Oregon Consumer Justice rolls out new educational tools, legal help for consumers

(Update: adding video, comment from Oregon Consumer Justice)

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Oregon Consumer Justice recently announced new resources for consumers to protect themselves from scams and schemes, take legal action and find justice through the courts through the provision of free educational tools and legal solutions.

The nonprofit points to common issues involving auto, debt and insurance. Now they have a new online library with articles, videos and handouts. The resources also include legal assistance, if you think you've been scammed  by a corporation.

Oregon Consumer Justice was founded in 2019 and is now expanding its reach through education. 

"This is really an opportunity to elevate the consciousness of consumers, so that they are much more skeptical, and they're in a better place to recognize scams, even when they're shifting and chameleonizing," Executive Director Jagjit Nagra said.  

The nonprofit says it has taken legal action on behalf of 24 consumers in Oregon. They say people don't report cases of wrongdoing often enough. The group recently advocated for the Right to Repair bill, which makes it less expensive for consumers to get repairs on broken devices like tablets and phones.  

“We’re working tirelessly to make Oregon a place where our rights as consumers are respected and our families always come first, not corporate profits” Nagra said. “By supporting more Oregonians to access legal solutions, OCJ will help break down barriers to justice and build the future that we deserve.”

OCJ was established as a result of Oregon House Bill 2700 and launched in 2020 with unclaimed funds from a major BP settlement that forced the corporate giant to pay millions.

Since its founding, OCJ has focused on passing legislation that protects and defends consumers from a range of deceitful and unfair business practices, including the Family Financial Protection Act — a landmark victory over aggressive debt collectors secured in the 2024 Oregon Legislative Session.

However, Oregon continues to face significant gaps when it comes to the passage and enforcement of consumer protection laws. Nagra highlighted legal action as a critical strategy to hold companies accountable and promote greater responsibility across industries.

“OCJ is building a movement with consumers who look out for each other. Together, we’re taking on the industries that target our communities thinking we won’t notice or push back,” said Se-ah-dom Edmo, OCJ Board Chair. “With new educational tools and greater access to justice,  we can protect ourselves and our loved ones from companies that believe they’re above the law.”

The nonprofit organization will prioritize auto, debt, and insurance-related consumer issues, which Nagra said often top the list of consumer complaints and are rife with examples of practices that disadvantage consumers.

OCJ will also monitor and take on consumer protection challenges that extend beyond these areas, such as its recent decision to provide co-counsel on the class action lawsuit against CenturyLink for the corporation’s bait-and-switch billing tactics.

Free Educational Tools

Research shows that when consumers have the knowledge they need, they can make informed financial decisions and protect themselves and their families from exploitation by businesses. The organization regularly engages communities throughout the state to understand their experiences and developed resources to address a range of consumer needs. These tools include:

• Consumer Resource Library: OCJ has a growing library of free educational materials (articles, videos, handouts) tailored to support Oregonians to know and exercise their rights. Topics include scams, student loans, medical credit cards, and enforcement channels. 
• Consumer Confidence Comics: Guidance for navigating common consumer challenges. The first issue, "Purchasing a Used Car," is a comprehensive and engaging guide that supports consumers in buying a used car with confidence. The organization will release additional comics throughout the year, focusing next on consumer debt.

Legal Solutions

In addition to educational resources, OCJ is supporting more Oregonians to take legal action to address unfair or illegal treatment and find justice through the courts. This includes:

• Legal solutions for consumers: OCJ is helping Oregonians facing a consumer injustice by providing guidance, through direct representation by the organization’s legal team, and through referrals to consumer attorneys statewide.

In the last 18 months, OCJ conducted three statewide surveys and the majority of Oregonians stated that access to legal services or counsel is needed to address unfair or illegal consumer treatment. However, research shows that legal assistance remains out of reach for many which leaves people unaware of their legal rights and potential claims. The legal solutions offered through OCJ are designed to ensure that consumers have access to professional support without the burden of legal fees.

OCJ encourages people who may be facing a consumer issue to reach out for assistance and the organization will find the best way to support them.

Consumers can access free educational tools by visiting OCJ's website. For those with legal questions or potential consumer-related cases, a short online form is available to request assistance.

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About Oregon Consumer Justice

Oregon Consumer Justice (OCJ) is advancing a justice movement that puts people first. We work across policy and advocacy, community engagement, and the law to protect and expand consumer rights, end predatory practices, and hold bad actors accountable so all Oregonians can live with dignity and abundance and experience good health, joy, and economic opportunities. For more information, visit www.ocj.org.