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Consumer Concerns
 Websites presented in alphabetical order ABTolls 
 This site is "...dedicated to providing consumers and businesses accurate and helpful information to foster intelligent decisions in their quests for telecommunications nirvana." Charts compare long distance, calling card, and toll free rates. A glossary identifies and explains telecommunications terms and acronyms. There is discussion about 10-10 and wireless services, reading a telephone bill, understanding common monthly fees and charges, avoiding scams, and stopping telemarketing calls and mail. Links offer up-to-date Telecom Industry News . http://abtolls.com/ Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Finance, Technology Last updated Nov 14, 2002 After a Disaster: Repairing Your Home
This site offers brief "tips for consumers who may be facing major repairs after a disaster hits home" for avoiding "crooked contractors" and "recognizing a home repair rip-off." Available in Spanish. From the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/alerts/alt030.shtm Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Finance, Home & Housing, Home & Housing, Hurricane Katrina, Industries Last updated Aug 12, 2008 AnnualCreditReport.com
This site "allows you to request a free credit file disclosure, commonly called a credit report, once every 12 months from each of the nationwide consumer credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion." Includes a FAQ. Sponsored by Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. https://www.annualcreditreport.com/ Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Finance, Investing, Money Last updated Nov 6, 2005 Aviation Consumer Protection Division
This organization receives formal complaints from consumers on issues relating to air travel and "provides guidance to the industry and members of the public." Includes complaint procedures, travel tips, selected news, and monthly consumer reports that discuss flight delays, mishandled baggage, oversales, and consumer complaints. Some information available in several languages and Braille. From the Office of Aviation Enforcement and Proceedings of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/ Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Finance, Transportation Last updated Jun 2, 2006 BBB: Better Business Bureau
Updated several times a month, their alerts section warns about fraudulent business scams. In addition, there is a national database of business reports that include complaints on companies, a searchable directory of BBBs in the U.S. and Canada (with links when available), the BBB Code of Advertising, the Standards for Charitable Solicitations, a link to their charities database, and full text of many booklets. http://www.bbb.org/ Topics: College and University Education, Consumer Research & Advocacy, Finance Last updated Nov 14, 2002 Buying Medicine From Outside the United States
This document outlines potential concerns with pharmaceutical products purchased from "an Internet site, from a storefront business that offers to order medicine for you, or during visits outside the United States." Addresses quality assurance, labeling, counterfeit potential, untested substances, and related topics. From the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER). http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/BuyingUsingMedicineSafely/BuyingMedicinefromOutsidetheUnitedStates/default.htm Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Drugs, Finance Last updated Jul 7, 2009 Buying Medicines and Medical Products Online
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) created this page because online pharmacies have become a part of the marketplace. The page offers information to help consumers determine whether a site that sells drugs and other medical products is legitimate. It also tells consumers how to spot health fraud and explains the problems associated with using foreign sites. News releases provide the latest information about the FDA's efforts to protect consumers using these sites. http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/EmergencyPreparedness/BioterrorismandDrugPreparedness/ucm133263.htm Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Drugs, Finance, Internet Last updated Sep 9, 2009 CardRatings.com
Find reports on low rate, poor credit, reward, corporate, and student credit cards. Answer questions such as “Which is better: a flight card or a low rate card” using special credit calculators. Learn from links and extensive information about consumer credit. Post a credit related question on the message board. From U.S. Citizens for Fair Credit Card Terms, Inc. (CFCCT). http://www.cardratings.com/ Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Finance, Money Last updated Jun 19, 2001 CARS: Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety
This site's focus is on "working to save lives, prevent injuries, and protect consumers from auto-related fraud and abuse." It provides a summary of recent safety legislation, links to government and consumer sources for researching vehicle reliability before purchasing, tips on how to avoid buying a known lemon, and past issues of the California Auto Lemon Index. Note: some portions of the site have not been updated since 2000, but overall the information is current. http://www.carconsumers.com/ Topics: Automobiles, Business & Consumer Law, Consumer Research & Advocacy, Finance, Industries, Medical Treatments & Devices Last updated Oct 15, 2002 CASPIAN: Consumers Against Supermarket Privacy Invasion and Numbering
