News Direct

Author: Danielle Antosz

  • ‘Let’s see what happens’: NYC store goes viral for selling $4 ‘mystery boxes’ — but some packages come with an extra shocking surprise. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself

    ‘Let’s see what happens’: NYC store goes viral for selling $4 ‘mystery boxes’ — but some packages come with an extra shocking surprise. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself

    A dollar store in the Bronx has gone viral after a TikTok video showcased its $4 “mystery packages.”

    The boxes, which contain returned merchandise from retailers like Amazon, Walmart and others, can hold anything from brand-new sandals to toilet plungers. The thrill of the unknown is part of the appeal — and business is booming.

    Don’t miss

    “Just hope and pray, let’s see what happens,” said one shopper outside Dollar Universe.

    Store manager Luis Almonte sources the boxes from liquidators in Brooklyn and New Jersey, paying around $600 for pallets of roughly 400 items. The goods are customer returns from across the country, many originally sold by Amazon or Walmart, and resold in bulk through liquidation channels.

    But as the store’s popularity grows, so do the questions.

    Are these sales legal?

    Almonte insisted to WABC 7 Eyewitness News that he’s just trying to run a fun, affordable business. Still, he’s aware there may be legal or ethical lines he doesn’t want to cross.

    “I’m going to do an investigation to see, because I don’t want to do anything illegal that hurts myself,” Almonte said.

    To test the process, reporter Kemberly Richardson purchased one of the returned items and discovered the original buyer’s full name, phone number and home address were still on the box.

    She called the phone number, and the stunned buyer confirmed they had returned what was supposed to be a yoga mat. They were shocked to hear their personal information was still floating around on a resold package.

    Almonte said he normally uses a marker to obscure personal information and is willing to go further if needed.

    “I scratch the name dark that way nobody sees,” he said, adding that if that’s not enough, he’ll remove items from the packaging altogether.

    Walmart told Eyewitness News it requires all its liquidators to remove personal customer information before resale. Amazon said it’s now investigating the matter, including “the possibility that these products may have been delivered to customer addresses, were stolen and are now being resold by unauthorized third parties.”

    Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

    What happens to those Amazon packages you return?

    Returned Amazon packages don’t always go back on the digital shelves. Many are routed to liquidation warehouses where they’re bundled into pallets and auctioned off to resellers. These buyers — like Almonte — often have no idea what’s in each box until it’s opened.

    While this resale model isn’t new, the viral popularity of $4 “mystery boxes” is raising fresh concerns about data privacy and consumer protection.

    If you return items online, you might assume your personal data is wiped — but that’s not always the case. In rare instances, as this story highlights, packaging labels with full names, phone numbers and addresses can end up in the hands of strangers.

    To protect yourself, make sure to:

    • Remove or deface shipping labels before returning items, when possible.
    • Avoid returns that include sensitive items or personal documents.
    • Monitor your accounts and credit reports for unusual activity, especially if you’ve recently made several returns.

    This incident doesn’t necessarily mean you need to stop shopping online, but it’s a reminder that once you send a package back, what happens next is often out of your control.

    Major retailers like Walmart and Amazon allow third-party liquidation of returns, and they typically have policies in place to protect customer privacy. But as this case shows, gaps can occur — especially when items move through multiple hands.

    What to read next

    Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. Subscribe for free.

    This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

  • California suspects found with $500K in stolen sports cards, hundreds of pinched passports and loaded gun after dramatic arrest, police say — here’s how to avoid shelling out on stolen goods

    California suspects found with $500K in stolen sports cards, hundreds of pinched passports and loaded gun after dramatic arrest, police say — here’s how to avoid shelling out on stolen goods

    Mitchell Guttenberg, co-owner of Bullpen Sports HQ in El Segundo, California, wasn’t about to get fooled twice.

    When two familiar faces walked into his store on April 10, he called the police, according to KTLA 5, and in doing so he may have helped crack a major theft case.

    Don’t miss

    Officers apprehended the pair at the store and claim they uncovered a staggering haul: hundreds of stolen ID cards, stolen passports, methamphetamine, a loaded handgun and over $500,000 worth of collectible sports cards and rare memorabilia.

    It was a dramatic end to a series of actions that had quietly started weeks earlier. Here’s what happened.

    How the events unfolded

    Guttenberg first encountered the suspected criminals — a man and a woman — in late March when they visited Bullpen Sports HQ hoping to sell a large batch of sports cards.

    “They were calm,” Guttenberg recalled to KTLA 5 in a story published April 23. “They said their father had passed away and he had been collecting for years.”

    Trusting their story, Guttenberg says he bought the cards. It wasn’t until later that he learned the items were reported stolen. So, when the same pair returned to the store two weeks later, Guttenberg didn’t hesitate — he called the cops.

    Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

    According to police, when officers arrived, the male suspect tried to flee the store. Surveillance footage obtained by the local broadcaster captured the moment officers tackled him just outside the entrance. During the struggle, the man allegedly reached toward his waistband, where there was a fully loaded handgun. Officers subdued and arrested him without serious injuries.

