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Lynda Steele on smartphone hackers
Smartphone users are at risk of banking Trojans, spyware and infected apps and don't even realize it, say security experts who predict 2012 will be the "Year of the Smartphone Hacker."
Lynda Steele on vitamin dos and don'ts
More than half of us take vitamins and supplements regularly, but while some have proven benefits, others aren't worth the cash.
Lynda Steele answers viewers' questions
A paraplegic dachshund featured in a Steele on Your Side investigation has been given a "fabulous new home" after his appearance on the show.
Lynda Steele on a 'name makeover'
The owner of a furnace company whose technician tried to charge for unnecessary repairs has a new business, but there are questions about whether a new name signals a new attitude.
Lynda Steele on airbag explosion concerns
A Metro Vancouver driver is sounding the alarm over defective airbags after the ones in his vehicle exploded suddenly when he was backing out of a parking spot.
Lynda Steele on the dangers of '10 and 2'
People who learned to drive with their hands on the wheel at "10 and 2" risk of major injury to their arms, hands and face because of how they hold on to their steering wheel.
Lynda Steele on Facebook privacy
A new study on privacy and the internet finds Facebook users' information is being used against them in many ways.
Lynda Steele answers viewers' questions
The subject of a CTV hidden-camera investigation into unscrupulous tactics in the furnace repair industry has resurfaced under another name, months after his company's Better Business Bureau accreditation was revoked.
Lynda Steele on driveway battle
A B.C. couple accused of trespassing on their own driveway say they're caught in the middle of a red-tape nightmare between Metro Vancouver and the province.
Lynda Steele on spotting fraudsters
While the potential of hefty return investments is attractive, it's critical to invest with someone you can trust.
Lynda Steele on camera kerfuffle
A sanctuary for senior animals turns to Steele on Your Side after an alarm company fails to install much-needed security cameras.
Lynda Steele on kitchen gadgets
With promises of time savings and less work, many kitchen gadgets seem like a chef's dream. But many of those amazing toys end up straight in the junk drawer.
Lynda Steele answers viewers' questions
Here's how you can stop unaddressed advertisements like free samples, coupons, flyers and newspapers from showing up at your house.
Lynda Steele on pop-up stores
From handmade doughnuts to the hottest looks for summer, pop-up stores are doing big business in Metro Vancouver.
Lynda Steele on laneway homes
A record number of people are applying to build laneway housing in Vancouver -- a building boom in mini housing in the face of record high real estate prices.
Lynda Steele on micro-lofts
A new breed of so-called "micro-lofts," some as small as the size of two parking spaces, are being hailed as a small solution to some of Vancouver's biggest housing problems.
Lynda Steele on GPS apps
While sales of portable GPS units are dropping, more people are downloading navigation apps for their smartphone to get to where they're going.
Lynda Steele answers viewers' questions
There is no hard and fast rule when it comes to how much tax you pay on vouchers purchased from daily deal websites, Steele on Your Side has learned.
Lynda Steele on car seat safety
A B.C. grandmother was shocked to learn it was illegal to use a car seat she bought in Washington State for her newborn grandchild.
Lynda Steele on more gender price gouging
Lynda Steele went on a shopping trip to London Drugs to do a gender pricing experiment, and found that women are paying much more for the same goods.
Lynda Steele on gender price bias
Women are paying up to three-and-a-half times more to have their shirts laundered at the dry-cleaners compared to their male counterparts.
Lynda Steele on finding the right pink product
There are thousands of products that display a pink ribbon in support of breast cancer, but consumers need to do their homework because not all pink products are legitimate.
Lynda Steele answers viewers' questions
Christine Woodington and her boyfriend were ecstatic when they purchased a brand new 2011 Ford Escape last summer, but their enthusiasm has been tempered every time it has to go back to the shop.
Lynda Steele on an online farmers' market
A new online farmers market is making it simple to eat healthy organic foods and support local producers at the same time.
Lynda Steele on playoff ticket scams
As the Vancouver Canucks head into Round 1 of the Stanley Cup playoffs, watchdogs and ticket sellers are warning fans about scam artists selling counterfeit tickets.
Lynda Steele on property transfer tax
The much hated Property Transfer Tax celebrates its 25th birthday this spring, and consumers say the tax has outlived its original intent.
Lynda Steele on best pedometers
Consumer Reports just tested a handful of popular pedometers, GPS watches and cell phone apps that claim to measure steps and distance through movement - for as low as $3.
Lynda Steele on consignment shopping
The sale of consignment clothing is up 25 per cent in Vancouver this year, and sellers say it's a sign that fashionistas are getting more frugal.
Lynda Steele on stopping fare evaders
Some big changes are coming aimed at stopping fare evasion, from fare gates to a new electronic transit pass that will be in the hands of Metro Vancouver commuters by next year.
Lynda Steele on why fare evaders cheat
With the revelation that thousands of fare evasion tickets are going unpaid, Lynda Steele spent the day with transit police to find out why people are cheating the system.
Lynda Steele on the best new vehicles
Consumer Reports has just released its annual report card on the 13 major automakers, and it's a great list for consumers looking to find out what companies are producing quality cars.
Lynda Steele on pet cremation industry
Grieving pet owners who paid for private cremations but received generic ashes instead have few options except to sue the facilities, a process that could take years and cost thousands.
Lynda Steele with more on pet cremations
The Vancouver pound is defending its animal cremation practices after failing an undercover test of its private services.
Lynda Steele on pet cremation investigation
A Steele on Your Side investigation has uncovered widespread evidence of serious deceptive practices in the pet cremation industry, including returning the wrong remains to grieving pet owners.
Lynda Steele on toilet flushing tips
Flushing is a big concern to Consumer Reports' testers. They've just finished evaluating dozens of toilets.
Correspondents on the Air Canada wildcat strike
Air Canada says it has "revised" its ticketing policy for the thousands of customers affected by Friday's labour dispute.
Lynda Steele on misdirected Telus mail
A Telus customer who received someone else's bill for more than a decade has received an apology and financial compensation from the company for the aggravation.
Lynda Steele on gas price fixing
Three companies have been fined for fixing the price of gasoline in two eastern Ontario cities. They were fined a total of $2 million.
Lynda Steele on cruise dreams dashed
The cruise of a lifetime turned into a loss of thousands of dollars for two lifelong travel companions stymied by a new health condition and a difficult cancellation policy.
Lynda Steele on Ikea homes, 911 texts
Swedish furniture giants Ikea have launched a line of flat-pack, do it yourself houses in the U.S.
Lynda Steele on privacy breech
The leak of private information for thousands of accounting students was the result of an "unfortunate error," according to the Certified General Accountants Association of B.C.
Lynda Steele on royal wedding souvenir warning
The royal wedding is long over, but a B.C. monarchist still waiting for her souvenir of the big event says she's the victim of a royal rip-off.
Lynda Steele on ID theft hype
Over 50 million people subscribed to some form of identity theft protection last year, but financial experts say consumers should save their money.
Lynda Steele with daily deal warning
A West Vancouver woman has sworn off online daily deal promotions after she says she was stonewalled by the company she hired to clean her home.
Lynda Steele on huge roaming fees
Many cell phone users are being burned by massive roaming rates and data fees. Steele on Your Side shows you how to cut those rates dramatically.
Lynda Steele on manly paint colours
CIL Paints is appealing to men this winter with an amusing campaign designed to get men more pumped for painting, but will the macho makeover really get men into home décor?

