Oregon Recovers $32.8 Million for Consumers as Federal Protections Weakened
Salem, OR – Today, Governor Tina Kotek announced that her administration, through the work of the Division of Financial Regulation (DFR), has recovered more than $32.8 million owed to Oregonians by insurance companies, lenders, and other financial institutions since January 2023. These recovered funds put money directly back into the pockets of families who were denied claims, overcharged, or otherwise shortchanged by companies regulated by DFR.
Amid Oregon’s successful efforts blocking President Donald Trump’s unlawful attempts to dismantle the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), DFR consumer advocates assist Oregonians with disputes involving insurance, mortgages, banking products, student loans, securities, and other financial services DFR regulates.
"Oregonians work hard for every dollar they earn. When a company owes them money, they should get it – end of story,” Governor Kotek said. “While the Trump Administration moves to gut consumer protections and open the door for companies to take advantage of working families, my administration will keep standing up for consumers.”
DFR consumer advocates use industry expertise to review complex consumer complaints, press companies for answers, and secure payments, refunds, and claim approvals that consumers may not be able to obtain on their own. During the first six months of 2026 alone, DFR consumer advocates have recovered nearly $4 million for Oregonians.
“As federal consumer protections are being dismantled, Oregon is stepping up and building a stronger foundation of consumer protections,” said Lisa Watson, Interim Executive Director at Oregon Consumer Justice. “Oregonians deserve an economy that works for them, where more money stays with families, and everyone has a fair chance to get ahead. Every new protection brings us closer.”
DFR’s consumer advocacy work builds on Oregon’s strong consumer protection laws championed by Governor Kotek and signed in 2025 and 2026, including:
- SB 605 (2025): Prohibits medical debt from being included in Oregonians’ credit scores.
- SB 430 (2025): Stops online sellers from hiding additional fees from a product’s listed price so Oregonians know exactly what they will pay before completing a purchase.
- HB 3167 (2025): Banned ticket-buying bots and look-alike websites that trick people trying to buy event tickets from the real seller.
- SB 550 (2025): Added electric wheelchairs and similar mobility devices to Oregon’s landmark Right-to-Repair law.
- HB 3792 (2025): Expanded assistance for low-income households struggling to pay electric bills.
- HB 4116 (2026): Closed a loophole that allowed out-of-state lenders to offer high-interest, predatory loans.
- HB 4024 (2026): Banned event ticket resellers from advertising tickets they do not actually have to sell.
Anyone who may need a consumer advocate can call 1-888-877-4894 (toll-free) or email dfr.insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov for insurance questions and dfr.financialserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov for financial services questions.
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