For her full report, including a coupon database, or to share a shopping tip, visit http://takingstock.newsobserver.com.

I'm one of those people who religiously checks my bank and credit card statements. In fact, it's a rare day that I don't check my checking account balance online as well. And if you ever needed a reason to check your statements regularly, here's a new one.

The Oregonian reported a new kind of credit card fraud sprouting in Oregon. Crooks basically try random 16-digit combinations of numbers until they stumble upon one that is an actual credit card number. Then they fashion a phony card with that number by using stolen cards and lifting the digits they need off gift cards. They then take their homemade cards to stores, where unknowing clerks push the transactions through by entering the card number by hand when swiping it doesn't work. Victims have no idea their card number has been compromised until they get their statements in the mail or check their accounts online. Most of the time, the victim's card is sitting securely in his or her wallet.

So please folks, take the time to check your statements.

Mission Valley Cinemas lowers prices

Here's something we haven't seen a lot of lately -- prices going down.

The Mission Valley Cinemas in Raleigh recently lowered some of its ticket prices. Children and senior tickets are now $5.50; the price dropped a quarter, from $5.75. Also, the student rate now applies to middle and high school kids, whereas before it was only for college students. Adult admission is $7.75.

One other thing that I liked a lot about the news release was this line: "No convenience fee is charged for online ticket purchases."

Sounds good to me.

Gift card survives the laundry

I recently received a Starbucks gift card. I stuck it in the pocket of my pants and completely forgot about it. Of course, I washed the pants. When I went to Starbucks, I handed over my slightly warped card and told the clerk, "I ran that card through the washer and the dryer, so I honestly have no idea if it will work."

He looked at me for a second and said, "It will." And it did.

So from this little exchange I learned:

a) Employees probably see gift cards in all kinds of conditions,

b) Gift cards are nearly indestructible.

Rare chance to save on organics

As people try to eat more healthfully, more of us are turning to organic products. Stores are eager to meet the demand for organic and natural products, but there aren't a whole lot of coupons for organic items out there.

However, here's a rare opportunity to get your hands on some.

In celebration of Earth Day, Kroger stores are giving out coupon booklets filled with $18 in coupons for organic products. There are some really good ones in there, including coupons for Stonyfield Farm yogurt, Horizon dairy products, Clif Bars and Van's frozen waffles. There are a few 75-cent coupons, too, which will double at Harris Teeter and Lowes Foods.

You can check out your local Kroger store for the booklet. Or, you can request one be mailed to by visiting organicearthday.org/index.cfm/ContactUs or calling (866) 446-6742.

Selling gifts from your ex

A New York Times story was my chuckle of the day: Two ladies in Los Angeles started a Web site, ExBoyfriendJewelry.com, where people can sell unwanted gifts they got from ex-boyfriends. The catch: You've got to tell the story behind the piece on the Web site when you list it for sale.

My favorite lines from story:

"A seller who called herself Hootchiemama described how she felt when she opened the diamond butterfly pendant that marked the beginning of the end of one relationship. 'Butterflies in my stomach,' she wrote. 'That's what I had when he gave me this.

'Butterflies symbolize change, and he sure did,' she added."

I met Tom Jones

OK, I didn't meet Tom Jones the singer... but at the Garner Business & Consumer Expo, I did meet the proprietor of Tom Jones Drug in Garner. He was able to tell me about the company's planned move this summer.

As I've reported, the store is moving to a new facility at Timber Drive and Vandora Springs Road. Jones said the move will likely happen in late July. He told me that the store will begin offering free delivery, and it will match the prescription prices of all local competitors.

I am amazed at how competitive the local pharmacy scene has gotten. This seems like a really smart move for Jones and a good thing for customers.