    Per KTLA 5, officers say they discovered the previously mentioned haul of stolen goods and drugs inside the suspects’ vehicle .

    The male suspect was arrested on charges including being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession of stolen property, drug charges, driving a stolen vehicle and resisting arrest, according to KTLA 5. The woman was arrested for possession of stolen property, possession of hard drugs with two or more prior convictions and possession of identity theft materials with a previous conviction.

    How to avoid purchasing pinched goods

    Guttenberg had no idea the cards he purchased were stolen at the time — and in many cases, it can be hard for buyers to tell. But there are steps you can take to protect yourself as a businessperson and collector.

    • Shop at trusted stores: Most stores have policies in place to protect themselves from theft. While they aren’t always foolproof, it’s a first line of defense.
    • Ask for proof of ownership: Request a receipt, bill of sale or serial numbers. Authentic collectors should have no problem providing documentation you can use to verify their wares are legit.
    • Look for red flags: Suspiciously low prices, missing original packaging or inconsistent stories from the seller are signs that something might be wrong. Don’t risk your money on suspect purchases.
    • Verify authenticity: For high-value items, it may be worth getting a second opinion from an expert before you buy. An appraiser or other industry expert can help confirm if memorabilia is legit.
    • Search online: Use searchable databases or check special-interest online forums to see if similar items have been reported stolen. This can also help you spot price discrepancies.
    • Trust your gut: If something feels off, it probably is. Walking away is better than getting tangled up in stolen goods unknowingly.

    While it’s not always possible to spot a scam, being cautious can protect you — and your wallet — from becoming part of someone else’s crime story.

    What to read next

    Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. Subscribe for free.

    This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

  • Maryland man lost $40,000 to ‘evil geniuses’ in ‘polished’ scam — with over 36,000 reported incidents that cost Americans $1 billion in 2024, here are the patterns you need to watch out for

    Maryland man lost $40,000 to ‘evil geniuses’ in ‘polished’ scam — with over 36,000 reported incidents that cost Americans $1 billion in 2024, here are the patterns you need to watch out for

    In just the first four months of 2025, people in Prince George’s County, Maryland, have lost at least $1 million to scams, according to police.

    One person lost $700,000. Another area resident lost $40,000 after being tricked by fraudsters who posed variously as a Microsoft tech support agent, a rep from his bank and even a federal agent.

    “I was dealing with people I would call evil geniuses,” he told WTOP, asking not to be named. “At the time, I thought I was actually safeguarding the money.”

    Don’t miss

    While he may not get his $40,000 back, he’s sharing his story in the hope that he can protect other people from falling for the same con.

    Rehearsed responses and fake credentials

    It started when the man saw a pop-up on his computer saying his computer had been hacked. The pop-up message included a phone number to call for tech support.

    He called the number and was soon speaking with someone he thought was a Microsoft employee. He was then transferred to a woman who claimed to be from his bank. Then he was connected with another person impersonating a federal official.

    Despite his skepticism, each of the imposters had rehearsed responses and fake credentials.

    He recalled actually saying to one of them, “This is exactly what a scammer would do.”

    “But something about her polished rhetoric came back and convinced me otherwise,” he said.

    Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

    The scammers warned him not to use his phone, laptop, or email, claiming that all his devices were compromised. He was told not to speak to friends or even Google the word ‘scams’— as that could be a red flag.

    Believing his accounts were at risk, he handed over $40,000 to someone he thought was a legitimate carrier. That’s when the Prince George’s County Police Department stepped in.

    So when Gyoung Lee, 47, of Flushing, New York, arrived at the victim’s home expecting more cash, officers with the Financial Crimes Unit (FCU) arrested him on the scene.

    Officers also arrested Parmveer Parmveer, 25, of Grove City, Ohio, in connection with the case involving a $700,000 loss.

    Sgt. John Quarless of the Prince George’s County FCU said it’s important for victims not to be embarrassed because these kinds of tech scams are so common.

    “What I encourage, no matter how much information you have, is to call the police and report it,” he told WTOP. “Let us do our due diligence.”

    The tech scam and red flags

    According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), Americans lost $1.4 billion to tech support scams in 2024, with more than 36,000 reported incidents.

    While most victims of such scams are over 60, scammers target people of all backgrounds: young and old, rich and poor, highly educated or not.

    What is consistent is the con artists’ approach.

    “They’re going to create a sense of urgency, a sense of privacy and don’t want you to talk to anybody about it,” Sgt. Quarless said.

    It’s how scammers gain control. Don’t let them. Here are red flags to watch out for.

    A sense of urgency

    Scammers often claim your money is in immediate danger or your account has been compromised. They’ll push you to act fast, hoping you don’t slow down and think it through. Don’t fall for it. Instead, hang up the phone and talk to someone you trust. Visit the bank in person if you’re worried about calling in.