On Your Side Stories

The Smartphone app Tik Tok gives you an alert when a local business posts a deal that you might find interesting. (CTV)

'Anti-Groupon' site dishes out free products

A daily deal website that's being called the "anti-Groupon" is bringing products and services to Vancouver consumers for free, but for a limited time only.   1  

iPhone 4S vs. Samsung Galaxy S-2: Which smartphone should you include on your holiday list?

2012 dubbed 'Year of the Smartphone Hacker'

Smartphone users are at risk of banking Trojans, spyware and infected apps and don't even realize it, say security experts who predict 2012 will be the "Year of the Smartphone Hacker."   5     1

pills

Some vitamins, supplements are a waste of money

More than half of us take vitamins and supplements regularly, but while some have proven benefits, others aren't worth the cash.   9     1

Pinky, a paraplegic dachshund featured in a Steele on Your Side investigation, has been given a “fabulous new home” after his appearance on the show. (CTV)

Paralyzed pooch nabs new home after TV spot

A paraplegic dachshund featured in a Steele on Your Side investigation has been given a "fabulous new home" after his appearance on the show.   5     1

The technician from Burnaby's Pro Ace Heating and Cooling is seen as part of a Steele on Your Side undercover investigation. (CTV)

Does company 'name makeover' equal real change?

