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Herb Weisbaum, The ConsumerMan

@consumerman.bsky.social
33 followers 3 following 195 posts

Contributing Editor at Checkbook.org, the non-profit that helps consumers get good service and low prices. I also host Checkbook's Consumerpedia.org podcast. My goal: Save you time and money, and help you avoid rip-offs & scams.

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Herb Weisbaum, The ConsumerMan @consumerman.bsky.social · 4h
NEW @consumerpedia.org podcast episode: Worse on Purpose. As private equity firms buy legendary companies with trusted brands, the new owners often try to squeeze out more profit by cutting corners, and quality suffers. bit.ly/4hTW80z
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Herb Weisbaum, The ConsumerMan @consumerman.bsky.social · 14h
On my October visit with Nick we talk about how more could be done to ensure the safety of the food we eat, Amway settles a lawsuit for $225 million, and 20 ways to save loads of $$$$. ( I start @ 12 minutes into the show) bit.ly/4yjSumY
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Herb Weisbaum, The ConsumerMan @consumerman.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Amway and two of its major affiliates have agreed to pay $225 million to settle allegations that they used “unfair and deceptive tactics” to recruit members and “misled prospective workers with false earnings claims.” bit.ly/3TB24Dm
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Herb Weisbaum, The ConsumerMan @consumerman.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Joined the morning team on ARC Seattle today to talk about ways to save money. youtu.be/uF0SvSVgWQk?...
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Herb Weisbaum, The ConsumerMan @consumerman.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
NEW @consumerpedia.org podcast episode: 20 Ways to Save Money. Some of these are easy. Some take a little work. All of them will help you save loads of money. bit.ly/4hcLoLH
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Herb Weisbaum, The ConsumerMan @consumerman.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
FCC Weakens Price Transparency Rule for Broadband Providers: The changes could make it harder for customers to understand the cost of their service and what they’re really getting. bit.ly/4iygPRA
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Herb Weisbaum, The ConsumerMan @consumerman.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
NEW VIDEO: Spoke to the morning team @komonews.bsky.social about what can be done to improve the safety of the food we eat, especially fresh produce. youtu.be/OSXs9YAuD0M?...
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Herb Weisbaum, The ConsumerMan @consumerman.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
New @consumerpedia.org episode: Why Is Fresh Produce Making So Many Sick? We talk to two food safety experts about steps that can be taken by government and industry to reduce the number of Americans who get sick or die each year from the food we eat. bit.ly/4h0DAuW
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Herb Weisbaum, The ConsumerMan @consumerman.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Food Safety: We Can Do Much Better – Every year, 48 million Americans get sick from the food they eat; about 3,000 die. Consumer advocates say the federal government and the food industry can do more to reduce these numbers. bit.ly/4xQTMGw
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Herb Weisbaum, The ConsumerMan @consumerman.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
In my September visit on the Nick D Podcast, we talk about how to find a good dentist and GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, including a new Medicare program that may help some seniors pay for GLP-1 meds. (My part starts at 13:55 into the show) radiomisfits.com/ndp487/
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Herb Weisbaum, The ConsumerMan @consumerman.bsky.social · 02/08/2026
WATCH New video: How to pick a good dentist: youtu.be/RWlos0qkDnk
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Herb Weisbaum, The ConsumerMan @consumerman.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
My latest @consumerpedia.org episode: How to Find a Good Dentist. This guide to dental care includes advice about X-rays and how often to have your teeth cleaned. Also: Is dental insurance worth buying? And ways to keep costs down. bit.ly/4hDwjDh
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Herb Weisbaum, The ConsumerMan @consumerman.bsky.social · 26/07/2026
WATCH: My latest story for KOMO News about a new Medicare program that will cover some GLP-1 drugs solely for weight loss for those who qualify. bit.ly/3TTO9Ii
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Herb Weisbaum, The ConsumerMan @consumerman.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
WATCH: Tips for buying a used EV on ARC Seattle. bit.ly/4wohUzt
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Herb Weisbaum, The ConsumerMan @consumerman.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
Tips for Buying a Used EV: An EV can shield you from high gasoline prices. But new models still cost significantly more than comparable gas-powered or hybrid vehicles. Buying used can be an affordable way to drive electric for less. bit.ly/4gDwmP6
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Herb Weisbaum, The ConsumerMan @consumerman.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
NEW @consumerpedia.org episode: GLP-1 Drugs: What they do, how to deal with the sometimes-unpleasant side effects. And details about a new Medicare program that now covers these drugs when prescribed for weight loss for those who qualify. bit.ly/3RB8kKq
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Herb Weisbaum, The ConsumerMan @consumerman.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
