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The law is aimed at 'personalized' pricing, when consumers are charged based on Zip code or other factors

• Attorney General warns companies to disclose data-driven pricing practices

• New Yorkers urged to report violations as consumer protection law begins Nov. 10

• Businesses face fines for failing to notify shoppers when algorithms set prices

New York Attorney General Letitia James is warning businesses across the state that they must disclose when algorithms are setting prices based on consumers personal dataor face penalties under a new law taking effect November 10.

The Algorithmic Pricing Disclosure Act requires most companies using automated systems to adjust pricesoften called algorithmic or surveillance pricingto clearly display a notice stating:

THIS PRICE WAS SET BY AN ALGORITHM USING YOUR PERSONAL DATA.

James said the new law is designed to give consumers transparency and prevent companies from secretly charging higher prices based on individual factors like income, ZIP code, or shopping history.

The law is clear: if businesses use algorithmic pricing, they must notify consumers, James said in announcing the alert. New Yorkers deserve to know whether their personal information is being used to set the prices they pay. I will not hesitate to take action against those who try to mislead New Yorkers and use their personal information to manipulate prices without their knowledge.

Personalized pricing under scrutiny

Algorithmic pricing tools allow businesses to tailor prices in real time, often through apps or loyalty programs that track user behavior. Consumers might see one price while others are shown another for the same product or service.

The Attorney Generals office cited recent examples of consumers being charged:

• higher hotel rates when booking from high-income ZIP codes

• or variable prices inside Target stores when shoppers used the retailers mobile app.

Such practices, James said, blur the line between marketing and exploitation, and are now subject to stricter transparency rules.

How to spot algorithmic pricing

The Attorney Generals alert included several tips for identifying when algorithms might be affecting prices:

• Compare prices across devices or accounts. If one person sees a higher or lower price for the same product, it could indicate personalized pricing.

• Check discount patterns. If you receive exclusive digital offers others cant see, those prices may be based on your data.

• Note price changes after online activity. Searching for similar items elsewhere or shopping from a new location may trigger algorithmic adjustments.

Enforcement and consumer action

Businesses that fail to include the required disclosure face penalties of $1,000 per violation. James urged anyone who suspects undisclosed algorithmic pricing to file a complaint with the Office of the Attorney General (OAG).

Transparency is the first step toward fairness, James said. Companies that hide how they use your data to set prices will be held accountable.

What Consumers Can Do

Think youre being charged an algorithmic price by a business in New York? Heres how to check and report it.

1. Compare prices.
Search for the same item using a different browser, device, or accountor ask a friend to check. If prices differ, data-driven pricing could be at play.

2. Look for the disclosure.
By law, New York businesses using algorithmic pricing must display:

THIS PRICE WAS SET BY AN ALGORITHM USING YOUR PERSONAL DATA.
If you dont see it near the price, the business may be violating the new law.

3. Track sudden price shifts.
If a price changes after you log in, shop from a new location, or search for similar items online, it might be linked to your personal data.

4. Save evidence.
Take screenshots showing the differing prices or missing disclosure text. Note the date, time, and device used.

5. Report it.
File a complaint with the New York Office of the Attorney General online at ag.ny.gov or by calling 1-800-771-7755.

States that have passed laws

• New York: As reported above, New Yorks new law requires most companies using algorithmic pricing based on consumers personal data to clearly disclose that fact.

• California: California has passed bills (for example, AB 325 & SB 763) that regulate use of common pricing algorithms, especially in an antitrust/competition context (i.e., algorithmic price-fixing) rather than purely consumer-surveillance-pricing.

• Connecticut: In the housing/rental context, Connecticut passed a law banning certain automatic revenue-management tools that rely on non-public data for setting rents.

A large number of state bills are under consideration in various states. For example, one tracker shows at least 26 bills in 14 states addressing predictive or algorithmic pricing.

• Some laws target very narrow contexts (like rental pricing), others are broader. Many havent become law yet. Legal Blogs+1

A new study shows that provider ratings dont just influence reputation they determine trust, loyalty, and even practice survival

• Online reviews are driving health care decisions: One in three patients wont book with a provider rated below three stars, making digital feedback a key factor in where Americans seek care.
  

• Trust comes from engagement, not perfection: Patients are more likely to trust providers who respond to reviews especially negative ones showing that communication matters as much as credentials.
  

• Providers benefit from proactive feedback: Encouraging satisfied patients to share their experiences helps build a stronger online reputation, attract new patients, and keep criticism in perspective.

