NCL celebrates the withdrawal of the American Health Care Act – National Consumers League

/in imported/by

March 24, 2017

Media contact: NCL Communications, Cindy Hoang, cindyh@nclnet.org, (202) 207-2832

Washington, DC–The following statement can be attributed to Sally Greenberg:

The National Consumers League joins with our colleagues in the consumer and public health communities in breathing a huge sigh of relief that the Republican effort to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has failed. The GOP bill, entitled the “American Health Care Act,”  would have been a devastating blow to health care and would have taken America in the wrong direction, resulting in millions of consumers losing health coverage and paying more for less.

However, we recognize that the battle is not over. The National Consumers League will continue to fight to protect the ACA, Medicare, and Medicaid, and oppose efforts to roll back critical consumer health protections.

###

About the National Consumers League

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.

NCL applauds 6-2 Supreme Court decision favoring workers – National Consumers League

/in imported/by

March 24, 2017

Media contact: NCL Communications, Cindy Hoang, cindyh@nclnet.org, (202) 207-2832

Washington, DC—The National Consumers League (NCL) is welcoming the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Czyzewski v. Jevic Holding Corporation, in which the Court ruled that a bankruptcy settlement that effectively wiped out employee claims against a trucking company while paying off more junior creditors impermissibly sidestepped the U.S. Bankruptcy Code’s creditor priority.

“This is great news for workers,” said Sally Greenberg, executive director of NCL, which submitted an amicus brief with the National Employment Law Project (NELP) in the case.

Jevic Transportation filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after being purchased in a leveraged buyout.

The amicus brief signed by NCL and NELP argued that:

“This case both illustrates and aggravates the pervasive problem of workplace injustices due to unequal bargaining power. Unlike many wage-earners, the nearly 1,800 truck driver employees of Jevic represented by petitioners have been able to sustain this lengthy and expensive litigation because they are well organized and have been well represented, including by pro bono counsel. However, they have still received no relief on their claim for accrued but unpaid wages and benefits more than seven years after they were laid off without notice in violation of state law. The structured dismissal order sanctioned by the Third Circuit has opened a bankruptcy loophole enabling their employer to escape without paying them. This represents an additional opportunity for wage theft – employers failing to pay employees what they have earned, without effective accountability – at a time when, as U.S. Department of Labor and independent studies collected by NELP reflect, wage theft has reached epidemic proportions nationwide. Unless this Court acts to close it, the bankruptcy loophole opened by the decision below is likely to result in many thousands of additional employees being denied what they have earned. Moreover, as with other forms of wage theft, the vast majority of those employees will not have the bargaining power to secure their rights or the resources to bring the problems to the courts’ attention.”

The workers’ priority claims entitle them to receive over $8 million, but collection is conditioned on the estate having those funds and it might not, so this is not a sure thing. Nevertheless, the principle behind the decision is what is critical.

“NCL believes that the Supreme Court has vindicated the claims of these workers,” said Greenberg. “And a 6-2 decision reversing the Third Circuit, with only Justices Alito and Thomas dissenting, sends a clear message that the Court recognizes the rights of employees under the U.S. Bankruptcy Codes.“

###

About the National Consumers League

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.

Senate vote on broadband privacy threatens consumers’ data security – National Consumers League

/in imported/by

March 24, 2017

Media Contact: NCL Communications, Cindy Hoang, cindyh@nclnet.org, (202) 207-2832

Washington, DC—The Senate’s vote Thursday to repeal the Federal Communications Commission’s broadband privacy rules is a disappointing step that threatens to make consumers’ data less secure. At a time when data breaches routinely expose consumers to identity theft and other fraud, according to advocates at the National Consumers League (NCL), it is extremely disheartening that the Senate would seek to obliterate strong consumer data security requirements.

The following statement is attributable to John Breyault, NCL’s vice president of public policy, telecommunications and fraud:

Not a day goes by that we aren’t reminded of the costs of failing to secure consumers’ data from criminal and state-sponsored hacking. It is clear that data breaches raise the risk of identity fraud for millions of consumers. This being the case, it is inconceivable that the Senate would seek to eviscerate strong data security standards put in place by the FCC’s broadband privacy rules.

