InvestigateTV - Season 3; Episode 10
(InvestigateTV) — This Week on InvestigateTV: Machines that look like the slots found in Las Vegas casinos are popping up in gas stations, convenience stores, bars and social halls across the nation. But as Joce Sterman found, while they may look similar, these games play by a different set of rules, which has created regulatory headaches and confusion nationwide. Plus, the federal government has proposed a new rule that would prohibit companies from paying for positive online reviews and other deceptive practices.
WHERE TO WATCH ICYMI – Watch last week’s episode.
Gaming the System: So-called “skill games” have popped up in bars, convenience stores and gas stations across the country. They look and sound just like slot machines, but they’re largely unregulated, operating in a gray area. Opponents argue the lack of regulation in many states means less protection for consumers and addicted gamblers - and a loss of billions of dollars in tax revenue. But supporters are racking up court victories - with the courts saying their games are fair and deserve to stay. We look at the complex battle to deal with “gray games” and interview a man who lost nearly half a million dollars playing them.
Five Star Fakes – Paying for Positives: The federal government is looking to crack down on fake reviews for products and services you buy online. The Federal Trade Commission is proposing a new rule to help consumers make better decisions. That proposed rule would ban companies from trading negative or positive ratings, so you don’t get duped by finding them. Our national investigative team continues its yearlong investigation into Five Star Fakes. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to a man who says he was bribed by a company to remove a negative review, and she highlights the latest scam, where fraudsters are boosting the ratings for products you buy online. We find out if the new rules will make a difference - and how companies are skirting the current law by bribing consumers to write fake testimonials.
Button Battery Dangers: In the United States, a child visits an emergency department for a battery-related injury every 75 minutes, with more than 80% of patients under the age of 5. That’s according to a recent Safe Kids Worldwide study that analyzed nearly a decade’s worth of data. Experts say the button or coin batteries that power many small electronics in our homes pose a serious risk to children prone to placing shiny objects in their mouths. Lynn Kawano spoke with a woman who pushed for legislative change after her 18-month-old daughter tragically died in a button battery incident.
Watching Your Wallet – Junk Fees: The government is going after junk fees, but will that save you any money? In this Watching Your Wallet, Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to an expert about what these fees are and what you can expect to see over the next year.
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