Wear contact lenses? You have rights, including a free copy of your prescription
The FTC sent "warning letters" to dozens of prescribers that may have violated the Contact Lens Rule
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
Walmart allowed hundreds of millions in money transfer scams, feds allege
How to help your kid spot misinformation on social media
Updates
Insulated beverage bottles recalled after 2 people lost eyesight when lids shot off
Court blocks rule to make subscriptions easier to cancel
Arizona Financial Literacy Task Force makes progress
What You Can Do
Add your name: It’s time to crack down when airlines leave passengers on the tarmac for hours on end
Featured Resources
Protecting those who serve
What is App Tracking Transparency?
Plane Truth 2025: Airline complaints rise
Tips to shop smarter and safer and avoid hazardous products
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 report: Complaints against U.S. airlines soar to another record in 2024
Cancellations, delays edge up while mishandled baggage or wheelchair incidents decline
Junk fees: Finally, new protections against surprise charges for event tickets, hotels
Ban on surprise junk fees begins May 12, 2025, requiring total prices to be disclosed up front for live-event tickets, short-term lodging
New report: Injuries from hazardous consumer products hit 8-year high in 2024
In addition to 900 injuries from products carrying recalls or warnings, at least 25 people died in cases that were linked to unsafe products.
Freezing your credit files online in 30 minutes
Since Congress approved allowing consumers to freeze their credit files at no charge in 2018, it’s become easier to perform this crucial finance-protecting task online (and you can still do it by phone in about 20 minutes total for all three national credit bureaus). Our new resource "Freezing your credit files online in 30 minutes: Step-by-step guide with screenshots" is a breeze for consumers who follow along with screenshots and pro tips.
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