Tag: Consumer Protection
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How Money-Grabbing Tactics in Video Games Endanger Vulnerable Gamers
Overview: The Hidden Cost of In-Game Purchases As video games become more immersive, many titles rely on microtransactions and time-limited promotions to drive revenue. A growing body of research, including a University of Queensland study, indicates that adults at risk of developing gaming-related mental health issues are particularly susceptible to overspending on in-game purchases. The…
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How Money-Grabbing Tactics Put Vulnerable Gamers at Risk
Overview: The growing risk of in-game monetization As video games become more immersive and free-to-play formats dominate the market, the way titles monetize has shifted dramatically. A University of Queensland study highlights a troubling trend: adults who are already vulnerable to gaming-related mental health issues are more likely to overspend on in-game purchases. With sales…
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Choice Shonky Awards 2025: Big Names Shamed as CommBank, Temu and HCF Called Out
Choice Shonky Awards 2025: A snapshot of consumer grievances Australia’s consumer advocacy group Choice has released its annual Shonky Awards, spotlighting products, services, and brands that have fallen short on value, honesty, and quality. The 2025 list features a mix of familiar culprits and surprising newcomers, underscoring that consumer trust is a moving target in…
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Ofgem: Almost 2 Million Energy Customers Could Receive £240m from Old Closed Accounts
Millions of energy customers may be in line for refunds Nearly 2 million energy bill payers could receive a share of about £240 million after discovering that their accounts were closed while still in credit. The watchdog Ofgem published figures showing that a substantial number of energy accounts have been closed in recent years with…
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Magnet Dangers: How a 13-Year-Old’s Swallowed Magnets Shines a Light on Online Marketplace Safety
Overview of the Case In a troubling incident that has drawn attention to consumer safety on online marketplaces, a 13-year-old reportedly swallowed magnets. The event prompted immediate responses from Temu and sparked discussion among health professionals and lawmakers about how such potent magnets end up in consumer inventories and homes, especially those accessible to children.…
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Magnet Safety and Online Marketplaces: The Case of a Teen Swallowing 100 Magnets
Overview of the incident and immediate responses An alarming incident in New Zealand drew attention to magnet safety and the role of online marketplaces. A 13-year-old reportedly swallowed a large number of neodymium magnets—claims that the platform Temu acknowledged in statements after the case began making headlines. While Temu said it had launched an internal…
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Ireland Sees 40% Jump in Fraudulent Payments in 2024, Driven by E‑Money and Remittances
Overview of the 2024 Fraud Payments Surge The Central Bank of Ireland’s Payment Fraud Statistics for 2024 reveal a 40% increase in the volume of fraudulent payments compared with 2023. The total value of fraudulent payments rose to €160 million in 2024, reflecting a near 25% year‑on‑year increase. The upsurge is largely driven by fraud…
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NBI Hoots Down Expired Food Ring in Rizal as Woman Is Arrested
Background to the Case The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) announced a major bust tied to the sale of expired and potentially adulterated food products in Taytay, Rizal. The operation underscores ongoing efforts by Philippine authorities to crack down on consumer safety violations that jeopardize public health and erode trust in daily staples. The Key…
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NBI Arrests Woman Over Expired Food in Rizal Province
NBI Arrests Woman Over Expired Food in Rizal The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) confirmed on Friday, Oct. 17, that a woman was arrested in Taytay, Rizal, in connection with selling expired food products. The suspect, identified by the NBI as April Rodriguez Fernando, was taken into custody on Oct. 9 following an entrapment operation…
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NBI Arrests Woman Over Expired Food Sellings in Taytay, Rizal; Two Truckloads Seized
Overview A woman was arrested in Taytay, Rizal, after authorities say she was involved in selling expired food products. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) disclosed the arrest, which followed an entrapment operation conducted by the NBI’s Laguna District Office (NBI-LAGDO) and the Rizal District Office (NBI-RIZDO) on Friday, October 17. The Suspect and the…