SDG&E Rates Have Gone Up — a LOT — and Here's Why
A new year means new rates when it comes to running your appliances at home, and San Diegans are already saying their energy bills are higher.
The Latest
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Why Pay? Chula Vista Residents Question Paying For Trash Pickup Amid Garbage Strike
The city of Chula Vista is set to declare a public health emergency next week as trash piles up around the city. It comes as people are receiving bills for trash pickup, even though they say their trash and recycling is piling up.
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Looking for At-Home COVID Tests? Here's What You Need to Know
COVID testing centers are full amid the recent surge in cases. That has many people turning to at-home COVID tests, but those can be just as hard to find as a testing appointment. NBC 7 looked for answers to common complaints and questions from San Diegans searching for the antigen tests. “There are people selling COVID tests on social media&... -
How to Remove Your Name from Online Searches
It’s legal for companies to collect your info from public records, though it’s often creepy and potentially dangerous. So how can you remove it?
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Using Grocery Delivery Apps? Be Cautious
With the business of the holidays, having your groceries delivered can be a big time saver. It’s also safer, as many people started using grocery delivery services such as Instacart or Amazon Fresh during the pandemic.
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Worthless Disneyland Tickets Left Grandfather Out Hundreds of Dollars
One local consumer was going to write off a lost $600 purchase of Disneyland tickets from a third-party website as a tough lesson learned, until his buddy told him about NBC 7 Responds.
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Tips for Storing Food Safely During the Holidays
Here’s some sage guidance on where in the fridge you’ll want to store your food for the holiday before the big day and after, once you have inevitable leftovers.
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Insurance Issues? California's Department of Insurance May Be Able to Help
If you’ve ever had issues with your insurance company, there are places you can turn for help. California’s Department of Insurance is one such resource.
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Tips to Get Those Last-Minute Gifts
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are some of the biggest shopping days of the year, but if you missed them, there are still ways to save. Supply chain issues means stores are less likely to offer the same discounts they have offered in the past. That means you’ll need a little bit of creativity.
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How to File an Insurance Claim After a Storm
Every year, many people whose homes are damaged by storms begin the sometimes confusing process of filing insurance claims. Here are some tips that may help you with this process.
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Anchoring Your New TV to Prevent Tragic Accidents
TV need to be properly anchored or mounted. Consumer Reports looked at the safety steps to avoid a TV tragedy.
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Saving for Retirement When Your Job Doesn't Give You Options
California has a new way to save for retirement. Already people are enrolled in CalSavers, a program designed to help millions of workers start saving for the future.
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Keep Holiday-Gift Deliveries Safe From Porch Pirates
With the holidays just around the corner and online shopping in full swing, thieves are on the hunt for packages to steal. Consumer Reports shares what you can use to deter porch pirates.
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Group Pushes for Smart Recycling Choices this Holiday Season
San Diegians may be trying to recycle things that should instead be trashed.
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What to Know Before Giving Subscriptions as Gifts
Subscriptions have been a popular gift for years. Whether it’s books, food, clothing, wine, or even pet toys there’s a subscription for almost every one, but that means some people receive unexpected charges.
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Love Your Microwave? Here's How You Can Make it Last Longer
Appliances are the latest victim of the supply chain issues. Because of that, Consumer Reports has some tips to keep your microwave running smoothly through your holidays.
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Buying Gifts? Watch Out For Fake Sellers
Searching for the perfect gift can be difficult, especially if it’s one of the hottest toys of the year. Electronics such as gaming consoles can also be hard to find, which is why some people are willing to take a risk on unknown, online sellers.
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It's Not Goodbye, It's See Ya Later: Colleagues Salute Consumer Bob
How do you describe a guy like Bob “Consumer Bob” Hansen? Before he signs off of NBC 7 for the last time, a few of his current and former coworkers put what Bob means to them into words
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Bittersweet Farewell for Consumer Bob, Who Saved San Diegans More Than $1.2 Million
NBC 7 viewers will miss watching Consumer Bob, who has championed for San Diego County consumers for decades.
