Pet owners grappling with pet food shortage

Many pet owners say they've been scrambling to find some pet foods throughout the pandemic, especially for cats and dogs that need special diets. 

Texas has paid $691 million in suspicious unemployment claims

The Texas Workforce Commission says it has paid out $691 million in suspected fraudulent claims since the pandemic began.

Rental car shortage driving up prices, making cars scarce

If you're planning to travel this summer, you may end up paying hundreds of dollars a day for a rental car, if you're lucky to find one at all. A rental car shortage is driving up prices. 

Homes in Black neighborhoods undervalued $46K: report

A new study finds that homes in Black neighborhoods are undervalued by an average of $46,000 compared to similar homes in white neighborhoods nationwide.

United Way, Capital Good Fund offer Crisis Relief Loans

The United Way is partnering with non-profit Capital Good Fund to offer small, low-interest Crisis Relief Loans.

Home exercise equipment safety tips after Peloton treadmill death

The CEO of Peloton is pushing back as the Consumer Product Safety Commission is warning consumers not to use their treadmills.

Family's birth certificates caught in Vital Statistics delays

A Houston family says they've been struggling to get birth certificates for their adopted daughters for the last few years from Texas Vital Statistics.

Financial educator offers money saving advice

The average American wastes $139 a month on fees, interest, and impulse buying, according to a study by The Ascent. Experts say it's because we don't educate ourselves enough about money. 

Repairing your credit after eviction
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FOX 26 Consumer Reporter Heather Sullivan has some smart sense on what you can do to repair your credit after you've been evicted.

Some banks, credit unions offer lower cost options to pay day loans

If you need money to pay for an unexpected bill or to make rent, more banks and credit unions have started offering small personal loans with lower costs than payday loans.  

BBB warning consumers about gift card scams which have tripled over the last 3 years

The Better Business Bureau is warning that gift card scams have tripled over the last three years. The Federal Trade Commission says one in four people have been scammed out of an average of $700. 

BBB warning consumers about gift card scams
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FOX 26 Consumer Reporter Heather Sullivan has more on the scams which have tripled in the past three years.

$0 down, USDA home loans not just for farmers

If you think you'll never save enough money to buy your own home, there's a little known loan that might help.  A USDA home loan.  

FBI, BBB warn of growing COVID-19 vaccine scams

Now that anyone over 16-years-old can get a COVID-19 vaccine in Texas, scammers are rolling up their sleeves, too. 

Be aware of COVID-19 vaccine scams
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FOX 26 Consumer Reporter Heather Sullivan has some smart sense for you before you sign up for that COVID-19 vaccine appointment.

More children swallowing button batteries, cleaning agents during pandemic

More people, especially children, are getting seriously hurt on some household items while we've all been spending more time at home during the pandemic.