Why it matters 

When consumers have the knowledge and tools to make informed choices, they play a crucial role in creating a safer marketplace for everyone to thrive.

What we found 

Through our partnership with the Oregon Values and Beliefs Center, nearly 1,900 Oregonians were surveyed earlier this summer on topics including consumer protection, financial well-being, insurance, and alternative financial products. 

• Oregonians' ability to experience health, joy, and economic opportunity remains constant since last year; that said, when thinking about future well-being, more Oregonians share that they believe their families will be "worse off" a year from now.
  • Older adults aged 55+ are more likely than other age groups to say they will be "worse off."
• Oregonians continue to report scams and fraud as the most common illegal consumer treatment. This year, the new option of "banking and financial services" ranks among the top five reported issues.
  • Youth (18-44) experience consumer mistreatment related to auto repairs, banking and other financial services, and student loans at a higher rate than older adults.
• Rent or housing costs (39%) and utility expenses (39%) top the list of financial stressors for Oregonians in each geographic area (Tri-County, Willamette Valley, and the Rest of the State).
• One-third of respondents (33%) say they could not afford a $400 emergency expense. Only 40% can pay a $400 emergency without difficulty, down from 46% in Fall 2023.
  • Urban and rural Oregon residents report nearly identical abilities to cover a $400 emergency expense, underscoring a shared financial reality.

More findings

• Oregonians rate their knowledge of consumer protection topics as middle of the road (3.07/5). More than 1 in 2 Oregonians (55%) shared that "Know your rights education and training" would help them to resolve or avoid unfair or illegal consumer treatment.
• Oregonians are taking action as consumers. Nearly one-third (31%) said they reported a scam or fraud, 19% helped someone else understand their consumer rights, and 17% filed a consumer complaint.

The bottom line

Oregonians are interested and engaged in holding companies accountable. They reflected interest in accessing the knowledge and resources to enable their informed choices in the marketplace that protect themselves and their families.

"Having readily accessible resources and promoted advertisements in person and online to let people know easy help is there." 

-Man, age 30-44, Deschutes County, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander

+This: Insurance accountability resonates across Oregon

Why it matters 

67% of Oregonians agree that holding insurance companies accountable could help prevent unfair or unnecessary price increases, choosing it as one of their top three statements that best match their views on insurance regulation.

What we found

When asked to share more about insurers or insurance rates, Oregonians frequently mention rising costs and a lack of transparency. Some express frustration with premiums increasing despite not having filed any claims, while others question how rates are calculated or call for stronger consumer protections, among other reflections.

The bottom line

 Oregonians continue to prioritize accountability for insurance companies, consistent with earlier findings in 2024 that show 81% consider it important for the insurance industry to follow the same consumer protection laws as other industries. 

"Insurance rates can be a heavy burden, especially for families on fixed incomes. Transparency from insurance companies and strong consumer protections are essential to keep costs fair while ensuring coverage quality."

Man, 30-44, Jefferson County, White

+Also, this: Oregonians are using alternative financial products but aren't reliant on them

Why it matters 

As Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) and Earned Wage Access (EWA) become increasingly available to consumers, patterns of use and frequency are important to understand in developing effective protections to keep Oregonians safe should they use these products.

What we found 

• Of the three products surveyed (BNPL, EWA, and high-interest loans), BNPL was the most used, with 29% of Oregonians having used companies like Klarna, AfterPay, or Affirm in the past 12 months.

• Just over 3 in 5 respondents (61%) reported using BNPL monthly, while it was closer to 2 in 5 respondents (42%) for EWA. Daily or multiple weekly use of these products was less common.
• Most users experience associated costs with using these products—48% of EWA users pay expedite/convenience fees, and 29% of BNPL users pay interest fees.

The bottom line

While alternative financial products, including BNPL and EWA, are used across the state, a majority (among both users of EWA and BNPL products) express confidence they could manage to make the purchases they need to next month without having access to these services.