The owner of a furnace company whose technician tried to charge for unnecessary repairs has a new business, but there are questions about whether a new name signals a new attitude.   10     1

Greg Burgess says Acura Canada has been unconcerned and unwilling to help after the airbags in his 1999 Integra deployed for no reason. (CTV)

Driver blasts Acura over exploding airbags

A Metro Vancouver driver is sounding the alarm over defective airbags after the ones in his vehicle exploded suddenly when he was backing out of a parking spot.   11     1

Street racing, driving

Steering at '10 and 2' dangerous, say experts

People who learned to drive with their hands on the wheel at "10 and 2" risk of major injury to their arms, hands and face because of how they hold on to their steering wheel.   12     1

This Feb. 1, 2012 photo shows the Facebook logo on a computer screen in Berlin. (AP Photo/dapd, Timur Emek)

Facebook privacy options ignored by millions

A new study on privacy and the internet finds Facebook users' information is being used against them in many ways.   7     1

Pro Ace Heating and Cooling owner Ali Soroush came to CTV's Vancouver studios to watch footage of the Steele on Your Side undercover investigation. (CTV)

Furnace probe subject opens new company

The subject of a CTV hidden-camera investigation into unscrupulous tactics in the furnace repair industry has resurfaced under another name, months after his company's Better Business Bureau accreditation was revoked.   3     1

Metro Vancouver officials say the bottom portion of this Belcarra, B.C., driveway is on park land. (CTV)

Couple accused of trespassing on own driveway

A B.C. couple accused of trespassing on their own driveway say they're caught in the middle of a red-tape nightmare between Metro Vancouver and the province.   24     1

The BC Utilities Commission has just launched its

Fraudsters: Spot a wolf in sheep's clothing

While the potential of hefty return investments is attractive, it's critical to invest with someone you can trust.   3     1

The staff and volunteers from SAINTS pose with the refund cheque from Admiral Security. (CTV)

Animal rescue cries foul over security camera kerfuffle

A sanctuary for senior animals turns to Steele on Your Side after an alarm company fails to install much-needed security cameras.   22     1

Consumer Reports tested 40 kitchen gadgets and found several that live up to their promises and others that don't. (CTV)

Creative kitchen gadgets not always best

With promises of time savings and less work, many kitchen gadgets seem like a chef's dream. But many of those amazing toys end up straight in the junk drawer.   2     1

Canada Post says mail should begin trickling into homes and businesses Tuesday, though postal workers will be sorting through a major backlog of mail for the next few days. (Andrew Vaughan / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

How to stop Canada Post junk mail

Here's how you can stop unaddressed advertisements like free samples, coupons, flyers and newspapers from showing up at your house.   5     1

Celebrity chef Bob Blumer dishes out a creation from a toilet at his pop-up restaurant promoting his new Food Network show. (CTV)

Pop-up shops: Suddenly appearing near you

From handmade doughnuts to the hottest looks for summer, pop-up stores are doing big business in Metro Vancouver.   6     1

Smallworks has built two dozen laneway homes and expects to build another 14 this year alone. (Smallworks)

Backyard revolution of laneway homes grows

A record number of people are applying to build laneway housing in Vancouver -- a building boom in mini housing in the face of record high real estate prices.   15     1

The 270-square-foot Burns Block suites come equip with a fold-down Murphy bed, galley kitchen and built-in shelving. (CTV)

A 226 sq. ft. solution to living large in Vancouver

A new breed of so-called "micro-lofts," some as small as the size of two parking spaces, are being hailed as a small solution to some of Vancouver's biggest housing problems.   23     1

While sales of portable GPS units are dropping, more people are downloading navigation apps for their smartphone to get to where they're going. (CTV)

Turn your smartphone into a great GPS

While sales of portable GPS units are dropping, more people are downloading navigation apps for their smartphone to get to where they're going.   2     1

The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver is seen in a publicity image.

How much tax should you pay on a daily deal?

There is no hard and fast rule when it comes to how much tax you pay on vouchers purchased from daily deal websites, Steele on Your Side has learned.   5     1

Linda Anderson bought a car seat in Washinton state only to find out it was illegal to use back home in B.C. April 19, 2012. (CTV)

Baby on board? Not if car seat bought in U.S.

