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Wednesday, April 10, 2013

SIGN OUR PETITION: Save Wireless Lifeline!

A recent Washington Post article highlighted growing criticism of the low-income phone subsidy program known as Lifeline, which was founded under President Ronald Reagan’s administration and expanded to include cellphone service during the presidency of George W. Bush.

Despite its Republican beginnings, this crucial subsidy that keeps low-income families connected to schools and job opportunities and to E-911 has come under attack by conservatives who mischaracterize the program as a massive giveaway called “Obama phones” being distributed at taxpayer expense. In fact, wireless and landline Lifeline programs are funded by the Universal Service Fund (USF). Telecommunications providers must contribute to the USF through an assessment on their interstate and international revenues. While the telecommunications providers typically pass the USF assessement on to customers in their bills, Lifeline subsidies are not taxpayer funded.

The House Communications and Technology Subcommittee will hold a hearing on the Lifeline program on April 25. Sign this petition now so we can deliver it to the committee in advance of the hearing.

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

CONSUMER GROUPS: Respect users’ ‘Do Not Track’ choices

Leading consumer advocates call for a simple Do-Not-Track (DNT) mechanism that allows individuals to decide when, whether, and how they will be tracked online, no matter what kind of technology or device they use.

Thursday, February 21, 2013

CONSUMER POLL: Consumers benefit from CARD Act

Consumer Action surveyed cardholders online to learn what impact the CARD Act has had on credit card users. Overall, respondents reported that credit card companies are treating them the same or better than before the law and that the disclosures mandated by the law have helped them take action to avoid credit card debt.

Friday, February 15, 2013

MOBILE PRIVACY: Do you know what your phone is doing?

Half of all U.S. adults now own a smartphone. An estimated 50 billion apps were downloaded in 2012. What does this growing reliance on mobile technology mean for consumer privacy? Consumer Action surveys the privacy landscape, shares predictions from privacy experts, and reveals some things all mobile users should be aware of.

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

CHECKOUT FEES: Coming soon to a retailer near you?

Consumer Action offers a brief guide to help consumers understand new and potentially higher costs when they use a credit card at some retailers. A recent court settlement between retailers and the payments industry allows retailers to pass their credit card acceptance costs onto consumers in the form of a new fee. Not all merchants will charge this fee—it’s up to individual business owners.

Wednesday, January 02, 2013

NEW YEAR, NEW LEAF: Check out our ‘Frugal Issue’

The Winter 2012-2013 issue of Consumer Action News contains tips and advice for budgeting and saving.

Thursday, November 01, 2012

COMPARING the credit card comparison sites

With the rise of the Internet, comparing credit cards has become a business model for dozens of companies. Card comparison sites make money when consumers click through and apply for a card. Consumer Action looked at 54 sites to determine which ones offer the most useful and complete information to credit card shoppers. To narrow the list, we evaluated them using a checklist of key elements—and 13 met all or most of our criteria.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

KNOW YOUR CARDS? If not, learn more here!

The rules have changed in the world of credit, debit, prepaid and gift cards. To help consumers get a handle on new laws and other changes regarding plastic payments, Consumer Action today unveils the newest member of its Web family, KnowYourCard.org (www.knowyourcard.org).

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

WIRELESS ED: Check out the new site!

We’ve revamped the site, and added a new blog! Check it out.

CALIFORNIA GAS PRICES: Cartoons target industry greed

California drivers are breaking out their credit cards to pay record high gasoline prices at the pump. Oil companies blame power failures and a recent fire at Chevron’s Richmond Refinery, but Consumer Action – a leading consumer rights organization – says the industry is pocketing huge profits while saying it can’t afford to meet its clean air commitments.