    Isolation tactics

    Victims are frequently told not to talk to anyone — not friends, not family, not even their bank. That’s a major red flag. They’re worried that if you ask for help, someone will stop their scam in its tracks. Instead, make sure you ask for help. Talk to a trusted friend, financial advisor, or bank employee.

    Demands for untraceable payments

    Any request for money through cash couriers, wire transfers, crypto or gift cards is a giveaway. Real businesses and agencies don’t work this way. Never send money to someone you don’t know through these methods.

    Offering to protect your money

    Federal regulations already protect most bank accounts. Pulling the money from your account won’t protect it in most cases. If someone offers to protect your money from a scam, there’s an excellent chance they are the scammers. They’ll say you’re moving the money to a ‘safe account,’ but that account belongs to them.

    If you’re being scammed, officials recommend slowing down, hanging up the phone and calling your bank. Look on the back of your debit or credit card for the legitimate customer service number; don’t trust online pop-up ads.

    Many victims stay silent, feeling ashamed that they were fooled. But speaking up like this victim did helps law enforcement track down suspects and potentially warn others before they’re targeted.

    What to read next

    Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. Subscribe for free.

    This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

  • ‘This is a record’: Trump’s federal job cuts see home listings in Washington jump an unprecedented 25%, says Redfin. Could it be a ‘sign of what’s to come’ for the rest of the US?

    ‘This is a record’: Trump’s federal job cuts see home listings in Washington jump an unprecedented 25%, says Redfin. Could it be a ‘sign of what’s to come’ for the rest of the US?

    New data from Redfin shows housing inventory in Washington, D.C., has jumped an unprecedented 25% year over year, its largest leap on record.

    This spike is reflecting an impending shift towards buyers in a market that previously strongly favoured sellers. Economists tie the increase to a wave of federal job cuts that has pushed thousands of pink-slipped workers to leave the area for cheaper cities or fully remote roles.

    “Quite a few people in D.C. are selling their homes because they’re losing their jobs,” says local Redfin Premier real estate agent Mary Bazargan. “Many of those people are planning to leave the area because the cost of living is high and they want a new job that allows them to work remotely and be closer to family."

    Redfin Chief Economist Daryl Fairweather says, "It’s a new phenomenon that new listings would be jumping so much. This is a record."

    The sudden availability of homes hasn’t shifted prices yet, but experts predict that may be coming. Here’s what you need to know if you’re in the market for a home in the capital — or are looking to sell in 2025.

    Don’t miss

    “A sign of what’s to come”

    Since Trump took office on January 20th, more than 121,000 federal workers have been laid off or targeted for layoffs, reports CNN. Workers who no longer need to live in the D.C. area could have a massive impact on local housing, creating a more competitive environment.

    With more homes on the market, sellers can no longer assume they’ll receive multiple offers on the first weekend. Fairweather says many sellers may now need to offer concessions to sweeten the deal, such as inspection contingencies, closing-cost credits, or mortgage-rate buydowns.

    Redfin data shows inventory across the broader D.C. metro (including Northern Virginia and nearby Maryland) rose 25.1% in May, dwarfing the national increase of 14.2%. Prices haven’t collapsed — the median sale price dipped only 3% — but the trajectory feels very different from last spring when sellers were dictating terms.

    “What’s happening with housing inventory in Washington, D.C. could be a sign of what’s to come in other U.S. housing markets,” says Redfin Senior Economist Asad Khan in a press release. “And while strong housing demand is buoying prices in D.C., the rest of the country isn’t so hot. Other markets may not be able to absorb further inventory growth without prices softening.”

    For now, however, the housing market remains strong despite the increase in inventory.

    Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

    Bazargan, the real estate agent, says many of her clients are still facing stiff competition when buying properties in the area. A recent client bid over listing on a home and waived all contingencies, meaning they were not asking the seller to allow them to back out of the deal if the inspection showed issues or their current home didn’t sell.

    Still, she says, "The seller decided to go with an all-cash offer because [they were] concerned the buyer, with the uncertainty of the economy, might lose their job and not be able to get to closing.”

    Even so, Bazargan advises qualified shoppers to strike now. "If they are ready to move, and they feel financially secure, this is the market for you," she says. You’ll have more to choose from, and you’re less likely to compete against multiple offers.

    A recalibrating housing market

    D.C. has not yet fully shifted to a buyer’s market. The district has roughly three months of inventory — below the 4- to 5-month “balanced” range — meaning it’s still nominally a seller’s market, but the listings are rising quickly.

    Mortgage rates that hover in the high 6% range are also muting purchasing power. But the psychological shift is unmistakable: open houses last longer, price-cuts pop up on MLS feeds and earnest-money deposits aren’t quite as daunting.

    While rising inventory means buyers will have more options and housing prices are dipping modestly, the average home in the D.C. area is still over $600,000.

    For now, sellers should consider pricing strategies. Buyers are getting a little breathing room and everyone is recalibrating to a market that suddenly feels almost balanced — before yet another possible shift in the nation’s capital.

