Consumer Rights and Laws
Surveillance Pricing: How Your Data Shapes What You Pay
Two shoppers can be offered different prices for the same product because of their personal data, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). A personal offer…
Consumer Protection
Consumer protection is the set of laws, agencies, and programs that guard people who buy goods, services, and credit. It covers honest marketing, safe products, fair contracts, and ways to resolve problems. Federal agencies such as the Federal Trade Commission, state attorneys general, and courts all take part. The field spans everything from product labels and credit to debt collection and refunds.
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Referenced by Brookings, CNN, Forbes, Fox News, Pew Research, Snopes, The Hill and USA Today.
The Webby-recognized AI behind our articles »
Latest in Consumer Protection
Privacy Laws
Can You Make Data Brokers Delete Your Personal Information?
People-search sites can sell reports built from other brokers’ information, public social-media profiles and government public records. An ordinary site opt-out can stop the sale of…
Consumer Rights and Laws
Navigating the Patchwork of Federal Consumer Protections
Federal law splits consumer protection across agencies for fees, billing errors, and recalls. See which one applies and the escalation steps to fix your problem.
Scams and Fraud Prevention
How to Spot and Report Common Scams
Learn the warning signs in common scams, from AI voice cloning to QR code fraud, and see where to report each type and steps that may…
Topics in Consumer Protection
Your rights and remedies
Consumer Rights and Laws covers the protections buyers have in the marketplace. Dispute Resolution covers how complaints, claims, and arbitration resolve problems.
Safety and fraud
Product Safety and Recalls covers how unsafe goods are found and taken off the market. Scams and Fraud Prevention covers how to spot, avoid, and report deception.
All Articles on Consumer Protection
Why Mail Fraud Is a Federal Crime
Learn why mail fraud became a federal crime, tracing the law from an 1872 statute to today's rules on intent, mailings, and penalties reaching 20 to 30 years.
How to Protect Your Mail From Theft
Protect your mail from theft with daily collection habits, free USPS tools like Informed Delivery and Hold Mail, and steps to take in the first 24 hours.
What to Do About Stolen Mail
Stolen mail can lead to check fraud and identity theft. Learn who to call, how to report it, and whether to use a fraud alert or credit freeze.
DOJ’s Settlement With RealPage Is Reshaping the Rental Market
The United States Department of Justice has announced a settlement with RealPage, Inc., resolving one of the most significant antitrust cases of the digital…
The 50-Year Mortgage: What It Is and Why Analysts Are Concerned
Housing affordability in the United States has become a central concern for many Americans. High home prices and rising interest rates are pricing many…
How Private Judges Work in US Civil Courts
When civil disputes arise in the United States, the default path leads to the public court system. An alternative exists for those who can…
How to Identify and Report FEMA Fraud After a Disaster
In the chaotic aftermath of a disaster, when individuals and communities are at their most vulnerable, a secondary threat often emerges: fraud. Criminals and…
How to Contact the FTC: Reporting Fraud, Identity Theft, and Business Violations
The Federal Trade Commission protects American consumers from deceptive business practices and maintains fair market competition. Established in 1914, this federal agency investigates misleading…
“Made in USA” Labels: What Products Qualify and How Companies Get Caught
The "Made in USA" label is one of the most powerful marketing tools in American retail. Shoppers consistently say they prefer American-made goods and…
How the SEC Protects Investors from Wall Street Fraud
Before 1934, American financial markets were dangerous territory for average investors. A patchwork of state-level regulations known as "blue sky laws" governed securities trading.…