A B.C. grandmother was shocked to learn it was illegal to use a car seat she bought in Washington State for her newborn grandchild.   31     1

Lynda Steele went on a shopping trip to London Drugs to do a gender pricing experiment, and found that women are paying more for the same goods. (CTV)

Women paying a lot more for popular products

Lynda Steele went on a shopping trip to London Drugs to do a gender pricing experiment, and found that women are paying much more for the same goods.   5     1

Lynda Steele took two nearly identical white shirts to three downtown Vancouver cleaners and found that each charged much more to launder the women's shirt. (CTV)

Gender price gouging taking women to the cleaners

Women are paying up to three-and-a-half times more to have their shirts laundered at the dry-cleaners compared to their male counterparts.   6     1

The Big Pink Sightseeing Bus donates $1 for every rider to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. (CTV)

Think twice before you buy pink

There are thousands of products that display a pink ribbon in support of breast cancer, but consumers need to do their homework because not all pink products are legitimate.   4     1

What to do if your new car is a lemon

Christine Woodington and her boyfriend were ecstatic when they purchased a brand new 2011 Ford Escape last summer, but their enthusiasm has been tempered every time it has to go back to the shop.   3     1

Virtual market connects farmers, consumers

A new online farmers market is making it simple to eat healthy organic foods and support local producers at the same time.   1     1

As the Vancouver Canucks head into Round 1 of the Stanley Cup playoffs, watchdogs and ticket sellers are warning fans about scam artists selling counterfeit tickets.

Don't get burned by fake Canucks tickets

As the Vancouver Canucks head into Round 1 of the Stanley Cup playoffs, watchdogs and ticket sellers are warning fans about scam artists selling counterfeit tickets.   1     1

First time home buyer Nathan Sellyn was hit with close to $10,000 of Property Transfer Tax. (CTV)

The dreaded Property Transfer Tax turns 25

The much hated Property Transfer Tax celebrates its 25th birthday this spring, and consumers say the tax has outlived its original intent.   21     1

Dietitian and exercise psychologist Ashley Charlebois says walking is an easy way to improve your health. (CTV)

Walking the walk to test the best pedometers

Consumer Reports just tested a handful of popular pedometers, GPS watches and cell phone apps that claim to measure steps and distance through movement - for as low as $3.       1

A Chanel leather vest which retails for $2,000 is being sold for $575 secondhand in a Vancouver consignment shop (CTV).

Consignment sales up as fashionistas get frugal

The sale of consignment clothing is up 25 per cent in Vancouver this year, and sellers say it's a sign that fashionistas are getting more frugal.   5     1

With the revelation that thousands of TransLink fare evasion tickets are going unpaid, consumer reporter Lynda Steele spent the day with transit police to find out why people are cheating the system.

Province pledges to help stop fare evasion

Some big changes are coming aimed at stopping fare evasion, from fare gates to a new electronic transit pass that will be in the hands of Metro Vancouver commuters by next year.   14     1

This fare evader claimed he had no idea where the ticket machines were located. (CTV)

The (often lame) excuses of fare evaders

With the revelation that thousands of fare evasion tickets are going unpaid, Lynda Steele spent the day with transit police to find out why people are cheating the system.   36     1

Cars, Automakers, companies, Honda, Subaru, consumer report, Hyundai, BMW, Toyota, Ford, Chrysler, Mazda

Subaru tops annual automaker report card

Consumer Reports has just released its annual report card on the 13 major automakers, and it's a great list for consumers looking to find out what companies are producing quality cars.       1

Ann Lockley shows Lynda Steele the remains of her two dogs. (CTV)

Deceived pet owners have few options

Grieving pet owners who paid for private cremations but received generic ashes instead have few options except to sue the facilities, a process that could take years and cost thousands.   16     3

Zoo archeologist Brian Pegg confirmed the remains received from the Vancouver pound contained many bones. (CTV)

Pound fails undercover test of cremation services

The Vancouver pound is defending its animal cremation practices after failing an undercover test of its private services.   21     2

A Steele on Your Side investigation has uncovered widespread evidence of serious deceptive practices in the pet cremation industry, including returning the wrong remains to grieving pet owners. (CTV)

Pet crematoriums returning wrong remains

A Steele on Your Side investigation has uncovered widespread evidence of serious deceptive practices in the pet cremation industry, including returning the wrong remains to grieving pet owners.   66     1

A Cash Store payday loan location is shown in Victoria, B.C. March 27, 2012. (CTV)

Payday loan company ordered to refund illegal fees

The Cash Store has been ordered to reimburse B.C. customers for money the company illegally charged them to take out payday loans.   4  

Flushing is a big concern to Consumer Reports' testers. They've just finished evaluating dozens of toilets.

