New Yorkers at risk of foreclosure rescue scams
Reporter: Gayle Issa
Producer: Claire Obusan

May 9 -- Thousands of New Yorkers are victims of the sub-prime mortgage crisis and are losing their homes to foreclosures. But as Gayle Issa reports in this week's Consumer Watch, their American dream might turn into a bigger nightmare as more scammers pounce on people's desperation.

No minimum for paying with plastic
Reporter: Janelle Burrell
Producer: Jordan Smith

May 2 -— Many stores in New York City require a minimum purchase for using a credit card, but consumer advocates say this is illegal. Most credit card companies prohibit business from setting a minimum requirement. Janelle Burrell reports on why so many stores are breaking the rules.

Rebate redemption
Reporter: Tamara Lindstrom
Producer: Peter Cardwell

April 25 -— The prospect of a rebate on an electronic item like a cell phone can make an expensive item more tempting, because you'll get the money back right? Well, not always. In this week's Consumer Watch, Tamara Lindstrom investigates how rebates are not always the deals they seem to be.

How much should Con Ed pay its customers?
Reporter Janelle Burrell
Producer: Yang Guo

April 18 -— The 2006 Queens blackout left 150,000 residents suffering for ten days. Since then, what’s gotten overheated is the debate over the compensation Con Ed should pay its customers.

Beauty products may contain dangerous chemicals
Reporter: Ivette Feliciano
Producer: Marina Yaloyan

April 11 — Cosmetics are a multi-billion dollar industry, but how often do women take a closer look at the ingredients listed on their favorite beauty products? One group of concerned teenagers was frustrated by the FDA’s lack of regulation, so they took their own products in for testing—with some surprising results.

Facebook security

April 4 –- The latest way to spam isn’t through email – it’s through online social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace.

Gift cards that (don't) keep on giving
Reporter: Lauren Moraski
Producer: Shira Sky

March 28-- Remember that gift card you got for the holidays? You may want to spend it soon, because if you don't use it, you might lose it.

Organic milk
Reporter: Eliza Browning
Producer: Tesfaye Neguisse

March 14-- The US organic food market is worth 16 billion dollars. That figure is expected to double in the next three years. But the cash cow of the industry -- organic milk -- may not be meeting consumer expectations.

Beware of senior care promises
Reporter: Gregory Simmons
Producer: Olivia Pratten

Mar. 7 -- As thousands of baby boomers near their golden years, one team explores assisted living options in New York State.