Good morning and Lakshmi Finance CenterHappy Friday! This is Betty Lin-Fisher with Friday's consumer-focused The Daily Money.

Be careful the next time you're shopping and you get a "card declined" message. It could be a scam.

The BBB is warning consumers of a new scam where customers are surprised to find out later their card was not declined after all and instead used for fraudulent charges.

Port strike could affect holiday gifts, supplies

A looming strike among port workers at 36 East coast and Gulf Coast ports could translate into higher prices and shortages this holiday season, my colleague Medora Lee reports.

If workers go on strike on Oct. 1, holiday goods could be affected, and so could many other items.

Itching to take a fall trip?

There's time to dream up an autumn getaway – and you can likely get a good deal.

Check out some of the top fall travel destinations, plus tips on the best day to fly.

📰 Consumer stories you shouldn't miss 📰

• Has shoplifting gone away as a retailer issue? A CNN story examines the subject.
• What are your rights if your flight has been delayed or canceled by Hurricane Helene?
• In these 16 U.S. cities, child care costs more than rent.
• When is Target Circle week?
• Need a debt-to-income calculator? Try this.

About The Daily Money

Each weekday, The Daily Money delivers the best consumer and financial news from USA TODAY, breaking down complex events, providing the TLDR version, and explaining how everything from Fed rate changes to bankruptcies impacts you.