Consumer alerts

December 13, 2007 -- 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.

Name of Product: Baby Toys Baby Bead & Wire Toys and Speed Racer Pull Back & Go Action! Cars

Units: About 300,000

Importer: Greenbrier International Inc., of Chesapeake, Va.

Hazard: The recalled toys contain excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.    » read more »

December 13, 2007 -- 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.

Name of Product: Codeena Princess Children’s Metal Jewlery

Units: About 1,000

Importer: Codee International, of Northvale, N.J.

Hazard: The recalled jewelry contains high levels of lead. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.    » read more »

December 13, 2007 -- Raleigh -- North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper today warned North Carolina consumers to be skeptical of post cards or telephone calls claiming that their car warranties are about to expire.

“These offers target seniors and other car owners with post cards and phone calls that sound urgent,” said Cooper, whose office is investigating the post cards and calls. “They want to pressure you into buying an expensive car warranty. Don’t let a high-pressure sales pitch talk you into something you don’t want or need."    » read more »

“SINDOOR” found to contain extremely high levels of lead

December 13, 2007 -- SPRINGFIELD – Dr. Damon T. Arnold, Illinois state public health director, is warning consumers not to use a recalled product called “SWAD. SINDOOR. Best Taste in Town,” an orange or red powder used in some traditional Middle Eastern ceremonies that is applied to the face or scalp.    » read more »

December 12, 2007 -- 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.

Name of Product: Fishing Games

Units: About 14,000

Importer/Distributor: Far East Brokers and Consultants Inc., of Jacksonville, Fla.

Hazard: The recalled game has parts that contain excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.    » read more »

December 12, 2007 -- 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.

Name of Product: Horseshoe Magnets

Units: About 153,000

Importer: United Scientific, of Waukegan, Ill.

Hazard: Surface paint on the magnets contains high levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standards.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.    » read more »

December 11, 2007 -- 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.

Name of Product: Oceanic and AERIS SCUBA Regulator First Stages

Units: About 6,000

Manufacturer: ROMI Enterprises, of San Leandro, Calif.    » read more »

December 7, 2007 -- 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.

Name of Product: Children’s Sunglasses

Units: About 260,000

Importer: FGX International Inc., of Smithfield, R.I.

Hazard: Surface paint on the sunglasses can contain excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.    » read more »

December 6, 2007 -- 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.

Name of Product: Holiday Figurines

Units: About 64,000

Importer: The Home Depot, of Atlanta, Ga.

Manufacturer: Creative Design, of Hong Kong

Hazard: Surface paint on the holiday figurines contains lead.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.    » read more »

December 6, 2007 -- 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.

Name of Product: The First Years 3-in-1 Flush and Sounds Potty Seats

Units: About 160,000

Importer/Distributor: RC2 Corp., of Oak Brook, Ill.    » read more »

December 10, 2007 -- New Hampshire Attorney General Kelly A. Ayotte issued a consumer alert today regarding charitable donations and tips to avoid fraud. Attorney General Ayotte said:    » read more »

December 10, 2007 -- Jefferson City, Mo. — Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon says Kansas City-area consumers are receiving phone calls that appear to be from Mazuma Credit Union, but actually are from identity thieves. An official-sounding phone call says the customer’s account has been suspended because of fraud, then asks them to call a toll-free number to reactivate the account. When they call the number, consumers are asked for their credit card number.    » read more »

December 7, 2007 -- Chicago - Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan today urged fans purchasing tickets and making travel arrangements to attend the 2008 Rose Bowl to exercise caution and be wary of last-minute bargains.

“ Illinois fans should be on the lookout for fraudulent ticket and travel scams,” Madigan said. “As the bowl season approaches, there are con artists ready to take advantage of fans who want to join in the festivities.”

Madigan offered the following tips and information regarding ticket sales and travel arrangements.

TICKETS    » read more »

December 06, 2007 -- OLYMPIA – Washington Attorney General Rob McKenna today cautioned Washington residents to beware of possible flood-related scams including fraudulent home repair offers and charity appeals.

“As the flood waters recede, scam artists may move into the area to prey on both victims and those who want to help them,” McKenna said. “Watch out for questionable contractors, phony charity pitches and cons posing as government officials.”

Offers to help with repairs and cleanup    » read more »

December 6, 2007 -- With the holiday season in full swing, many Texans might encounter advertisements promising instant cash loans. Consumers should avoid loan offers that require up-front payments for “taxes” or “processing fees.” Legitimate lenders never ask borrowers to pay money up-front in order to obtain a loan.    » read more »