Category Archives: CFC in the News
California lawmakers taking steps to protect consumer data
by Fenit Nirappil, Associated Press
Bills introduced this session seek to guard the information generated when Californians swipe credit cards at stores, drive vehicles and attend schools. The most notable initiatives have been gutted and defeated in the face of fierce opposition from powerful business groups. Read More ›
We Saved Consumers $125 Million On Insurance So Far In 2014
by Richard Holober, Executive Director, Consumer Federation of California
10/1/2014 Update: 2014 consumer savings rose to $148.3 million by year’s end. To recap: 1 million AIG policyholders saved $7.7 million on homeowners insurance. Infinity Insurance policyholders saved $15.5 million on auto insurance. 1.2 million Farmers policyholders saved $34 million on homeowners insurance (details below). 1.6 million … Read More ›
TV/Radio: CFC’s Richard Holober discusses email receipts waiving consumer privacy
Richard Holober, CFC Executive Director, explains how email receipts compromise consumer privacy on CBS Channel 5, KGO 810 Radio, KTVU Channel 2, and NBC Bay Area Channel 11. Read More ›
Holiday shopping tip: Agreeing to email receipts waives your privacy rights
To circumvent this consumer privacy law, customers are being asked if they want to provide their email address to have a digital receipt sent to them. Retailers would like you to say “yes” to paperless receipts because your email address is worth money to them. Read More ›
Smarter cell phone privacy protections
by Editor, San Francisco Chronicle
It’s outrageous that the privacy protections that apply to your landline records do not extend to your cell phone activity. Considering the capabilities of a modern smartphone to track the most intimate details of your life – from your calls and texts to your very movements – a wireless device should have greater consumer privacy safeguards. Read More ›
Report: Prop 103, $100 billion win for auto insurance consumers
25 Years, $100 billion saved on auto insurance for California consumers! That’s the legacy of Prop 103 in California according to a new report released by the Consumer Federation of America. Read More ›
Toxic flame retardants under fire in California
by Deborah Sullivan Brennan, San Diego Union Tribune
“This starts with making sure we are protecting people against risks of fire,” said Richard Holober, executive director of the Consumer Federation of California. “There’s increasing evidence that this can be accomplished through different methods that do not require use of these flame retardants.” Read More ›
Toxic chemical flame retardants in building insulation: Historic bill may reduce harmful exposures
by Stephanie Hendricks, Californians for Toxic Free Fire Safety
“This is an important victory for consumers,” said Richard Holober, Executive Director, CFC. “For nearly four decades, chemical manufacturers have reaped billions in profits at consumers’ expense. We are pleased that Gov. Brown has taken the important step forward so that toxic flame retardant chemicals are not required in building insulation, especially when they add no fire safety benefits.” Read More ›
Auditor gives high marks to PUC consumer support program disliked by utilities and corporations
by Ken Broder, AllGov.com
When consumers square off with big corporations and utilities before California’s Public Utilities Commission (PUC), it helps to have help. And they get some from the state, which funds the Intervenor Compensation Program to pay certain individuals and groups to participate in proceedings. Big corporations and utilities … Read More ›
State Auditor vindicates CPUC Intervenor Compensation Program
The California State Auditor released a favorable report – surely to the dismay of AT&T, Verizon and PG&E – that reviewed intervenor compensation awarded to advocacy groups participating. The program provides consumers an effective voice before state regulators when utilities seek unwarranted rate hikes or rules that harm ratepayers. Read More ›
California Progress Report: Progressive Voter Guide for November 2012 Ballot Propositions
The voter guide lists the recommendations of several leading statewide progressive organizations, along with a quick summary of each proposition. Read More ›
Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones, Consumer Groups Condemn End of Session, Anti-Consumer Legislation
by Byron Tucker, California Department of Insurance
Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones held a news conference today with the Consumer Federation of California … to discuss two bills that would strip consumers of longstanding protections. Read More ›
Secret deal could cheapen auto repairs
by Mike Finney, KGO - ABC News 7
Jones and the Consumer Federation of California claim insurance companies are working behind the scenes at the capitol to weaken consumer protection laws at the last minute of the legislative session. Read More ›