Oregon–Oregonians are taking action to protect themselves and others from unfair business practices in light of continued consumer maltreatment and an increasingly challenging economic landscape, according to survey findings released today by Oregon Consumer Justice (OCJ) in partnership with the Oregon Values and Beliefs Center. The statewide survey also covered topics including Oregonians' views on their well-being, financial stressors, and the insurance industry.

Key Findings

• Oregonians’ ability to experience health, joy, and economic opportunity remained consistent from last year; however, more Oregonians in 2025 believe their families will be "worse off" a year from now (32%) than they did when residents were surveyed in 2024 (24%).
  • Older adults aged 55+ were more likely than other age groups to say they will be "worse off".
• Financial stress in the past year impacted nearly eight in ten (79%) Oregonians, with rent or housing costs (39%) and utility expenses (39%) tied for the top cause.
• One-third (33%) of Oregonians said they wouldn't be able to afford a $400 emergency expense—this rate was nearly equal across urban (36%) and rural communities (35%), highlighting a shared economic reality across our state.

“To improve consumer justice in Oregon, there should be stronger enforcement against scams and more education on consumer rights.” -Woman survey respondent, age 18-29, Clackamas County, Black or African American

Consumers are taking action against marketplace maltreatment

More than half of Oregonians (51%) reported experiencing some form of consumer maltreatment, with scams and fraud being the most common. The category of banking and financial services was new this year, joining grocery pricing, telecommunications, and debt collection to account for the top five reported consumer areas. The survey further reveals that Oregonians are actively exercising their consumer rights. In the past year, nearly one-third (31%) reported a scam or fraud, helped someone else understand their consumer rights (19%), or filed a consumer complaint (17%). Oregonians rated their knowledge of consumer protection topics as middle-of-the-road (3.07 out of 5) and over half (55%) indicated that "Know your rights education and training" would help them to resolve or avoid unfair or illegal consumer treatment, suggesting a desire for increased consumer education options.

Strong support for insurance accountability

More than two-thirds (67%) of Oregonians identified "holding insurance companies accountable could help prevent unfair or unnecessary price increases" as one of their top three statements that most closely align with their views on insurance regulation, revealing strong public support for greater industry accountability. This finding aligns with earlier 2024 research showing 81% of residents consider it important for the insurance industry to follow the same consumer protection laws as other consumer industries in Oregon.

Looking Forward

The research demonstrates that Oregonians remain interested and engaged in holding companies accountable while uplifting challenges they face in their efforts to create a fairer marketplace. This upcoming legislative session presents a vital opportunity for Oregonians to insist that their lawmakers develop and advance pro-consumer legislation that puts people first and moves us toward the future we all deserve.

About the survey. Oregon Consumer Justice partnered with the Oregon Values and Beliefs Center to collect survey responses from nearly 1,900 Oregonians statewide between June 27 and July 10, 2025. Since spring 2023, OCJ and OVBC have conducted research to better monitor consumer issues, understand experiences, insights, and the power of consumers to create meaningful change in the marketplace. 

About Oregon Consumer Justice. Oregon Consumer Justice is expanding and protecting consumer rights by advancing a justice movement that puts people first through policy, community engagement, and the law. Learn more at ocj.org.