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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
  • Use extra caution when publicly posting on social media to resolve an issue with a business.
    Consumer Handbook: Fake Customer Services Accounts on Social Media
    BBB reminds consumers to use extra caution when publicly posting on social media to resolve an issue with a business.
  • College graduates are navigating many life changes, and scammers are eager to exploit their inexperience.
    Consumer Handbook: Recent College Grad Tips
    College graduates are navigating many life changes, and scammers are eager to exploit their inexperience.
  • Higher education is expensive, and scammers take advantage of that to trick students and their families.
    Consumer Handbook: Scholarship Scams
    For students struggling to pay for tuition, a sudden scholarship offer or a financial aid company that guarantees results can seem like a dream come true – but it could also be the setup for a scam.
  • Better Business Bureau encourages graduates to carefully research trustworthy sources related to federal repayment plans before giving personal information.
    Consumer Handbook: Student Loan Forgiveness
    Traditionally, this is the time of year when aspiring graduates plan their walk across the stage to claim their diplomas. Shortly after that, the student loan repayment process begins.
  • living room flooded with floating chair and no one above. Concept of domestic problems. 3d image render.
    Consumer Handbook: Tips on Purchasing Flood Insurance
    Flooding is the single most common weather-related natural disaster. According to the National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL), floods occur in every U.S. state and territory and take more lives each year than tornados, hurricanes, or lightening.
  • Teenage girl (17 years) helping children in kayak (8-9 years). Main focus on camp counselor and little girl in front.
    Consumer Handbook: Finding a Safe Summer Camp
    Summer camp is a safe environment for kids to develop social skills, grow a bit of independence, and experience the outdoors. At a top-quality camp, parents should be able to trust the staff with their children's health and safety so everyone can focus on having a great summer.
  • 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.
  • Don’t make a snap decision on hiring a roofer, especially if they come to your door out of the blue.
    Consumer Handbook: Roof Inspections
    As spring approaches, so do spring storms that may cause roof damage.
  • 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.
  • What happens when a wedding vendor doesn’t come through on their promises?
    Consumer Handbook: Wedding Vendors
    Couples who got engaged during the holidays can look forward to spending their spring in a whirlwind of wedding planning, bridal shows, expos and consultations.