Viewpoint

Here, a monthly perspective from Consumers Union on the latest challenges—and possible solutions—facing U.S. consumers today. See archived installments of Viewpoint.

950,000

That’s the number of people across the U.S. who work with Consumers Union to take action on issues that matter to them.

Press ‘1’ to buy trouble

The issue

Consumer protections for purchases made using your mobile phone may not be as strong as you expect them to be.

Our take

While new payment methods using a cell phone can be very convenient (see New Ways to Pay), Consumers Union is worried about the lack of protection some offer.

Depending on how you fund the transaction, you may be vulnerable if something goes wrong—you’re overcharged, for example, or your phone is stolen. Mobile payments linked to credit cards have the strongest protections, followed by those linked to debit cards or bank accounts; those billed to your phone or made with prepaid or gift cards have few or none.

Consumers Union is pushing wireless carriers to institute safeguards that keep pace with new technology. All consumers who pay by cell phone should be protected from errors and unauthorized charges. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau should enact mandatory safeguards that cover all forms of mobile payments.

Taking action

Yanling Yu Lake Forest Park, Wash.

Issue

Lack of response from the state Medical Quality Assurance Commission.

Resolution

After Yu’s father died, she found that there was little transparency in the disciplinary process when she filed a complaint about the misuse of a medication that she believes contributed to his death. She teamed with Consumers Union’s Safe Patient Project to fight hard for a state bill that would give patients and their families the right to be heard. It was signed into law in April, giving consumers more input into investigations and requiring greater accountability and transparency in the state’s disciplinary process.

Quotable

“These new stickers are a win-win. They’ll help consumers make informed choices and save money at the pump, and they’ll help keep America moving down the road to energy independence.”

—Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood presenting redesigned window stickers for new cars. Input and analysis from Consumers Union helped make them useful for shoppers looking to compare fuel costs. They will be required on all 2013 cars.