Consumer Protection
PROTECTING CONSUMER SAFETY—Toys should not be toxic or dangerous for children to play with. Our food should not make us sick. The terms for banking and credit accounts should be clear and easy to understand.
LOOKING OUT FOR CONSUMERS
Maryland PIRG’s consumer program works to alert the public to hidden dangers and scams and to ban anti-consumer practices and unsafe products.
TROUBLE IN TOYLAND
For 30 years, Maryland PIRG’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 avoiding dangerous toys.
BIGGER BANKS, BIGGER FEES
In April, Maryland PIRG 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.
SEE ALL CONSUMER RESOURCES
Issue updates
U.S. PIRG submitted a public comment letter supporting the Securities and Exchange Commission’s proposed climate disclosures rule and made recommendations to strengthen it.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) unveiled two proposals Wednesday designed to improve the accuracy and transparency of the composition and marketing of mutual funds that sellers claim are responsible when it comes to environmental, social and governance issues.
Our statement on Vice President Kamala Harris' announced reforms to reduce the impact of medical debt on Americans’ finances.
Consumer Protection
GM heeds consumer groups' advocacy, commits to not sell used cars with safety issues
We commend General Motors for its new commitment not to sell used vehicles with unrepaired safety recall defects on its soon-to-be-launched used car platform, CarBravo.
Consumer Protection
Farmers want to fix their stuff. Tractor dealer consolidation is getting in the way.
John Deere, which controls 53% of the country’s large tractor market, has consolidated a huge percentage of its dealership locations into large chains — leading to costly repair bills for farmers and delays that can put their crops at risk.
Consumer Protection
Not First Class
Our report highlights how flier complaints have soared as airlines cancel flights, deny refunds, and ruin plans. Find out which airlines have the most complaints and what you can do.
Consumer Protection
Auto Loan Complaints Rise
A review of complaints to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) Consumer Complaint Database reveals a sharp spike in consumer complaints about auto purchasing, leasing and finance since the beginning of the pandemic.
Latest Reports
Tools & Resources
-
Lauren's Story
A Baltimore mom who just wants her daughter to grow up healthy and happy -
ToxFAQs
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry -
National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention -
Consumer News- Safety and Recalls
ConsumerReports.org -
Phthalates Fact Sheet
Maryland PIRG -
Tips to Avoid Toxic Flame Retardants
Washington Toxics Coalition and Safer States -
Leading Groups Send Criteria for Evaluating VW Settlement
Seeking Compensation for Consumers and Environment -
Group letter opposing Nancy Beck to head CPSC
Former chemical industry official would be fox guarding henhouse
Consumer Alerts
Support us
Your donation supports Maryland PIRG's work to stand up for consumers on the issues that matter, especially when powerful interests are blocking progress.