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CONSUMER PROTECTION

The Public Policy Institute’s Consumer Team conducts research and policy analysis, and brings together thought leaders to develop and advance AARP’s public policy agenda on consumer protection.

Click below for reports on major consumer protection topics. Use the PPI search box on the right for a more precise search.

Financial Services

Financial Literacy

Fraud and Deception

Energy and Public Utilities

Telecommunications/ Information Technology

Advance Planning and Legal Issues

All PPI Consumer Protection Reports

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Upgrading the Nation’s Water Infrastructure While Maintaining Affordable Water Rates

This report by Neal Walters explores concerns about replacing the nation’s rapidly aging water infrastructure while keeping water rates affordable for consumers. read

Protecting Vulnerable Adults: Oversight and Screening of Court-Appointed Guardians

Testimony by PPI’s Naomi Karp before the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Administrative Oversight and the Courts. read

Protecting Investors—Establishing the SEC Fiduciary Duty Standard

This research report explains how the SEC can strengthen federal guidelines for protecting older investors. read

Improving Advanced Illness Care: The Evolution of State POLST Programs

This report by AARP’s Naomi Karp and Charles Sabatino of the ABA looks at how states are adopting a promising program to honor the treatment goals of people with advanced illness. read

Winter Heating Costs and Older and Low-Income Households - March 2011

The burden of winter heating costs on older low-income households in various geographic locations. read

Prepaid Cards: Promise and Pitfalls for Consumers

The potential benefits and drawbacks of using prepaid debit cards and key design principles to protect consumers. read

A Portrait of Older Underbanked and Unbanked Consumers: Findings from a National Survey

Older unbanked and underbanked consumers often use alternative financial services, sometimes putting their financial stability and personal property at risk. read

Affordable Home Energy and Health: Making the Connections

Adequate and affordable home energy use helps older adults maintain both economic security and good health. read

Preventing the Misleading Use of Senior Designations—What States Should Do

Financial services salespeople often use so-called senior designations to differentiate themselves and show they are experts in retirement investing or investing by older customers. States should adopt and enforce both the NASAA and NAIC model rules that regulate the use of these designations. read

Safe at Home? Developing Effective Criminal Background Checks and Other Screening Policies for Home Care Workers

States increasingly require criminal background checks for home care workers to protect vulnerable adults from harm. read

Financial Literacy: More Important Than Ever

In the wake of a $7 trillion decline in the value of pensions and household portfolios, is a discussion about financial literacy relevant? Absolutely! Workers—especially those nearing retirement—and retirees are likely to face a number of challenging questions due to the effects of the financial crisis. read

Generations of Struggle

Debt has become the common denominator of American life: in 2007, more than a million people filed for bankruptcy. In this paper, researchers Deborah Thorne of Ohio University, Elizabeth Warren of Harvard Law School, and Teresa A. Sullivan of the University of Michigan analyze data from the 1991, 2001, and 2007 Consumer Bankruptcy Project surveys. read

A First Look at Older Americans and the Mortgage Crisis

Homeowners age 50 and over have been significantly affected by the mortgage crisis according to this data analysis. read

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Consumer Protection

Financial Services, Financial Literacy, Fraud and Deception, Energy and Public Utilities, Telecommunications/Information Technology, Advance Planning and Legal Rights.

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Economic Security

Social Security, Pensions and Retirement Saving, Income and Assets, Tax and Budget, Work and Retirement, Low-Income Programs and Populations

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Health Care

Medicare; Medicaid; Health Costs; Health Coverage/Insurance; Health Quality, Safety and Access; Healthy Behavior and Public Health; Prescription Drugs; Health Care Work Force; Nursing

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Livable Communities

Housing, Transportation

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Long-Term Care

Assisted Living, Caregiving, Home and Community-Based Services, Long-Term Care Insurance, Nursing Homes, Medicaid

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