Broadband providers are uniquely positioned in the Internet ecosystem, with access to vast amounts of consumer data. They are therefore especially vulnerable targets for those who would seek unauthorized access to consumers’ sensitive personal information. That is why NCL supported the FCC’s common-sense broadband privacy rules, which for the first time require ISPs to provide reasonable protections for consumers’ data.

We urge pro-consumer members of the House of Representatives to heed the appeals of pro-privacy and pro-security advocates and resist efforts to gut these critically important consumer protections.

###

About the National Consumers League

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.

Trump’s budget is out of sync with America – National Consumers League

/in imported/by

SG_HEADSHOT.jpg

The president’s approval ratings are at an historically-low 39 percent according to the latest polls. Yet, despite this lack of popularity with the American people, the Trump Administration has delivered a budget to Congress that slashes many longstanding programs that are wildly popular across the country and will significantly reduce meaningful services provided to consumers.

Meals on Wheels, the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation, and critical after-school programs are all under attack. Under the Trump budget, 19 programs would be totally eliminated, including the Appalachian Regional Commission, the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Public Broadcasting Corporation. Yes, no more “Muppets” or “Masterpiece Theater.”

Much of the discretionary spending being cut actually supports important and necessary programs like housing and child care assistance for low- and moderate-income families, protections for workers and consumers, education, basic research, and job training. These are budget items that invest in the future of America.

Additionally, the Trump budget is proposing to completely gut the Labor Department’s programs to eliminate child and forced labor worldwide – something that we at the National Consumers League (NCL) have been fighting to eradicate since our founding in 1899. NCL’s Child Labor Coalition was created in 1989 to stamp out the worst forms of child labor and protect teen workers from workplace hazards. And although President Trump believes that this is unnecessary spending, there has been a one-third reduction in global child labor rates over the past 20 years, while the U.S. has been the biggest funder of child labor elimination programs worldwide.

Mick Mulvaney, the president’s budget director, defended the cuts at a White House briefing, calling the programs “not well run” and saying that they “don’t do any good.” The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would also be slashed by 31 percent. Mulvaney says about funding for climate change, “We’re not spending money on that anymore,” and calls the EPA’s efforts to reduce global warming a “waste of money.” Military spending would increase by $54 billion. No concern about fraud and waste there apparently.  

And consider this…the EPA provides emergency assistance to local communities many times during the year. In Toledo, tests showed the presence of a dangerous chemical in the city’s water that causes liver cancer. In Corpus Christi, chemicals from asbestos plant leaked into the water. A fire in Bridgewater, Connecticut caused a chemical spill requiring the EPA’s help. In each of these cases, the agency’s expertise and resources were critical to addressing these dire threats to the public’s health. These local communities have neither the money nor the scientific expertise to deal with the problem.

We have so many excellent scientists, doctors, lawyers, statisticians, and researchers at our federal agencies. These professionals have devoted their careers to protecting the public. There’s no replacing their training or expertise if we cut them from the budget. 

Thankfully, the president’s budget is only a proposal, and one that has to be acted on by Congress. But if even some of what is proposed gets passed, the consequences for consumers and workers will be catastrophic. The Labor Department is to be cut by 21 percent and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) by 18 percent. That latter move would be in direct conflict with the funding increases passed overwhelmingly last Congress for NIH in the 21st Century Cures bill; Congress wants NIH helping to develop cures for diseases. 

The public has expectations that our government will take care of its citizens – like the Department of Health and Human Services will provide Social Security and Medicare, that the EPA will come to the rescue of local communities, that our interstates, roads, and bridges will receive federal subsidies. It’s clear that the Trump Administration’s budget would have profoundly negative effects on millions of Americans across the country and would hit families that are already struggling the hardest.

NCL urges Congress to reject GOP health plan – National Consumers League

/in imported/by

March 14, 2017

Media Contact: NCL Communications, Cindy Hoang, cindyh@nclnet.org, (202) 207-2832

Washington, DC—The National Consumers League (NCL) urges Congress to reject the House GOP’s health insurance plan, which would result in millions of Americans losing coverage and paying more for less. In a report released yesterday, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) found that 24 million Americans would lose health coverage by 2026 under the House Republicans’ plan to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

NCL’s Executive Director Sally Greenberg said, “It’s indefensible to deny health insurance to sick people, but that is exactly what the Republican plan would do. How can we as a nation tell 24 million Americans–many of whom have health insurance today because of the ACA–that they will no longer have coverage?”    

