Consumer Tips for the Downturn

Executive Summary

OSPIRG's consumer program works to strengthen consumers' power in the market place, which is of continuing importance today in light of these tough economic times. Consumers in a struggling economy stand to be especially harmed by unfair practices, scams, ripoffs, and fraud. All too often there is an information gap between corporations and consumers, and this guide attempts to bridge at least some of that gap. The tips and know-how included here are good advice in any economic climate, but they are especially important in this economy. Credit card debt, consumer credit scores, and identity theft are some of the most common problems facing consumers today.