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Consumer Handbook

Every week, join Sydney Waters as she helps you navigate life as a smart consumer. You'll cover everything in avoiding the latest scams, including phishing emails, medical equipment fraud, understanding layaway, hiring a reputable tax preparer, and even digital spring cleaning. 

Add to your toolbox and flip through your Consumer Handbook Thursdays during NPR’s Morning Edition at 6:42 a.m. and 8:42 a.m., only on KRCU.

Latest Episodes
  • Cybersecurity is no longer an option – it's a necessity.
    Consumer Handbook: Cybersecurity Awareness
    Cybercrime poses a big threat to businesses. According to Netwrix's 2025 Cybersecurity Trends Report, 51% of responding businesses surveyed experienced a security incident in the past 12 months, with 75% reporting financial damage due to attacks.
  • Notify your customers and business partners as quickly as possible that someone is impersonating you.
    Consumer Handbook: Local Imposter Scams
    Impersonation is a common tactic used in all sorts of scams, but recently, BBB has received reports of a few different cases where scammers impersonated a reputable local business to trick customers or fellow businesses into handing over their money.
  • When planning to enjoy attend a festival or event, do your research to make sure it is being held by a reputable company with a good track record.
    Consumer Handbook: Festivals and Events
    As the weather cools down and we start to enjoy fall festivals, markets, and other events, keep an eye out for events that don’t deliver on their promises.
  • Computer and hands close up. The concept of artificial intelligence and computer technology.
    Consumer Handbook: Utilizing AI for Customer Service
    Any business that considers itself ethical knows that good customer service can’t be compromised upon. That said, exceptional customer service takes time and money. That’s where artificial intelligence can help. AI tools can give your team additional resources and support to help them focus on creating a great experience for all customers.
  • Consumer Handbook: Identity Theft
    Since 2021, identity and information theft reports to BBB Scam TrackerSM have totaled more than 16,600 and monetary losses are rising, according to a new study by the Better Business Bureau’s® International Investigations Initiative.
  • Using a six-digit verification code to keep accounts secure.
    Consumer Handbook: Six-Digit Verification Code Safety
    What's a verification code, and why are they so important? Six-digit verification codes are a form of two-factor authentication, a process that helps keep your important online accounts secure. For example, you might get a text message or email with a six-digit code that you must enter when you log into your bank account. This extra level of protection keeps scammers and hackers out.
  • Consumers unaware of the passport renewal process may fall victim to online scams.
    Consumer Handbook: Preparing to Travel Abroad
    If you’re traveling internationally, you may need to renew your passport. Consumers unaware of the passport renewal process may fall victim to online scams.
  • Scammers are counting on college students being new to job hunting and excited about an offer and are hoping you won’t notice something is off.
    Consumer Handbook: How College Students Can Avoid Online Job Scams
    Whether you’re looking for an internship, a remote way to work during the school year, or a post-grad career, job hunting can be a lot. It doesn’t help that there are tons of fake listings floating around.
  • College is the first time many young adults are out on their own and spending their own money.
    Consumer Handbook: New College Student Scam Prevention
    If you have a college student who's starting a new school year, now's a good time to talk about taking care of their money and personal information while they're on campus.
  • It might seem like there are no downsides to a free package, but it could be a sign that someone is using your personal information for their own gain.
    Consumer Handbook: Brushing Scams
    Have you ever gotten a package you didn’t order? It might seem like a fun surprise, but it might be the setup for a scam known as brushing.