Consumer Protections on Wall Street
You should be able to save, invest and generally manage your money without fear of being trapped, tricked or ripped off by the institutions you are trusting with your financial future.
It's not just about any one individual being protected in the financial marketplace. The fact is, without clear rules and accountability, financial markets don’t work the way they should. Hundreds of thousands of people can get ripped off, unhealthy risk-taking by big banks can become the norm, and the stability of the whole market can be put in jeopardy. And the 2008 economic collapse made it clear just how big of an impact those conditions can have on our lives, and financial security.
That’s why U.S. PIRG is working toward a system that provides basic fairness to all financial consumers, offers a more level playing field for all financial players, holds any institution that breaks the law accountable, and ensures strong protections for the most vulnerable consumers.
Our Priorities
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Defend the Consumer BureauThe Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is our watchdog on Wall Street, but now some in Washington are trying to weaken or eliminate the Consumer Bureau. Stand with us and make sure we keep our consumer cop on the financial beat. |
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Keep Retirement Advisors in CheckRight now, retirement advisers can push their clients toward investments with higher fees or lower returns, just because the adviser might get a bigger payout from it. We’re working to require retirement advisers to act in their clients’ best interests. |
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Stop Predatory Payday LendingSky-high interest rates and fees on payday loans can send borrowers into a debt trap. It's time to bring an end to the payday loan industry's unfair and abusive practices, and stop the debt trap once and for all. |
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Protecting Student BorrowersIt's hard enough for many borrowers to simply pay off their student loans — they shouldn't also have to worry about their loan servicer making it more difficult and expensive for them to do that. We're working to hold those lenders accountable. |
Issue updates
U.S. PIRG celebrated the 10th anniversary of the passage of the groundbreaking Credit CARD (Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure) Act today by joining with the law’s chief sponsor Rep. Carolyn Maloney (NY) at a U.S. Capitol press conference.
While the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s new director entertains removing its consumer complaint database from public view, that website feature is proving its worth. The CFPB published a record 257,000 consumer complaints in 2018, according to a new report by U.S. PIRG Education Fund. That brings the total to nearly 1.2 million since the CFPB began collecting complaints in December 2011.
While the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s new director entertains removing its consumer complaint database from public view, that website feature is proving its worth. The CFPB published a record 257,000 consumer complaints in 2018, according to a new report by U.S. PIRG Education Fund.
Tyson Foods has expanded a recall of chicken nuggets that might contain metal by approximately 11.8 million pounds of frozen, ready-to-eat chicken strips, and is an expansion of a March 21 recall.
Fisher-Price recalled 4.7 million Rock n’Play baby sleepers on Friday. U.S. PIRG Consumer Watchdog Adam Garber issued a response: "“While we’re pleased that Fisher-Price is finally recalling these dangerous sleepers, 30 deaths in 10 years is 30 deaths too many and 10 years too late."
Consumer Protection | U.S. PIRG
Campus debit cards cost students over $24 million in fees
Report shows how campus debit cards — along with how they are marketed — are putting students' financial well-being at risk across the country.
Consumer Protection | U.S. PIRG
The real price of medications
The results of our investigation of variations in prescription drug prices may surprise you.
Consumer Protection | U.S. PIRG
Driving into debt
The hidden costs of risky auto loans to consumers and our communities
Consumer Protection
Congressional investigation concludes that Equifax breach was entirely preventable
The worst data breach in history could have been prevented with some basic security measures.
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
Our Affiliates
Featured Position
DEFEND THE CFPB
Tell your representative to oppose the “Financial CHOICE Act,” which would gut Wall Street reforms and destroy the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau as we know it.
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.