    What to read next

    Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. Subscribe for free.

    This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

  • ‘It’s a living nightmare’: Michigan renters say they’ve endured water shut-offs for months — and even when it’s on, it’s not safe to drink. And then their water bills spiked inexplicably

    ‘It’s a living nightmare’: Michigan renters say they’ve endured water shut-offs for months — and even when it’s on, it’s not safe to drink. And then their water bills spiked inexplicably

    Residents in a Riverview, Michigan apartment complex say they’ve been living without reliable running water for months.

    “It’s affecting our everyday lives … and causing major stress,” Robert Bangs, a Huntington House Apartments resident told WXYC Channel 7 News.

    “Can we go home and take a shower? Can we use water? And they even did it on Christmas.”

    When the water is working, it’s often brown, filled with sediment and unsafe to drink, reports Channel 7 News.

    Don’t miss

    Bangs and his girlfriend, cancer survivor Dawn Sample, say the situation has gone from frustrating to what they now describe as “a living nightmare.” Multiple residents have reported that low water pressure, discolored water and lengthy water shut-offs have become a regular part of their weekly routine.

    Here’s what they’ve been facing — and what you can do if you’re faced with a similar situation.

    ‘It’s just a shame when you try to live your normal life and you can’t’

    The issues started in July 2024, says Bangs, after Essential Property Management took over the 129-unit complex. Since then, he says the water has sometimes been shut off with no warning.

    Starting March 5, residents were told the water would be turned off every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Bangs says it often stays off until after 6 p.m.

    To deal with the shut-offs, the management company provided two porta-potties for residents to use. But Bangs says that’s not a real solution, especially for his partner, who has a compromised immune system after being treated for cancer.

    Adding to their frustration, the couple’s water and sewer bill spiked to around $90 a month, even with days when there was no water at all.

    “That makes no sense,” Bangs said. “Don’t make people pay for water when you’re cutting it off on them.”

    Determined to get answers, he gathered signatures for a petition, requested master water bills from the city and tried to contact Essential Property Management. But at one point, the company’s phone number was disconnected.

    That’s when Bangs contacted WXYZ. After reporters got involved, the company restored its phone service and issued a statement.

    “All repairs have been appropriately permitted through the City’s building department and have been undertaken incrementally, with advance notice and controlled, short-term water shutoffs provided to residents. We are pleased to be making these necessary improvements, especially given our involvement with this property only began in July 2024,” said CEO Todd Rodgers in the statement.

    Rodgers also said residents are billed based on actual water usage from city records, and encouraged tenants to contact management with any concerns.

    Bangs says the response doesn’t go far enough. He believes residents should be reimbursed for the days they couldn’t use water, and that filters should have been provided to help deal with the discolored supply.

    “It’s just a shame when you try to live your normal life and you can’t,” he said.

    Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

    Facing a similar struggle? Here’s what to do

    Under Michigan’s Housing Law (MCL 125.472), landlords are legally required to provide running water at all times. The law mandates that every unit have at least one sink with a continuous water supply and that the building be equipped to distribute that water day and night. Long-term or repeated shut-offs may violate this law, even if repairs are underway.

    Here’s what tenants can do if they’re facing a similar issue:

    • Document everything. Take photos or videos of discolored water, sediment, or lack of pressure. Keep copies of any written notices, bills, or communication from management.

    • File a complaint with local officials. In Michigan, residents can contact their local building or code enforcement office. They may conduct an inspection and cite the landlord for violations.

    • Contact a tenants’ rights organization or legal aid. Groups like Michigan Legal Help or Lakeshore Legal Aid can help you understand your rights and offer assistance with drafting formal complaints or legal actions.

    • Withhold rent — but only legally. In some cases, tenants may be allowed to withhold rent until critical repairs are made, but this must be done by the law. Speak to a legal advisor before taking this step.

    • Ask about reimbursement. If you’ve paid for a utility that wasn’t functional, you may be able to request reimbursement or a rent reduction. Again, documentation and communication are key.

    • Consider going public if needed. As Bangs did, media attention can sometimes push property managers to act faster, especially if other channels fail.

    Safe, running water isn’t a luxury — it’s a basic human right. If landlords don’t provide it, residents have a right to speak up and seek support.

    What to read next

    Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. Subscribe for free.

    This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

  • ‘We just want some law and order’: South LA residents say trash fires, dumping, masked gunmen and nearby encampments are making life dangerous — and they want the state to do more

    ‘We just want some law and order’: South LA residents say trash fires, dumping, masked gunmen and nearby encampments are making life dangerous — and they want the state to do more

    Residents of LA’s South Bay community say they are fed up with dumping, trash fires and rising crime in their neighborhood — issues they claim are directly tied to nearby homeless encampments.

    The area sits at the intersection of multiple jurisdictions, including Union Pacific Railroad, Caltrans, the state of California and the city of Los Angeles. That overlap has made it difficult to determine who’s responsible for addressing the growing problems, but locals say they’re hopeful that Governor Gavin Newsom’s new ordinance targeting homeless encampments will finally be a solution.

