Despite having more tools at our fingertips, being a consumer is seemingly and increasingly complicated. That’s why in recognition of Consumer Protection Week 2026, Arizona PIRG (Arizona Public Interest Research Group) Education Fund has compiled easy-to-understand tips from understanding auto purchase contracts, financing and fees to avoiding the purchase of an unsafe product for your home. Our consumer guides and step-by-step tools aim to help make life a bit easier.
Here are the resources we are drawing extra attention to this Consumer Protection Week:
Auto purchase contracts, financing and fees. Let’s face it. Shopping for a car is one of the most dreaded consumer transactions. A dealership trust survey conducted by The Harris Poll found that about 75% of consumers don’t trust dealerships to be honest about pricing. With one-third of consumers finding unexpected fees buried in their paperwork, Arizona PIRG Education Fund’s new consumer guide points to questions to ask before you sign a contract, including fees to watch out for; how to shop for a used electric vehicle; and how to stay on top of recalls involving your exact car, especially if you didn’t buy it new. See our tips.
Buy now, pay later traps. According to Bankrate, nearly one in three U.S. adults have used a “buy now, pay later” financing arrangement. And, according to LendingTree, 41% of buy now, pay later users say they made a late payment in the previous year. See our tips on questions to ask and advice on how to protect yourself from unexpected fees and interest charges associated with buy now, pay later arrangements. See our tips.
Phone scams. The volume of scam and telemarketing calls increased by 15% last year to the highest level in four years. Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes and the AGs in the other 49 states plus Washington, D.C. recently called on phone companies and the Federal Communications Commission to do more to crack down on robocalls. Arizona PIRG Education Fund offers the latest tips to protect yourself and your loved ones from scams, including “warm” texts.
Tips to save energy and save money. Higher electric bills have become a norm for many Arizona households. While circumstances vary, each household can save money and save energy by being more energy efficient and by taking advantage of energy-saving discounts and rebates. See our tips.
New report: Safe at Home in 2026? Arizona PIRG Education Fund’s latest report looks at how consumers can protect themselves and their families from unsafe products and why product recalls often take a long time. The report points to the consumer product recalls announced in 2025 (the highest tally since 2007) and the numerous examples of recalls that didn’t happen until months or years after people got seriously injured or died. Recalled items included toys, appliances, furniture and more.
Don’t see a consumer issue you have questions about? Please contact us at info@arizonapirg.org or (602)252-9227.
