Banning water beads would prevent more fatal injuries
Marketed towards kids, water beads are small colorful toys that grow in water. But they can cause serious harm to small children and even fatal injuries.
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
Food companies are failing to disclose allergens, putting people’s health at risk
Car companies are sneakily selling your driving data
Updates
Testimony before the House Insurance Committee in support of HB4767
Allstate posts soaring profits after aggressively raising car insurance rates
Nearly 400,000 Honda lawnmowers and pressure washers recalled
Featured Resources
Your ChatGPT privacy questions answered
Milestones: Safer at every speed
Milestones: Protecting kids from unsafe products
Milestones: A consumer cop hits the financial beat
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
Apple AirPods are designed to die: Here’s what you should know
AirPods are nearly impossible to repair and their batteries are short-lived. Apple should design them to last.
New report reveals widespread presence of plastic chemicals in our food
Plasticizers pose serious threats to human health, and yet they’ve been found in a variety of foods — from fast food to baby food.
Legislators, advocates championing car insurance reform welcome Gov. Pritzker’s focus on consumer protections
In response to Gov. Pritzker’s prioritization of consumer protection in the health insurance marketplace, state Rep. Will Guzzardi and state Sen. Javier Cervantes made the following statements:
Consumers call on Meta to protect kids’ safety in Quest virtual reality
The popular Meta Quest virtual reality headset is marketed to kids as young as 10, but is it safe? Here’s what you should know, and what you can do to keep kids safe.
Car Insurance Watchdog
Illinois consumers need protection from excessive and unfair car insurance rates. Our rates should be based on how safe a diver you are, not your credit score or zip code.
Team
Murray
Teresa
Murray
Consumer Watchdog, PIRG
Mierzwinski
Ed
Mierzwinski
Senior Director, Federal Consumer Program, PIRG