    "We just want some law and order," local business owner Caesar Verdin told reporters.

    "Everyone pays their taxes. California is one of the most expensive states to live in and we feel like our tax money should be coming up with solutions instead of the problems getting bigger."

    Don’t miss

    Residents concerned with fire, dumping and crime

    "It’s pretty lawless out here," Verdin told Fox 11 reporters. "Kids aren’t allowed to go outside on their own without adult supervision."

    Verdin’s family has owned and operated the local business for more than 40 years. He says things have gotten significantly worse in recent years.

    A recent report from the Los Angeles Fire Department seems to back up his claim. The department says that people experiencing homelessness (PEH) have been involved with at least 500 trash fires in the area since January 1st, 2025, according to Fox 11 News. The department noted a 475% increase in rubbish fires from 2014 to 2024 and while not all incidents are directly tied to homeless encampments, many are.

    The local Watts Fire Station told Fox 11 News that “easily” 95% of the fires they respond to are homeless-related. Under the 105/110 freeway interchange alone, more than 1,000 fires have been recorded this year.

    But fires aren’t the only concern. Masked gunmen recently rolled up in the area with AK-47s. Graffiti is also an issue and locals say that violent crime and illegal dumping have also escalated. Dave Matthews, a community activist, says bizarre, large-scale dumping has also been an issue.

    "We have 400 pounds of pork shoulder marinating on Figueroa and 127th that was dumped overnight. And then on Saturday, we had 1,000 pounds of pork ribs dumped on the street."

    The nearby railroad tracks have also become dangerous. In a recent tragic incident, a woman lying on the tracks had her leg severed by a train that was unable to stop in time.

    "And then a homeless person actually took the leg into an encampment," said Matthews, who found the limb.

    Locals are hopeful that Governor Gavin Newsom’s new model ordinance related to homeless encampments will finally bring peace to the area.

    Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

    Governer Gavin Newson’s new ordinance aimed at reducing encampments

    The Public Policy Institute of California reports that the population of unhoused people in the state is estimated at 187,000, or 24% of the estimated total in the country. Moreover, two in three of these have no shelter at all. The ballooning issue of homelessness in the state is said to be one Governor Gavin Newsom hopes to shrink in time for a presidential run in 2028.

    The area where many of the fires and illegal dumping are taking place — described by Fox News as an “8-square mile danger zone” — is unique in that small sections of land owned by the city, state and private railways all intersect with each other. Responsibility for the area and enforcement on it has become a hot potato, making it easier for illegal activities to take place and encampments to thrive.

    In May, Gov. Newsom unveiled a model ordinance urging California cities to take quicker action to address unsafe or illegal encampments and connect unhoused residents with services.

    While cities aren’t required to adopt it, the ordinance provides a framework to restrict “persistent camping” in a single location and to prevent encampments from blocking sidewalks and public spaces. It also encourages jurisdictions to provide notice and make a reasonable effort to offer shelter before clearing an encampment.

    The rollout was paired with the announcement of $3.3 billion in grant money for facilities to treat mental disorders, including substance abuse. According to ABC 7 News, cities may be required to comply with the ordinance to access this funding.

    However, homeless advocates say punitive measures don’t work and the ordinance is not enough. Carolyn Coleman, executive director and CEO of the League of California Cities, says most cities already have similar ordinances. To solve the issue, they need money to address the root causes of homelessness, such as lack of housing.

    For residents of South LA, the issue feels urgent. Fires, violent crime and hazardous dumping have become part of daily life and the complex tangle of jurisdictional responsibility only makes matters worse.

    While Newsom’s proposed ordinance has brought hope, many locals say real change will only come with enforcement — and the political will to fund lasting solutions.

    What to read next

    Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. Subscribe for free.

    This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

  • UPS told California man his son’s guitar was destroyed in a wildfire — then he found it for sale online and drove 7 hours to get it back. How to protect your stuff when shopping online

    Tony Diaz purchased a rare guitar for his son, but when the package never arrived and UPS claimed it was lost, Diaz wasn’t buying it.

    UPS actually offered several explanations for why the guitar didn’t arrive, including a claim that it was destroyed in the recent Southern California wildfires, but Diaz was unconvinced.

    Don’t miss

    "I just had an intuition that the guitar was stolen and that it wasn’t damaged and destroyed," Diaz, who lives in Hayward, California, shared with ABC7 News.

    His hunch paid off. After searching online, Diaz spotted the exact guitar for sale on Guitar Center’s website, identified by its unique serial number. Adam Hulsey, who sold the guitar to Diaz, immediately “snatched it up” before Diaz made the roughly seven-hour round trip to Bakersfield to retrieve it.

    "It was 3.5 hours to get up there and it was 4 hours to get back," said Diaz. “Was it worth it? Yeah, it was absolutely worth it.”

