5 Products with Over-Hyped Health Claims

The Consumer Federation of America has put together a 20-question quiz about credit scores. Most people only score about 70 on the test, so we've got more to learn.

For years you have accumulated frequent flier miles on your favorite airline. Now, with airfares so high, you decide you want to cash in miles for a free trip. What are the odds of getting a seat on the date and flights you want? According to this study (see chart), it depends on the airline you choose. On Southwest, you'll fly whenever you want, but on Delta, three out four times you'll be out of luck.

When thousands were asked to name their favorite grocer, Giant Food (sister chain to Stop & Shop) garnered first place. How do consumers pick their favorite? They base it primarily on location rather than other factors. Aldi was the top pick for low prices, and Walmart came in last place in such categories as quality of meat and produce, and courteous staff.

Mouse Print* -- Sign Up for Comcast, Get $500?

Last week, Comcast advertised what seemed like the most generous new customer offer ever: sign up and get up to a $500 Visa prepaid card. Wow...$500! Not so fast. That's great bait, but we tell you about the switch. That story is this week in Mouse Print* .

Enter an item, and compare its price at dozens of online stores instantly

All Products Appliances Auto Parts Babies & Kids Books Cameras Clothing Computers Electronics Flowers & Gifts Grocery & Gourmet Furniture Health & Beauty Indoor Living Industrial Supply Jewelry & Watches Magazines Movies Music Musical Instruments Office Outdoor Living Software Sporting Goods Toys Video Games (Use brand, title, model#, etc.) 370313 ++

Here's a place to publicly thank customer-oriented companies for providing good service. MrConsumer had extraordinary service from Aldi, Vistaprint, Stop & Shop Pharmacy, and SurveyGizmo recently. See what they did, or better yet, add your own compliment about a different company that gave you great service. [No whining allowed.]

Free Krispy Kreme Donut June 1

Krispy Kreme is celebrating its 75th birthday, and you get the gift. They are giving away one free donut of your choice per person on June 1.

See also: Hot Deals

Most/Least Reliable Major Appliance Brands

Consumer Reports list the brands of refrigerators, stoves, and dishwashers that need the most repairs and fewest repairs. (Note: this is not a complete list; you need to be a subscriber to view that.) Surprisingly, some brands that top one category, may be in the cellar in another.

Digital Cameras	GPS Units	Flat Panel LCD TVs
Laptops	Computer Displays	Printers
Ink & Toner	Appliances	Other Items ++

• Many ATMs and Fare Machines Shortchange the Blind
• Shoppers Fear Double Coupons Will Disappear
• Pink Slime-Laced Ground Beef Disappearing Fast
• Survey: Metric Measurements on Food Nutrition Labels Mislead Many
• 2011 Return Policy Survey
• Sears Caught Cramming Service Contracts onto Appliance Orders
• Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 Tablet Reviewed
• Groceries Price Comparison Survey: Drugstores vs. Supermarkets
• Flaw Lets Hackers Spoof Your Caller ID to Gain Access to Your Credit Card Account History at Major Banks
• Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 Tablet Reviewed
• Different Prices Coming for Cash vs. Plastic

Is Proud to Support Consumer World^®