ELECTRIFLY REMOTE-CONTROL HELICOPTERS RECALLED

FROM CONSUMERAFFAIRS.COM

Hobbico Inc. is recalling about 11,000 batteries used in Electrifly radio-controlled helicopter kits.

The rechargeable battery can overheat and catch fire while charging, igniting nearby combustible materials. This poses a fire hazard to consumers.

Hobbico has received 28 reports of batteries overheating and/or melting, including 27 reports of flames and minor property damage. No injuries have been reported.

This recall involves the Electrifly lithium-polymer batteries (part #GPMP0401) sold individually or with the Heli-Max Axe CP-L radio-controlled helicopter kits. The kit includes a 23-inch long plastic helicopter, a battery, a radio transmitter, a balance charger, a car adapter, an AC wall adapter, decals that read “HMX”, “AXE” and “Heli-Max” and training gear. “Electrifly” and “GPMP0401” are printed on the battery.

The kits were sold at hobby stores nationwide and online from November 2007 through March 2008 for about $35. The helicopter kits were sold for $200. They were made in China.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled batteries and contact Hobbico for instructions on returning their battery for a free replacement battery.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Hobbico toll-free at (866) 462-2426 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit the company’s recall Web sites at http://www.helimaxrc.com/ or http://www.electrifly.com/ to register for the recall.

PLEASE CLICK THIS LINK FOR THE COMPLETE STORY:    http://www.consumeraffairs.com/recalls04/2008/electrifly.html 

~Sandy G.

2 comments September 9, 2008

AMSTERDAM BICYCLE RECALL EXPANDED

FROM CONSUMERAFFAIRS.COM

Electra Bicycle Company is expanding its recall of Amsterdam bicycles. The chain can derail, possibly injuring the rider.

About 1,500 bicycles are included in this recall. Another 9,500 bicycles were recalled on July 22, 2008.

The interior alignment tabs of the bicycle’s chainguard can be pushed against the chain causing it to derail, which poses a risk of injury to riders.

Electra has received four reports of the chainguard derailing the chain, including one report of minor cuts and abrasion from a fall.

This recall involves some Amsterdam model bicycles in the Classic 3, Original 3, Royal 8, and Sport 3 styles. The bicycles have an enclosed chainguard. “Electra” and “Amsterdam” are printed on the bicycle’s frame and/or chainguard. Bicycles with frame numbers beginning with “EL” or bicycles with chainguards marked “06/08” are not included in this recall. The frame number is located on the underside of the bottom bracket.

The bikes were sold by Electra Bicycle dealers nationwide from January 2007 through June 2008 for between $400 and $850. They were made in Taiwan.

Consumers should immediately stop riding these bicycles and contact Electra Bicycle to determine if his/her bike is included in this recall. Consumers with a recalled bike can bring it to an Electra Bicycle dealer for a free inspection and replacement chainguard part.

For additional information, contact Electra Bicycle at (800) 261-1644 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at (pdf).

PLEASE CLICK THIS LINK FOR THE COMPLETE STORY:
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/recalls04/2008/amsterdam2.html

~Sandy G.

Comments Off September 9, 2008

DISAPPOINTMENT AWAITS MEN SEEKING FOREIGN BRIDES ONLINE

Sites promising exotic Asian, Russian women are often scams … or worse

By Tom Glaister
ConsumerAffairs.com

I was in an internet café in Thailand last year, trying to work out which continent I should fly to next, when my attention was entirely absorbed by an attractive Thai girl who sat down next to me and logged in. She gave me one of those Thai smiles that could mean anything at all and then concentrated on her correspondence. I was beginning to wonder if Thailand had its merits after all and couldn’t help stealing repeated glances at her.

She was totally absorbed in her online conversations with four messenger windows going at once, however, and in each of them I could see the photo of a Western guy. The youngest had to be 45 at least.

I miss you.
When you coming back?
I wait for you but I no have money for my rent.

I looked at her again and realized she was wearing too much makeup and revealing clothes for the average Thai girl. She almost certainly worked in a bar as a hostess for Western guys looking for Eastern romance and now that their holidays were over, her “boyfriends” were back home at work, dreaming of the month or two they’d spent in Thai heaven. They’d be coming back as soon as they could afford it — if their “girlfriend” didn’t drain their bank accounts dry in the meantime.

PLEASE CLICK THIS LINK FOR THE COMPLETE STORY:
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/08/love_abroad.html

~Sandy G.

1 comment September 1, 2008

CONSUMERS CAUTIONED ABOUT VOTER REGISTRATION SCAMS

FROM CONSUMERAFFAIRS.COM

Have you received an unsolicited e-mail or phone call from someone who claims to represent your local election board or civic group and asks for your Social Security or credit card number to confirm your eligibility or registration to vote?

According to the Federal Trade Commission, scammers may send messages asking for your Social Security number or financial information supposedly to register you to vote — or to confirm your registration — but really want to steal your identity.

As a rule, federal officials say, organizations conducting legitimate voter registration drives either contact you in person or give you a voter registration form that you fill out yourself. They will never ask you to provide your financial information.

If you get an unsolicited phone call or e-mail from someone who claims to need your Social Security number or other personal or financial information to register you to vote, you can report it to the FTC by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP.

PLEASE CLICK THIS LINK FOR THE COMPLETE STORY:
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/08/voter_id_theft.html

~Sandy G.

Comments Off September 1, 2008