An organization staunchly opposed to supermarket "loyalty" or frequent shopper cards, contending that stores benefit from them more than consumers do. In addition to its own editorials and action alerts, the consumer group compiles Web links and articles from other media sources. A supermarket list details the shopper registration and monitoring practices of chain and independent grocery stores, and notes ownership (conglomerate and subsidiary) information. http://www.nocards.org/ Topics: Constitutional Law & Civil Liberties, Consumer Research & Advocacy, Finance, Nonfiction by Genre, Technology Last updated Apr 16, 2003 The Clark Howard Show
Website for the advice service and radio program. Find advice on such topics as travel, cars, student loans, landlords, telephone service, and more. Includes examples of how to write a letter of complaint. Clark Howard, "America's consumer champion," is a regular on CNN's DayBreak, and is based in Atlanta. http://clarkhoward.com/ Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Finance Last updated Oct 29, 2007 Consumer Action (CA)
The website for this nonprofit consumer education and advocacy organization provides publications in several languages on topics such as credit cards, frauds and scams, housing, insurance, money management and investments, and privacy rights. Features consumer rights FAQs and links to consumer resources. Also contains training publications for community-based organization (CBO) staff. http://www.consumer-action.org/ Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Corruption & Fraud, Finance Last updated Jul 3, 2005 Consumer Protection
From the Bureau of Consumer Protection of the Federal Trade Commission, (FTC), this site is designed to protect consumers from unfair practices. To this end, it provides many helpful guides, tips, alerts, and warnings on a variety of issues, ranging from advertising to tobacco. It is possible to search this site for your particular topic. Some articles are in Spanish. All articles include an address to write to for more help and information. http://www.ftc.gov/ftc/consumer.htm Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Drugs & Medications by Type, Finance Last updated Aug 26, 2002 Consumer Reports Best Buy Drugs
Collection of reports that evaluate prescription medicines used for common conditions such as high cholesterol, arthritis, and heartburn. The reports look at efficacy, safety, and price to recommend the best medicines. Reports also provide a general overview of the drugs and cost comparisons of the generic and brand-name drugs. From Consumer Reports with research input from Oregon Health and Science University. http://www.consumerreports.org/health/best-buy-drugs/index.htm Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Diseases & Conditions, Drugs, Finance, Health, Senior Health Last updated Sep 30, 2009 Consumer Reports Online
The free content on this subscription-based site includes safety alerts, product recalls, a manufacturer locator, and feature articles in topics such as Cars & Trucks, Appliances, Electronics, House & Home, Home Office, Money, Health & Food, Personal, and Leisure. Also find links to consumer agencies, and a gallery of product-testing photos going back decades. From the not-for-profit Consumers Union. http://www.consumerreports.org/ Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Finance, Food & Cooking, Magazines, Photograph Collections Last updated Aug 10, 2009 Consumer Reports WebWatch
The purpose of this site is to "investigate, inform, and improve the quality of information published on the World Wide Web." Areas include travel, health, books, pet supplies, banking, electronics, gardening, and much more. A grant-funded project of Consumers Union, publisher of Consumer Reports. http://www.consumerwebwatch.org/ Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Finance, Internet, Web Design and Management Last updated Dec 12, 2006 Consumer World
The most comprehensive directory of consumer products and information on the Web. Not annotated. Over 2000 resources: check an airfare, find an ATM machine, file a consumer complaint with a state agency, read hundreds of consumer booklets, find a low rate credit card or mortgage, look up the wholesale price of a car, locate a Better Business Bureau, find a toll-free number, contact a company's customer service department, comparison shop for bargains, check stock quotes or CD rates, or read a movie review. Created by Edgar Dworsky, noted consumer advocate. http://www.consumerworld.org/ Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Finance Last updated Jun 15, 2003 ConsumerGuide
Provides ratings, reviews, and pricing for new and used motor vehicles, electronics, appliances, computer hardware and software, office equipment, housewares, and more. From HowStuffWorks. http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/consumer-guide.htm Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Finance, Magazines Last updated Sep 8, 2009 Consumers Union
