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.
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
New report reveals widespread presence of plastic chemicals in our food
Legislators, advocates championing car insurance reform welcome Gov. Pritzker’s focus on consumer protections
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
5 steps you can take to protect your privacy now
Fixed for the Holidays
Trouble in Toyland 2023
VR risks for kids and teens
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
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.
When to expect compensation from Bank of America for its illegal fees and fake accounts
Team
Murray
Teresa
Murray
Consumer Watchdog, PIRG
Mierzwinski
Ed
Mierzwinski
Senior Director, Federal Consumer Program, PIRG
Melgar
Danielle
Melgar
Food & Agriculture, Advocate, PIRG