HARRISBURG, PA —Governor Josh Shapiro has unveiled a new suite of consumer protection resources aimed at helping Pennsylvanians report scams, resolve financial and insurance disputes, and access support from the Commonwealth. The initiative comes amid weakened federal consumer protections and reinforces Pennsylvania’s commitment to safeguarding its residents from predatory practices.
The program introduces a centralized hotline (1-866-PACOMPLAINT), an email address (consumer@pa.gov), and a website (pa.gov/consumer) as go-to tools for residents seeking assistance with issues ranging from denied health insurance claims to financial fraud. This streamlined approach ensures that all complaints are routed to the appropriate state agencies, including the Department of Banking and Securities (DoBS) and the Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID).
From predatory lending to unfair insurance practices, the initiative empowers state agencies with the resources and authority to take swift action when Pennsylvanians are affected. “No matter the issue, these tools represent a no wrong door approach to government services,” state officials emphasized during the launch.
Building on Pennsylvania’s strong consumer protection laws, the effort also expands the state’s enforcement under the federal Dodd-Frank Act, holding financial institutions accountable when federal agencies fail to act. Last year alone, DoBS and PID returned $22 million in restitution to consumers and mediated thousands of complaints, including insurance disputes and student loan concerns.
The initiative underscores the Shapiro Administration’s dedication to consumer education as well. Robust outreach programs, like DoBS’ 279 events in 2024 that engaged nearly 35,000 participants, help residents recognize fraud, avoid scams, and protect personal information.
Protecting Pennsylvanians’ Rights
State-level actions like these have become increasingly vital after recent federal cutbacks. “Here in Pennsylvania, we’re stepping in to ensure families, students, seniors, and other vulnerable groups are protected from financial harm,” Governor Shapiro reaffirmed.
Both the hotline and website promise to provide Pennsylvanians with user-friendly access to assistance, helping those who face wrongful financial practices or insurance denials seek justice.
Looking Ahead
Governor Shapiro’s consumer protection initiative sets the stage for greater transparency and accountability across industries, ensuring Pennsylvanians can safely manage their financial, insurance, and consumer concerns. This new push is expected to solidify the state’s role as a leader in safeguarding its residents from deceptive practices while strengthening public confidence in government support.
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