Why it matters

With federal protections facing uncertainty as enforcement agencies are dismantled, Oregonians are paying attention to unlawful misconduct and taking what steps they can to hold companies accountable, strengthening the consumer marketplace for all of us.

What we found

 1,897 Oregon residents who were surveyed through our research partnership with the Oregon Values and Beliefs Center shared their opinions and experiences on questions covering topics of well-being and consumer justice.

• Half of Oregonians (51%) said they experienced some form of consumer mistreatment in the past 12 months. Scams/fraud, grocery pricing, debt collection, banking or financial services, and telecommunications are among the top five consumer issue areas reported by Oregonians.
• When asked what would help them resolve or avoid unfair consumer treatment, 55% of Oregonians identified know your rights education and training as their top desired resource, closely followed by legal counsel or services (53%).
• Those who would have trouble paying an emergency expense are more likely than others to report a scam or fraud.

"Yes, having easier access to clear reporting tools, official contact information, and step-by-step guides on how to report scams would have made it easier and less confusing to take action."

-Man, age 30-44, Deschutes County, Hispanic or Latino/a/x

• Most Oregonians (55%) took consumer action in the past year, with reporting scams and fraud leading at 31%, followed by helping others understand their rights (19%), and filing consumer complaints or participating in consumer-focused boycotts, campaigns, or protests (both at 17%).
  • Those who would have trouble paying an emergency expense are more likely than others to report a scam or fraud.
• Oregonians shared that they were motivated to take consumer actions for reasons that include seeking justice for themselves and aiming to prevent similar harm to others. They also named motivating factors like unfair business practices and the need to promote accountability in the marketplace.

"Publicizing bad behavior puts bad actors on notice that they can't get away with it without garnering public scrutiny and likely backlash."

 -Woman, age 75+, Lane County, Black or African American

"IMO, the 'normal person' is often being taken advantage of by certain vendors and services companies because they presume most consumers don't have the financial means to file suit(s). Sadly, b/c of the high cost of legal services, this is likely true. Giving voice to this situation will hopefully improve it, at least at some point in the future."

-Woman, age 65-74, Crook County, White

"It (is) mostly from seeing businesses becoming more and more anti-consumer with their products and start to cheap out on them while raising the prices to their consumers. Also bombarded consumers with term and services or other terms to try force them to sign, so they can't get sued."

-Man, age 30-44, Hood River County, Black or African American

Bottom line

Oregonians aren't sitting back when they are faced with consumer mistreatment. They are acting to protect themselves and their families by holding law-breaking companies accountable—often motivated by a desire to protect others against similar harms. Oregon consumers are also clear about what they need to build their confidence and support their decision-making: practical and accessible educational resources, clear reporting processes and contact information, stronger enforcement of existing protections, and better access to legal services. We all play a role in building a safer, more equitable marketplace for all Oregonians.