12.22.25 Avoid Fraud 2 Ways / The Outlook On Gas Prices - The Clark Howard Podcast Recap

Podcast: The Clark Howard Podcast

Published: 2025-12-22

Duration: 31 minutes

Summary

Clark Howard warns against storing payment information online due to fraud risks and discusses the favorable outlook for gas prices due to an oversupply of oil.

What Happened

Clark Howard starts the episode by highlighting the dangers of impersonation scams, specifically those involving fake Amazon representatives. These scammers are tricking people into giving access to their accounts, highlighting the risk of storing payment information online. Clark advises listeners to avoid storing their payment methods to prevent unauthorized purchases, emphasizing that these issues are not the fault of companies like Amazon or Walmart, but rather the criminals exploiting these systems.

He shares a tip from a listener in Texas about the Navy Federal Credit Union's Visa Signature Flagship Rewards card, which offers reimbursement for Amazon Prime membership fees. This card can help mitigate the high cost of Prime, showcasing how credit cards can offer significant perks if used wisely.

The conversation moves to gas prices, which are currently experiencing a downward trend. Clark discusses the factors contributing to this, including an oversupply of oil and the increasing market share of electric and hybrid vehicles. He notes that the wholesale price of gasoline is down to $1.78 a gallon, leading to lower prices at the pump, especially in states like Texas and Mississippi.

Clark also addresses a listener's query about the cost-effectiveness of renting a car for long trips versus using their personal vehicle. He suggests that renting is often more economical, considering factors like depreciation and wear-and-tear on personal vehicles.

The episode touches on the topic of using Turo, a peer-to-peer car-sharing service, as an alternative to traditional car rentals. Clark warns about potential issues with rental companies and recommends taking thorough video documentation to protect against false damage claims.

In another segment, Clark discusses the potential benefits of leasing an apartment and car long-term for those who frequently visit family but don't want to incur high hotel and travel costs. He suggests exploring subscription models for car rentals, such as those offered by companies like SIXT, as a cost-effective solution.

Clark shares a positive customer service story from Walmart, where security footage was used to resolve a missing item issue. This illustrates the beneficial use of surveillance technology in enhancing customer experiences. He also provides insights into booking hotels, highlighting the significant differences in pricing when using third-party sites compared to booking directly with hotels.

Key Insights