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Consumer Bob Signing Off Into Retirement After 40 Years, 20 at NBC 7
It is time to retire, but it’s not easy… I will travel, surf, volunteer and enjoy every beautiful day San Diego has to offer. And I will be forever grateful for a career that has blessed me and my family with friends and memories to last a lifetime.
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Do Credit Report Apps Really Work?
Credit scores are used for everything from getting a mortgage to getting a job. Apps that promise instant access to your score are popular, but do they work?
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Why Car Battery Prices Keep Going Up
If you’ve had to replace a car battery in the past few years, you’ve probably noticed that they’ve become more expensive. In fact, Consumer Reports says battery prices have been rising over the past decade.
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Little Black Dresses That Make a Difference
On Friday, shoppers are sure to be lined up outside the Escondido location before the doors open at 10 a.m.
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High Inflation Hurting San Diego Gig Workers Impacted By High Gas Prices
The latest Consumer Price Index for October recorded a 6.2% inflation rate increase, year over, year, according to new data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, marking the largest increase in more than 30 years
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AMC to Launch Open Captions Making Movie Theaters More Accessible
Many of us are used to seeing captions on TV or while watching movies at home, but they are not common in movie theaters. Now, AMC is changing that so that people who rely on captions can enjoy more movies.
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Stores Struggle With Supply Ahead of Holiday Shopping
Head to almost any beach in San Diego and you’re sure to see some people hitting the waves. Surfing is an iconic part of our beaches, but even it has been affected by the ongoing supply chain issues.
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Buy Holiday Gifts Now, Pay Later
Holiday shoppers are already scanning the internet looking for deals and those hard-to-find gifts, but when they do find the perfect gift, paying for it can be another hassle.
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Supply Chain Concerns Increase As Holidays Approach
The holidays are a busy time for stores, with people shopping for food, gifts and clothing, but those products that use to arrive in weeks can now take months to ship.
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California Holds More than $10 Billion in Lost Money. Some May Be Yours
“It’s uncashed paychecks, inactive bank accounts, insurance benefits, safe-deposit box contents,” said a state controller’s office spokeswoman
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Seatbelt Tips for Pregnant Drivers
Seat belts save thousands of lives every year, so it might surprise you to learn that those life-savers can contribute to fetal injury when pregnant people are in car crashes
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Repair Shop Helps Viewer Targeted by Parking Lot Scam
Parking lot repair scams can be very convincing. They promise quick work, at a cheaper price, and might even pretend to work for a legitimate repair shop.
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Cyber Attacks on Small Businesses Leave Lasting Damage
Cyber attacks are all too common in our modern world. There are hundreds reported each year, some of which leave devastating impacts on small businesses.
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How to Replace Your Car's Key Fob
Look in your pocket, purse, bag, or junk drawer, and chances are you’ll find a key fob. The basic ones lock and unlock your car’s doors. No matter which kind you have, replacing it costs a lot more than cutting an old-fashioned set of keys.
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San Diego Gas Prices Soar … Even More Than Usual
The pain at the pump is only getting worse: Thursday’s gas price average was $4.48 per gallon in San Diego, an increase of nearly 10 cents in just a week.
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Thousands of Trailers Sit Idle in Otay Mesa, Waiting for Truck Drivers
Supply-chain issues are affecting much of the globe, including the U.S.-Mexico border region.
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2021 Could Be Record Year for Data Breaches
While the world slowed down during the coronavirus pandemic, cybercriminals largely did not. In fact, the number of data breaches has increased.
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How to Make Dollar Stores Pay Off
Dollar stores outnumber Starbucks and McDonald’s combined—and more are coming. Four of 10 store openings this year are expected to be dollar stores.
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Is Travel Insurance Worth the Cost Right Now?
Planning a vacation can be stressful. The pandemic showed how quickly plans can change and need to be adjusted or even canceled. With borders opening back up and cruise lines running once again, people are taking a closer look at travel insurance.