This site "provides informative and educational materials developed by Consumers Union's advocacy offices on a variety of consumer issues, including health care, financial services, food safety, product safety, and more." It also offers tips, current press releases, and materials in Spanish. Searchable. Companion site to their Consumer Reports Online . http://www.consumersunion.org/ Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Finance, Nutrition & Food Safety Last updated Jul 19, 2002 Credit and Liquidity Programs and the Balance Sheet
This website section "is an additional step following several that the Federal Reserve has taken in recent years to enhance transparency of monetary policy ... [It] serves, in particular, as a resource for describing the new policy tools that the Federal Reserve has implemented to address the financial crisis that emerged during the summer of 2007." Addresses topics such as crisis response and risk management. From the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. http://www.federalreserve.gov/monetarypolicy/bst.htm Topics: Finance Last updated Mar 30, 2009 Debt Collection Practices: When Hardball Tactics Go Too Far
Fact sheet for consumers that "explains the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and other laws that apply to debt collectors." Includes "information about how to stop calls from collectors ... to dispute a collection action ... your right to privacy, and how debt collection efforts may affect your job, your credit report, even information in your medical files." Includes links to related sites. From the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse. http://www.privacyrights.org/fs/fs27-debtcoll.htm Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Finance Last updated Jul 10, 2006 The Dollar Stretcher: Your Weekly Resource for Simple Living
A searchable, browsable site, offering a free weekly newsletter dedicated to "living better... for less." Includes an extensive archive back to 1996 of tips and suggestions supporting the frugal, cost-conscious lifestyle. Many tips are reader-contributed, but all are reviewed by site staff. http://www.stretcher.com/ Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Finance, Home & Housing, Home & Housing Last updated Jan 11, 2006 Econsumer.gov
The public portion of this site "provides general information about consumer protection in all countries that belong to the ICPEN (International Consumer Protection Enforcement Network), contact information for consumer protection authorities in those countries, and an online complaint form. All information is available in English, French, German, and Spanish." Some information also available in Korean and Polish. From the U.S. Federal Trade Commission. http://www.econsumer.gov/ Topics: Business, Business, Consumer Research & Advocacy, Finance, International Trade, Internet Last updated Jun 14, 2006 Fair Debt Collection
Questions and answers for consumers about the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, which "requires that debt collectors treat you fairly and prohibits certain methods of debt collection." Discusses what debts are covered, how and at what times a debt collector may contact you, what types of debt collection practices are prohibited (such as threats of violence), and how to report a debt collector for an alleged violation. From the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre18.shtm Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Finance Last updated Nov 14, 2008 Federal Communications Commission (FCC): Consumer Information Directory
This is a directory of FCC consumer information sites for telephone, broadcasting, Internet, and wireless communications. It includes rules and regulations, how to interpret a telephone bill, telephone and other communications scams, where to report fraud, how to register complaints about broadcasting program content and advertising, a cell phone FAQ, what can be done about unwanted faxes, and many more topics that fall under the jurisdiction of the FCC. Some information also available in Spanish. http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumers.html Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Finance, Technology Last updated Nov 16, 2002 Federal Reserve Board: Consumer Information
Compilation of documents from the U.S. Federal Reserve Board and links to related information on topics of interest to consumers. Topics include bank accounts and services, consumer credit, identity theft, leasing, mortgages (including adjustable rate mortgages), and personal finance. Most information also available in Spanish. http://www.federalreserve.gov/consumerinfo/default.htm Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Finance, Money Last updated Dec 15, 2008 Find-It! Consumer
This site contains two searchable sources of consumer information: USConsumerInfo (covers sites created by the Federal government and national nonprofit groups) and WAConsumer (covers sites maintained by Washington state government agencies and local nonprofit groups). Between them, they have information from 100 consumer protection and public safety websites. Search by keywords or browse selected topics of interest and top searches of the week. From the collaborative effort of Washington state organization sponsors and the Washington State Library. http://find-it.wa.gov/ Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Finance Last updated Nov 24, 2009 FINRA: The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority
"Created in July 2007 through the consolidation of NASD and the member regulation, enforcement and arbitration functions of the New York Stock Exchange, FINRA is dedicated to investor protection and market integrity." The site includes investor alerts, a complaint center, a background-check tool for investigating brokers and securities firms, and professional continuing education resources and compliance tools. http://www.finra.org/ Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Finance, Investing Last updated May 11, 2009 FTC Consumer Complaint Form
Use this official form to submit a complaint to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Bureau of Consumer Protection about a particular company or organization, media violence, or unsolicited commercial e-mail (spam). Includes links to complaint forms for online transactions involving other countries and for the National Do Not Call Registry, and to the form for filing an identity theft report. https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/ Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Crime, Finance Last updated Jan 13, 2009 Guide to Gardening by Mail, Mail Order Gardening, and Catalogs
The site lists and ranks nearly 6,000 vendors that sell gardening products by mail and on the Web. Site is browsable, or searchable by company name or ZIP code. Ratings and comments are provided by users; directory does not receive payment for listings. Registration (free) required to enter feedback on vendors. http://davesgarden.com/products/gwd/ Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Finance Last updated Aug 16, 2007 HispanSource: Hispanic Market Info
This site provides links to "credible, objective, and relevant information on the U.S. Hispanic/Latino market. ... From Hispanic consumer behavior to demographic information, from Hispanic media to community events, HispanSource will help you get the data you need for successful plans and strategies." Includes ratings and links to research and white papers pertaining to the United States Hispanic population, Hispanic associations and organizations, and more. From the James J. Hill Reference Library. Requires free registration. http://www.hispansource.org/ Topics: Advertising & Marketing, Business, Finance Last updated Aug 19, 2008 Identity Theft
Learn how identity thieves work, how to minimize your risk, what to do if you are a victim, how to file a complaint, applicable federal and state laws, examples of recent cases and scams, and links to additional sites, publications, reports, and testimony. From the Federal Trade Commission. http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft// Topics: Business & Consumer Law, Consumer Research & Advocacy, Corruption & Fraud, Crime, Finance Last updated Aug 24, 2008 Identity Theft Resources
Fact sheets provide basic information about the growing problem of identity theft: what to do if this happens, and how to help prevent it. Find direct links to credit reporting agencies, such as Equifax, Experian (formerly TRW), Trans Union and a list of other places to report problems with checking accounts. Includes examples of cases, and links to further resources. http://www.privacyrights.org/identity.htm Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Corruption & Fraud, Crime, Finance Last updated Sep 2, 2004 Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
"The IC3 gives the victims of cyber crime a convenient and easy-to-use reporting mechanism that alerts authorities of suspected criminal or civil violations. For law enforcement and regulatory agencies at the federal, state, local and international level, IC3 provides a central referral mechanism for complaints involving Internet related crimes." A partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C), and the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). http://www.ic3.gov/ Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Finance Last updated Jun 28, 2009 Investor Information
Investors can use this site from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to get help in making wise investment decisions, protect investment dollars from securities fraud and abuse, and report concerns and problems. Includes mutual fund calculators, a complaint center, investor alerts, materials for teachers and students, complaint statistics, and related links. Some material in Spanish. Searchable and browsable. http://www.sec.gov/investor.shtml Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Finance, Investing Last updated May 11, 2005 Kiplinger: Spending Wisely
Collection of articles on topics related to making informed purchases and lowering expenses. Some subjects covered include smart buys, travel and entertainment, cars, technology, eco-friendly products, tipping, gifts, and donations. Includes links to slide shows, quizzes, tools, and relevant special reports. From Kiplinger, publishers of several financial publications. http://www.kiplinger.com/spending/ Topics: Finance Last updated Jan 5, 2009 Lemon Car Page
Information about automotive Lemon Laws including specific codes and strategies for making a lemon law claim. http://www.defect.com/ Topics: Automobiles, Business & Consumer Law, Consumer Research & Advocacy, Finance, Industries Last updated May 14, 2002 Lemon Law Information and Sites