In addition to this loss in coverage, the CBO report found that consumers would pay more out-of-pocket for skimpier coverage. Under the Republican plan, tax credits for eligible individuals purchasing non-group coverage will be 60 percent lower in 2020, meaning that consumers will have to pay more out-of-pocket towards their premium costs. Furthermore, due to plans’ lower average actuarial values (the share of a person’s health costs that a plan covers), CBO and the Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT) expect that “individuals’ cost-sharing payments, including deductibles, in the non-group market would tend to be higher than those anticipated under current law.” This finding directly contradicts President Trump’s promise that his repeal plan would lead to much lower deductibles.

The CBO report also found that the Republican proposal would result in an $880 billion cut in federal support for state Medicaid programs over the next decade–effectively shifting these costs onto the backs of the states and beneficiaries. With such a sharp decrease in federal support for Medicaid, states will have no choice but to cut eligibility, benefits, and/or provider payment rates. 

“The CBO report confirms the harms that would result from implementation of the utterly immoral Republican health plan. It is a step in the wrong direction for our nation’s consumers and must be rejected,” said Greenberg.      

###

About the National Consumers League

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.

The National Consumers League welcomes the nomination of Dr. Scott Gottlieb as Commissioner of the FDA – National Consumers League

/in imported/by

March 13, 2017

Media Contact: NCL Communications, Cindy Hoang, cindyh@nclnet.org, (202) 207-2832

Washington, DC—The National Consumers League (NCL), the nation’s pioneering consumer advocacy organization, welcomes Dr. Scott Gottlieb’s nomination to lead the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). “The FDA is the gold standard the world over for ensuring the highest standards of safety and efficacy of drugs and we believe Dr. Gottlieb understands the importance of maintaining those standards. We are also pleased that Dr. Gottlieb shares NCL’s strong support for life-saving vaccines. If he is confirmed, we look forward to working with Dr. Gottlieb to advance the cause of medication adherence and bringing more generic and biosimilar drugs to market, which will add to competition in the market and drive down drug prices for consumers,” said Sally Greenberg, NCL’s executive director. Greenberg noted that as someone who has himself battled cancer, Gottlieb brings the patient perspective and understands the importance of safe and effective medicines firsthand.

NCL works to promote food safety and nutrition, which is also overseen by the FDA, and has worked closely with the agency on health policy issues of critical importance to consumer safety.

Sally Greenberg is also a board member of the Reagan Udall Foundation. Greenberg noted, “I also look forward to working with Dr. Gottlieb in support of RUF’s mission to build public-private partnerships and enhance the FDA’s research and regulatory science work and capacities.”  

###

About the National Consumers League

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.

National Consumers League statement of support for SEAT Act of 2017 – National Consumers League

/in imported/by

March 9, 2017

Contact: NCL Communications, Cindy Hoang, cindyh@nclnet.org, (202) 207-2832

Washington, DC—The National Consumers League (NCL), America’s pioneering consumer and worker advocacy organization, applauds the House and Senate introduction of the Seat Egress in Air Travel (SEAT) Act of 2017. This bill, introduced by Senators Blumenthal (D-CT), Schumer (D-NY), Markey (D-MA), Menendez (D-NJ), and Feinstein (D-CA) and Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN), and Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) would establish airline seat size minimums that will protect the health and safety of consumers. NCL urges Congress to quickly pass this important consumer protection legislation.

The following statement is attributable to John Breyault, Vice President of Public Policy, Telecommunications and Fraud: 

“As anyone forced to squeeze themselves into ever-smaller airline seats can attest, consumers continue to face comfort, health and safety issues while flying. In addition to causing poor circulation, many safety experts fear that the airlines’ reduction in seat size compiled with flying fuller airplanes could hinder their safe evacuation. The SEAT act provides a common sense solution to this problem by requiring safety experts to set minimum seat size standards. We applaud the bipartisan and bicameral leadership shown by the sponsors of this bill.” 

###

About the National Consumers League

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.

