Nicotine patches and nicotine gum do not appear to be effective in helping smokers quit long-term, researchers say. Lead author Hillel Alpert, research scientist at Harvard School of Public Health, and co-author Lois Biener of the University of Massachusetts Boston’s Center for Survey Research, tracked 787 adults in Massachusetts who had recently quit smoking. The participants were surveyed during three time periods – 2001-2002, 2003-2004 and 2005-2006 – and asked whether they used a nicotine replacement therapy in the form of the nicotine patch, nicotine gum, nicotine inhaler or nasal spray. The results showed almost one-third of recent quitters relapsed during each time period – and there was no difference in the relapse rate among those who used nicotine replacement therapy for more than six weeks, with or without professional counseling, and that of smokers who did not use nicotine replacement therapy. In addition, no difference in quitting success with use of nicotine replacement therapy was found for either heavy or light smokers.

Police in Lincoln, Kansas, say a homeless man who broke into his ex-girlfriend’s house late Monday afternoon didn’t seek out cash, jewelry or electronics. He went for the chicken nuggets and ground beef in the freezer. The burglary was reported at about 5 p.m. Monday. A 32-year-old woman told police the 23-year-old man kicked in her front door, stole the chicken and hamburger and ran out the back door. He was last seen running south from the residence.

The world’s biggest food group, Nestle, has launched an online program inviting pet owners to team up with their furry friends and lose weight. Nestle’s pet and people weight management units Purina and Jenny Craig worked together on “Project: Pet Slim Down,” an online program. Pet owners who sign up can obtain tips for exercising their pet, record exercises taken, track weight loss, and share photos with other users, Nestle said. Users can also follow five overweight cats and three dogs on their weight-loss journey via small movies and before-and-after pictures. A rep for Jenny Craig said “Two thirds of adults in the U.S. are overweight or obese, and more than half of all pets in the U.S. are also battling the bulge.” The World Health Organization said 1.5 billion adults were overweight in 2008.

Debt Collectors: Consumers logged 2,225 complaints saying they were being harassed by debt collectors. They said the callers were abusive and threatening when trying to collect a debt. The Federal Trade Commission has a Debt Collection FAQ on consumer rights spelling out when debt collection agencies cross the line.

Credit and Debit Cards: Telemarketers brought in more than 1,575 complaints. People said they had money taken through unauthorized charges and debits. Officials say that, unless you initiate the call, don’t give out your information over the phone.

Telephone Cramming: There were 1,477 concerns regarding when consumers’ phone bills are charged for services they did not order, even for $1 or $2. Watch your phone bill, and if you see unauthorized charges, contact your phone carrier. File a complaint with your local attorney general as well as the Federal Trade Commission if you have problems receiving credit for the charges.

Mortgage/ Loan modifications: Homeowners filed 1,204 complaints regarding foreclosure and loan modifications. Lenders requested the same paperwork over and over, and lost files. Often consumers who received temporary loan modifications did not get a permanent resolution.

Home repair and remodeling: Typically the most common consumer complaint concerns home improvement and repair contractors. The worst ask for money up front but then don’t provide services, or bill for an amount well above the estimate.