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.

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Featured Resources

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.

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Freezing your credit files online in 30 minutes

Consumer Watchdog

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.

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Team
Teresa
Murray

Teresa
Murray

Consumer Watchdog, U.S. PIRG Education Fund

Ed
Mierzwinski

Ed
Mierzwinski

Senior Director, Federal Consumer Program, U.S. PIRG Education Fund

Mike
Litt

Mike
Litt

Director, Consumer Campaign, U.S. PIRG Education Fund