Bike helmets recalled: 140,000 and counting don’t meet safety standards; 14 separate recalls
We may not realize a helmet won’t do its job until it’s too late – after someone has suffered a head injury
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 airline travel protections for consumers: refunds, transparent fees and more
Apple AirPods are designed to die: Here’s what you should know
Updates
Scammers impersonate Best Buy, Amazon, PayPal most
Want to sound off about mortgage closing costs?
120,000 biometric gun safes recalled because they don’t lock; four brands affected
What You Can Do
Tell Congress: Don’t let the insurance industry hide the climate risks they’re fueling
Featured Resources
Scam charities: How to tell whether you’re donating to a good cause
Your ChatGPT privacy questions answered
Detecting a scam: How to avoid fraudulent phone numbers, emails and more
Milestones: Safer at every speed
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
NEW TIP GUIDE FOR PARENTS, STUDENTS: How to save money on textbooks this new school year
For the fall term, the Student PIRGs and U.S. PIRG Education Fund have released a new back to school guide to help navigate the textbook marketplace.
New report: Automatic textbook billing: Limited choice, uncertain savings
This new study of so-called “inclusive access” billing programs shows that they lock students into an uncompetitive textbook market and may limit the spread of open educational resources, which can be customized by faculty and are available for free.
RELEASE: Airlines to disclose fees up front, give automatic refunds for cancellations, delays
The White House and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) on Wednesday announced wide-sweeping consumer protection rules targeting aspects of air travel that have infuriated travelers for years.
New Report: Product recalls, warnings and penalties all increased in 2023
Dangerous products connected to more than 550 injuries, 15 deaths, U.S. PIRG Education Fund analysis shows
Companies that make dangerous products, hide injuries would face higher penalties under proposed law
Bill introduced in the Senate and House would give CPSC more enforcement authority
Team
Murray
Teresa
Murray
Consumer Watchdog, PIRG
Mierzwinski
Ed
Mierzwinski
Senior Director, Federal Consumer Program, PIRG