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Consumer Education
 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 American Bankruptcy Institute (ABI)
"Dedicated to research and education on matters related to insolvency. ABI was founded ... to provide Congress and the public with unbiased analysis of bankruptcy issues." Features news, programs, events, publications, legislation, briefings, reports, and tutorials. The Consumer Education Center includes a FAQ, guidance in finding a bankruptcy attorney, and related links. http://www.abiworld.org//AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home Topics: Business & Consumer Law, Consumer Research & Advocacy, Money, Statistics Last updated Apr 5, 2007 American College of Sports Medicine: Brochures
Series of brochures on selection and effective use of home exercise equipment, such as free weights (dumbbells and barbells), treadmills, elliptical trainers, stationary bicycles, and rowing machines. Includes questions to ask before a purchase and tips for safe use of the equipment. Other brochures cover selection of a health and fitness facility, sports medicine and exercise science careers, and other exercise topics. http://www.acsm.org/health+fitness/brochures.htm Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Medical Treatments & Devices Last updated Mar 7, 2006 Amputee Coalition of America (ACA)
This group "is a national, non-profit amputee consumer educational organization representing people who have experienced amputation or are born with limb differences." The site features a searchable "comprehensive limb loss catalog [that] includes materials (full text and abstracts) in several formats," a FAQ, links to related sites, and information about support groups. Also includes materials aimed at children. Searchable. Some material available in Spanish. http://www.amputee-coalition.org/ Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Diseases & Conditions, Medical Treatments & Devices Last updated Jun 16, 2004 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 Before You Enter a Check Cashing Store
Brief advice suggesting that consumers not "rely on check cashing stores to cash their payroll, government, or personal checks. These corner stores charge customers very high fees." Instead, consumers "can avoid paying high fees by opening or using a basic checking or savings account at a bank, savings and loan, or credit union." Also provides tips on what to ask about fees and obtaining a receipt when using a check cashing store. From AARP. http://www.aarp.org/money/credit_debt/a2002-10-04-CreditDebtFringeBanks.html Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Money Last updated Feb 25, 2008 Better Business Bureau (BBB): Work-at-Home Schemes
This site provides descriptions of common work-at-home scams and typical advertisements for these scams. Types of scams include assembly work at home, chain letters, envelope stuffing, multi-level marketing, online business, and processing medical insurance claims. Includes tips for avoiding fraud, signs of work-at-home scammers, and tips about what to do if you become a victim of a work-at-home scheme. From the Better Business Bureau (BBB). http://www.bbb.org/Alerts/article.asp?ID=436 Topics: Business & Consumer Law, Consumer Research & Advocacy Last updated Nov 15, 2006 Buying Cashmere? Avoid Pulled Wool
This brief article alerts consumers to issues surrounding the labeling of cashmere ("ultra-fine wool, from the undercoat of the Cashmere ... goat") items. Also discusses the term "pashmina." "Some manufacturers use the term to describe an ultrafine cashmere fiber; others use it to describe a blend of cashmere and silk. An Indian word for cashmere, pashmina is not a legally recognized labeling term." Opens directly into a PDF file. From the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2000/12/cashmere.pdf Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy Last updated Aug 24, 2006 Buying for Equality
A buyer's guide that rates companies according to their "treatment of GLBT employees, consumers and investors." Guide available in both screen-friendly and print-friendly versions. Includes explanations for the scores. From the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. http://www.hrc.org/Template.cfm?Section=Resources1&Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=30089 Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, & Transgendered People, Jobs & Work Last updated Dec 14, 2005 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/oc/buyonline/ Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Drugs, Finance, Internet Last updated May 15, 2008 CarCare.org: Be Car Care Aware
"'Be Car Care Aware' is a consumer education campaign about the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair." The site features tips for preparing cars for summer and winter use and for road trips, articles about various aspects of car care (such as mechanical and appearance), part and store finders, a service schedule, information about National Car Care Month each April, and more. Some material available in Spanish. Searchable. From the Car Care Council. http://www.carcare.org/ Topics: Automobiles, Consumer Research & Advocacy Last updated Sep 3, 2008 The Changing Face of Skin Care
2004 series on the rise in popularity of the "'cosmeceutical' -- a product marketed as a cosmetic that purportedly has biologically active ingredients that affect the user." Includes a slide show of some products, such as wrinkle creams marketed as alternatives to Botox injections, alpha hydroxy acid, hyaluronic acid, prescription vitamin A creams and gels, and vitamin C sunscreens. From BusinessWeek magazine. http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/nov2004/nf20041130_0962_db035.htm Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Fashion, Health & Medical Disciplines Last updated Oct 5, 2005 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 Co-op America: Boycotts
Collection of resources on economic boycotts, "powerful tools for raising awareness about the impact of corporate practices on workers, communities, and the Earth." Features a boycott organizers guide, a guide to researching corporations, and links to green business and responsible shopping guides. From Co-op America, a nonprofit focusing on economic strategies for solving social and environmental problems. http://www.coopamerica.org/programs/boycotts/ Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy Last updated Feb 27, 2008 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 Health Journal
This publication aims to help lay readers understand the complex medical research reported in the news, where the actual studies may be difficult to understand and journalistic coverage often omits important data. A journalist specializing in health translates the studies and provides links to the original data and study results. Covers topics such as weight and obesity, food and health, cancer, and pet health. http://www.consumerhealthjournal.com/ Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Finance, Food & Cooking, Health, Magazines Last updated Mar 17, 2004 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.crbestbuydrugs.org Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Diseases & Conditions, Drugs, Finance, Health, Senior Health Last updated Dec 15, 2004 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 May 23, 2006 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 Reports: Blogs