 

Caffeine Awareness Month: Myth-busting and fact-checking – National Consumers League

/in imported/by

coffee_icon.jpgWhether you’re working an 8-hour day, at home with the kids, or even trying to burn some excess calories at the gym after work, caffeine is usually within close reach, in one form or another. Within close reach there’s also a multitude of information. But how much of this is true? And, where are the information gaps for consumers?

For the third consecutive year during March, we take a closer look at caffeine – this time fact checking those myths and arming you with some truths that will help you make informed choices. And urging better consumer information, namely that the label of caffeinated products should include amount of caffeine in the products.

1.  Americans are drinking more caffeine than ever before

FALSE! Despite concerns expressed about proliferation of caffeine in the food supply, *statistics indicate that there has not been an overall increase in caffeine intake in the United States in recent years. The principal dietary sources of caffeine also remain the same, with most intake of caffeine remaining from coffee, tea, and soda. This is consistent with a recent FDA-sponsored *study that found between 70 and 90 percent of caffeine intake is from coffee and tea.

2.  Slamming down a caffeinated drink quickly will have more of an effect than sipping it slowly

FALSE! Whether you are on the go and consume a drink quickly, or like to sit and enjoy a drink with friends, there is no difference in caffeine’s effect on you. However, the speed of your own metabolism may influence digestion time.

3.  Added caffeine is stronger than naturally occurring sources of caffeine

FALSE! Caffeine is caffeine! There is no chemical or biological difference between the naturally-occurring caffeine in plants – like in coffee, tea, and chocolate – and synthetic caffeine commonly used in sodas, energy drinks, and supplements.

4.  Dogs and cats should not consume caffeine

TRUE! While 85 percent of human Americans drink coffee everyday, 100 percent of our furry friends must be kept away from sources of caffeine. Dogs, cats, and birds are more sensitive to the effects of caffeine than people are, and even the smallest amount (depending on breed, weight and other factors) can have severe consequences.

5.  Dark roasted coffee is stronger than lighter roasts

FALSE! Contrary to what many people assume, the darker the coffee roast, the LESS caffeine it has. This is because caffeine is heat sensitive, so if you roast coffee beans longer, they will contain less caffeine. For tea, it’s the opposite: the darker the tea, the higher the caffeine content.

6.  Guarana is just another form of caffeine

TRUE! Caffeine is found naturally in over 60 plants including coffee beans, cocoa beans, tea leaves, kola nuts, yerba mate, and guarana.

7.  Three cups per day is the maximum amount of coffee an adult should consume

IT DEPENDS… on the type of coffee, the size of your cup, and even how it was prepared. One thing’s for sure: the FDA, Health Canada, and the European Food Safety Authority all acknowledge that 400mg of caffeine per day is a moderate safe daily intake amount for healthy adults. How much is 400mg in terms of cups or servings? See below from lowest to highest caffeine concentration:

  • 16.6 servings of green tea (8 oz./24 mg caffeine)
  • 11.5 servings of brand cola (8 oz./average 35 mg caffeine)
  • 8.5 servings of black tea (8 oz./47 mg caffeine)
  • 5 servings of Red Bull energy drink (8 oz./80 mg caffeine)
  • 4.2 servings of  regular brewed coffee (8 oz./95.2 mg caffeine)
  • 2 servings of 5-Hour Energy (2 oz./200 mg caffeine)
  • <1 serving of energy shots (8 oz./average 480 mg caffeine)

8.  Energy Drinks contain large amounts of caffeine

FALSE!  The major energy drink brands (Red Bull and Monster) contain between 80 to 120 mg caffeine per serving.  For comparison purposes, a cup of home brewed coffee contains approximately 80 mg per cup while a store bought cold brew coffee can have up to 250 mg.  An 8-oz. energy shot contains 480 mg caffeine.

9.  Some people should limit their caffeine consumption 

TRUE! Caffeine sensitive people, pregnant women, those who are capable of becoming pregnant, and those who are breastfeeding should consult their health care providers for advice concerning caffeine consumption. Children and teens should generally consume less caffeine due to lower body weight than adults (and parents should monitor). 