NEW YouTube video: The results of Checkbook's investigation into outlet malls. We found that many offer lower-quality merchandise rather than legitimate bargains on leftover or slightly damaged retail merchandise. bit.ly/4vzyMBX
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Herb Weisbaum, The ConsumerMan @consumerman.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
Shared timely tips with Kelly Hanson on @NewDayNW on how to avoid trouble when traveling: bit.ly/44UU0zn
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Herb Weisbaum, The ConsumerMan @consumerman.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
OUTLET MALLS: DO THEY OFFER REAL SAVINGS? Consumers’ Checkbook investigated 40 brands operating off-price stores and found that many offer lower-quality merchandise rather than legitimate bargains. So, how can you tell what’s a real bargain and what’s not? bit.ly/4fkUTr2
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Herb Weisbaum, The ConsumerMan @consumerman.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
New @consumerpedia.org episode: EV Update. Learn about standout models, including some new and less expensive options. Plus, what to consider if you’re thinking about buying a used EV. bit.ly/4aH3vpb
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Herb Weisbaum, The ConsumerMan @consumerman.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
Joined John Landecker on WGN Radio to talk about hotel no-smoking fees based on in-room sensors that may not always be accurate. And how to avoid costly overdraft fees. bit.ly/4oAK0Eu
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Herb Weisbaum, The ConsumerMan @consumerman.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
Cybercriminals Using New Tricks to Disguise Their Phishing Attacks: The latest traps involve fake electronic invitations and corrupted CAPTCHA forms that are designed to steal your sensitive personal information. bit.ly/4vWbMhd
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Herb Weisbaum, The ConsumerMan @consumerman.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
Overdraft Fees Remain Costly; Here’s How to Avoid Them: The average overdraft fee is nearly $27, according to Bankrate, and 94% of the account options studied still charge a fee when a balance is negative. bit.ly/4aJKSAS
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Herb Weisbaum, The ConsumerMan @consumerman.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
NEW Consumerpedia episode: Marketers Often Use Cult-Like Tactics. Digital media expert Mara Einstein explains why she believes marketers often use the same tactics as cult leaders to entice new customers and keep current ones. bit.ly/4ou7Yl3
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Herb Weisbaum, The ConsumerMan @consumerman.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
Hotel Smoking Sensors Falsely Charge Hundreds in Fees: Many hotels use sensors to detect smoking or vaping in non-smoking rooms. When triggered, guests are charged steep cleaning fees. But unhappy customers claim these detectors are not accurate. bit.ly/4dKkNUx
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Herb Weisbaum, The ConsumerMan @consumerman.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
ODOMETER FRAUD – A GROWING CONCERN FOR USED CAR BUYERS: Digital dashboards should have reduced odometer fraud. But criminals have adapted, and their ability to alter a vehicle’s mileage display remains a serious and growing concern for used car buyers. bit.ly/3PtMMyp
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Herb Weisbaum, The ConsumerMan @consumerman.bsky.social · 21/05/2026
NEW @consumerpedia.org episode: Travel Troubles: Hotels, airlines, and rental car companies are using technology to create new “gotchas” for travelers. Here's how to watch out for these new add-on fees! bit.ly/4a2PLVn
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Herb Weisbaum, The ConsumerMan @consumerman.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
Dealing with Debt Collectors: Get a call from someone claiming to be a debt collector, and it’s easy to panic. Is the caller a legit or a scammer? It’s important to know the rules and your rights. bit.ly/438mipf
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Herb Weisbaum, The ConsumerMan @consumerman.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
How to deal with the most unpredictable summer travel season since the pandemic. Tips to deal with higher airfares, steeper fees, and fewer flights. bit.ly/48QDNhb
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Herb Weisbaum, The ConsumerMan @consumerman.bsky.social · 09/05/2026
NEW @consumerpedia.org episode: The Travel Show 2026: How airline passengers can handle the unique challenges - higher fares, higher baggage fees, and fewer flights - facing them because of the war with Iran. bit.ly/3Pfmhwu
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Herb Weisbaum, The ConsumerMan @consumerman.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
Not all tree care companies are equal. Checkbook undercover shoppers found HUGE price differences for the same job. Listen and learn how to find a good tree service @consumerpedia.org or wherever you get your podcasts. bit.ly/4t8cVAw
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Herb Weisbaum, The ConsumerMan @consumerman.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
New @consumerpedia.org episode: To keep the trees on your property in good shape and remove any hazards, you’ll probably need professional advice and labor. Here’s how to find the right company to do the job. bit.ly/4cDvS7T
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Herb Weisbaum, The ConsumerMan @consumerman.bsky.social · 21/04/2026
Really enjoyed being the Quiz Master at the @lifesmarts.bsky.social National Championship last week - my 27th year! More than 250 students were in Orlando to show their consumer smarts. A shout-out to the ConsumerMan Scholarship winners, who created impressive podcast entries. bit.ly/4cG8sPq