    When this dedicated dad couldn’t get UPS to own up to its mistake, Hulsey and Diaz contacted ABC7’s investigative unit, 7 On Your Side. Reporter Melanie Woodrow reached out to a UPS security supervisor, who claimed the guitar had been stolen but said the company couldn’t reimburse Hulsey for more than the insured value.

    After additional conversations, UPS eventually agreed to revisit the case.

    ‘So many different stories’

    Diaz ordered the Dean Dime Slime guitar — a signature model from “Dimebag” Darrell Abbott, former guitar player for the metal band Pantera — from Hulsey, who manages a small shop called Adam’s Guitar Addict in Denison, Texas. Hulsey reportedly shipped three guitars that Diaz had purchased at the same time, but only two arrived.

    When Hulsey contacted UPS to track down the missing guitar, he got a series of conflicting stories.

    "Burned up in a California wildfire, fell off a truck, fell off a train. So many different stories," said Hulsey.

    UPS eventually told Hulsey the package was severely damaged during shipping and was discarded. The shipping company did send Hulsey some compensation, but only based on the declared value at the time of shipping, which wasn’t enough.

    After recovering the guitar, which now has a dent and a visible scratch on the back, Diaz and Hulsey filed a police report and contacted UPS again, but the call reportedly didn’t go well.

    "UPS was kind of — ‘hey why are you calling with this tracking number, this is already a closed case. The guitar was damaged and destroyed,’ and I told them on the phone — well, that’s so funny that the guitar was damaged and destroyed because I just bought it from Guitar Center and I have it in my car with me,” said Diaz.

    Now, with the help of 7 On Your Side, the lime green electric guitar is where it belongs — in the hands of Damian Diaz, Tony’s 16-year-old son.

    "It’s a nice guitar. I like its tone a lot," said the boy as he played his new guitar in front of the ABC7 camera crew.

    In a statement to ABC7, a UPS representative said, "We strive to provide excellent service. We’ve been in contact with the customer and have resolved the situation." Hulsey and Diaz confirmed that they received a larger refund and were finally satisfied with UPS’ response.

    But the question remains: why were Hulsey and Diaz given so many different explanations? According to UPS, a “casualty code” was assigned to the shipment and it’s possible that customer service representatives didn’t understand what the code meant.

    Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

    Who is legally responsible for a lost package — and how to protect yourself

    When a package goes missing during shipping, who’s on the hook depends on the situation and whether the item was insured.

    In general:

    • The shipper (in this case, Hulsey) is responsible for getting the item to the buyer. If a package is lost or damaged in transit, the seller typically must refund or replace it, regardless of whether the loss was their fault.

    • The carrier (like UPS) is liable up to the amount declared or insured at shipping time. If the item wasn’t properly insured, reimbursement may be limited.

    This means the buyer may be out of luck when packages are lost or stolen, unless the item is insured or purchased through a platform with strong buyer protections.

    So, what can you do to protect yourself when making expensive purchases online? Here are a few tips to safeguard your valuable items, as well as your wallet:

    1. Insure high-value items for their full replacement cost. Don’t underreport the value just to save on shipping.
    2. Pay attention to your package’s tracking. If the tracking stops or the status seems stuck, contact the seller immediately. The seller can then contact the shipper to get to the bottom of the delayed or missing shipment.
    3. Save receipts and documentation. If you need to report a missing package, you’ll need proof of value and proof of shipping.
    4. Make sure you buy through reputable platforms that offer protection if something goes wrong during shipment.
    5. When shipping, request a signature confirmation on expensive items to prevent theft after delivery.

    For Diaz and Hulsey, it took persistence, a long road trip and an investigative news team to resolve what should have been a routine delivery. And while they’re happy the guitar has been given to its rightful owner — blemishes and all — this story is a cautionary tale for anyone shipping or receiving valuable items.

    What to read next

    Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. Subscribe for free.

    This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

  • ‘They’re double taxing us’: Miami homeowners lobby to be let off the hook for a special tax meant to fund community development — here’s why residents are saying they want a ‘divorce’

    Homeowners in several Miami neighborhoods are saying they want out of the Miami Downtown Development Authority (DDA), a group tasked with “boosting economic development and safety” in the popular vacation city’s urban core, reports CBS News.

    The Miami DDA, an agency funded primarily through a special tax on properties within the downtown district and surrounding neighborhoods, is governed by a 15-member board of directors that includes public appointees, property owners, residents and local business owners.

    Don’t miss

    The group says it’s committed to working collaboratively with residents to promote the area’s economic health, but some residents insist the cost is too high.

    "It takes a bite out of my pocketbook," James Torres, a downtown resident and president of the Downtown Neighbors’ Alliance, told CBS News.

    Here’s why representatives of homeowners associations in Miami are calling for a change in how the DDA is funded.

    A tax on top of a tax

    Residents of Brickell, a Miami neighborhood adjacent to the downtown area, say they never even see the services the DDA is supposed to offer.

