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Consumer Action Handbook--Federal Consumer Information Center
www.pueblo.gsa.gov/crh/respref.htm
An extensive resource which provides advice and consumer tips on: car repair, purchase, and leasing; shopping from home; avoiding consumer and investment fraud; home improvement and financing; choosing and using credit cards wisely; and much more. Available from this site in pdf, html, and text formats. A printed copy is also available free by requesting online.
Consumer Central
www.pueblo.gsa.gov/nacaa.pdf
Comprehensive U.S. government consumer booklet bibliography, arranged by subject, with addresses and phone numbers for the offices which supply each brochure.
Consumer.gov
www.consumer.gov
A "one-stop" link to a broad range of federal information resources available online. It is designed so that users can locate information by category -- such as Food, Health, Product Safety, Your Money, and Transportation. Each category has subcategories to direct users to areas within individual federal web sites containing related information.
Consumer World
www.consumerworld.org
Consumer World is a public service, non-commercial guide cataloging over 2000 of the most useful consumer resources on the Internet.
Federal Consumer Information Center
www.pueblo.gsa.gov
A one-stop-shopping center for federal consumer information, the FCIC provides information about and distributes consumer publications from various federal agencies and departments. Lots of on-line full-text information about cars, children, education, health, money, and more. Extensive lists of recalls and scams/frauds.
AARP--American Association of Retired Persons
www.aarp.org
With over 34 million members, this organization is devoted improving the quality of life for all people as they get older. This website provides information on computers & technology, health & wellness, money, and many other topics.
ACCI- The American Council on Consumer Interests
www. consumerinterests.org
A variety of free consumer information for nonmembers, including "Ask an Expert," which allows emailing questions to experts in specific fields; and consumer news and legislation information.
BBB--Better Business Bureau
www.bbb.org
This site offers consumer tips as well as a search engine to retrieve the BBB reports of companies. Useful for finding companies in which complaints were filed.
Consumer Federation of America
www.consumerfed.org
Provides brochures and news about a variety of consumer topics in finance, food & agriculture, healthcare, privacy, safety & environmental health, and utilities.
Council of BBB’s
www.bbbonline.org
This organization's website is a resource for seeking reliable online businesses. A database includes thousands of businesses across the United States & Canada that have met BBBOnLine Reliability and web privacy standards.
Consumer Agencies
www.consumerworld.com/pages/agencies.htm
Large list of links to consumer-related federal and state agencies as well as organizations.
Consumers Union
www.consumersunion.org
Consumers Union is the nonprofit publisher of Consumer Reports magazine. This site provides informative and educational materials developed by Consumers Union's advocacy offices on a variety of consumer issues.
CEP--Council on Economic Principles
www.cepnyc.org
Includes Shopping for a Better World, a book rating the producers of over 1300 brand-name products.
Elected Officials--Ohio Government
www.state.oh.us/Government/State/OhioExecutiveBranch.htm
Provides information about the current Attorney General, Auditor of State, Governor, Lt. Governor, Secretary of State, State First Lady, and Treasurer of State.
National Consumers League
www.natlconsumersleague.org
The nation’s oldest consumer organization, The National Consumers League is a private, nonprofit advocacy group representing consumers on marketplace and workplace issues.
National Consumer Organizations
www.pueblo.gsa.gov/crh/resprt2.htm
A list of organizations that define their missions as consumer assistance, protection and/or advocacy. Includes links to websites.
NAAG--National Association of Attorneys General
www.naag.org
Attorneys General occupy the intersection of law and public policy, consulting in areas such as child support enforcement, drug policy, and environmental protection. This site includes access to case documents.
National Consumer Law Center
www.nclc.org
NCLC advocates for low-income consumer justice and is a leading expert on low-income consumer issues. Includes links to extensive consumer information.
National Institute for Consumer Education
www.nice.emich.edu
The National Institute for Consumer Education (NICE) is a professional development, training, and research institute and resource clearinghouse in personal finance and economic and consumer education. The website provides mini-lesson plans for secondary, higher, and adult education classes, as well as for students and consumers, on finance, comparison shopping, credit cards, and other topics.
Ohio Public Interest Research Group
pirg.org/alerts/OH.asp?id5=OH&
Information and ways to take action on consumer and evironmental issues affecting citizens in Ohio.
UL--Underwriter’s Laboratory
www.ul.com
Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) is an independent, not-for-profit product safety testing and certification organization. The site provides much safety information on home electronics and appliances.
U.S. Justice Department
www.usdoj.gov
This site provides information and links to topics such as telemarketing fraud, mortgage scams, identity theft, Internet fraud, and reporting of credit discrimination.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration Web Site
www.fda.gov
Provides information for consumers on cosmetics, radiation-emitting products, biologics, medical devices, and more. Provides access to the fill-text of issues of FDA Consumer, the official magazine of the FDA.
Aviation Consumer Action Project
www.acap1971.org
An international group of air travelers, pilots, flight attendants, disaster victims, air traffic controllers, safety experts, and others seeking an increase in air safety and security while protecting consumer rights. Includes news and information.
