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
A month after announcing a weak plan to reduce heavy metals in baby food, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a new plan Thursday aimed at making baby food safer over the next several years.
Some financial issues are like Shrek-shaped Russian nesting dolls-- they have more layers than onions and are buried within each other. A Congressional Review Act resolution to repeal an Office of the Comptroller of the Currency rule promulgated in October of 2020 is one such issue.
This serves as another important reminder that consumers must always be vigilant about identity thieves who may call, text or email victims and try to trick them into providing more information.
A congressional report revealed high levels of arsenic, lead, cadmium and mercury in baby food sold by leading brands. What may be even more shocking is that there are virtually no federal standards for toxic heavy metals in baby food.
Consumer Protection
PIRG to the Big Three credit bureaus: Weekly credit reports won't cut it
As the COVID-19 pandemic persists, the "Big Three" credit burueaus — Experian, TransUnion and Equifax — announced March 2 that they would continue to provide free weekly credit reports for an additional year. U.S. PIRG's Ed Mierzwinski says it's not enough.
Consumer Protection
Consumers struggle as CFPB complaints break records, report finds
A review of consumer complaints filed with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) last year tells the story of Americans navigating a fraught financial marketplace amid a pandemic. Of particular concern were complaints about credit reporting, which doubled.
Consumer Protection
FDA takes delayed action on toxic hand sanitizers
After 20 deaths and numerous cases of blindness and other injuries and illnesses last year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a warning for all alcohol-based hand sanitizers imported from Mexico.
Consumer Protection
A look ahead at U.S. PIRG's 2021 federal priorities
As a year that challenged our nation like no other came to a close, U.S. PIRG geared up for the work ahead. Our 2021 federal priorities include our ongoing response to the COVID-19 crisis; watchdogging the implementation of new protections against surprise medical billing; working to win federal policies to stop price gouging of essential medical supplies; and more.
Latest Reports
Tools & Resources
-
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 -
Memo To Transition Team on Privacy and Digital Rights
A Blueprint for the Next Administration -
Amicus Brief of U.S. PIRG Ed Fund and NCLC
In re: Google Inc. Street View Electronic Communications Litigation -
Letter To FTC on Ending Amazon Prime Membership
Coalition Urges FTC To Investigate After Norwegian Report -
Letter To Congress Opposing Big Tech Nominees
BigTech Lobbyists Unacceptable for Antitrust Jobs -
Group Letter Urging Virginia Governor To Veto Privacy Bill
Supported By Industry Because It Doesn't Protect Privacy -
Letter to Congress from 325 groups urging repeal of OCC's "True Lender" Rule
"Fake" lender rule would facilitate predatory payday lending
Support Us
Your donation supports U.S. PIRG’s work to stand up for consumers on the issues that matter, especially when powerful interests are blocking progress.