Rossen roundup: Top consumer stories from the past week
Here are all of the Rossen Reports from this past week.
Save on energy bills with these simple hacks
Electric bills have surged 4.4% in the last year, according to the June 2024 Consumer Price Index.
Watch the video for this story in the player above.
Rossen Reports is sharing ways to cut costs on your energy bill without spending any money upfront.
Cook with countertop appliances
Don't use your oven unless necessary; it consumes a lot of energy, and opening it releases heat into your home, making your AC work harder.
Read the full story here.
Hidden costs of owning a car revealed
It's car shopping season, and a new study from Bankrate reveals the hidden costs of owning a car.
These costs include insurance, gas, maintenance, and vehicle taxes, which can add up to $6,684 annually, on top of your monthly auto loan payment.
Insurance is the biggest expense, averaging $2,329 per year, or $194 per month. Gas costs come in at $1,837 annually or $153 per month.
Read the full story here.
How to claim $2,500 from Cash App settlement
Cash App users may be able to claim up to $2,500 as part of a $15 million class-action settlement.
Earlier this year, Cash App and its parent company, Block, agreed to settle a lawsuit over recent data breaches while denying any wrongdoing.
If you lost money due to these data breaches, for example, if you had fraudulent charges on your account, or you paid out of pocket for credit monitoring services as a precaution, you may be eligible for compensation up to $2,500.
The losses must have occurred between Aug. 23, 2018, and Aug. 20, 2024.
Read the full story here.
What is the 'American Community Survey' and is it legit?
Some viewers have received letters claiming they are legally required to participate in the American Community Survey, prompting questions about its legitimacy.
We can confirm that the American Community Survey is real. It is conducted annually by the U.S. Census Bureau to gather data that helps determine the distribution of trillions of dollars in federal funds.
Recipients are legally required to participate, and not doing so could result in a fine of up to $5,000.
However, the U.S. Census Bureau will make multiple attempts to contact you – sending additional letters, making phone calls, and even potentially visiting your home if you do not respond.
Read the full story here.