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Critic Says Can and Bottle Deposits Have Become De Facto Tax
Consumer advocates say changes in recent years have made it harder for us to get our CRV deposits
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How to Fight Funky Household Odors
How to track down and tackle those odd smells around the house.
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Three Insurance Companies Ordered to Issue More Refunds to Drivers
People drove less during the pandemic, that’s why many drivers saw lower premiums or received refunds. But three companies have been ordered to “close the gap” between what they’ve actually paid, and how much they owe drivers.
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Beware of Parking Lot Car Repairs
A quick car repair sounds like a great deal, especially if it’s done while you’re already busy. If you get approached about a parking lot car repair, take a second look before agreeing to anything.
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Planning a Cruise? Here's What You Need to Know
Cruise ships have returned to the Port of San Diego. As passengers board once again, they may notice some changes on their trip.
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Beware, Younger People at High Risk of Falling for Scams
Many people assume the elderly are the primary target of scams, but now the younger generations are being duped just as much.
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SDG&E Overcharges University Heights Woman by Hundreds
There’s usually some concern when an energy bill spikes. People might thing they’ve left appliances running or made another mistake. But what do you do when your energy bills each charge hundreds of dollars?
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How to Find and Delete Old Online Accounts
Keeping all that unused personal data lying around the internet could put your digital privacy and security at risk. Now Consumer Reports reveals some tips and tricks to help you say goodbye to unwanted accounts once and for all.
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Finding Treasure During Pandemic Cleaning
During the pandemic many people took the time to clean and organize. People found all kinds of treasures inside, including some rare coins and jewelry.
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18-Year-Old Truck Drivers Could Soon Cross State Lines
Commercial truck drivers must be 21 or older to transport goods across state lines. New rules in the bipartisan infrastructure bill that passed the Senate would create a program for some 18-year-olds to cross state lines. It’s to help make it easier to find drivers.
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Suspicious Texts May Be Trying to Steal Your Personal Data
Many of us check our text messages without much thought. That’s why people are trying to use texts to steal your personal information.
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Quick Do's and Don'ts for Efficient Laundry
With students away at college, you might have less laundry to do. But they might be clueless about how to do it on their own. That’s where Consumer Reports comes in with some laundry do’s and don’ts that all of us can benefit from.
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Keep Your Apple Products Safe from Cyberattacks
For a long time, many of us assumed that Apple devices were untouchable when it came to cyberthreats and malware because they’re too tough to hack, but not anymore: Recent attacks against Apple products are causing concern.
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What You Need to Know to Clear Your Clutter Once and For All
Feeling cramped in your home? Getting rid of items you no longer use may help.
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How to Buy a Used Car Instead of a Lemon
The pandemic-related computer chip shortage isn’t expected to end anytime soon, and it’s having an impact on the production of new cars and trucks. As a result, the used-car market is hotter than ever. But pre-owned cars can sometimes have problems. Consumer Reports’ car experts share some advice to help you determine whether a used vehicle is a go... -
New Rules on Paying for College
The pandemic made college even harder for many families to afford. Consumer Reports explains that recent changes could make school more affordable.
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Cruising Toward A Refund: Regulators Propose New Rules to Protect Future U.S. Cruise Passengers
Cruise lines were heavily impacted by COVID-19, leading to confusion and frustration for customers looking for refunds. Now, federal regulators are stepping in and could soon have policies on the books protecting the wallets of future passengers.
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Will Free Rides, WiFi Get San Diegans to Ride Mass Transit?
When was the last time you rode a bus? Most adults haven’t been on one in years, but there’s a new push to try to get people to use mass transit.
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You're Running Out of Time for Back-to-School Shopping
Students around the county are returning to school as local stores are pushing back-to-school sales. Some people are waiting to score the best deals, but time might be running out. “You may find the selection and inventory levels way lower of those specific items for back to school,” said Miro Copic, a marketing professor at SDSU. ̶... -
How to Keep Groceries Safe in a Hot Car
So how can you safely get your groceries home when the heat is on? Consumer Reports’ food-safety experts reveal some simple tips to save your food and keep your cool.
