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
ConnPIRG’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, ConnPIRG’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, ConnPIRG 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
Learn what the General Assembly is doing about Consumer Protection with our Legislative Scorecard.
Issue updates
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has released research showing that the financial sector overrelies on overdraft fees and non-sufficient funds (NSF) revenue, which reached an estimated $15.47 billion in 2019. Ironically, one of America’s 15 largest banks, Capital One, announced earlier in December that it will eliminate all overdraft and NSF fees.
The Veterans and Consumers Fair Credit Act (VCFCA) was reintroduced in the House Committee on Financial Services on Monday. This bill would limit interest rates on loans and go a long way toward protecting consumers, including veterans, who are often victimized by predatory lenders.
Exploding airbag that sends shrapnel into passengers? Pickup truck that catches fire for no reason? These are just a few of the safety recalls that could endanger you or your family if unrepaired. Under federal law, you can’t buy a new car with an unrepaired or “open” safety recall, but thanks to FTC consent orders with GM and some mega-car dealers, you can buy a used car with open safety recalls. So we sued the FTC in 2017. We're still in court. Learn more.
Photo credit: Shutterstock photo by Anastasiya Aleksandrenko.
Even with the knowledge I’ve gained working as a consumer advocate for several years, getting my finances in order has been a work in progress.
Until recently, I did not have estate and end-of-life planning in mind, but it was the natural next step in my quest to be a responsible adult, with a nudge from the existential threat of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Consumer Protection
Not First Class
Our report highlights how flier complaints have soared as airlines cancel flights, deny refunds, and ruin plans. Find out which airlines have the most complaints and what you can do.
Consumer Protection
The FCC is starting to fight back against robocalls
Research found that, despite the FCC's recent action, phone companies aren't doing enough to block spoofed calls and scam calls, despite a new law.
Consumer Protection
PIRG's consumer watchdogs get to work in wake of T-Mobile data breach
Cell phone carrier T-Mobile has announced that nearly 55 million Americans were affected by a hack of its records, which in some cases compromised Social Security numbers and driver’s license numbers. In response, PIRG published a tip guide for how those affected can protect themselves against identity theft or "phishing" scams.
Consumer Protection
Senate reintroduces the Veterans and Consumers Fair Credit Act
High-cost loans are marketed as easy paths to earning extra cash — but in reality, they’re long-term debt traps that often carry triple-digit interest rates. The Veterans and Consumers Fair Credit Act would cap interest rates on loans at 36 percent and help protect consumers, especially veterans, who are targeted by predatory lenders.
Latest Reports
Tools & Resources
-
Tips for Data Breach Victims
ConnPIRG Education Fund -
Leading Groups Send Criteria for Evaluating VW Settlement
Seeking Compensation for Consumers and Environment -
Fact Sheet: Older Consumers in the Financial Marketplace
An Analysis of Complaints, and Results, From the CFPB -
Group letter opposing Nancy Beck to head CPSC
Former chemical industry official would be fox guarding henhouse -
Settlement Agreement is a Victory in CFPB Lawsuit
Re Trump CFPB's Illegal TaskForce on Consumer Law -
Memorandum in Support of Motion for Summary Judgement
In Our Lawsuit Against Trump CFPB Over Illegal TaskForce
Support Us
Your donation supports ConnPIRG’s work to stand up for consumers on the issues that matter, especially when powerful interests are blocking progress.