Technology and privacy researchers at Consumer Reports did some digging to find out if different chatbots could answer health-related questions accurately.

“To find out, we quizzed a handful of popular, general-purpose AI chatbots to see if their advice on health and safety topics matched that of our experts,” said Consumer Reports’ Courtney Lindwall.

Question 1: How many carbon monoxide detectors do you need?

CR says, homeowners should have a carbon monoxide detector on each level, outside each sleeping area, in the basement and near — not inside — an attached garage.

“For the most part, Google Gemini got this answer nearly right, but it erred slightly when it suggested putting a CO alarm inside an attached garage. Attached garages are usually not temperature-controlled, which can damage the alarm’s battery or sensor,” Lindwall said.

Question 2: How to filter PFAS from tap water?

Consumer Reports recommends a water filtration system with the National Sanitation Foundation certification code NSF/ANSI 53 and double-checking that the manufacturer specifically claims that its product removes PFAS.

“AI’s answer lacked key details. Using Microsoft Copilot’s advice, consumers may feel confident buying any activated carbon or reverse osmosis filter to eliminate PFAS in their water. However, not all filters of these kinds are designated for PFAS removal,” Lindwall said.

Question 3: Can kids play with water beads?

Consumer Reports says absolutely not. The popular children’s toys carry high risks if ingested, like bowel obstruction, blocked airways and infections. Water beads have also reportedly led to deaths and thousands of emergency room visits, Lindwall said.

“AI’s answer was dangerous and inconsistent. Meta AI failed to highlight the significant safety risks of water beads, aside from a passing reference to a need for parental supervision,” she said.

Consumer Reports said it’s okay to use AI as a starting point, but it’s important to always check the source material.

It also doesn’t hurt to ask questions more than once and compare answers.

But while the all-electric market is slowing, sales are forecast to keep rising. Cox Automotive expects EVs to comprise 10% of the United States’ vehicle market by the end of the year, up from 7.6% last year — when domestic sales hit a record 1.2 million — and 5.9% in 2022. And first-time EV adopters are still powering the expansion, with LexisNexis Risk Solutions telling NBC News that 3 in 4 new EVs are driven by people switching from a combustion-engine vehicle.

Here’s what to know if you’re considering buying this year.

Tax credits cover fewer models, but without the wait

Car shoppers can still expect to be rewarded for going electric, thanks to tax breaks from the Inflation Reduction Act, but the rewards won’t be as widespread.

The law’s tax incentives are limited to EVs whose batteries aren’t substantially built in certain foreign countries, particularly China, or with minerals sourced there. The number of models eligible for the full federal tax credit of $7,500, or partial $3,750 credit, shrank from 43 last year to fewer than 15 that comply with criteria on the books currently. The punted models include popular picks like the Tesla Model 3 and the Nissan Leaf.

Read the full story on NBCNews.com here.

Retailers might use bots, artificial intelligence or even pay other users to leave deceiving positive reviews in their product listings, experts say.   

That’s something customers should know, since reviews are an essential part of many people’s online shopping habits. Nearly 43% of people in the U.S. report that positive customer reviews have a big influence on their purchasing decisions, according to a recent survey.

But for some, those well-reviewed products do not deliver the quality the listing promised.

“I don’t trust reviews anymore. In my personal experience the reviews that I had relied on in selecting a medical provider were fake,” said Kay Dean, who founded fakereviewwatch.com, a website that tracks false online reviews. 

Red flags like too many positive reviews being posted the same day might be a sign of behind-the-scenes manipulation, says Samantha Gordon, deals editor for Consumer Reports.

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One of the places where people often find fake reviews is Amazon. Despite the company’s efforts to curb fake reviews, up to 42% of reviews on Amazon might be not real, according to research by Fakespot.com. 

“Anyone is allowed to leave reviews on Amazon, even if they didn’t buy the product. So, look for reviews that have the Verified Purchase tag. This means that the reviewer actually bought the product,” Gordon said. 

Wording and exaggerated claims made by too many users might be a good indicator of fishy reviews.

Sites like Fakespot use large language algorithms to evaluate the chances of a certain review being fake. 

“The public has been deceived, and it’s a huge problem because consumer experiences are not matching those reviews,” Dean said. 

Amid rising concerns about online vendors increasing their use of this strategy, the FCC has proposed a new rule that would prohibit the creation, purchase, sale, or distribution of false customer reviews. The commission has not yet approved the rule. 

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Do you have to wash your comforters every single week? It’s not necessary, says Consumer Reports — unless your pet sleeps on the bed, every three weeks will do the job. But don’t go too much longer. Things we can’t see can accumulate, like dust mites, bacteria, and dead skin cells that can trigger allergies and skin irritation.

Sheets are another matter – wash them every five to seven days – sooner if you or someone is sick.

Fear of a dank, moldy towel? Don’t throw it on the floor. Hang it up. If you allow it to dry in between, you won’t have to wash it as often. We generally suggest three to five days.

But undergarments, T-shirts, socks, and especially gym clothes should be washed after each use. And don’t bunch them up in a bag and leave them there. It’ll become a science experiment.

What about khakis and dress shirts? Unless stained or sweaty, or you don’t wear undergarments, save yourself the trouble and wash them after three wears. And what about jeans? Even longer!

To get the most out of your detergent, use those tested by Consumer Reports. Tide Plus Ultra Stain Release, Tide Oxi, and Persil Pro Clean Stain Fighter earn top spots. But don’t overdo it – more is not necessarily better.

And don’t forget – how you sort your laundry is key. Consumer Reports recommends washing heavily soiled items separately from lightly soiled ones. Treat stains before you throw them in the wash and of course separate whites from colors.

The struggling home goods retailer, which also owns Buybuy Baby, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in April after it failed in several last-ditch efforts to raise enough money to keep the company alive.

That means the clock is ticking on finding last-minute deals or using up those gift cards.

Last Day to Use Bed Bath & Beyond Coupons and Welcome Rewards

Bed Bath & Beyond addressed updates on coupon use in the frequently asked questions section of their website.

“Customers can no longer redeem coupons,” the website stated.

But there’s still a way to use them: The Container Store said it will offer 20% off any single item through May 31, 2023, if you bring “a competitor’s blue coupon” to one of their locations.

Welcome Rewards points can be redeemed until May 15. No new rewards can be redeemed.

Deadline to Use Bed Bath & Beyond and BuyBuy Baby Gift Cards

The company said they expect that gift cards will continue to be accepted through May 8.

What About Returns and Credits?

Items bought before April 26 can be returned until May 24.

Merchandise credits can be used through May 8.

When Will Bed Bath & Beyond Close?

For the time being, all 360 Bed Bath & Beyond stores and 120 Buybuy Baby locations will remain open for customers.

The retailer said it will start an orderly wind-down of its operations but will continue to seek a buyer for all or some of its businesses.

“While the commencement of a full chain wind-down is necessitated by economic realities, Bed Bath & Beyond has and will continue to market their businesses as a going-concern, including the Buybuy Baby business,” the company’s chief financial officer and chief restructuring officer Holly Etlin wrote in a Sunday declaration to New Jersey’s bankruptcy court.

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