The Consumer Memo, 8/19: Radisson Hotel security breach

I.D.theft started in November Radisson Hotels & Resorts said Wednesday its computer systems wee accessed without authorization, affecting an unknown number of people between last November and May. Radisson said in a statement it has informed customers of the situation and that guest information may have been accessed, including credit card numbers. Social security numbers were not included.

Radisson did not specify how many hotels or customers were affected but advised that all guests review their account statements and report unauthorized purchases to the bank that issued the credit card, as well as law enforcement authorities.

New audio system
Sound of musicSony and Best Buy plan to sell a multiroom audio system that they developed together. The system, called Altus, consists of transmitters in the form of two iPod docking stations and a USB dongle that connects to a PC. The transmitters send the audio signal wirelessly to small speakers that plug directly into power outlets, a subwooofer or a conventional stereo system. The price: About $700 when the system goes on sale in September.

GM cancels Buick SUV
General Motors Co. said it canceled plans for a new Buick sport-utility vehicle announced Aug. 6 after potential customers said the model lacked the “premium characteristics” they expect from the brand. The plans for the SUV called for a plug-in hybrid version, which also was canceled.

Watch mice run
Logitech International SA, the world’s biggest maker of computer mice, will sell a mouse that lets users work on glass tables or polished stone kitchen units, surfaces where its devices previously had trouble functioning.

The Anywhere Mouse MX for laptops will sell for $79.99, and the larger Performance Mouse MX for $99.99. The devices use so-called darkfield laser tracking to follow movement on clear glass or other polished surfaces.

Credit card defaults
Credit card defaults and delinquencies hit new highs in the second quarter amid surging job losses, according to new Federal Reserve data. Credit card defaults reached 9.6 percent in the second quarter, up from 7.6 percent in the first quarter. Meanwhile the percentage of credit card loans past due at least 30 days hit 6.7 percent in the last quarter.
Legal eagles
Redbox, the DVD rental kiosk company, has filed suit against Warner Home Video, its third claim against a major film studio looking to hold new releases out of Redbox vending machines while consumers have a chance to buy the movie.

Wells Fargo is facing a lawsuit claiming the bank illegally reduced the size of customers’ home equity lines of credit. The suit, which was filed in Illinois, claims Wells Fargo failed to accurately assess the value of customers’ houses before deciding to cut the size of their credit lines.

FDA warning
The Food and Drug Administration is warning Johnson & Johnson that it did not properly monitor two tests in people of its antibiotic drug candidate ceftobiprole, which is intended to treat complicated skin infections like MRSA. The agency has twice delayed approval of ceftobiprole, citing similar problems.

In the market for an 18-wheeler?
Penske Truck Leasing Co. said it will sell used commercial trucks through EBay Inc

Potential buyers can bid on vehicles ranging from light- to heavy-duty trucks,