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Consumer Protection Updates

Have you ever experienced a yo-yo scam from a car dealer?

Friday, April 20, 2012
By | David Rosenfeld
Executive Director

Our friends at the Center for Responsible Lending just released a new report on yo-yo car buying scams.

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

Wednesday, March 14, 2012
By | Ed Mierzwinski
Consumer Program Director

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.

White House Announcing Online Privacy Push

Thursday, February 23, 2012
By | Ed Mierzwinski
Consumer Program Director

White House urges privacy rights, industry promises "Do Not Track Sometimes" while states investigate Google

Consumer Watch - Free Tax Prep at Walmart?

Friday, January 13, 2012
By | Brian Rae
Consumer and Taxpayer Advocate

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. 

President’s Recess Appointment Gives Watchdog Teeth It Needs To Protect Consumers

Wednesday, January 4, 2012
By Brian RaeEd Mierzwinski

Kudos to President Obama for standing up for consumers this week by making a recess appointment of former Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray to head the new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.  The President’s action means that the CFPB now has all its powers to protect the public from unfair financial practices, whether by banks or other financial firms, such as payday lenders and credit bureaus.

Media Hit | Consumer Protection

Data breaches in 2011 carry unknown personal costs

In 2011, news about the loss of personal data became background noise. Unless it happened to you.

Media Hit | Consumer Protection

New laws for 2012

Consumers will be able to put some cash back into their wallets with a new law on gift cards.

January bills and complicated credit card agreements

Friday, December 9, 2011
By | Brian Rae
Consumer and Taxpayer Advocate

Consumer Watch: Web Piracy and a Critical Consumer Vote

Friday, December 2, 2011
By | Brian Rae
Consumer and Taxpayer Advocate

Stop Web Piracy? There has been much online talk about the internet piracy act being considered by Congress. Consumer groups have thrown their hat into the ring to express concern that the bill could close off online exchanges that provide lower prices for consumers, reduce online security, and allow for anti-consumer practices by online service providers

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