Putting water-saving toilets to the test

Flushing is a big concern to Consumer Reports' testers. They've just finished evaluating dozens of toilets.   5     1

Air Canada wildcat strike, Pearson delays, airline strike, labour dispute, An Air Canada baggage handler talks on a cell phone during a a wildcat walkout at Toronto's Pearson International Airport early Friday, March 23, 2012. (Victor Biro / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

Air Canada revises ticket policy after strike

Air Canada says it has "revised" its ticketing policy for the thousands of customers affected by Friday's labour dispute.   3     2

A Steele on Your Side viewer wrote in after getting fed up with receiving the wrong Telus bill -- for more than 10 years. (CTV)

Woman receives wrong Telus bill for 10 years

A Telus customer who received someone else's bill for more than a decade has received an apology and financial compensation from the company for the aggravation.   16     1

A man walks into a Canadian Tire store in Levis, Que., Monday, May 9, 2011. Retail giant Canadian Tire Corp. has struck a friendly deal worth $771-million for sporting goods specialist Forzani Group Ltd, parent company of sport retailers Sports Experts and SportChek. (Jacques Boissinot / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

Canadian Tire pleads guilty to gas price fixing

Three companies have been fined for fixing the price of gasoline in two eastern Ontario cities. They were fined a total of $2 million.   22     1

Best friends Twyla Graeme and Karel Ley were forced to cancel their 37-day dream cruise this spring. (CTV)

Dream cruise dashed by snoring, cancellation woes

The cruise of a lifetime turned into a loss of thousands of dollars for two lifelong travel companions stymied by a new health condition and a difficult cancellation policy.   16     1

The Aktiv is a flat-pack one bedroom home designed by Ikea. (Ideabox)

Ikea launches $86,000 DIY homes

Swedish furniture giants Ikea have launched a line of flat-pack, do it yourself houses in the U.S.   19     1

Computer

Private info of 4,600 B.C. students leaked

The leak of private information for thousands of accounting students was the result of an "unfortunate error," according to the Certified General Accountants Association of B.C.   9     1

Susan Greenwood ordered a ‘Royal Heirloom Ring’ from a TV infomercial advertisement last summer and she’s still waiting for it to arrive. (CTV)

Monarchist says TV ring deal is a royal rip-off

The royal wedding is long over, but a B.C. monarchist still waiting for her souvenir of the big event says she's the victim of a royal rip-off.   3     1

Consumer Reports’ Money Adviser is debunking ID-theft hype after looking at nearly two dozen plans that cost $120 to $300 a year.

ID theft hype debunked

Over 50 million people subscribed to some form of identity theft protection last year, but financial experts say consumers should save their money.   2     1

Ann Hunter has sworn off online daily deal promotions after she says she was stonewalled by the company she hired to clean her home. (CTV)

Woman taken to cleaners by bogus daily deal

A West Vancouver woman has sworn off online daily deal promotions after she says she was stonewalled by the company she hired to clean her home.   10     1

Philipp Postrehovsky was hit with $500 in roaming fees on his last cell phone bill after taking two trips south of the border. (CTV)

Eliminating outrageous roaming fees

Many cell phone users are being burned by massive roaming rates and data fees. Steele on Your Side shows you how to cut those rates dramatically.   21     1

CIL is renaming dozens of its dramatic paint colours in its Ultimate Man Caves Collection, which bears the slogan “Given the right time – he’ll agree to any colour.”

Beer Foam white? Paint colours get macho makeover

CIL Paints is appealing to men this winter with an amusing campaign designed to get men more pumped for painting, but will the macho makeover really get men into home décor?   2     1

More

Lynda Steele is a consumer reporter and host  for CTV News British Columbia's consumer segment Steele On Your Side. June 9, 2011. (CTV)

Contact Lynda Steele

Got a great story idea or consumer tip for Steele On Your Side? Email us here.

Lynda Steele's bio

Lynda is CTV British Columbia's consumer reporter and host of Steele on Your Side.