FAA--Federal Aviation Administration
www.faa.gov
The FAA is responsible for the safety and certification of aircraft and pilots, for the security of the nation's airports, and for the operation of the nation's air traffic control system. This site includes real-time airport-status information, news, and public regulatory and licensing information.
Autobytel.com
www.autobytel.com
Comprehensive consumer information about choosing, buying, leasing, selling and maintaining a car.
National Automotive Dealers Association, Official Used Car Guide
www.nada.com
Provides free pricing information on used cars, motorcycles, and other vehicles.
Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety
www.saferoads.org
Includes information about auto and highway safety issues with statistics, info for each state, and polls & reports.
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
www.carsafety.org
The site includes vehicle ratings, news reports, consumer publications, and safety facts.
NHTSA--National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
www.nhtsa.dot.gov
Includes information on recalls, crash tests, airbags, child restraint safety, and other issues.
Citibank Online Banking Service
www.citibank.com
An example of a multi-service online banking site.
Mortgage-Net: Calculating Mortgages
www.mortgage-net.com
A commercial site which provides useful information about obtaining and calculating mortgages, types of mortgages, interest rates, and other information pertinent to buying a home.
Myvesta.org
www.myvesta.org
An Internet-based, nonprofit financial services organization that offers extensive credit and financial assistance, dedicated to providing individualized assistance to people with credit problems.
Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago
www.chicagofed.org
Extensive consumer information resource for finance and credit.
Genus Credit Management
www.genus.org
Genus provides free services to help financially distressed families and individuals effectively manage their personal finances.
NFCC--National Foundation for Consumer Credit, Inc.
www.nfcc.org
National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) is a non-profit network of member agencies designed to provide assistance to people dealing with stressful financial situations. The site provides online credit assistance, budget calculators, credit FAQs, and other assistance.
Credit History
www.mycreditfile.com
A commercial site which offers credit reports and credit cards online.
Credit Page
www.creditpage.com
A site which offers a range of credit information, credit reports, and access to non-profit credit counseling.
Equifax
www.equifax.com
A commerical site which offers credit reports and credit fraud protection.
Experian
www.experian.com/experian_us.html
A commercial firm which offers reports and tools for personal credit as well as auto history, property, and more.
Trans Union
www.tuc.com
A commercial site which offers credit reports, marketing list opt-outs, and credit theft protection.
Qspace
qspace.iplace.com
A commercial site which provides users access to their credit reports.
The Green Consumer
www.coopamerica.org
Provides lists of green products, socially responsible companies, and practical information on how to consume and invest responsibly.
EcoMall
www.ecomall.com
Hundreds of links to earth-friendly products arranged by product-category.
FTC--Federal Trade Commission
www.ftc.gov
The United States Federal Trade Commission is the agency responsible enforcing a variety of federal antitrust and consumer protection laws. This site provides consumer information in many areas, including mail order problems, warranties, fraud, telemarketing, children's issues, privacy, and advertising.
Mail Fraud-- U.S. Postal Service
www.usps.gov/postalinspectors/fraud
Provides consumer tips and information on mail fraud and schemes, including chain letters, identity theft, and more.
National Fraud Information Center
www.fraud.org
An organization dedicated to fighting telemarketing fraud, Internet fraud, fraud against the elderly, and other scams. Includes extensive information and tips.
FAMSA-Funeral Consumers Alliance
www.funerals.org
Explains funeral home pricing abuses, dishonest tactics, and contacts for regional funeral consumer interest groups.
Funerals: A Consumer Guide
www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/services/funeral.htm
This is a detailed guide produced by the Federal Trade Commission which explains funeral choices, products, and pricing options.
NFDA-National Funeral Directors Association
www.nfda.org
Includes information from the funeral industry plus consumer resources and links.
Action on Smoking and Health
www.ash.org
An organization concerned with smoking and nonsmokers' rights. Includes smoking statistics, quitting smoking, smoking risks, and other smoking information.
American Hospital Association
www.aha.org
The leading organization which advocates for hospitals and health organizations.
CDC--Center for Disease Control
www.cdc.gov
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recognized as the lead federal agency for protecting the health and safety of people. This site includes an extensive index of health topics linked to reports and general information.
Department of Health and Human Services
www.dhhs.gov
The Department of Health and Human Services is the United States government's principal agency for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services, especially for those who are least able to help themselves. This site includes links to fact sheets about health topics such as cancer, children's health, mental health, and minority health.
Mayo Clinic--Health Information
www.mayohealth.org
Provides an extensive list of reference articles on diseases and conditions, focusing on signs and symptoms, causes, risk factors, when to seek medical advice, screening and diagnosis, complications, treatments, prevention, self-care, coping strategies, and complementary and alternative medicine.
MIB--Medical Information Bureau
www.mib.com
An association of U.S. and Canadian insurance companies which receives medical information on insurance clients. This site provides information on how and to what extent medical files are reported.
The National Council Against Health Fraud
www.ncahf.org
A health agency that focuses upon health misinformation, fraud, and quackery as public health problems. Includes information and links.
