Oregon Consumer Justice published a free comic to help people avoid the pitfalls of buying a used car, Aug, 21, 2024.
Kristian Foden-Vencil / OPB
The nonprofit Oregon Consumer Justice is rolling out new legal services to help people who have fallen victim to illegal scams.
OCJ was established in 2015. Until now, it has been focused on changing public policy in the Oregon Legislature. Now it’s hiring attorneys and opening to the public.
“We’re focused on autos, which is a big thing – purchasing a car, a used car, a new car, or warranties,” OCJ Executive Director Jagjit Nagra explained.
“We’re also looking at debt,” he said. “Whether you’re talking about credit card debt, medical debt, or student loan debt – or you owe money to the government. And finally, we’re looking at insurance.”
Unlike most legal aid organizations, OCJ does not have income requirements.
“Our doors are open to anyone and everyone,” Nagra said.
The nonprofit has two lawyers: a paralegal and a researcher.
“So we have four people on our legal team,” said Nagra. “That legal team will be growing over the next year or two. I would venture to say maybe doubling in size.”
Oregon Consumer Justice Executive Director Jagjit Nagra in Portland, Oregon, on Aug. 21, 2024. “We’re focused on autos, which is a big thing – purchasing a car, a used car, a new car, or warranties,” Nagra said.
Kristian Foden-Vencil / OPB
While that’s good news for struggling consumers, it is not expected to be enough to help everyone who contacts OCJ.
“The need in the consumer space is so large that, quite frankly, even if I had 100 lawyers it would be nearly impossible,” Nagra said.
The nonprofit is funded by money that remains unclaimed in class action lawsuits, as well as donations.
It recently published a free comic book to help consumers avoid some of the pitfalls involved in buying a used car.