Mastercard, don’t sell my data
Mastercard sees how much you spend, where and on what days - and it sells that information to companies you’ve never heard of.
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
Did your tax prep company share your data with Facebook and Google? Here’s what to know.
Avoiding scams, incorrect medical bills, privacy invasions and more
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
Student loan repayments are here: Tips to figure out your options
How to take more control of your Mastercard data
How Mastercard sells its ‘gold mine’ of transaction data
Need Help with A Consumer Problem?
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.
Fire risk: 1.5 million dehumidifiers recalled under GE, Kenmore, SoleusAir and other brands
More than 700 consumers have reported fires, overheating, property damage
Consumer complaints against U.S. airlines hit record in 2022
Frontier, Spirit, JetBlue have the worst complaint ratios, measured per 100,000 passengers. Horizon, SkyWest, Mesa and Delta have the best records.
New airline complaint numbers show severity of December chaos
Team
Murray
Teresa
Murray
Consumer Watchdog, PIRG
Mierzwinski
Ed
Mierzwinski
Senior Director, Federal Consumer Program, PIRG
Melgar
Danielle
Melgar
Food & Agriculture, Advocate, PIRG