Conversations from the Capitol – 2022
With the legislative session wrapped, CoPIRG staff had the chance to talk to several legislators who sponsored CoPIRG-backed bills that resulted in big wins for consumers, our health, and our quality of life.
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, conducts media exposes, produces consumer guides, and sends out consumer alerts so we have the tools to make smart, safe, informed choices.
The Latest on Consumer alerts
Cookie pop-ups: why you should think twice before hitting “accept”
Top 11 actions the CFPB has taken for consumers under Director Rohit Chopra
Updates
Coalition urges REI: Commit to PFAS phase-out deadline
Teva Pharmaceuticals to Settle in Opioid Crisis
CFPB, OCC fine Bank of America $225 M for botching pandemic response to consumers
Featured Resources
Food for thought: Are your groceries safe?
Tips to protect yourself against cyberattacks from Russia (or anywhere else)
Counterfeit products are everywhere; here are tips to avoid buying any of them online
How to avoid counterfeit COVID products
Did You Know?
In times of emergency, our researchers have found price surges of up to 166% for critical supplies like face masks and 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
18 tips to reduce robocalls and protect yourself from scams
Illegal robocalls seem to be declining a smidgeon as more phone companies install federally mandated technology to block spoofed calls and detect other scam calls. Here are some tips to live by and share with vulnerable friends or relatives.
48,000 signers urge Columbia Sportswear to live up to its sustainability values by banning toxic PFAS
U.S. PIRG Education Fund and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) delivered more than 48,000 petition signatures to Columbia Sportswear CEO, calling for the company to phase out toxic PFAS from its supply chain by 2024.
Celebrate the President’s Executive Order on Competition
One year ago, President Biden signed an executive order promoting competition and opposing practices of powerful special interests that raise prices for consumers, impede innovation, prevent nascent competitors from succeeding and deny consumers marketplace choices.
As the summer of airline delays and cancellations peaks, DOT considers better info to help passengers
As passengers swelter through a summer of airline delays and cancellations, the U.S. Department of Transportation asked U.S. PIRG to present on whether requiring airlines to provide more information earlier in the search process would increase consumer choice and further the recommendations of the President's Executive Order on Competition. Screenshot from slide deck features 1929 "Offical Airline Guide." Public domain courtesy Smithsonian Institution via archive.org.
Buying a car should be less confusing – and the FTC can help
It's easy to spend thousands more on a car than you meant to, especially when dealerships use tricks and traps to lock you into bad deals. The FTC has proposed new rules to help.
Team
Murray
Teresa
Murray
Consumer Watchdog, PIRG
Mierzwinski
Ed
Mierzwinski
Senior Director, Federal Consumer Program, PIRG
Litt
Mike
Litt
Director, Consumer Campaign, PIRG
Melgar
Danielle
Melgar
Food & Agriculture Advocate, PIRG