A directory of state-by-state motor vehicle warranty, or "lemon," laws. http://www.123car.com/lemon/lemonbystate.html Topics: Automobiles, Business & Consumer Law, Consumer Research & Advocacy, Finance, Industries Last updated May 16, 2005 LooksTooGoodToBeTrue.com
This website contains background information and alerts about Internet scams and fraud, covering topics such as identity theft, hacking, phishing, spam, spyware, job scams, Ponzi and pyramid schemes, online auctions, sweepstakes and lotteries, and counterfeit payments. Includes a FAQ, victims' stories, a fraud risk test, and links to places to file a complaint about online fraud. A joint project of federal law enforcement agencies and industry partners. http://www.lookstoogoodtobetrue.com Topics: Business, Consumer Research & Advocacy, Corruption & Fraud, Crime, Finance, Internet Last updated Nov 23, 2005 Muslim Consumer Group
This nonprofit organization was founded "as an educational organization for Muslims about Halal food products in supermarkets, [and] to provide the service for Halal certification of food products." The site lists which foods and ingredients are Halal (approved), Harem (forbidden), or Mushbooh (suspect) under Islamic dietary laws and describes general criteria for making this determination. The New Food Products list is updated weekly. http://www.muslimconsumergroup.com/General.do?menu=Home&eventAction=init Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Finance, Recipes & Food Preparation, Recipes by Region Last updated Jun 30, 2009 National Consumer Law Center (NCLC)
This organization provides information on the legal problems commonly faced by low income consumers, including surviving debt, credit, mortgages, foreclosure, utility payments, scams, and more. http://www.consumerlaw.org/ Topics: Business & Consumer Law, Consumer Research & Advocacy, Finance Last updated Nov 18, 2002 National Do Not Call Registry
Use this site to register your personal home and cell phone numbers to potentially avoid most telemarketers. Depending on the outcome of a court case, these telemarkets will no longer be able to call you if your phone number is on this list. Also verify your registration, change it, or file a complaint about failure to honor this registry. Some material available in Spanish. From the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). http://www.donotcall.gov/ Topics: Advertising & Marketing, Consumer Research & Advocacy, Finance Last updated Oct 14, 2005 National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE)
NEFE is a "private, nonprofit, national foundation wholly dedicated to improving the financial well-being of all Americans" by helping "individual Americans acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to take control of their financial destiny." Its site features publications for consumers (on financial literacy, credit and debt, saving, investment, and retirement), news updates (such as "Five Things to Resist Doing in a Turbulent Economy"), information about programs and grant opportunities, and related material. http://www.nefe.org/ Topics: Finance, Investing Last updated Nov 3, 2008 National Foundation for Consumer Credit
NFCC is an association of non-profit organizations that provide education and counseling in credit and debt management. This site provides basic consumer information about credit reports, debt collection practices, and bankruptcy. Consumers are encouraged to contact their local NFCC office via the Local Office Locator directory. http://www.nfcc.org/ Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Finance, Investing, Money Last updated Nov 18, 2002 Privacy Rights Clearinghouse (PRC)
Information on a variety of privacy rights, including credit reports, telephone issues (caller ID, wireless, employee monitoring), employment checks, credit cards, stalking, junk mail, telemarketing, medical information, government records, and identity theft. Some information also available in Spanish. The PRC, an independent program of the Utility Consumers' Action Network (UCAN), is a consumer information and advocacy group. http://www.privacyrights.org/ Topics: Constitutional Law & Civil Liberties, Consumer Research & Advocacy, Corruption & Fraud, Finance Last updated Jun 16, 2005 Public Citizen
Founded by consumer advocate Ralph Nader, this "national, nonprofit consumer advocacy organization [was] founded ... to represent consumer interests in Congress, the executive branch and the courts." The site highlights previous accomplishments (such as forcing Red Dye #2 off the market) as well as current issues and campaigns. Features news and reports about consumer issues such as auto safety, campaign finance, drug safety, healthcare, food safety, and more. Searchable. http://www.citizen.org/ Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Finance, Nutrition & Food Safety Last updated May 13, 2004 Quackwatch: Your Guide to Health Fraud, Quackery, and Intelligent Decisions