When it comes to choosing a doctor, patients are scrolling before theyre scheduling.

According to new research from health care technology company Tebra, online reviews have become one of the biggest deciding factors in where and with whom Americans seek care.

The study found that one in three patients wouldnt book with a provider who has less than a three-star rating, and most say theyre more likely to trust doctors who respond to feedback, especially negative comments.

Its a powerful shift thats changing how patients navigate care and how providers run their practices.

ConsumerAffairs interviewed Kevin Marasco, Chief Growth Officer at Tebra, who explained that reviews now influence everything from patient retention and satisfaction to burnout and financial stability.

The impact of online reviews

In an increasingly digital world, reviews have become paramount, and health care is no exception.

Online reviews are typically the first impression a patient will get, and first impressions are everything, Marasco told ConsumerAffairs. With 72% of people saying they check reviews before picking a provider, it's clear these comments arent just background noise; they're helping form real decisions.

One negative review about how a doctor listens or the way their staff treats patients can push someone to book or look elsewhere. Its not just about your medical expertise anymore; its about establishing trust, and reviews are the starting point.

What to consider when reading reviews

Marasco explained that reading reviews isnt just about star ratings; its about context. He shared some of the most important things consumers should consider when checking reviews for potential health care providers.

Look at the details: are people frequently mentioning great communication, long wait times, or helpful staff? he said.

How current are the reviews? Since 67% of patients only trust reviews from the past year, that publication date matters. One old five-star review wont outweigh a pattern of recent concerns. Patients are smart; they can read between the lines and get a much clearer picture of what they can expect.

What role do providers play?

For health care providers, asking patients to share their positive experiences online is imperative. Marasco says that providers may be missing out on potential patients if they dont.

Most patients are willing to share their experience, but a lot of the time, youll need to ask them, so it needs to feel seamless and part of the process, he said.

The reality is, if you arent asking, youre just missing out on honest feedback and opportunities from happy patients, and your online brand will suffer.

All it takes is a few loud and disappointed patients to draw all the attention in the room. If you help cultivate a steady stream of genuine reviews, youre enabling your practice to earn trust and keep the feedback balanced and accurate.

An expert shares the biggest holiday hazards and how to prevent an emergency vet visit

• Thanksgiving is one of the top holidays for pet emergencies, often caused by fatty foods, bones, and toxic ingredients like onions or chocolate.

• Preventive care and preparation from securing trash to maintaining routines can help pets stay calm and safe.

• If your pet shows signs of distress after eating something new, such as vomiting or lethargy, contact a vet or emergency clinic immediately.

Between the turkey, gravy, and endless leftovers, Thanksgiving is a feast for the senses and your pets know it.

But while the holiday may bring joy (and irresistible smells), its also one of the busiest times of year for emergency vet visits. From fatty turkey skin to stuffing with onions, plenty of festive favorites can cause serious harm to cats and dogs.

ConsumerAffairs spoke with Dr. Abel Gonzalez, Clinical Director and Veterinarian at Dutch, about how pet owners can keep their furry family members safe this holiday season.

Holidays are about connection and pets are part of the family, Dr. Gonzalez said. Preventive care and understanding your pets temperament go a long way toward avoiding emergencies.

Thanksgiving reminds us why we share our lives with pets they ground us in joy, presence, and unconditional love. The best gift you can give them is routine, safety, and gratitude (not gravy!).

Foods to avoid

Dr. Gonzalez shared the top things pet owners should keep away from their pets during Thanksgiving.

Pets can be surprisingly opportunistic around holiday spreads! he said. Avoid anything rich, fatty, or seasoned especially turkey skin, gravy, stuffing, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, chocolate, xylitol-sweetened desserts, and alcohol.

Even small amounts can cause pancreatitis, liver damage, or toxic reactions. Turkey meat itself is fine in moderation if its plain, boneless, and skinless.

The biggest pet health risks

The top culprits pet owners should be aware of during Thanksgiving include: dietary indiscretions (pancreatitis, GI upset), anxiety from visitors or travel, and accidental escapes when doors are constantly opening.

Pets may also chew decorations or ingest bones, Dr. Gonzalez said. If your pet is on medications, changes in routine can cause missed doses or stress-related flare-ups.

Prioritize safety

Whether youre hosting a big gathering or a small group, prioritizing safety is key for pet parents.

