Phishing email from an intern’s boss is a $600 scam
Emails can mimic names, photos, fonts and patterns of speech
Consumer alerts
Get the information, tools and resources it takes to protect yourself in today’s ever-changing marketplace.
These days we all need to be smart consumers. We need access to the information and resources it takes to avoid the latest scams, stop identity thieves, spot rip offs and keep unsafe food and toxic products out of our shopping carts. PIRG’s consumer watchdog team does the research, publicizes issues through the media, produces consumer guides, and sends out consumer alerts so we all have the tools to make smart, safe, informed choices.
The Latest on Consumer alerts
Labor Day party? Steps to avoid recalled or contaminated food
Another huge data breach: Don’t stress out; take action instead
Updates
Airline travel improved for first half of 2024; passengers should still remember they have rights
Cucumber outbreak from salmonella over
Free family seating on airplanes to be required under new DOT rule
What You Can Do
Tell Congress: Don’t let the insurance industry hide the climate risks they’re fueling
Featured Resources
Counterfeit products: How to tell whether you bought one
Freezing credit reports for a child is important: How to protect those under 18
Scam charities: How to tell whether you’re donating to a good cause
Scams to watch out for: Robocalls, emails, fake concert tickets, imposter phone numbers and more
Did You Know?
In times of emergency, our researchers have found price surges of up to 166% for critical supplies like bottled water.
What We're Doing
Our guide provides tips for avoiding price-gouging and a how-to for reporting bad actors.
The Latest
Type
NEW TIP GUIDE FOR PARENTS, STUDENTS: How to save money on textbooks this new school year
For the fall term, the Student PIRGs and U.S. PIRG Education Fund have released a new back to school guide to help navigate the textbook marketplace.
18-year-old panics after credit score drops by 100 points
One big purchase threw everything off
Samsung stoves: 1.1 million recalled following 250 fires, numerous pet deaths
Defect can allow electric stove to turn on if an adult, child or pet simply bumps the knob by accident
FTC orders Mastercard to answer questions about its data collection & monetization practices
The FTC is asking questions about Mastercard's data use for setting prices.
Scammers impersonate Best Buy, Amazon, PayPal most
Most lucrative for thieves: Posing as Microsoft or Publishers Clearing House, FTC says
Team
Murray
Teresa
Murray
Consumer Watchdog, U.S. PIRG Education Fund
Mierzwinski
Ed
Mierzwinski
Senior Director, Federal Consumer Program, U.S. PIRG Education Fund
Litt
Mike
Litt
Director, Consumer Campaign, U.S. PIRG Education Fund