QuackWatch
www.quackwatch.com
Hundreds of articles on topics in medical fraud, covering areas such as homeopathic medicine, organic produce, accupuncture, cancer treatments, and many more.
HUD Consumer Information
www.hud.gov/consumer
This site, part of the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) web site, provides extensive consumer information on home ownership, on topics such as buying, selling, and renting; homelessness; home improvements; landlords; fair housing; and more.
National Fair Housing Alliance
www.nationalfairhousing.com
A national organization dedicating to fighting housing discrimination.
The following are commercial sites that provide consumers with quotes from insurance eproviders.
InLinea
www.inlinea.com
Insure.com
www.insure.com
Includes hundreds of informative articles on a variety of insurance topics in addition to comparative quotes from over 300 companies.
Masterquote
www.masterquote.com
Quotesmith
www.quotesmith.com
Top Term Rates
www.toptermrates.com
Best’s Key Ratings Guide
www.ambest.com/ratings
The top commercial service that provides information on financial solvency of insurance companies.
Moody’s Investors Services
www.moodys.com
Provides information on ratings actions taken on insurance companies.
Standard & Poors Corporation
www.standardandpoor.com
Provides ratings of insurance companies.
The following are brokerage firms which provide various online investment services.
American Express
www.accutrade.com
Ameritrade
www.ameritrade.com
Discover Brokerage
www.discoverbrokerage.com
E*trade
www.etrade.com
Fidelity
www.fidelity.com
Charles Schwab
www.schwab.com
Suretrade
www.suretrade.com
T.D. Waterhouse
www.waterhouse.com
NAIC--National Association of Investment Clubs
www.better-investing.org
NAIC is a non-profit, largely volunteer organization dedicated to investment education for individuals and clubs. Various services are provided to members.
The Consumer Law Page
www.consumerlawpage.com
Provides practical legal information on accident and insurance claims, defective products, finance and corporate fraud, hiring a lawyer, and many more topics.
Center for Media Education
www.cme.org
The Center for Media Education is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a quality electronic media culture for children and youth, their families and the community. Provides information on children and the media, online privacy, and other topics.
FAIR--Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting
www.fair.org
FAIR, anational media watch group, offers documented criticism of media bias and censorship.
Center for Science in the Public Interest
www.cspinet.org
Promotes health by educating the community about nutrition and alcohol. Includes articles, news releases, and information on nutrition and food safety.
Food and Nutrition Information Center, USDA
www.nal.usda.gov/fnic
This site is part of the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service. It is a broad-based site that is a good jumping off point for other sources of nutrition information.
FoodSafety.Gov
www.foodsafety.gov
A gateway to food safety government information. Includes news and safety alerts,consumer information, and links to agencies and government resources.
Kids Stuff
www.cspinet.org/kids
Nutrition information about and for children.
NutritionGov
www.nutrition.gov
Extensive resource for information and links about nutrition, health, and USDA programs.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration Web Site
www.fda.gov
Provides information for consumers on cosmetics, radiation-emitting products, biologics, medical devices, and more. Provides access to the full-text of issues of FDA Consumer, the official magazine of the FDA.
Privacy Rights Clearinghouse
www.privacyrights.org
A nonprofit consumer education, research, and advocacy program. This site provides information consumers can use on identity theft, Internet privacy, financial privacy, and other topics.
CPSC--Consumer Product Safety Commission
www.cpsc.gov
CPSC, an independent Federal regulatory agency, is charged with "protect[ing] the public against unreasonable risks of injuries and deaths associated with consumer products." This site provides information on product safety, recalls, and regulations regarding products. Includes a kids' safety section.
Consumer Reports Magazine
www.consumereports.org
Ratings on autos, electronics, computers, and appliances for members. Free information is also available on a variety of topics.
Ecomplaints.com
www.ecomplaints.com
Interesting site where one can issue a particular complaint and get a response from the company. Complaints for hundreds of product types are searchable, as is a list of companies who are subjects of complaints.
Savings Bonds/Treasury Securities (Bureau of Public Debt)
www.treas.gov
Provides information on savings bonds and allows user to purchase bonds online.
Stocks and Bonds (U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission)
www.sec.gov
The United States Securities and Exchange Commission is the government agency charged with protecting investors and maintaining the integrity of the securities markets. This site includes information on investing and provides access to the EDGAR database, which contains the financial disclosure statements of all U.S. public corporations.
Bureau of the Census
www.census.gov
Provides access to statistics on population, housing, and other demographics of the American people.
BLS--Bureau of Labor Statistics
www.stats.bls.gov
Provides statistics on the work force, employment, wages, consumer and producer prices, industries, and the economy.
American Society of Travel Agents
www.astanet.com
ASTA is the largest association of travel professionals. This site provides industry-produced consumer information on such topics as travel tips, buying airline tickets, and credit card scams.
Nolo: Law for All
www.nolo.com
Provides information on will preparation and estate planning.
OSHA--Occupational Safety and Health Administration
www.osha.gov
OSHA is the government agency charged with ensuring safe and healthful workplaces in America. This site includes workplace safety news, OSHA regulations in the Federal Register, and a search engine for statistical and inspection information on various companies and industries.
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