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

Harlan Levy. Courtesy photo

By Harlan Levy

Last week I received a threatening letter titled “FINAL NOTICE,” warning me that since I “have not CALLED US YET to verify that your home warranty is still in place, [it] may have already expired.” Without a “home warranty,” Norwich Coml Grp wrote, I “will be financially liable for any and all repairs. … Based on your mortgage lender’s requirements. … you may be required to have a home warranty in place.”

So Norwich gave me until today, Feb. 4, to get this warranty. It’s a total scam I knew, since we paid off our mortgage years ago. But, for vulnerable, naive homeowners who receive this scam notice, I needed to know what state law says.

Clearly stated, the law says, “Connecticut homes with mortgages do not require home warranties, as they are optional service contracts, not mandatory insurance. While lenders require homeowner’s insurance to cover structural damage, a home warranty for appliances or systems is strictly voluntary. However, new homes in Connecticut often come with specific builder warranties.” Connecticut law requires builders to provide express and implied warranties for new homes and condos.

So if you get this letter, chuck it.

Here’s the threatening letter warning about not having a home warranty. Photo credit: Harlan Levy

Trucking investment scam

Here’s another good one: A federal district court has permanently shut down the operations of RivX, which allegedly defrauded consumers out of millions of dollars with deceptive promises of trucking industry investment opportunities. The court order bans RivX from engaging in a business or investment opportunity and enters an $8.39 million judgment.

“RivX falsely claimed that consumers could make tens of thousands of dollars through trucking industry business opportunities,” said Christopher Mufarrige, Director of the Federal Trade Commission’s Bureau of Consumer Protection.

The complaint says RivX offered consumers the opportunity to invest in the trucking industry, claiming that after consumers pay $75,000 or more, RivX would buy a semi-truck in their name and operate it on their behalf. But very few ever received trucks, and none were able to recoup their investment, much less make any profit.

A separate court order also settles the FTC’s complaint against Diamond Cargo LLC, which received funds or other assets that can be traced directly back to the RivX defendants’ unlawful conduct. In addition to a $15,000 payment, Diamond Cargo will be required to assist in the sale of certain RivX defendants’ trucks.

Gerber has recalled these biscuits. Courtesy of Harlan Levy

Gerber recall

On Jan. 26, Gerber Products Co. initiated a nationwide recall of limited batches of the popular kids’ snack, Arrowroot Biscuits, due to the potential presence of soft plastic and/or paper pieces that should not be consumed. The recall is isolated to limited batches of Gerber 5.5oz biscuits produced between July 2025 and September 2025.

Cleaning cast-iron skillets

Just browsing through the internet I came across a site describing how to clean our heavy cast-iron skillet, which I’m responsible for scrubbing, as well as all our pots and pans that we use. Here’s the method:

First, I learned that salt acts as a natural abrasive without damaging the skillet’s surface. It scrubs away stuck-on food particles and grime without the harshness of soap, which can break down the seasoning. Plus, it’s easy to find, affordable, and safe. Salt’s coarse texture helps lift debris and has antibacterial properties.

• Step 1: While your skillet is warm (not hot), pour about 1-2 tablespoons of coarse kosher salt into the pan. Avoid table salt as it’s too fine.
• Step 2: Grab a clean, damp cloth or a non-metal brush. Scrub the salt all around your skillet, focusing on spots with stuck-on food or grease.
• Step 3: Rinse the skillet with warm water. If stubborn bits remain, repeat the scrubbing with salt until clean.
• Step 4: Dry your skillet thoroughly with a towel and place it on low heat on your stove to evaporate any leftover moisture.
• Step 5: Once dry, lightly rub a thin layer of cooking oil on the surface to keep the cast iron seasoned and prevent rust.

OK, it’s 6 p.m. Let’s start cooking!

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.

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