10.  All caffeine products declare the amount of caffeine they contain

FALSE! NCL believes that ALL products containing caffeine – no matter whether naturally occurring, contained in a cup, a can, or a candy bar wrapper – should declare the amount of caffeine on the label.

While the FDA *requires food labels to disclose added caffeine as an ingredient, the label is not required to provide the amount of caffeine. Very few products list the amount of caffeine they contain, although some companies, like Red Bull and Monster, provide this information voluntarily.

But, would it be so hard for all producers to provide caffeine content on the information panel?

National Nutrition Month is an annual initiative led by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.  DISCLOSURE: While researching facts for this blog, approximately 220 mg of caffeine (3 cups of cappuccino) was consumed! 

*Links are no longer active as the original sources have removed the content, sometimes due to federal website changes or restructurings.

NCL urges awareness and fact-checking during “Caffeine Awareness Month” – National Consumers League

/in imported/by

March 9, 2017

Contact: NCL Communications, Cindy Hoang, cindyh@nclnet.org, (202) 207-2832

Washington, DC—March is not only National Nutrition Month but also Caffeine Awareness Month so during this time, the National Consumers League (NCL) is taking the opportunity to raise consumer awareness on the world’s most consumed “pick-me-up.”

“Caffeine consumption is widespread in the U.S., with 85 percent of people drinking at least one caffeinated beverage daily,” said Sally Greenberg, NCL’s Executive Director. “Whether you’re at home, at work, or out and about caffeine is usually within close reach. That’s why we want to not only improve the understanding about caffeine but call on more food and beverage manufacturers to disclose the amount of caffeine contained in their products. This will not only give consumers more transparency, but it also seems like common sense and it’s the right thing to do.”

For the third consecutive year during March, we take a closer look at caffeine–this time fact checking those myths and arming you with some truths that will help consumers make informed choices.

1.  Americans are drinking more caffeine than ever before

MYTH! Despite concerns expressed about proliferation of caffeine in the food supply, statistics indicate that there has not been an overall increase in caffeine intake in the United States in recent years. The principal dietary sources of caffeine also remain the same, with most intake of caffeine remaining from coffee, tea, and soda. This is consistent with a recent FDA-sponsored study that found between 70 and 90 percent of caffeine intake is from coffee and tea.

2.  Slamming down a caffeinated drink quickly will have more of an effect than sipping it slowly

MYTH! Whether you are on the go and consume a drink quickly, or like to sit and enjoy a drink with friends, there is no difference in caffeine’s effect on you. However, the speed of your own metabolism may influence digestion time.

3.  Added caffeine is stronger than naturally occurring sources of caffeine

MYTH! Caffeine is caffeine! There is no chemical or biological difference between the naturally-occurring caffeine in plants – like in coffee, tea, and chocolate – and synthetic caffeine commonly used in sodas, energy drinks, and supplements.

4.  Dogs and cats should not consume caffeine

FACT! While 85 percent of human Americans drink coffee everyday, 100 percent of our furry friends must be kept away from sources of caffeine. Dogs, cats, and birds are more sensitive to the effects of caffeine than people are, and even the smallest amount (depending on breed, weight and other factors) can have severe consequences.

5.  Dark roasted coffee is stronger than lighter roasts

MYTH! Contrary to what many people assume, the darker the coffee roast, the LESS caffeine it has. This is because caffeine is heat sensitive, so if you roast coffee beans longer, they will contain less caffeine. For tea, it’s the opposite: the darker the tea, the higher the caffeine content.

6.  Guarana is just another form of caffeine

FACT! Caffeine is found naturally in over 60 plants including coffee beans, cocoa beans, tea leaves, kola nuts, yerba mate, and guarana.

