Consumer Reports President and CEO Marta L. Tellado Publishes Buyer Aware, a Playbook for Consumer Power

YONKERS, NY – Buyer Aware: Harnessing Our Consumer Power for a Safe, Fair, and Transparent Marketplace (PublicAffairs; September 20, 2022), the first book from Consumer Reports President and CEO Marta L. Tellado, launches in bookstores nationwide today. All proceeds from the book will support Consumer Reports’ nonprofit mission to empower consumers everywhere.

Drawing from Consumer Reports’ 86 years of trusted expertise researching, testing and advocating on behalf of consumers, Buyer Aware reveals what is truly happening in our increasingly complex marketplace and illustrates how people can protect themselves from predatory business practices and grow their power to become the force behind change, both personal and systemic.

Marta L. Tellado, president and CEO of Consumer Reports, said, “I’m so excited to share a playbook for growing our consumer power. Buyer Aware tells a story about our democracy—that it can only flourish if we have a marketplace that puts people at the center. We deserve an economy where the rules are fair, the incentives are positive, and leaders are held accountable. Buyer Aware is a roadmap that shows how we get there together.”

Craig Newmark, the founder of craigslist and Craig Newmark Philanthropies, and a former CR board member, shared advance praise for the book, writing, “In Buyer Aware, Marta Tellado alerts us to the harms of technology without conscience and a digital world without guardrails. Thankfully she also highlights steps towards a future where the promise of tech aligns with its ethical use.”

Buyer Aware equips readers with the facts and unmasks Big Tech’s manipulations, shady lenders’ greed, the discrimination of AI and algorithms, manufacturers who peddle dangerous products, and the ways that government too often takes the side of corporations over consumers. In it, Tellado also weaves in her personal history—from coming to this country from Cuba as a child to the life-changing experience of being a first-generation college graduate to working for Senator Bill Bradley from her home state of New Jersey and, now, leading Consumer Reports.

You can learn more about the book and order a copy of Buyer Aware here, or explore action opportunities inspired by the themes of the book here.

 “The first responsibility of government is to protect its citizens, including from unsafe products and unscrupulous business practices. Marta’s book shows how empowering consumers to become advocates is critical to prompting policymakers to pass reforms we need. Her guidance helps people protect themselves today and provides a roadmap to spur change for tomorrow.” – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar

“In a time when the harvesting of our intimate data fuels surveillance and precision manipulation is business as usual, Buyer Aware serves as a beacon for the potential and success of consumer power.” – Dr. Joy Buolamwini, founder of the Algorithmic Justice League

“Buyer Aware is an inspirational story of a remarkable American woman who has never forgotten where she has come from and has a clear idea where she’s going – to a better America where consumer rights have power. This book educates and empowers. Enjoy it, learn from it, and take action.” – Former U.S. Senator Bill Bradley

“Marta Tellado makes a compelling case that economic freedom is a civil right and we have to fight for it. It’s an important call for accountability in a time of rising corporate impunity.” – Julia Angwin, Pulitzer Prize winner and co-founder The Markup 

“A compelling and important book that gives the consumer straightforward, profound truths about today’s market dangers as well as empowering advice.” – Cathy O’Neil, data scientist and author of Weapons of Math Destruction

“In her wide-ranging book, Marta Tellado empowers consumers by detailing how unregulated corporatism produces systemic racism. By further explaining what is technological discrimination against the minority, low-income consumers struggling for economic justice, Tellado deftly connects consumer rights with civil rights.” – Ralph Nader, consumer activist, founder of Public Citizen, author of Unsafe at Any Speed

“With great clarity, passion and a personal touch, Marta Tellado convincingly argues that “consumer” issues are not just about dollars and cents – they implicate civil rights, freedom and democracy itself. She offers a blueprint for an innovative, nimble and empowered consumer rights movement for the digital age. Buyer Aware is a must-read for any advocate seeking to make systemic and cultural change.” – Gigi Sohn, co-founder of Public Knowledge

“Marta Tellado is both one of the most respected consumer voices in the country and a leader in the Latino community, and her new book, Buyer Aware, is both informative and incredibly timely. It’s a much-needed guide to help consumers, including Latino and Latina consumers, take back control of their personal data, overcome today’s predatory practices, and ensure a better economic future.” – Janet Murguía, President and CEO, UnidosUS