Consumer columnist and West Hartford resident Harlan Levy has more than 20 years of experience writing stories about everyday experiences that anyone could encounter.

By Harlan Levy

On Friday I received an email with the subject “Apple ID Alert – Security Check Needed” from [email protected].tr. Obviously that isn’t an Apple address, but a gullible person could be fooled.

The email read: “Dear User, We detected a recent login to your Apple ID from an unfamiliar device. A payment request of $143.95 was attempted via Apple Pay on a CHILD PORNOGRAPHY website. If this activity wasn’t authorized by you, please take immediate action. Contact our Security Response Team at +1-888-825-9512 to protect your account. Apple ID Security Team.”

I did not make the call, but I did call Apple and spoke with Christine, who said it was definitely a phishing scam and that Apple has received numerous reports of this kind.

“If you’d made the call you’d be put through to people who are not fun to deal with,” she said. “They’ll say there are various charges that I owe from Timbuktu, Florida, and other places, trying to convince you to set up a screen shot and download a website or download a site that has a monthly charge, or they’ll try to view your banking information and get it. That’s the goal, or they’ll ask you to download or buy or purchase gift cards.”

So, watch out for this scam, and don’t make the requested call.

Gas

Do you pass gas a lot (maybe to the annoyance and disgust of a spouse)? You may rely on Gas-X Extra Strength Softgels (125 mg). But caution: The Food and Drug Administration has just recalled four lots of the softgels distributed on or about April 13 due to potential contamination with a diluted propylene glycol-based coolant from a machine leakage during the packaging process.

There is a potential that ingestion of the Softgels contaminated with the diluted propylene glycol-based coolant may result in adverse events such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea.

Maybe it’s a better idea to reduce how much you eat high-fiber foods that cause gas explosions – like cabbage broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, whole grains, oats, whole wheat bread, milk, cheese, yogurt, apples, bananas, and peaches – all my favorite foods. You don’t want to be watching a movie with your spouse at home, make unappreciated noises, and drive her (usually her) away. Know what I mean?

Lung cancer

In a research report in the June 4 issue of Cell magazine, scientists discovered a set or “signature” of 14 proteins in the blood that accurately predict lung cancers more than five years before diagnosis – with increased protein levels in those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The research team also found evidence that an existing anti-inflammatory drug could significantly reduce lung cancer risk in people with high concentrations of these proteins, which they linked to inflammation.

“The signature, validated across eight cohorts, was elevated in current smokers and individuals exposed to particulate matter and linked to lung myeloid and alveolar cells,” the authors said . “Although lung cancer screening programs in the USA, Europe, and Australia are indicated in those over the age of 50 … these selection criteria do not capture light or never-smoking individuals. … Identifying molecular events preceding malignant transformation could aid risk stratification and prevention strategies.”

This is significant news, since lung cancer kills more people worldwide than any other cancer with two thirds surviving less than five years.

Bike helmets

Gudook Adult Bike Helmets sold on Amazon by Gudook Outdoor Sports have been recalled, because the helmets violate the mandatory safety standard for bicycle helmets, because the helmets do not comply with the impact attenuation and certification requirements. The helmets can fail to protect the user in the event of a crash, posing a serious risk of injury or death due to head injury.

Now you know.

NOTE: If you have a consumer problem, contact me at [email protected] (“Consumer” in subject line), and, with the power of the press, maybe I can help.

Like what you see here? Click here to subscribe to We-Ha’s newsletter so you’ll always be in the know about what’s happening in West Hartford! Click the blue button below to become a supporter of We-Ha.com and our efforts to continue producing quality journalism.