washer fluid hoses.
GM said the technology was available from only one supplier, Microheat Inc., of Farmington Hills, Mich., which went out of business, preventing GM from working with another supplier on an improved design.
GM recalled more than 900,000 vehicles because of the heated washer fluid system in August 2008 because a short circuit on the circuit board could overheat the ground wire. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration had opened an investigation in February 2008 into 2007 Yukon and Tahoe vehicles over potential engine compartment fires.
The government closed its investigation after the 2008 recall but GM later came across fires in vehicles that had been fixed under the previous recall, prompting the latest safety action.
Owners can contact Buick at (866) 608-8080, Cadillac at (866) 982-2339, Chevrolet at (800) 630-2438, Saturn at (800) 972-8876, GMC at (866) 996-9463 and Hummer at (800) 732-5493.
CENTRAL OHIO WEATHER
78
°
TODAY: Few scattered showers, much cooler afternoon. High 79.
TONIGHT: Partly cloudy, much cooler. Low 54.
SATURDAY: Partly cloudy, breezy, quite cool. High 70.
There's a big change out there today. ...
 |
|
|
BUSINESS NEWS
Stocks rise ahead of key report
NEW YORK (AP) -- Stock prices edged higher in the latest session, ahead of today's key report on the job market.
CONSUMER INFO
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
SCIENCE/TECH NEWS
IN THE NEWS: FACEBOOK ROLLS OUT NEW SECURITY FEATURE
NEW YORK (AP) -- Facebook has launched a new security feature.
GET THIS
WOMAN STUNS SELF
NORTH EAST, Pa. (AP) -- It's shocking!
