Consumer Protection

Money

Is gold a wise investment for smaller investors?

Consumers are constantly bombarded with come-ons for gold investment "opportunities." Some of these are downright fraudulent and the rest are a big, shall we say, optimistic. Here's what the experts tell us.

Consumer Protection

CFPB examiners warned against being 'too aggressive' with the firms they're supposed to regulate

An internal CFPB email obtained by Reuters warned examiners that there could be "most unpleasant" consequences if they were overly aggressive in their dealings with financial institutions.

Consumer Protection

Homeowners got cash with ‘no interest.’ Lawsuit says the real cost was their home equity

A new class-action lawsuit accuses Unison of disguising high-cost mortgage loans as “home equity investments” with no interest or monthly payments.

Consumer Protection

Before you sign a home-equity sharing agreement: 7 numbers to calculate

What does "home equity sharing" really mean? Is it just like a loan?

AI/Privacy

Meta ordered to pay $567 million — and change Facebook and Instagram to protect children

A New Mexico judge ordered Meta to pay $567 million into programs addressing harms to young people, bringing the company’s liability in the state case to $942 million.

Consumer Protection

Payday lender’s bank deal could bring loans charging up to 195% APR to every state

OppFi is seeking federal approval to acquire BNC National Bank, giving the high-cost lender control of a national bank charter

Consumer Protection

How to recognize a payday loan disguised as an installment loan

When is an installment loan really a payday loan in disguise? Answer these questions to find out.

Consumer Protection

California’s new consumer agency targets junk fees, kickbacks and ‘corrupt practices’

Former CFPB Director Rohit Chopra says California will pursue companies that use illegal fees, hidden kickbacks and manipulative schemes to drive up consumer costs.

Consumer Protection

Where California consumers should complain

California is stepping up its consumer protection efforts as federal agencies back away from energetic enforcement. With former CFPB director Rohit Chopra at the helm of the new agency, the new agency is expected to tighten existing rules and enact new ones.

Consumer Protection

Zelle fraud case moves forward as New York court rejects most dismissal arguments

The ruling allows New York’s attorney general to investigate whether Zelle’s operator knowingly left consumers exposed to scams

Consumer Protection

Hims & Hers 'shared sensitive health information' with ad platforms, FTC charges

Despite promising privacy, the telehealth provider shared consumer info with ad platforms, consumer protection agencies said.

Consumer Protection

America’s scam economy is costing households an estimated $1,009 a year

Americans’ true losses to online scams and other internet crimes may have reached $148.2 billion in 2025, the Consumer Federation of America estimates.