Plan ahead like you would for a guest keep a quiet, comfortable space for your pet, stick to their feeding schedule, and remind guests not to share people food, Dr. Gonzalez recommended. Keep trash secure, walk dogs before guests arrive, and have calming tools ready (like pheromone diffusers or vet-prescribed anxiety meds if needed). A little prep makes the day smoother for everyone.

Dr. Gonzalez said that this is especially important for pets who struggle with anxiety and large crowds.

Create a safe zone a quiet room with their bed, water, and familiar scents, he suggested. Play soft music or white noise, and use calming aids if recommended by your vet. For especially anxious pets, short breaks outdoors or puzzle feeders can help redirect nervous energy. Let guests know to ignore the pet until they approach on their own terms.

Ultimately, if something with your pet feels off after the feast vomiting, lethargy, bloating, or restlessness dont wait. Call your vet or an emergency clinic right away.

Honoring service with more than words

• Nov. 11 is packed with freebies for vets/active duty: meals, coffee/doughnuts, and even haircuts bring ID

• Some perks go beyond the day (Outback 1011, Target 10% through 11th, Whataburger weekly Tuesdays with ID)

• Non-meal deals matter too: Hy-Vee groceries, Walgreens 20%, Rack Room 20%, Home Depot/Lowes 10%, and free National Parks entry

Veterans Day isnt just parades and social media thank you posts. Its one of the best days of the year for businesses to give something real back to people who served. For 2025, restaurants, grocery chains, salons, and even home improvement stores are rolling out free meals, one-day discounts, and a few quietly generous perks that are easy to miss.

Keep in mind that most of these are only good on November 11^th and be sure to bring your I.D. showing your service.

Applebees / Chilis / Dennys / Red Robin / Cracker Barrel all doing the classic free-meal-from-a-limited-menu for veterans and active duty, dine-in, show ID. November 11^th only.

Outback Steakhouse free 3-course meal with your ID. They call it their 3-Course Salute. Valid November 10^th and 11^th.

Starbucks free 12 oz tall brewed coffee for vets, current military service members and all military spouses on November 11^th.

Logans Roadhouse theyre offering a free lunch for vets on the 11^th from 11am to 3pm.

Hy-Vee free veterans breakfast 610 a.m. plus 15% off groceries on November 11th.

Whataburger free taquito for vets/active duty on Nov. 11, and then every Tuesday through the end of 2025 with ID.

Sheetz free half turkey sub, fountain drink, and even a free car wash at stores that have one.

Great Clips free haircut on the 11th.If you're not due fora haircut yet, you can take a free haircut card to use later.

Rack Room Shoes 20% off entire purchase on Nov. 11 for military and dependents.

Home Depot / Lowes both are pushing their everyday 10% verified military discountas part of the holiday. Stack this with their early Black Friday deals for even extra savings.

Olive Garden Free entre from a special Veterans Day menu for veterans and active-duty, dine-in, with proof of service.

IHOP Free Red, White & Blueberry Pancake Combo on Nov. 11 for vets/active duty, dine-in hours vary by location.

Krispy Kreme free doughnut and coffee for veterans and active-duty on Veterans Day.

Dunkin free doughnut for veterans and active-duty military on Veterans Day.

Target 10% military discount through Nov. 11 that can be used twice, in-store or online, for vets, active duty, and families.

Walgreens 20% off in-store for veterans, military, and family members on Veterans Day.

National Parks / Federal Lands Free entrance on Veterans Day, plus vets and Gold Star families can get the free lifetime pass. (could be affected by the federal government shutdown)

Sport Clips Free haircut for veterans and active duty at participating locations on Nov. 11.

I will keep this list updated and add any new Veterans Day perks I find as we getcloser to the 11th.

Cynics say it "goes away when you need it." It's also expensive, hard to get and poorly regulated

Quick, name one thing you really like about insurance.

OK, now name six things about insurance that qualify as dreadful problems that should never exist and should be fixed immediately (but probably won't be).

Michael DeLong, a research associate at the Consumer Federation of America, issued himself that challenge recently and had no trouble coming up with his list. He wrote about his findings in a blog post on the CFA site, listingextraordinary premium increases, unfair pricing strategies, insurance companies turning their backs on communities, and the burden of government and lender mandates that require consumers to buy insurance.

In this excerpt of DeLong's blog post, we highlight the key issues he thinks consumers should be aware of and public officials should do something about.

Car insurance costs and big profits

Rising premiums and big profit announcements highlighta majorproblem: governmentsrequireconsumers to buyinsurance,butstatelawmakers andregulatorsdontdo enough tokeepit affordable.