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It Might be Time to Replace Your Bike Helmet
Before you hit the streets or trails, you’ll need a good helmet. You might be surprised to learn that bike helmets don’t last forever, and need to be replaced.
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Local Jewelers Warns More Fake Rolexes Are Being Sold
Local jewelers told NBC 7 that they are seeing more and more unsuspecting people bringing in higher-quality counterfeits Rolex watches.
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Some Families Left Out of First Round of Child Tax Credit Payments
The IRS just sent out a second round of advance child tax credit payments, but some taxpayers with Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITIN) are still waiting for their first payments. The IRS tells NBC Responds it is working on a fix. Read on to learn about the payments and what families can expect. How the advance tax credit works TheR... -
Surge in E-Bike Riders Has Some Educators Worried About Student Safety
Students are finding new ways to get to school. Electric bicycles are filling the streets as children and teens are joining in on the ever-more popular devices.
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Tech Tips to Get You a Better Sleep
Many of us rely on tech all day long. But did you know it could also help you at night when it’s time to go to bed? Consumer Reports explains how adding some tech to your daily routine can make all the difference in getting a good night’s sleep.
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Career Advisors Say it's a Job Seeker's Market
Career advisers say a lot of businesses are looking for workers, and there’s not as many applicants as there were before the pandemic.
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Are Water, Wastewater Bills About to Rise?
While water rates have increased in the past few years, it’s been longer since wastewater rates changed.
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Alternatives to High-Interest Payday Loans
Even with some recent reforms, many of these loans still come with hefty fees and very high interest rates. The good news is that there are alternatives, and as Consumer Reports explains, you just have to know where to look.
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Southwestern College Classes Help Launch Drone Pilots' Careers
New technology means new jobs that weren’t even an option a few decades ago. As drones become more mainstream, becoming a licensed drone pilot can open doors.
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Many Americans Unaware of When Products Are Recalled
Recalls are a tool used to remove defective products, which can be dangerous, from the marketplace, but learning about a recall can be difficult.
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Fast Fixes to Get Your A/C to Peak Performance
Here are some tips for when Mother Nature turns up the heat.
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Data Breaches Could Reach All-Time High by End of 2021: ITRC
Data breaches are on the rise. Criminals are attacking companies and hoping to get personal information, that they can use to turn a profit.
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Catalytic Converter Thefts Soaring: How to Protect Your Vehicle and Your Money
Thieves are cutting catalytic converters from vehicles parked on streets and in driveways, looking to cash in on the metals found inside.
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You Might Save Money Getting a Cell-Phone Plan From Your Cable Company
More and more cable and broadband companies are offering cell-phone plans, and those plans can often save you money.
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San Diego's Housing Market Strong Despite Foreclosure Protections Expiring Soon
Federal foreclosure protections are set to expire starting at the end of July. The protections included a moratorium on certain foreclosures, as well as the ability for forbearance. That meant the number of homes for sale fell drastically.
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Home Prices Soared 30% This Year. Why Is Property-Tax Revenue Only Up 4%?
The reasons why, say local officials, come down to California’s Proposition 13 and the pandemic.
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New Robocall Fighting Tool Now in Effect
There’s been a surge in robocalls during the pandemic, but relief might be on the way. The FCC’s latest ruling just went into effect this week. Here’s what you need to know.
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Shopping for Electric Car? San Diego County Has Some Thoughts
San Diego County has created a consumer-guide website for people interested in purchasing an electric vehicle with information about benefits, costs, incentives and a link to start shopping for vehicles.
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You Can Still Get Help From the Federal Government to Pay for Your Internet
The federal program to help families pay for their internet still has a lot of money left, but you still want to sign up soon.
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Tips on How to Cook the Best Burger Ever
Consumer Reports is good at settling disputes, so it cooked lots of burgers three different ways to see which delivers the best burger.