    "Brickell is not downtown. Downtown is not Brickell," Ernesto Cuesta, president of the Brickell Homeowners Association told CBS News.

    Some question where the money goes and say the costs are too high, especially considering the rise of condo assessments and insurance costs.

    Homeowners insurance in Florida is three times more expensive than the national average as of 2024, as per a Fox 13 analysis of Insurance Information Institute data.

    Following changes to condominium laws after the Surfside condo collapse in 2021, which resulted in the deaths of 98 people, many condo owners are also dealing with assessments that add to their cost of living. Residents insist that the added costs of the DDA on top of insurance increases are too heavy a burden.

    A recent survey conducted by the Downtown Neighbors’ Alliance discovered that most residents want to leave the DDA district. Nearly 58% of residents surveyed said they did not believe the DDA improves their quality of life, says CBS News.

    Torres told the local Miami station that he believes the authority spends taxpayer money irresponsibly, pointing to the $450,000 that was spent to help the FC Barcelona soccer team move its New York offices to Miami.

    Torres also wrote a letter to Mayor Francis Suarez complaining about the deal, stating in part: "While Downtown Miami families are being crushed by rising crime, a worsening condo crisis, homelessness, and double taxation, the Miami Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has approved a $450,000 taxpayer giveaway to one of the wealthiest sports franchises in the world — Futbol Club Barcelona."

    Watchdog blog Political Cortadito also argues that DDA’s salaries are redundant and bloated, noting that the group spends more than $800,000 on marketing and PR, which seems to yield little return.

    The DDA also has a head of urban planning who earns $177,143 yearly and an urban planning strategist who earns $107,261. However, the city commission makes urban planning and zoning decisions through the planning and zoning board, leaving some questioning the purpose of these DDA roles.

    Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

    The DDA’s defence

    The Miami DDA insists it’s focused on improving the district by attracting companies that bring economic benefits. The group says FC Barcelona’s office move and the first official Barca soccer merchandise store in the U.S. will be a "major draw for the area," according to a statement obtained by CBS News.

    Another DDA initiative includes the Miami Trolley, a free electronic trolley that helps residents and visitors easily navigate the downtown area. The group also partners with Camillus House to provide employment for previously homeless individuals performing services in the area, such as street sweeping, litter removal and landscape installation.

    "While our main focus is economic development, we have increasingly allocated resources to support quality of life, including funding additional police services, implementing a security camera network, expanding our downtown enhancement team, adding mobility options and supporting events hosted by our community partners," a DDA spokesperson shared with CBS News.

    However, many residents, especially those in the Brickell neighborhood, remain unconvinced.

    "I’ll describe to you what the DDA is for us: it doesn’t do anything for Brickell," Cuesta told CBS News.

    Torres said most residents want to leave the DDA, no matter what services they offer.

    "We want the divorce," he told CBS News. "They can clearly be very successful in doing what they’re wanting to do by creating a business development district."

    A petition has now been submitted to Miami city commissioners that asks for residents to be removed from the DDA tax zone.

    What to read next

    Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. Subscribe for free.

    This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

  • ‘It’s not my fault’: Oakland Chinatown businesses say they’re fed up with the city for fining them thousands after vandals repeatedly graffiti their properties. Now they’re fighting back

    ‘It’s not my fault’: Oakland Chinatown businesses say they’re fed up with the city for fining them thousands after vandals repeatedly graffiti their properties. Now they’re fighting back

    Shop owners in Oakland’s Chinatown are fed up with vandals who repeatedly graffiti their stores and with city officials who keep fining them for it. It’s a never-ending cycle: the walls are spray-painted and employees paint over it, only for the tags to reappear.

    But the city doesn’t seem to be going after the taggers. Instead, it’s penalizing the victims of the crime — the businesses themselves.

    Don’t miss

    “We cannot control [it]. We clean up and they come again. So many times, but the city — I don’t know why they are charging me money,” Shirley Luo, manager of Won Kee Supermarket, told ABC7 News Bay Area in a story published April 9. “It’s not my fault. Not our fault.”

    A day earlier, Luo tried to pay a recent $500 fine — but the city told her she actually owed $3,000, including late fees, according to the local broadcaster.

    Locals are fighting back

    Luo’s story isn’t unique. Businesses across the city’s Chinatown say they’re receiving thousands of dollars in fines for not painting over graffiti fast enough.

    “We close at 4 o’clock when we go home, and we cannot watch people do things like that. We can’t. So, the city has to help,” Susan Lam, another local business owner, told ABC7 News.

    In an effort to help tackle the problem, the Oakland Chinatown Improvement Council (OCIC) set up a program to paint over tags it spotted last August, per the broadcaster. It had little success, but the group isn’t giving up.

    Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

    “We are going to continue to go over the taggers and continue to put murals on until we get to a point where we have made significant improvement,” Tony Trinh, the council’s executive director, told ABC7 News.

    Businesses also want city officials to take action.

    What are business owners asking for?