7.  Three cups per day is the maximum amount of coffee an adult should consume

IT DEPENDS… on the type of coffee, the size of your cup, and even how it was prepared. One thing’s for sure: the FDA, Health Canada, and the European Food Safety Authority all acknowledge that 400mg of caffeine per day is a moderate safe daily intake amount for healthy adults. How much is 400mg in terms of cups or servings? See below from lowest to highest caffeine concentration:

  • 16.6 servings of green tea (8 oz./24 mg caffeine)
  • 11.5 servings of brand cola (8 oz./average 35 mg caffeine)
  • 8.5 servings of black tea (8 oz./47 mg caffeine)
  • 5 servings of Red Bull energy drink (8 oz./80 mg caffeine)
  • 4.2 servings of  regular brewed coffee (8 oz./95.2 mg caffeine)
  • 2 servings of 5-Hour Energy (2 oz./200 mg caffeine)
  • <1 serving of energy shots (8 oz./average 480 mg caffeine)

8.  Energy Drinks contain large amounts of caffeine

MYTH!  The major energy drink brands (Red Bull and Monster) contain between 80 to 120 mg caffeine per serving.  For comparison purposes, a cup of home brewed coffee contains approximately 80 mg per cup while a store bought cold brew coffee can have up to 250 mg.  An 8-oz. energy shot contains 480 mg caffeine.

9.  Some people should limit their caffeine consumption 

FACT! Caffeine sensitive people, pregnant women, those who are capable of becoming pregnant, and those who are breastfeeding should consult their health care providers for advice concerning caffeine consumption. Children and teens should generally consume less caffeine due to lower body weight than adults (and parents should monitor). 

10.  All caffeine products declare the amount of caffeine they contain

MYTH! NCL believes that ALL products containing caffeine – no matter whether naturally occurring, contained in a cup, a can, or a candy bar wrapper – should declare the amount of caffeine on the label.

While the FDA requires food labels to disclose added caffeine as an ingredient, the label is not required to provide the amount of caffeine. Very few products list the amount of caffeine they contain, although some companies, like Red Bull and Monster, provide this information voluntarily.

National Nutrition Month is an annual initiative led by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

###

About the National Consumers League

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.

Fighting fraud, one tax return at a time – National Consumers League

/in imported/by

This originally appeared in the Huffington Post on March 8, 2017.

Every year it seems that tax identity thieves get a little bit more brazen about swindling individuals out of their hard-earned tax refunds. Last month the IRS published its list of the”dirty dozen“ tax scams that included classics like phone scams, phishing, and return preparer fraud.

The IRS’ efforts to warn people about the dangers of dishonest or downright criminal fraudsters have been forced by the fact that tax identity fraud has become one of the fastest-growing type of identity theft, according to the Federal Trade Commission.

In fact, as millions raced to file their returns — 52 million so far this year — fraudsters also marked the beginning of tax season by kicking off something much more sinister: tax identity theft season. From 2011 – 2014, identity thieves claimed $23 billion in fraudulent tax refunds. In 2015 alone, tax identity thieves defrauded nearly a quarter million of Americans!

For those who fall victim to tax identity fraud, a letter from the IRS is often their first inkling that they’ve been defrauded. These letters typically tell a consumer that their refund was not accepted because someone else has already filed in their name. This can set off months of delays in obtaining a refund while the IRS investigates the case. For working families who depend on getting that refund check, this can wreak financial havoc.

The IRS is working hard to warn consumers to beware of these scams, but education is only half the battle. They are also fighting scam artists behind the scenes and have made significant inroads reducing tax identity fraud rates. Many of the IRS’ new safeguards are invisible to taxpayers but invaluable in fighting against tax ID fraud. Its efforts have stopped more than 1.4 million fraudulent returns, totaling more than $10.9 billion.

However, one of those not-so-invisible tools the IRS uses to catch fraud has caused delays for a portion of the 152 million refunds expected to be filed this year. The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act provides the IRS with more time to stop scammers before a fraudulent check is ever mailed, but requires the agency to hold refunds for consumers who claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC). Fortunately, the wait is finally over and those impacted began receiving their refunds last week. Those EITC and ACTC recipients still waiting for their refund can track it online, and those yet to file can expect to have their refunds processed within the standard 21-day processing window.

For consumers who have yet to file their return, I would tell them not to wait! Yes there are six weeks left before the end of tax season, but every day consumers wait is another day fraudsters can beat them to filing their returns. The most important message I have for the 100 million who’ve yet to file is this: the sooner you file, the better. For anyone receiving a refund, the easiest way to reduce the risk of fraud is to file now.

Whether you’re struggling with tax season anxiety or are simply looking for a helping hand in filing your taxes ASAP, consumers should look to IRS free tax preparation resources to help prepare accurate returns and navigate new laws designed to reduce fraud.