We support reforms to the financial marketplace to curb bad practices by banks and lenders.
Privacy
8.3 million Americans fall victim to identity theft each year. We’re pushing for reforms that give you the tools you need when your sensitive financial information is compromised or stolen.
Publications
- CU letters support federal bill to remove from newly issued Medicare cards
- CU calls for protections in contactless cards and pay by cell phone
Consumer groups describe to the FTC the need for consumer protections in emerging “contactless” payments methods.
- CU’s guide to security freeze protection
When a security freeze is in place, an identity thief cannot open a new account because the potential creditor or seller of services will not be able to check the credit file.
- CU supports federal bill to remove the SSN from newly issued Medicare cards
This legislation is a strong first step in protecting America’s seniors from identity theft.
- Consumer groups ask IRS to close privacy loophole
Loophole lets tax preparers give tax information to refund anticipation lenders
- Stop phishing
Consumers Union’s Web Watch tips on avoiding phishing
- Consumer groups urge FTC to support low cost, easy to use security freeze
The most effective state models meet that demand by providing affordable, accessible and convenient security freeze rights to all consumers.
- Consumer groups urge FTC to support low cost, easy to use security freeze
- Your Credit Matters
Federal law entitles you to get a free copy of your consumer credit report once a year from each of the big three nationwide consumer reporting agencies.
- World Privacy Forum’s Top Ten Opt Outs
Blog Posts
- Summary of California Bill on Financial Privacy
This bill protects consumers by giving consumers control over their personal financial information
- Identity Theft: Action and Prevention for Consumers
If you have been a victim of identity theft, there are government and nonprofit resources to help you.
- CU’s 2002 California Legislative Review
Important gains won for consumers on accounting and arbitration reform, auto emissions standards, and herbal supplement safety
- SB 773: Financial Information Privacy Act
Gives consumers the right to stop the sharing of information with affiliated companies
- CU and California Attorney General Co-Sponsor Bills to Curb Deceptive Sales Practices
Measures will require consumers to give permission before being billed
- Consumers Union Opposes the Check Truncation Act
Many consumers still get their checks back; this marketplace option would be eliminated by the Act.
- Consumer Guide Helps Those Who Have Disputes with Health Plans Easy-to-Follow Guide Available Free on the Web
It provides practical information to plan enrollees who are seeking a way to resolve a dispute with their health plan
- ID-theft protection services typically not worth the money
The most visible response by big business to the epidemic of ID theft has been to roll out insurance and credit products that exploit fear of the crime.
- Electronic Benefit Transfer
A new system for distribution of food stamps and possibly cash benefits
- CU urges California to make new computer system for distributing public assistance benefits user-friendly
State officials are negotiating contract with Citicorp, which has been criticized in other states for providing inadequate service to recipients
Worried about retirement?
The stock market has been unusually volatile, plunging hundreds of points, creeping back, only to plunge again. It is hard to stay disciplined about saving when every dime you’ve invested can evaporate in a day.
What is your biggest concern about your own retirement? We want to hear from you.
Where to complain
Online, by mail, phone or fax... Agencies need to hear from you!