Prepaid cards are becoming a popular choice for consumers, including online shoppers concerned about identity theft and parents looking for a way to fund kids in high school and college. But thousands of consumers complain each year about the high fees and cards that get frozen, leaving them without access to their own funds. Some consumer advocates say the government should do more to regulate the industry.

Kane In Your Corner examines hate and bias incidents in New Jersey, how often they happen and how rarely they're prosecuted. We explore the increase in hate based on religion and look at hate creeping into politics - in ways that have experts concerned. From victims assaulted with weapons to hundreds of reports of hateful graffiti and swastikas, we found there were 569 bias incidents last year - a 55% increase since 2015. We also found that hate affects every corner of New Jersey.

Episode 20: Bullied in School

New Jersey is supposed to have one of the toughest school bullying laws in the country, but a News 12 investigation finds too often it doesn't work. Some school districts are not being truthful over how often bullying happens. Parents who file complaints often feel they have no one on their side. And the law is so specific that cases that seem like obvious bullying don't qualify. 

Episode 19: Exclusive talk with Attorney General Grewal on New Jersey hate crimes

Bias incidents are on the rise in some New Jersey cities. A newly released report shows there were over 500 incidents reported last year, the most in New Jersey in a decade. And 1 in 4 reported incidents occur on college campuses across the state. In an exclusive interview, Walt Kane discusses the alarming numbers with New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal.

A “Shake-up at the SDA,” in which the Gov. Phil Murphy Administration fired 30 New Jersey Schools Development Authority employees following a state audit.

Walt Kane sits down with cybersecurity expert Scott Schoeber to discuss what our expectations of privacy and security should be when using "free" smartphone apps.

Episode 16: Consumer Alert on student loan debt

A college degree has long been seen as the key to a good job, but more Americans are carrying student loan debt these days. Americans now owe more than $1.5 trillion in student loans - and one study finds that 40% may default in the next four years. Walt talks to consumer debt expert Paul Oster about how to stay informed to avoid student loan struggles.

Episode 15: A 7-year Superstorm Sandy recovery story

After 7 years, Jim & Carol Ferraioli are finally ready to begin construction on their new home to replace the one that was ravaged by Superstorm Sandy. They have overcome numerous struggles with contractors, mortgage companies and state programs just to get to this point but they still needed to clear one more hurdle before the foundation is poured. The Kane in Your Corner team has been able to get to know the family for the better part of three years, and was able to tell their story of sorrow & perseverance against what seemed to be impossible odds.

Walt Kane explores the latest trend of creating deepfake videos for public consumption. It's a new trend that uses computer software to merge the image of one person with the words of another, or in some cases use vocal soundalikes. Walt sits down with Adam Levin a cybersecurity expert with the company CyberScout to talk about the technology behind the videos. We discuss the way these manipulated videos are being perfected just before the upcoming presidential election. And we talk about the potential ethical issues and how this practice may be betraying the public trust with Patrick Murray from the Monmouth University Polling Institute.

Walt Kane talks to automotive consumer advocate Michael Sacks about what to know to protect yourself when buying a new or used car. Get some tips on how to negotiate a fair price, added features and repair warranties.

Episode 12: Consumer Alert on counterfeit goods

Walt Kane talks to Melissa Companick from the New Jersey Better Business Bureau about the increase of counterfeit goods being brought in to the country through the air and through the ports. The Better Business Bureau recently released a report analyzing the frequency that counterfeit goods are being sold online domestically. The study finds approximately 1 in 4 Americans have unknowingly purchased counterfeit items. In this episode, learn what you can do to protect yourself and what you should do when you realize you're a victim.

Walt Kane talks to New Jersey Better Business Bureau Director Melissa Companick about the history of the BBB, the way the organization operates and the services it provides. Walt and Melissa discuss how the Better Business Bureau educates consumers through its ratings systems and feedback forums. They also take a look at the Better Business Bureau scam tracker website, which alerts users to trending scams in their region.

Episode 10: Consumer Alert on debt collectors

Imagine getting calls every day from debt collectors, plus getting bombarded by texts and emails too. That may be the new reality for millions of Americans following new rules proposed by the Trump administration. There are new rules on debt collectors would let them call up to 7 times a week per debt, and also contact people by text or email. Walt Kane talks to National Consumer Law Center attorney Joanna Darcus about the proposed regulations.

Robocalls have become the No. 1 consumer complaint in America. Americans now get 5.2 billion of them a month -- 2,000 every second. We talk to Robokiller's Ethan Garr, cybersecurity expert Scott Schober, U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone and Verizon's David Weissmann about the explosive growth of unwanted calls.

Episode 8: Surprise medical billing

Gov. Phil Murphy signed a bill last year regulating surprise medical billing, but you may not be as protected as you think. In this companion podcast for Kane In Your Corner's two-part look at surprise medical billing, Walt Kane talks to a mother ended up owing more than $18,000 out of pocket when her son was born prematurely - despite her making sure to deliver at an in-network hospital. And we hear from patient advocate AnnMarie Mcilwain on how to protect yourself and what to look out for to make sure you get the benefits and coverage to which you are entitled.

Walt Kane talks to financial planner Paul Oster about the "big brother" scenario in social media and how your insurance company may be observing your online behavior before underwriting your policy.

Your car is a big investment, especially if you buy it new. But if you have a problem with your new car, will you be protected? It may depend on where you live. The Center for Auto Safety recently released a ranking of all states' Lemon Laws. Walt Kane talks to Amy Ginsburg, automotive attorney for Kimmel & Silverman, about Lemon Law protection.

For years, the advice on how to get your next pet was simple: Adopt, don't shop. The problem is it's not as easy as it used to be. Some 85 million American families now own a pet – about seven in 10 families -- but many unwittingly get animals raised by mass breeders, sometimes called “puppy mills.” And consumer advocates say thousands of prospective pet owners fall victim to pet scams each year. Last month, authorities in Iowa busted a “puppy-laundering ring.” Dogs from puppy mills were given to fake rescue groups that existed only on paper, then were sold to pet stores. If you're looking for a new pet, you've got to do your homework. Walt Kane talks to Larry Cohen with the Humane Society of the United States & Melissa Companick with the Better Business Bureau about what to know when getting your next pet.

Episode 4: Audit confirms 2016 investigation into LIHEAP

About $3 million in heating assistance that was supposed to go to low-income families may have gone to applicants who lied about their income, a state audit finds. The report from the NJ state auditor confirms concerns that were first raised in a KIYC investigation. In 2016, KIYC spoke to a whistleblower who described fraud he said he saw while working for the Low Income Heating Assistance Program. In this episode, Walt Kane and investigative producer Karin Attonito reflect on the long-term investigation.

Episode 3: Consumer Q&A for March 29, 2019

Walt Kane gives answers to answers to viewers' consumer questions. This conversation touches on the Volkswagen recall, Carfax, health insurance and more.

Episode 2: Consumer Alert on Tax Law Changes 

Can taxpayers expect bigger or smaller refunds this year? Some employers adjusted the withholding tables with the new tax rates, so it could be smaller. But it’s more complex than that. Walt Kane interviews accountant Joe Petrucelli and Joseph Rosenberg of the Tax Policy Center.

Losing a loved one is painful, but some New Jersey families say their loss was made worse by a situation that's so bizarre it's kind of hard to believe. The families bought final resting places at Holmdel Cemetery. But the cemetery and its for-profit sales agent double and triple sold the same spots - meaning that on one of the worst days of their lives, families would find the plots they had paid for was already occupied.