Consumer Protection

OSPIRG’s consumer program works to alert the public to hidden dangers and scams and to ban anti-consumer practices and unsafe products. If you have a question or concern on a consumer issue, see OSPIRG's consumer resources below, or ask your question directly. We'll get back to you with an answer.

RESOURCES FOR CONSUMERS

TROUBLE IN TOYLAND

For 27 years, OSPIRG’s "Trouble In Toyland" report has surveyed store shelves and identified choking hazards, noise hazards and other dangers. Our report has led to at least 150 recalls and other regulatory actions over the years.

Get our tips for buying safer toys.

BIGGER BANKS, BIGGER FEES
In April, OSPIRG released a report in which we surveyed more than 350 bank branches and revealed that fewer than half of branches obeyed their legal duty to fully disclose fees to prospective customers, while one in four provided no fee information at all. We also found that despite widespread stories about the “death” of free checking, free and low-cost checking choices are still widely available, if consumers shop around.

Find out how to beat high bank fees.

RENTERS RIGHTS
In the United States, you can protect your legal rights only if you know what those rights are. Renting is a two-way street. Renters and landlords may unknowingly jeopardize their rights by not fulfilling their legal responsibilities.

Know your rights

SEE ALL CONSUMER RESOURCES

Issue updates

Blog Post | Consumer Protection

50 Years Ago This Week, JFK Ushered in Modern Consumer Protection Era | Ed Mierzwinski

I've got a new column at Huffington Post, "50 Years Ago This Week, JFK Ushered in Modern Consumer Protection Era." I discuss President Kennedy's visionary "Special Message to the Congress on Protecting the Consumer Interest" announced on March 15, 1962. He declared that consumers have rights and government should protect them. Read the full column after the jump.

> Keep Reading
Blog Post | Consumer Protection

B of A tests new fees, CFPB asks for your checking account complaints | Ed Mierzwinski

Reporters are calling about BofA's proposed new checking account fees, "Ed, what does it mean?" Meanwhile the CFPB says checking accounts can be "complex and confusing" and announced it is now  ready and waiting for your checking account complaints. Find out more.

> Keep Reading
Blog Post | Consumer Protection

CFPB to possibly end $39 lattes | Ed Mierzwinski

Today, CFPB to announce overdraft fee investigation, unveil "penalty box" disclosure, possibly end $39 lattes.

> Keep Reading
Blog Post | Consumer Protection

Consumer Watch - Free Tax Prep at Walmart? | Brian Rae

HR Block has teamed up with Wal Mart to offer in store free tax prep, however it is “free” for clients that filed a 1040 EZ, just 16% of their clients. This does not include taxpayers with kids, any requesting the earned income tax credit or any non standard deductions. 

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How Safe our Kids Toys

Holiday shopping is just around the corner and parents should know which toys are safe for their children.

The Oregon State Public Interest Research Group (OSPIRG) conducted their annual toy safety survey and discovered that many toys on the market still pose safety hazards to children.

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Dangerous Toy List Offers Gift-Giving Warnings

BEND, Ore. -- As the Black Friday shopping rush nears, officially starting the holiday gift-giving season, there's a new list of toys out that some say should be blacklisted.

"Over the last 26 years, this report has lead to at least 150 recalls," said OSPIRG associate Matthew Orchant said Tuesday in Bend

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Trouble in Toyland List of Worst Toys

OSPIRG released its annual "Trouble in Toyland" report Tuesday.

The report warns parents about the danger of small toy parts that can cause a choking hazard.

The report also warns of extremely high levels of toxic lead in some books.

> Keep Reading
News Release | OSPIRG | Consumer Protection

Dangerous Toys on Store Shelves

Portland, Nov. 22 –Dangerous or toxic toys can still be found on America’s store shelves, according to Oregon Student Public Interest Research Group’s 26th annual Trouble in Toyland report.

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What toys to avoid

Black Friday marks the day when the Christmas shopping frenzy officially

starts, and many will be looking for good deals on toys.

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Blog Post | Consumer Protection

Black Friday Tips and Warnings | Brian Rae

OSPIRG’s Consumer Watch Trouble in Toyland- OSPIRG has release its 26th annual Toy Safety Report and mobile website, www.toysafety.mobi to keep toy safety at parents fingertips. DOJ Warns of Black Friday Scams– Planning on shopping this Friday in stores or online? The Oregon Attorney General has issued tips and warnings on how to avoid holiday shopping scams.

> Keep Reading
Blog Post | Consumer Protection

Towards Common Ground | Brian Rae

The super committee tasked with cutting 1.2-1.5 trillion dollars from the federal budget has been a hot topic in many political circles nationally and in Oregon. That is not surprising, as the national tax discussions impact Oregon taxpayers greatly. What is disappointing, however, is that much of the debate has focused in on the disagreements that Republicans and Democrats have on issues such as revenue and entitlements. Would it not make more sense to begin with our similarities, and then move on to the differences?

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Blog Post | Consumer Protection

Keeping safe online and in the Kitchen | Brian Rae

FTC announces new internet privacy rules for children –The Federal Trade Commission is looking at new privacy rules for children, whom they state as “very tech savvy but judgment poor”.

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Blog Post | Consumer Protection

Recalls and Rising Textbook Prices | Brian Rae

Rising Textbook Prices - With Oregon Universities back in class this month, it’s a great time to remind students about ways to avoid rising textbook prices.

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Blog Post | Consumer Protection

Regence Rate Hike Cut Down to 12.8% | Matt Orchant

Some decent news for health insurance consumers today. The Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) issued their much-awaited decision on Regence BlueCross BlueShield's proposal to raise rates over 22% on nearly 60,000 Oregonians.

> Keep Reading

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TOY SAFETY TIPS ON-THE-GO

From toxic chemicals to choking hazards to dangerous magnets, see what dangerous toys to watch out for while you shop.

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