CHICAGO – Billions of dollars are lost every year repairing systems hit by cybercriminals. Headlines are made when they take down vital systems, disrupting and sometimes disabling the work of hospitals, schools, banks and 911 services around the country.

Steve Bernas, president and chief executive of the Better Business Bureau says even though we don't hear about it often in the news, small businesses and average people around the world also are falling victim daily.

"Recent reports that the Better Business Bureau has reviewed indicate that upwards of 50 percent of small businesses have had their data breached in the last year, and that's alarming numbers," he says.

The Better Business Bureau, the Small Business Administration and the Federal Trade Commission have teamed up for a forum today in Chicago called "Keeping Your Small Business Safe in the Digital Age."

Bernas says who are behind cyber attacks runs the gamut from individuals looking for bragging rights, to businesses trying to gain an upper hand in the marketplace, rings of criminals wanting to steal personal information and sell it on black markets, to spies and terrorists looking for vital information or launch cyber strikes.

"The U.S. government has identified cybercrime as one of the most serious, economic national-security challenges we face as a nation, with a global estimated cost of $400 billion," he notes.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, identity-theft complaints nearly doubled between 2010 and 2015. However, the numbers are much higher than publicly reported statistics because some law- enforcement agencies classify them differently than others.


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Starting this year, changes to California's "lemon law" will make it harder for consumers to get a refund or a replacement vehicle.

The changes mean instead of just taking the car to the dealer for repairs, you're now going to have to formally notify the manufacturer via email or certified mail and include your name, the vehicle ID number, a summary of the problems and a demand for a refund or replacement.

Rosemary Shahan, president of the nonprofit Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety, said if you do not take the step, you forgo lemon-law protections.

"They're going to feel like they can ignore you and refuse to fix the problem," Shahan contended. "Or just do a real, cheap, temporary Band-Aid kind of fix until the warranty expires, and then they'll tell you how much they want you to pay for the repair out of your own pocket."

Gov. Gavin Newsom said he signed Assembly Bill 1755 reluctantly in order to cut down on lemon law lawsuits clogging the courts. Shahan noted lawmakers agreed to the changes only after General Motors and Ford threatened to support a ballot initiative capping attorneys fees in consumer lawsuits, something vigorously opposed by consumer attorneys, who are big political contributors.

The governor did negotiate a new bill, soon to be introduced, to allow manufacturers to opt in or out of the new program. Supporters of the changes, including General Motors, Ford and Stellantis, are expected to opt-in, while opponents such as Honda, Toyota and Tesla may decide to uphold the old protections.

Shahan noted the new lemon law said consumers who have negative equity, meaning they owe more on the lemon car than it is worth, can be forced to come up with the difference before the manufacturer will buy it back.

"The manufacturers will say, 'Oh, we'd be happy to buy back your lemon but first you have to come up with whatever the negative equity is before you can give us clear title to the car,'" Shahan asserted. "Most people can't afford to pay out of pocket, so they're going to be stuck with a lemon car."

The new lemon law also rescinds protections after six years, making longer warranties unenforceable, and consumers will now have only one year to file a claim, down from four.

With 2025 at hand, Minnesotans might be mapping out the concerts they want to attend or things they want to buy in the new year but the presence of hidden fees could give them second thoughts.

New state laws aim to address it. A pair of statutes taking effect Jan. 1 were drafted in response to consumer complaints about so-called "junk fees." One said businesses must disclose the full price of products and services upfront, eliminating surprise charges at checkout. Policy experts said it can cover hotel stays and food deliveries. The second law has similar pricing transparency requirements for live events.

Rep. Lucy Rehm, DFL-Chanhassen, feels it is a "win-win."

"When all businesses disclose their full prices up front, consumers can make these fair and informed comparisons," Rehm explained. "I think it'll foster trust and competition. So, I think it's good for businesses as well as consumers."

State officials estimate hidden and deceptive fees cost the average Minnesota family more than $3,000 a year. There was bipartisan support for the new rules but, similar to rule-making efforts at the federal level, business voices like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce described the approach has "micromanaging" and will not do much to address transparency issues in pricing.

Rehm countered Minnesota's new laws will especially benefit small businesses, which are typically upfront about the final price. Meanwhile, she added, the changes can help ensure all Minnesotans, feeling the pinch of ticket costs, have better access to events offering cultural enrichment.

"We have a thriving arts community here," Rehm pointed out. "We want people to be able to go to concerts and enjoy the arts."

There are exemptions under Minnesota's new junk fees law, including shipping-related costs and automatic gratuities for food and beverage establishments. Vendors at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport have longer to comply, until June 1.

Travel agencies say Americans are still embracing overseas trips, including destinations where the itinerary is loaded with learning opportunities about local culture.

There are tips for Nebraskans on where to book and how to stretch their dollar. Those who help consumers plan their vacations report a strong appetite for experiences where cultural immersion is the main attraction.

Brittany Duffy, travel expert at EF Go Ahead Tours, said it might mean going off the beaten path more in towns and villages, as opposed to sticking with the common tourist sites in the heart of a major city across the globe.

"Not just checking a trip off their list, but really becoming more connected and seeking that personal growth opportunity and having those unforgettable moments," Duffy explained.

She pointed out guided tours, in places like Latin America and Scandinavia, can bring you to under-the-radar spots, like family-run farms serving dinner. Companies like EF Go Ahead Tours have flexible financing requiring a small deposit, with additional interest-free payments spread out well in advance of your trip. The University of Nebraska experts also recommended seeking out hostels for lodging as a way to keep travel costs lower.

Duffy emphasized timing is another key tool in keeping vacations budget-friendly and accessible.

"Considering traveling in the shoulder season, April, May, October, November," Duffy advised. "You still see really pleasant weather but you got smaller crowds and lower prices."

Research firms say younger adults are increasingly booking vacations, including solo trips, while older adults said travel is becoming too expensive. But baby boomers are still open to flying elsewhere if they can find value, such as doing so during off-peak seasons.

Experts said lower costs should not come at the expense of personal safety. One example would be using public transportation late at night in unfamiliar areas. They said calling a taxi is better in such situations.


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