Consumer Coverage

NC Attorney General wants to put 'deceptive' realty company out of business

The state of North Carolina issued a one-two puinch on Tuesday against a realty company <a href="https://www.wral.com/mv-realty-under-investigation-accused-of-scamming-people-into-signing-deceptive-contracts/20744671/">5 On Your Side has warned you about</a>.

Keely Arthur, WRAL consumer reporter

Stymied by bank customer service, woman turns to 5 On Your Side to get money back after ID theft

Through a brutal mix of traditional and cyber-crime, a Raleigh woman lost every penny in her bank account. When she went to her bank for help, she says she was met with resistance until she contacted WRAL 5 On Your Side.

Keely Arthur, WRAL consumer reporter

5 On Your Side: Tips and products to help keep your floors in tiptop condition

Five On Your Side's Keely Arthur shares the must-have products and tips for keeping your floors in tip-top shape without burning a hole in your pockets.

Keely Arthur, WRAL consumer reporter

Ford recalls Fusions, Lincolns

The largest of two recalls covers nearly 1.3 million 2013 through 2018 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ midsize cars.

Ford recalls 1.5M vehicles to fix brake hoses, wiper arms

DETROIT (AP) — Ford is recalling more than 1.5 million vehicles in the U.S. in two actions to fix leaky brake hoses and windshield wiper arms that can break.

When bank customer service gave her the runaround, 5 On Your Side got woman's money back

A Raleigh woman had bank accounts drained after a car break-in. Here's how 5 On Your Side got every penny back!

AT&T vendor data breach exposes account details of 9 million wireless customers

AT&T says one of their vendors suffered a data breach, exposing some details of about 9 million wireless accounts.

How to reduce 'forever chemicals' in your drinking water, according to experts

In the next three years, drinking water in the United States may be a bit safer from potentially toxic chemicals that have been detected in the blood of 98% of Americans.

By Sandee LaMotte, CNN

March is the time to buy for spring cleaning

Consumer Reports suggests that March is the "Best Time to Buy" certain home appliances to help.

1.9 million soft Yeti coolers and gear cases recalled because magnets can detach

More than 1 million soft YETI coolers and gear cases are being recalled because magnet parts can detach, posing a health risk if swallowed.

New report shows crack down on junk fees

$30 million is are being refunded to bank customers in a crackdown on junk fees.

Office chairs sold at TJ Maxx, HomeGoods and Marshalls recalled due to fall hazard

Office chairs sold at TJ Maxx and HomeGoods are being recalled because the back of the chair can break or detach from the seat base while a person is seated, posing a fall hazard.

Duke Energy proposed rate hikes could increase utility bills

Higher utility bills could be on the way for North Carolinians after Duke Energy Carolinas proposed a fuel rate hike for its customers.

Destinee Patterson, WRAL reporter

Duke Energy pushing for rate increase to cover fuel costs

5 On Your Side's Keely Arthur looks into who would be most impacted by the proposed Duke Energy rate increase.

Duke Energy Carolinas seeks big rate increases for gas costs

A Duke Energy Corp. subsidiary for North Carolina electric customers has asked state regulators to let it raise residential rates by 16.6% in the coming months largely to recover their fuel costs, which it said soared mainly from natural gas prices last year.

5 On Your Side: Jewelry store accused of cheating military families

A jewelry store accused of cheating military families is giving millions in refunds, but customers have only weeks to get their money back.

Keely Arthur, WRAL consumer reporter

WRAL Investigates who is profiting from inflation

Costs have increased for cereals, bakery items, dairy products, non-alcoholic beverages, meat and eggs.

'We're paying for them': WRAL Investigates companies getting fat on your shrinking food budget

Chills at the checkout. We all know the fear as your grocery bills seem to add up faster than Mega Millions jackpot these days.

Cullen Browder, WRAL anchor/reporter

Travel season off to an early start

The recent warm weather has people making early spring break vacation plans. WRAL 5 On Your Side's Keely Arthur spoke with one travel agency that said people looking for vacations are coming like a tsunami.

5 On Your Side: Traveling for spring break? Don't fly these dates

5 On Your Side's Keely Arthur went to Emerald Isle to see how the local tourism industry is preparing and how you can save while soaking in the sun.

Keely Arthur, WRAL consumer reporter

North Carolina DMV to make scheduling changes, increase walk-in availability

The N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles is making changes to appointment scheduling, office hours and technology to increase walk-in availability at its driver license offices across the state.

Keely Arthur, WRAL consumer reporter

Inflation takes a bite out of the Valentine's Day budget

Whether you want to buy your special someone candy, wine or a teddy bear, prices increased from last year.

Being in love will cost you; Valentine's Day gift prices climb

You can't put a price on love, but if you want to get your loved one something for Valentine's Day, it'll likely cost you more this year.

Keely Arthur, WRAL consumer reporter

Supply, labor shortages creating home construction delays

The Triangle is short on homes, and developers are short on materials and workers. That's meant delays for some people waiting to move in.

Keely Arthur, WRAL consumer reporter

Suit being filed against contractor that 5 On Your Side investigated

After 5 On Your Side investigated a Hillsborough contractor, a state agency is trying to ban him from contracting in North Carolina, ever again.