Everystate except New Hampshire requires drivers topurchaseauto insurance, so stateshave a responsibility to make surethecoverageisaffordableand consumersdontexperience unfairdiscrimination.But moststate insurance regulatorshave not done enoughto challenge insurance companies as they jack up prices well beyond the rate of inflation. They dont reject excessive premium increases, they dont aggressively fight unfair discrimination in insurance, and they dont hold insurance companies accountable for unfairly delaying and denying claims.

Some state insurance departments put resources and expertise toward consumer protection, but many regulators have far too cozy a relationship with the insurance industryoften at the expense of consumers. Still other regulators take a hands-off approach to regulation, which leaves consumers without the help they need to stand up to insurance companies.

Prices based on questionable factors

Insurance companies chargeconsumersmore for auto insurance based on socioeconomic factors that have little or nothing to do with driving.The companies useaconsumersjobtitle, education level, ZIP code or neighborhood, gender, marital status, homeownership status, and creditscoreto charge higher premiums, even iftheyhave a perfect driving record.

The Consumer Federation of Americas2023 reportfoundthatconsumers with poor creditscorespayon average115%more, or over twice as much, for auto insurancecompared to consumers with excellent credit. A consumer can pay onepenaltybecause oftheirblue-collarjob, anotherpenalty because theydidntgo to college,athirdpenalty because they are single,another if they are female,and the final and largest penalty because of their credit score.

Homeowners insurance is unaffordable for many

Risinghomeownersinsurance costsmakeinsurance expensive or even unaffordable for many consumers.CFA's recentreport on rising insurance costsfound that from 2021 to 2024,American homeowners saw their premiums increase by $648, or 24% on averagea$21 billionprice hike, well above the rate of inflation.

Premiums went up in 95% of ZIP codes.

As a result, many homeowners are struggling to afford insuranceor even going without coverage altogether, leaving themon the hook forall thecostsif their home is damaged or destroyed.As with auto insurance, CFA research has also shown that homeowners withpoorcredit scores pay about double the price for the same coverage sold to someone with excellent credit.

Efforts to prevent damage aren't always reflected in discounts

Mitigation efforts to reducehomeownersinsurance claims canhelp,butthey must beadequately funded; moreover, insurers must be required topass alongdiscounts to consumers.By strengtheningtheirroofsagainst hurricanes,building their decks out offire resistantmaterials, andtaking otherloss preventionmeasures, consumers can reduce theirinsurancerisk andshouldlower their premiums, though they rarely do.

Becausethesehome-hardening improvementsare costly,many people, especially those livingpaycheck to paycheck,cannot afford them. Some states have created programs that offer grants tohomeowners, often around $10,000, to strengthen their homes andlowertheir risk. The grant programs are excellent, but they need adequate funding so that vulnerable homeowners can get that help. Additionally, if consumers undertake these measures, insurance companies shouldbe requiredtopass alongpremium discountsor rate reductionsto consumers.

One lessonwevelearnedin recent years is thatyoucanttrust insurance companies toreturn savings to customerswithoutoversight.

Climate change is driving up claims

Climate change is a major driver of rising insurance costs, and companies should stop funding fossil fuel projects that make the situation worse.Stronger and more frequent natural disasters are contributing to higher insurance costs, in the form of more devastating hurricanes, larger wildfires and a longer wildfire season,a widening of tornado alley and more severe storms in the middle of the country,and othercatastrophicevents.

Yet insurance companies continue to underwrite fossil fuel projects like oil pipelines and coal-fired power plants that contribute to climate changeand increase insurance prices.Theyalso invest billions of dollars in the fossil fuel sector, profiting off a keysource of climate changewhiledown streamingthe cost of increased risk to its policyholders through higher premiums and shabbier policies.

Consumers, politicians are starting to notice

Consumers, consumer advocates, and policymakersare paying increased attention to insurance.Higher insurance premiums, insurance company misbehavior, and company withdrawals have brought a lot of attention to the insurance market,creating a spotlight thatprovidesconsumer advocates an opportunity topressforbadly neededreformsthat willimprove the current situation.

Consumers face huge problems in getting affordable and available insurance policies. But the Consumer Federation of America is fightingevery day to make insurance more affordableand stop unfair discrimination.As the Dr. Seuss character the Lorax says, Unless someonelikeyou cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better.Itsnot!

You can email DeLongatmdelong@consumerfed.org.