Blogs from this Consumer Reports website cover cars, electronics, home and garden, safety, money and shopping, health, and babies and kids. Includes an option to subscribe to all or specific blogs. From the publishers of Consumer Reports magazine. http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/our-blogs/ Topics: Blogs & Podcasts by Subject, Consumer Research & Advocacy Last updated Jul 29, 2008 Consumer Reports: Gas Grills
This 2008 report on gas grills features an overview of findings (including a safety warning about one specific grill), buying advice, grill features, common grilling mistakes, tips for caring for your grill, recipes, and an overview of basic grill types. The recipes section has tips on determining how hot your grill is and tips for cooking steak. Note: Full recommendations and ratings only available with a paid subscription. From Consumer Reports. http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/home-garden/lawn-garden/outdoor-living/gas-grills/grills/gas-grills/overview/gas-grills-ov.htm Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Recipes & Food Preparation Last updated Jun 4, 2008 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://www.howstuffworks.com/consumer-guide.htm Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Finance, Magazines Last updated Apr 4, 2007 Consumers - California Attorney General
The Consumer Information section covers dozens of topics, from bad checks to lemon law to work-at-home schemes. Also, all about filing consumer complaints, including an online form. http://caag.state.ca.us/consumers/ Topics: California: Business, California: Law, Consumer Research & Advocacy, Finance Last updated May 29, 2005 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 Court Reporters Board of California
The organization exists to provide "users of the judicial system access, consumer education, and consumer protection through quality assurance in the qualifications, performance, and ethical behavior of court reporters." The site features a database for license verification, schools in California, and examination schedules and statistics. http://www.courtreportersboard.ca.gov/ Topics: California: Business, California: Jobs and Work, California: Law, Consumer Research & Advocacy, Jobs & Work, Judicial Process Last updated Aug 22, 2004 Cyber Security Tips
This collection of publications offers tips for non-technical computer users on online security topics such as password protection, anti-virus software, firewalls, identity theft, online trading, instant messaging and chat rooms, social network websites, "cyberbullies," wireless networks, and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). From the United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT), U.S. Department of Homeland Security. http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/tips/ Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Internet Last updated Jun 20, 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 Facts for Consumers: Electronic Check Conversion
This fact sheet explains electronic check conversion, "which converts information from your paper check into an electronic payment from your bank account." It addresses questions such as how to find out if a business uses electronic check conversion, how payment will be shown on your bank statement, avoiding bounced checks, checking for errors and unauthorized transactions, and related topics. From the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre31.shtm Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Finance Last updated Jun 6, 2007 Facts for Consumers: If You've Got the Look, Look Out! Avoiding Modeling Scams
This consumer alert provides tips for avoiding scams involving modeling and talent agencies. Discusses typical sales pitch lines, professional photos ("head shots" and "composite cards"), questions to ask to avoid rip-offs, the infant and toddler modeling and acting market, and related topics. From the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/products/pro23.shtm Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Fashion Last updated Jul 20, 2008 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/consumers.htm Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Finance, Money Last updated Apr 20, 2005 Federal Trade Commission: Work-at-Home Schemes
Fact sheet for consumers about possible deceptions in advertisements for opportunities to work from home. Discusses classic work-at-home schemes, such as medical billing, stuffing envelopes, and assembly or craft work. Includes questions to ask a work-at-home promoter and where to complain if you believe a program may not be legitimate. From the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/invest/inv14.shtm Topics: Business & Consumer Law, Consumer Research & Advocacy Last updated Feb 3, 2008 FEMP [Federal Energy Management Program] Designated Product: Gas Water Heaters
Consumer information about gas water heaters, covering efficiency recommendations, cost effectiveness, technology options (such as demand-type and solar assisted water heaters), and other tips for buying and using water heaters. Includes a cost calculator. From the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. http://www1.eere.energy.gov/femp/procurement/eep_gas_waterheaters.html Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Energy, Home & Housing Last updated Mar 25, 2007 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://finditconsumer.wa.gov/ Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Finance, Washington State: Business, Washington State: Librarianship Last updated Jul 10, 2006 FirstGov for Consumers
A directory of federal government websites providing consumer information. Topics include food, product safety, health, home, money, transportation, children, and technology. Also includes "Consumer Sentinel," an "investigative cybertool and complaint database." Searchable and browsable. http://www.consumer.gov/ Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy Last updated Feb 15, 2005 FirstGov for Consumers: Health
This large collection of links to federal health resources includes information on aging, choosing quality health care and health insurance, diseases, drugs, health risks, prevention, medical procedures, nutrition, product recalls, referral services, smoking and tobacco, travel health, women's health, and more. From the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). http://www.consumer.gov/health.htm Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Drugs, Drugs & Medications by Type, Federal (U.S.) Government, Finance, Health, Senior Health Last updated May 19, 2005 Fraud Alert! Bogus "Bonus" Checks
Background about scams that involve receipt of bonus checks in incorrect amounts or fake cashiers checks. Includes descriptions of the scams, and suggestions of how to protect yourself from them. For example, with cashier's checks the site advises insisting a check is drawn on a local bank, calling an out-of-town bank, and waiting to release merchandise until a check has cleared. From the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). http://www.fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/news/cnsum02/fraud.html Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Corruption & Fraud Last updated Sep 5, 2007 GetHuman
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