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Herb Weisbaum, The ConsumerMan @consumerman.bsky.social · 10/04/2026
NEW Consumerpedia Episode: AVOID A VACATION RENTAL NIGHTMARE. A recent Checkbook investigation found widespread problems with vacation rentals, including fake listings and stolen deposits. In this episode, tips on how to protect yourself when booking a vacation rental. bit.ly/4tBYq8y
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Herb Weisbaum, The ConsumerMan @consumerman.bsky.social · 05/04/2026
Job Scams Soar: Here’s How to Spot Bogus Employment Offers Fraudsters are increasingly luring job seekers to apply for fake jobs – positions that don’t exist – using online ads, job boards, social media, and newspapers. Victims are losing thousands of dollars. bit.ly/4tq12qb
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Herb Weisbaum, The ConsumerMan @consumerman.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
NEW CONSUMERPEDIA EPISODE: Fraud is on the rise, and criminals around the globe are getting better at what they do. In this episode, we talk to two fraud experts about 10 ways you can reduce your chances of falling for a scam. bit.ly/4c59gOB
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Herb Weisbaum, The ConsumerMan @consumerman.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
Look what was in the newspaper today -- our dog, Sammy, featured in the “Red and Rover” cartoon strip. Sincere thanks to our dear friend Brian Basset for this wonderful tribute to our very special boy. We will treasure this forever! bit.ly/4uTe9S8
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Herb Weisbaum, The ConsumerMan @consumerman.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
Tips for Buying a New Car, Truck, or SUV in 2026: With hundreds of new vehicles to choose from and sky-high prices, how do you decide what to buy? Here’s advice from the auto experts at Consumer Reports. (READ OR LISTEN) bit.ly/3POoONV
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Herb Weisbaum, The ConsumerMan @consumerman.bsky.social · 15/03/2026
NEW podcast: Tips for Buying a New or Used Car. The editors at Consumer Reports share their Top Picks for 2026. Also, how to choose a vehicle you really like, and what to consider before buying a used car or truck. bit.ly/47OB47h
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Herb Weisbaum, The ConsumerMan @consumerman.bsky.social · 14/03/2026
NEW VIDEO: Water Bead Dangers – New federal safety regulations should protect children from the hazards of water beads sold as toys. www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZEn...
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Herb Weisbaum, The ConsumerMan @consumerman.bsky.social · 14/03/2026
CPSC Bans Dangerous Water Beads Sold as Toys: These tiny, colorful pellets that expand when soaked in water are now subject to federal safety regulations designed to protect children from the hazards of ingesting them. bit.ly/4unMZ5T
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Herb Weisbaum, The ConsumerMan @consumerman.bsky.social · 07/03/2026
45 years ago this week, I became the consumer reporter at KIRO TV/ Radio in Seattle. My journey in broadcast journalism has taken me to CBS News, NBC's TODAY Show, KOMO TV/Radio, and now Checkbook.org. Thanks to everyone who has supported me throughout my journey.
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Herb Weisbaum, The ConsumerMan @consumerman.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
Fraud Prevention: Top 10 Ways to Protect Yourself. Americans lose billions of dollars each year to fraud. You need to protect yourself from the con artists who want to steal your money & identity. Here are 10 ways to do that. bit.ly/4lefEGh
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Herb Weisbaum, The ConsumerMan @consumerman.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
The latest episode of my @CheckbookOrg Consumerpedia podcast is out! Watch a sneak peek on Instagram: bit.ly/3OQ5Oyk
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Herb Weisbaum, The ConsumerMan @consumerman.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
The latest episode of my @CheckbookOrg Consumerpedia podcast is out! Watch a sneak peek on Instagram: bit.ly/3OQ5Oyk
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Herb Weisbaum, The ConsumerMan @consumerman.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
New Consumerpedia podcast episode: Shady Home Improvement Financing. A Checkbook investigation finds that some homeowners are being tricked into leasing their HVAC equipment, believing they were buying it. How does this happen? bit.ly/4cZaN9G
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Herb Weisbaum, The ConsumerMan @consumerman.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
The latest episode of @checkbook.org's Consumerpedia podcast is out! Watch a sneak peek on Instagram: bit.ly/4tYjFme
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Herb Weisbaum, The ConsumerMan @consumerman.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
NEW @consumerpedia.org podcast episode: Landry Day Tips - Expert advice from a senior test engineer and laundry expert at Consumer Reports about detergents, fabric softeners, stain removers, washers, and dryers. bit.ly/4avmhPD
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Herb Weisbaum, The ConsumerMan @consumerman.bsky.social · 15/02/2026
Don’t Ignore All Those Data Breach Notices Companies Send You: There’s a good chance you’ve received a data breach notice recently – perhaps several within the last year. Here’s what to do to protect yourself when you get a breach notification. bit.ly/3Oq6dah
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Herb Weisbaum, The ConsumerMan @consumerman.bsky.social · 09/02/2026
Here's my latest Instagram reel for Consumerpedia Podcast episode #101: Dealing with Debt. instagram.com/p/DUbgvF8kWaG/
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