This nonprofit corporation, whose purpose is to combat health-related frauds, myths, fads, and fallacies, has an enormous amount of original information to guide health information seekers. They define (comprehensively) quackery; present information on a long list of questionable products and services, from acupuncture to wild yam cream; discuss consumer protection methods and decisions, from airbags to vegetarianism; and link to other Web sites they consider useful. Searchable. http://www.quackwatch.org/ Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Finance, Health, Medical Treatments & Devices Last updated Oct 27, 2002 Questions and Answers About the Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act, "Check 21"
This site presents an analysis and critique of the Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act, also known as "Check 21," which has an effective date of October 28, 2004. The site states that this "sweeping new federal law ... takes away your ability to get back your original paper checks." The site provides tips for consumers to protect their rights under the act. From the Consumers Union, the nonprofit publisher of Consumer Reports. http://www.consumersunion.org/finance/ckclear1002.htm Topics: Business & Consumer Law, Consumer Research & Advocacy, Finance, Money Last updated Sep 15, 2004 Skin Deep: Cosmetic Safety Database
Provides a report on personal care product safety and accompanying searchable database that "pairs ingredients in nearly 25,000 products against 50 definitive toxicity and regulatory databases, making it the largest integrated data resource of its kind. " Product guide searchable by brand name; browsable by product type. From the Environmental Working Group (EWG). http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/ Topics: Business, Consumer Research & Advocacy, Fashion, Finance Last updated Jul 11, 2007 Substandard and Counterfeit Medicines
This facts sheet provides background information and statistics on pharmaceuticals "whose composition and ingredients do not meet the correct scientific specifications" and medicine that is "deliberately or fraudulently mislabeled with respect to identity and/or source." In English and French. From the World Health Organization (WHO). http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/2003/fs275/en/ Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Drugs, Finance, Ready Reference & Quick Facts Last updated Jul 20, 2009 Teen Consumer Scrapbook
Designed and researched by students at Ellensburg High School in Ellensburg, Washington state, this site provides consumer information for teenagers. The site consists of articles on topics such as buying a used car, password protection, modeling agencies, cosmetics, tattoos and piercing, cell phone plans, and credit cards. Includes teacher resources. Sponsored by the Washington State Attorney General's Office. http://www.atg.wa.gov/teenconsumer/ Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Finance, K-12 Education Last updated Jul 29, 2004 Texas Watch
This consumer watchdog site provides information on "insurance, nursing home resident protection, patient protection and consumer law issues in legislative and regulatory activities." State and national issues include patient blacklisting by doctors, caps on medical malpractice damages, credit scoring, homeowner insurance, and online activism. http://www.texaswatch.org/TW/ Topics: Business & Consumer Law, Consumer Research & Advocacy, Finance, Investing, Law by Place (U.S. States & non-U.S.) Last updated Jul 2, 2008 Toy Safety Publications
Publications from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, covering topics such as toy shopping safety tips, selecting suitable toys for children ages birth through five and six through twelve, and the dangers of stings and straps, electric toys, toy guns, and crib toys. Also includes a link to toy recalls. http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/toy_sfy.html Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Electrical Energy, Finance Last updated Nov 25, 2003 TRUSTe
This is another good, concise site about Internet safety and privacy. Web Users has consumer information including tips on using bulletin boards and chat rooms; credit cards and reporting; identity theft, passwords, and cookies; and more. Web Publishers has a model privacy statement, a newsletter with political and legal updates, and information on the "trustmark" which shows that a site conforms to TRUSTe's standards. http://www.truste.com/ Topics: Constitutional Law & Civil Liberties, Consumer Research & Advocacy, Crime, Finance, Internet, Web Design and Management Last updated Sep 22, 2009 The Truth About Credit
A consumer site offering advice on credit cards. Coverage includes rip-offs, hazards and traps, navigating offers, terms, paying off debt, obtaining your credit report, resolving troubles, and links to state PIRGs and the original PIRG with information on other consumer protection topics. From the Public Interest Research Groups (PIRGs). http://www.truthaboutcredit.org/ Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Finance, Money Last updated Mar 17, 2005 Your Access to Free Credit Reports
Under an amendment to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), consumers can request a free copy of their credit report once every 12 months. This site has the details and the URL of the only official request website. From the Federal Trade Commission. http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre34.shtm Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Finance, Investing, Money Last updated Jun 15, 2008 |
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