First Republic Bank collapse is a reminder why we need reform
Congress should restore commonsense safeguards that would help prevent more bank failures.
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
Statement: With second 2023 car insurance rate hike, State Farm to rake in $750M more in less than two years
Consumers complain at record levels, credit bureaus don’t help
Updates
Nearly 400,000 Honda lawnmowers and pressure washers recalled
83,000 Boon Flair high chairs recalled because seats can detach
After Hurricane Idalia: Watch out for repair scams, price gouging, unsafe generator use
Featured Resources
Mail theft: How to protect yourself from theft of credit cards, personal information
Ringing in Our Fears 2023
Did your insurance deny your health care claim? How to appeal.
Counterfeit and stolen goods: Tips to avoid buying them online or anywhere
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
Release: New consumer guide warns against use of ‘medical credit cards’
Payment method can worsen financial burden on patients already struggling to pay for health care
Updated 2023 mid-hurricane season resource guide: data, resources & interview opportunities
The Atlantic hurricane season lasts from June 1 through November 30. This resource guide can help members of the media cover it more thoroughly and accurately.
American Airlines fined $4.1 million, largest penalty ever for tarmac violations
Company allowed 43 flights to stay on the tarmac for three-plus hours between 2018 and 2021.
Report: Safe Illinois Drivers with Poor Credit Pay $491 Annually in Higher Car Insurance Premiums
Consumer Federation of America released a new report today detailing the impact of auto insurers’ use of consumer credit information on good drivers with only fair or poor credit scores. According to the report, Illinois consumers with clean driving records and poor credit pay an average premium of $915 — a $491 or 116% increase compared to drivers with excellent credit.
The CFPB’s top 10 actions to protect consumers so far in 2023
In honor of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) 12th birthday, we are highlighting top 10 actions the federal agency took so far in 2023 to protect U.S. consumers.
Team
Murray
Teresa
Murray
Consumer Watchdog, PIRG
Mierzwinski
Ed
Mierzwinski
Senior Director, Federal Consumer Program, PIRG
Melgar
Danielle
Melgar
Food & Agriculture, Advocate, PIRG