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California Gas Tax Increases Ahead of Fourth of July Weekend
Californians will be spending even more money at the pump. A new gas tax increase takes effect Thursday. And, that’s on top of already sky-high prices.
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Fewer Rideshare Drivers Leaves Riders Waiting Longer
If you’ve tried to call for an Uber or Lyft, chances are you’ve noticed either a longer wait time or higher cost. That’s because there are fewer drivers out on the road.
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How the Pandemic Made Lasting Changes to Grocery Stores
The coronavirus pandemic affected all types of businesses. Grocery stores stayed open the entire time, but it still changed how they function.
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Expect High Gas Prices Ahead of 4th of July Weekend
Gas prices are higher than usual right now. It’s easy to compare it to last year’s low prices during the pandemic, but current prices are well above this same time in 2019 as well.
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How to Take Better Photos on Your Phone
People are using their smartphones to take photos more than ever. But how do you maximize the quality?
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Car Prices Skyrocket as Buyers Battle Over Short Supply
Buying a car right now can be very frustrating. Supply is low, demand is high, and the prices for new and used cars have jumped.
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NBC 7 Responds Works to Recover Your Money
As California reopens, the pandemic is still having a very real impact on some people. The NBC 7 Responds team has been working to return money to San Diegans.
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Is Intermittent Fasting Right for You?
Intermittent fasting has become one of the most popular health and fitness trends in recent years. Consumer Reports shares how you can benefit from it while avoiding the downsides.
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What You Need to Know About Countertop Vacuum Sealers
Summer’s fresh fruits and vegetables are available now, and maybe you’re looking for a way to keep those garden-fresh flavors longer. As Consumer Reports explains, a vacuum sealer can extend freshness and save you money when you’re freezing food.
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Where Do San Diegans Vacation When Their Home Town is a Tourist Destination?
NBC 7 Responds looked at some of the areas that are targeting advertising to San Diegans looking for a vacation.
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Calls About Student Loan Forgiveness Might Be Scams
Millions of Americans took out student loans to pay for their education, which means criminals have plenty of targets who are already stressed about debt.
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Choosing the Right Window Air Conditioner
Window air conditioners aren’t the most aesthetically pleasing appliances, but when the heat is on, they’re often the only option if you want to keep cool.
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How to Get Cool Savings from a Ceiling Fan This Summer
Consumer Reports looks at ways to save money on your electric bill this summer.
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Earn Money While Visiting Your Favorite Local Spots
Some San Diegans are earning extra cash while showing travelers around town.
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What Is Amazon Sidewalk? Here's What to Know About the Network You May Have Automatically Joined
On Tuesday, Amazon rolled out its Sidewalk network to compatible Echo devices. The network is designed to connect Amazon devices so that they don’t have to rely on your internet.
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Lost Money to Fraud via MoneyGram? You Might Be Able to Get It Back
Criminals use many different ways to try and steal your money. Wire transfers are a common way they ask for you to send them money that is almost impossible to recover. Now a new MoneyGram settlement with the FTC is giving people a chance to try and get some of their money back.
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These Sunscreens Are More Likely to Protect Your Skin, Consumer Reports Finds
Dermatologists try to make it easy by saying that the best sunscreen is the one you’ll actually use. But as Consumer Reports’ new tests reveal, some sunscreens are much better at protecting your skin than others.
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What You Should Include When Filing a Consumer Complaint
If you feel you’ve been wronged by a company or business it might feel like you have no where to turn. Here’s a few steps you can take to try and resolve your issue.
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What Happens After Your Identity is Stolen?
Identity theft is a crime that can have long-lasting implications. Now the number of repeat victims is on the rise.
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San Diego Restaurants See Biggest Surge of Customers Nationwide: Study
The coronavirus pandemic hit restaurants, bars and breweries hard. Some turned to offering takeout only, while others closed their doors entirely. Since January, many diners have started to return to eat & drink at their favorite establishments.