    Shop owners want the city to shift its focus from fining property owners to penalizing vandals.

    “The city should go after the taggers. Like they did in Seattle,” Stewart Chen, president of the OCIC board of directors. “I won’t say prison or incarceration but at least a fine, so they know there are consequences to their actions. If they just let them come and tag us and leave without any consequences, of course they will come back.”

    Seattle has reportedly spent millions of dollars to control its graffiti problem and employs around 15 full-time employees for removal. The city also aims to hold vandals accountable.

    U.S. Rep. Lateefah Simon echoed the Oakland business community’s frustration and told ABC7 News she’s hopeful newly elected mayor Barbara Lee will do “everything possible to address this policy and others that continue to trouble our business owners. We’ve got to do everything possible to keep businesses stable, to make sure that they are safe and that they can afford to do business in Oakland.”

    Back at Won Kee Supermarket, Luo says the city’s current approach isn’t just frustrating — it’s unjust.

    “Touch my money. Touch the owner’s money, [it’s] not fair,” she said.

    What to read next

    Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. Subscribe for free.

    This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

  • ‘That’s the law’: Consumer Reports investigated 26 Kroger stores in 14 states and found more than 150 instances of expired or misleading price tags — and it’s a ‘big problem’ for US consumers

    ‘That’s the law’: Consumer Reports investigated 26 Kroger stores in 14 states and found more than 150 instances of expired or misleading price tags — and it’s a ‘big problem’ for US consumers

    A monthlong Consumer Reports (CR) investigation alleges that shoppers at almost half of Kroger-owned grocery stores are overcharged for sale items. The investigation began after CR learned that Kroger workers in Colorado alleged widespread errors in pricing labels during union negotiations.

    In an effort to document the "size and breadth of the problem," CR recruited people to visit multiple stores in multiple states over several months. The results?

    Don’t miss

    “The shoppers found expired sales labels that led to overcharges on more than 150 grocery items, including Cheerios cereal, Mucinex cold and flu medication, Nescafé instant coffee, boneless beef, salmon, and dog food,” the report stated.

    How widespread is the issue?

    According to the report, CR recruited people to visit 26 Kroger stores — including Kroger, Harris Teeter, Fred Meyer, Fry’s and Ralphs — across 14 states and the District of Columbia during March, April and May 2025.

    Shoppers documented more than 150 items where expired or misleading sales tags could have caused customers to pay more at checkout than the price listed on the shelf. Roughly one-third of the tags were outdated by at least 10 days, and several, they say, expired months before.

    The average overcharge was $1.70 per item — or, 18.4% more than the advertised sale price.

    “People should pay the price that is being advertised, that’s the law,” Consumer World founder Edgar Dworsky told CR.

    “The issue here is that shoppers can’t rely on the shelf price being accurate, and that’s a big problem.”

    Items affected included a range of household staples and name-brand goods such as cereal, medication, instant coffee, meats, seafood and pet food. In some cases, the shelf tags still displayed promotional pricing well after the sale had ended, potentially misleading shoppers into thinking they were getting a discount.

    One example, KTLA News reports, was an 8-pack Mission Flour Tortillas advertised as on sale for $2.99 but showing as $4.00 when the CR shoppers checked their receipts.

    A Kroger representative responded to the report, saying the company regularly checks prices for accuracy and called the CR report a “few dozen examples across several years out of billions of customer transactions annually.” The company said that while no errors are acceptable, characterizing a few mistakes as "widespread pricing concerns" is false.

    While Kroger is the latest retailer to come under scrutiny, it’s not the only one. Other chains, including Walmart and Vons, have faced similar accusations in recent months. In October 2024, Albertsons agreed to pay $4 million to settle a lawsuit that accused the California grocery chain of charging more than the lowest advertised price for various items.

    Consumer advocates say the issue may be more common than most shoppers realize, and without checking receipts and shelf tag dates, many overcharges can easily go unnoticed.

    Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

    How to avoid being overcharged on your groceries

    While price errors may not be intentional, they can still cost you money — especially if you’re buying multiple items you thought were on sale. Consumer advocates say overcharges often go unnoticed, but with a few simple steps, shoppers can reduce the risk of paying more than they should.

    Here are a few ways to protect yourself at the register:

    • Double-check your receipt. Review it before leaving the store to ensure sale prices were applied correctly.

    • Take pictures of sale tags. If you’re concerned something won’t ring up right, take a photo of the tag to show the clerk.

    • Look for expiration dates on sale tags. Some tags may still be posted even after the promotion ends. Check before you decide to purchase items you think are on sale.

    • Speak up. If the price at checkout doesn’t match what was listed on the shelf, ask for a correction.

    • Know the rules. Most states do not have a law that requires stores to honor an expired sale tag. However, some stores will as a gesture of goodwill.

    Even major grocery chains can make mistakes, but staying alert can help ensure you’re actually getting the deals you came for.

    What to read next

    Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. Subscribe for free.

    This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.