Portland, Ore. —Today, Oregon Consumer Justice (OCJ) announced new resources for consumers to protect themselves from scams and schemes, take legal action and find justice through the courts through the provision of free educational tools and legal solutions.

“We’re working tirelessly to make Oregon a place where our rights as consumers are respected and our families always come first, not corporate profits” said Jagjit Nagra, OCJ Executive Director. “By supporting more Oregonians to access legal solutions, OCJ will help break down barriers to justice and build the future that we deserve.”

Since its founding, OCJ has focused on passing legislation that protects and defends consumers from a range of deceitful and unfair business practices, including the Family Financial Protection Act — a landmark victory over aggressive debt collectors secured in the 2024 Oregon Legislative Session. However, Oregon continues to face significant gaps when it comes to the passage and enforcement of consumer protection laws. Nagra highlighted legal action as a critical strategy to hold companies accountable and promote greater responsibility across industries. 

“OCJ is building a movement with consumers who look out for each other. Together, we’re taking on the industries that target our communities thinking we won’t notice or push back,” said Se-ah-dom Edmo, OCJ Board Chair. “With new educational tools and greater access to justice,  we can protect ourselves and our loved ones from companies that believe they’re above the law.”

The non-profit organization will prioritize auto, debt, and insurance-related consumer issues which Nagra said often top the list of consumer complaints and are rife with examples of practices that disadvantage consumers. OCJ will also monitor and take on consumer protection challenges that extend beyond these areas, such as its recent decision to provide co-counsel on the class action lawsuit against CenturyLink for the corporation’s bait-and-switch billing tactics. 

Free Educational Tools 

Research shows that when consumers have the knowledge they need, they can make informed financial decisions and protect themselves and their families from exploitation by businesses. The organization regularly engages communities throughout the state to understand their experiences and developed resources to address a range of consumer needs. These tools include:  

• Consumer Resource Library: OCJ has a growing library of free educational materials (articles, videos, handouts) tailored to support Oregonians to know and exercise their rights. Topics include scams, student loans, medical credit cards, and enforcement channels.  
• Consumer Confidence Comics: Guidance for navigating common consumer challenges. The first issue, "Purchasing a Used Car," is a comprehensive and engaging guide that supports consumers in buying a used car with confidence. The organization will release additional comics throughout the year, focusing next on consumer debt. 

Legal Solutions

In addition to educational resources, OCJ is supporting more Oregonians to take legal action to address unfair or illegal treatment and find justice through the courts. This includes: 

• Legal solutions for consumers: OCJ is helping Oregonians facing a consumer injustice by providing guidance, through direct representation by the organization’s legal team, and through referrals to consumer attorneys statewide.

In the last 18 months, OCJ conducted three statewide surveys and the majority of Oregonians stated that access to legal services or counsel is needed to address unfair or illegal consumer treatment. However, research shows that legal assistance remains out of reach for many which leaves people unaware of their legal rights and potential claims. The legal solutions offered through OCJ are designed to ensure that consumers have access to professional support without the burden of legal fees.

OCJ encourages people who may be facing a consumer issue to reach out for assistance and the organization will find the best way to support them. 

Consumers can access free educational tools by visiting OCJ's website. For those with legal questions or potential consumer-related cases, a short online form is available to request assistance. 

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