RCMP IDs CRA scam suspects, Airbnb shuts down top host: CBC's Marketplace consumer cheat sheet

Miss something this week? Don't panic. CBC'sMarketplacerounds up the consumer and health news you need.

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Police ID suspects in CRA phone scam

You've probably had the call: An automated message threatens you with arrest over unpaid taxes owed to Canada Revenue Agency. Now the RCMP says it is tracking suspects in Canada and India as part of a "national priority investigation"into the scam.In 2018, CBC's Marketplace identified the location of one major criminal enterprise behind the harassing calls.

Airbnbshuts down top host amid scathing reviews

Ever come across a fishy listing on Airbnb? After a CBCNews investigation found a top host listing the same properties under different names, boosting ratings and misleading guests, the company shut down the account and others linked to it.Watch this if you need to fight back against bad hosts and other Airbnb complaints.

How risky are microplastics in drinking water?

There's more research needed, but the World Health Organization saysthe risk of microplastics found in water to human health is low.The biggest overall health threat in water is from microbial pathogens including those from human and livestock waste. Our investigation from last year asked a lab to test five of the top-selling brands of bottled water in Canada, and microplastics were found in all of them.

WestJet faces inquiry after couple gets bumped

Chelsea Williamson and Sean Fitzpatrick were bumped off a WestJet flight last month, and now the airline is at the centre of a federal inquiry. The Canadian Transportation Agency is looking at whether WestJet policies align with new air passenger protection regulations.

Ontario cottagers brace for jump in electricity costs

Ontario cottage owners are in for a shock this fall as electricity rates for seasonal customers are set to rise by as much as 129 per cent. The Ontario Energy Board tasked Hydro One with developing a billing model that would eliminate the class under which most seasonal customers have their hydro fees assessed.

Bell scales back rural internet plans

Bell Canada says roughly 200,000 households will be cut from a rural internet expansion program after a federal regulator lowered wholesale broadband prices that major telecom companies can charge smaller internet providers. Rogers said it was reviewing all future investment in rural and remote communities.

What else is going on?

• Disney's new streaming service is set to launch in Canada in mid-November. Disney Plus will cost Canadian residents $8.99 per month.
• A Quebec woman and her daughter were stranded at the airport after Air Canada banned them from the airline without telling them. Air Canada says the two were ordered to leave their July 31 flight due to their disruptive behaviour.
• Saskatoon was scammed out of more than $1 million by a fraudster impersonating a construction company CFO. Officials say there's a chance taxpayers' money won't be returned.
• Shaw and Vidotron have also followed Bell and Rogers in warning they may scale back investment due to a CRTC decision. The regulator said it set the rates lower to increase choice at lower prices and ensure a competitive marketplace across Canada.

The latest in recalls

• The base of this MotoMaster Farm Jack may collapse, resulting in the jack and any equipment to fall.
• This London Gourmet Monster Snack Mix has undeclared almond.
• Certain Club Car Gas Powered Golf, Utility and Transport Vehicles may experience a fuel leak.
• This Grained Salmon Caviar may contain dangerous bacteria.
• This Rosemount diced chicken may contain Listeria.
• This Heinz Turkey Stew baby food may contain insects.
• Various Matrix Vavoom Freezing Sprays have been recalled due to missing standard hazard labelling.
• Reuven International Natural Proportion Cooked Chicken Meat (Diced) and Sysco brand Natural Proportions Cooked Shredded Chickenmay contain Listeria.
• ThisJacquard Gutta Resist Solventlacks bilingual warnings, hazard information and a child-resistant container.
• The drawstrings on theWetskins Children's Rainsuitat the hood and neck area pose a strangulation hazard.
• This3M Scotchgard Heavy Duty Water Shieldaerosollacks Canadian bilingual labelling and hazard information.

Canada's noisiestrestaurants: Take our survey

We want to hear about Canada's noisiest restaurants, and we need your help.Take our brief survey here.

Are you the ultimate bargain hunter?

Marketplaceis looking for families or friends whoare about to plan a vacation together. Do you know how to spot extra charges or hidden fees? Do you think you are a good negotiator? Perhaps you have what it takes to compete against other Canadians onMarketplace's vacation challenge. If you want to show our producers how you can beat the fees and get the best vacation deal, please emailjenny.cowley@cbc.ca.

Do you shop online?

Ever buy a brand-name product online and believe you may have ended up with a fake? If so, we want to hear from you. Reach out tojenny.cowley@cbc.ca.

What should we investigate next?

Our television season has wrapped, but you can catch up on previousMarketplaceinvestigations on CBC Gem. From scams andmisleading marketing claimsto products and services that could put your health at risk, we are working on bringing you brand-new investigations this fall. If you have a story you think we should be covering, email us:marketplace@cbc.ca.