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
First Republic Bank collapse is a reminder why we need reform
Should I hit “accept” on cookie pop-ups?
Updates
Warning on eye drops expands: Now 27 brands and types could cause blindness
Cybersecurity labels will help consumers choose secure smart devices
Electronic toys can collect kids’ data. Here’s what you need to know.
Featured Resources
How Mastercard sells its ‘gold mine’ of transaction data
Medical Bills: Everything you need to know about your rights
How printers keep us hooked on expensive ink
The Plane Truth
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.
Software lockouts shouldn’t be the reason I can’t use my car
Tethering customers to the manufacturer violates consumer rights and drives the electronic waste crisis.
Coalition urges REI: Commit to PFAS phase-out deadline
For a year, groups have called on REI to set a timeline to phase out these chemicals due to the harm they cause to public health and the environment in their production, use and disposal.
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.
Teva Pharmaceuticals to Settle in Opioid Crisis
Teva is the latest pharmaceutical manufacturer or distributor to reach a tentative settlement with states, tribes and other jurisdictions for its role in the long-running opioid crisis, which was epitomized by the billionaire Sackler family's efforts to reduce their own liability by its efforts to hide most of the family’s billions as part of the corporate bankruptcy of opioid manufacturer Purdue Pharma, which the family controlled.
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