Consumer Protection
PROTECTING CONSUMER SAFETY—Toys should not be toxic or dangerous for children to play with. Our food should not make us sick. The terms for banking and credit accounts should be clear and easy to understand.
LOOKING OUT FOR CONSUMERS
U.S. PIRG’s consumer program works to alert the public to hidden dangers and scams and to ban anti-consumer practices and unsafe products.
TROUBLE IN TOYLAND
For 30 years, U.S. PIRG’s "Trouble In Toyland" report has surveyed store shelves and identified choking hazards, noise hazards and other dangers. Our report has led to at least 150 recalls and other regulatory actions over the years.
Get our tips for avoiding dangerous toys.
BIGGER BANKS, BIGGER FEES
In April, U.S. PIRG released a report in which we surveyed more than 350 bank branches and revealed that fewer than half of branches obeyed their legal duty to fully disclose fees to prospective customers, while one in four provided no fee information at all. We also found that despite widespread stories about the “death” of free checking, free and low-cost checking choices are still widely available, if consumers shop around.
Find out how to beat high bank fees.
SEE ALL CONSUMER RESOURCES
Issue updates
This FTC settlement must be a wake-up call to phone service providers so they do more to protect consumers. If not, the FTC must be vigilant in going after companies that enable the immoral practice of preying on consumers. And the FCC should require providers to block spoofed calls that we all know are scams.
Here’s a guide to your rights depending on how you pay
Being proactive and demanding can help keep you and your family safe
If the COVID-19 pandemic affects your ability to pay, here’s what you need to know
Good news: You may still be able to request a forbearance because of COVID-19
Consumer Protection
Grocery stores pull peaches after dozens contract salmonella
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is investigating an outbreak of salmonella infections it believes stems from contaminated peaches. Grocery chains Aldi and Target have recalled peaches suspected of contamination from store shelves.
Consumer Protection
CFPB green-lights predatory payday loans amid COVID-19 pandemic
The CFPB has finalized a rule pulling back on payday lending protections that were set to go into effect in 2019. The protections would have required lenders to check if their customers were able to repay high interest rates before borrowing.
Consumer Protection
As the pandemic goes on, consumer complaints continue at a record pace
A U.S. PIRG Education Fund analysis has found that since March 2020, public consumer complaints at the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau have skyrocketed, setting a new monthly record each month. During this period, one in five complaints concerning mortgages, student loans or vehicle financing has mentioned the coronavirus crisis.
Consumer Protection
Auto loan complaints skyrocket with COVID-19 crisis
According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the number of complaints from consumers facing challenges in getting relief on their auto loans has increased sharply — nearly 2.5 times more complaints in March through May 2020 as compared to the same period last year.
Latest Reports
Tools & Resources
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No Write-Offs for Consumer Ripoffs
Corporations Able to Secure Tax Deductions for Mortgage Violations, Price-Fixing and Other Misconduct, But Two Bipartisan Bills Would AddressU.S. PIRG -
Consumer Brief Supporting NY Attorney General In Alzheimer's Drug Case
Actavis Seeks To Use Illegal "Product-Hopping" Scheme To Raise Rx Prices -
Letter from consumer groups to Experian & T-Mobile Re Data Breach
Demanding Firms Give Consumers Free Credit Freeze Protection -
Leading Groups Send Criteria for Evaluating VW Settlement
Seeking Compensation for Consumers and Environment -
Big Data and Fintech Resource: Powerpoint by Jeff Chester
Center for Digital Democracy -
U.S. PIRG Joins Legal Brief Defending CFPB Constitutionality
Case to be heard May 24th in DC Circuit, US Court of Appeals -
Medical Debt Malpractice
2-page Fact Sheet based on report -
Medical Debt Malpractice
2-page Fact Sheet based on report -
Letter Opposing HR 10, The Wrong Choice Act
Submitted to all Representatives on Day of House Floor Vote -
Fact Sheet: Older Consumers in the Financial Marketplace
An Analysis of Complaints, and Results, From the CFPB -
Our Amicus Brief Supporting the states of Ohio et al v. American Express
Before the Supreme Court of the US -
FinTech and Consumers
A draft report on the FinTech Universe -
Public Interest Privacy Principles
Endorsed by 34 Leading Groups -
Group letter opposing Nancy Beck to head CPSC
Former chemical industry official would be fox guarding henhouse -
Letter In Support of Credit Bureau Reform, HR5332
Protecting Your Credit Score Act
Featured Position
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