SEATTLE - Halloween costumes are supposed to be scary, but Washington parents may not realize quite how scary. They probably don't expect to expose their children to lead and other chemicals when getting them ready to go trick-or-treating. But in recent tests, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) has found lead and chromium in face paint, and other contaminants, such as P-V-C, in masks and spray-on hair color. Leeann Brown, press associate in the toxics department at the EWG, says it's hard to know what's safe, because reading the labels doesn't always help.

"We found many of these were imported, and there wasn't much information available to the consumer. But people should be aware that the contaminants we found weren't listed on the label. We had to test for them to find them."

Many of the items tested and found to contain harmful substances came from unknown companies, or companies that don't list phone numbers or addresses. So, parents are urged to do a little research on Halloween products, or just make their kids' costumes this week, at home.

Pediatrician Marny Turnvil is not surprised by the findings. She says more than 80,000 chemicals are approved for use in consumer goods, and with little safety testing, children are at greater risk today than in past generations.

"They are starting their lives with a bigger body burden of chemicals to begin with because we have exponentially increased the number of chemicals in our society every ten years since 1940."

"Safer Halloween" tips are online at www.ewg.org


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This session, Minnesota lawmakers are expected to take a strong look at preventing more fraud attempts against state government. Meanwhile, consumer advocates hope they do not forget about separate scams increasingly targeting everyday citizens.

Organizations such as AARP said consumer fraud has reached a crisis point, with federal data showing U.S. consumers reported losing more than $10 billion to fraud in 2023, a record high.

Cathy McLeer, state director of AARP Minnesota, said in a digital world, it is getting harder for authorities to clamp down on the threats and give people an avenue to recoup what they lost.

"In many cases, these are bad actors who are overseas," McLeer explained. "You can't track them down. And it's very, very difficult for anyone who has been defrauded to get even some of those resources back."

McLeer pointed out such situations can be especially harder on older adults because their life savings can quickly evaporate.

A proposed bill would create a state-managed restitution fund, where proceeds from civil penalties would be redirected and awarded to fraud victims having trouble getting their money back. The bill is sponsored by lawmakers in both parties but it is unclear whether it will gain traction amid other priorities.

A key provision in the bill said Minnesota's attorney general has to bring a case against the scammers and obtain a court order. McLeer argued the extra tool might prompt more people falling prey to fraud to speak up.

"We also know that so much fraud is underreported," McLeer observed. "We believe that having a Consumer Fraud Restitution Fund would provide the incentive for more individuals to report financial crimes, frauds and scams when they happen."

A handful of other states have created similar funds, including North Dakota in 2023. Meanwhile, AARP Minnesota will host an online discussion on the topic Thursday at 10 a.m. CT. The public is invited to take part.

Military borrowers pay higher costs and face greater financial risks than civilian borrowers when taking out credit to buy a car - according to a new report from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

The report found service members tend to borrow larger sums, at higher interest rates over longer terms.

Rosemary Shahan, president of the Sacramento-based nonprofit Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety, said yo-yo scams are common - where the victim signs an initial contract on good terms but then the dealer claims the financing fell through.

"And then they say, 'If you don't agree to sign this other contract where we're charging you for a lot of worthless add-ons you don't really want and a higher interest rate,'" said Shahan, "'then we'll report the vehicle stolen, and you'll be in trouble with your command, and it'll ruin your career.' "

The report finds many service members are young and far from family members who might help them negotiate a large purchase.

Last year under former President Joe Biden, the Federal Trade Commission finalized the CARS rule, which would combat dishonest sales tactics. Automakers sued and last month a federal judge put it on hold.

Shahan said the CARS rule would require dealers to tell you the price up front before you even go to the lot.

"It also has additional protections for military service members," said Shahan. "It prohibits car dealers from representing that they're somehow affiliated with the military, or have been approved by the military when that's not true, and would also require them to be more honest about the price of the add-ons and actually get your affirmative approval before adding them."

The Federal Trade Commission under the Trump administration will now have to decide whether to stand behind the rule and fight for it in court, or withdraw it.

Tax season is in full swing and locations are available across Idaho to assist people with preparing their returns.

The AARP Foundation's Tax-Aide program offers in-person help to people with low and moderate incomes. They don't have to be AARP members.

There are 27 sites available across the Gem State. Tax-aide State Coordinator for AARP Idaho, Karen Cummings, said the program can help people get back money they didn't know they were owed.

"It saves a lot of money and it refunds a lot of money from the IRS," said Cummings. "Some people wouldn't normally, maybe even go get a paid preparer, because it wouldn't be worth their time if they don't have a filing requirement. So, we help a lot of people."

Because filing taxes primarily involves computers now, Cummings said the tax-aide program is especially helpful for people who aren't very computer literate.

Last year in Idaho, volunteers filed more than 14,500 federal returns and nearly 14,000 state returns, with refunds totaling $16.7 million.

Cummings also noted that everyone involved gains something from the experience.

"We both benefit," said Cummings. "Both the volunteers feel good about helping the community and the community is extremely grateful that we're there to help them out."

Volunteers for the program pass IRS-certified tests. The program can help in most cases, although not complex ones.

Most sites will assist people through April 15.