Consumer Action Handbook by Johnson, Martha -- Read -- Imperial Library of Trantor

Index

CONTRIBUTORS TABLE OF CONTENTS QUICK CONSUMER TIPS

TIPS FOR USING THIS HANDBOOK

PART I—BE A SAVVY CONSUMER PART II—FILING A COMPLAINT PART III—KEY INFORMATION RESOURCES PART IV—CONSUMER ASSISTANCE DIRECTORY VISIT US ONLINE

PART I: BE A SAVVY CONSUMER

BUYER BEWARE

BEFORE YOU BUY SERVICE CONTRACTS AND EXTENDED WARRANTIES PRODUCT SAFETY RECALLS

CHECK HERE FOR RECALLS

IDENTIFYING AND STOPPING FRAUD

FRAUD ALERT

AFTER YOU BUY

QUICK TIPS FOR AVOIDING FRAUD

BANKING

ATM/DEBIT CARDS

PROTECT YOUR PIN BEFORE YOU SWIPE YOUR DEBIT CARD

PREPAID CARDS

GOOD NEWS FOR GIFT CARDS

SAVINGS AND CHECKING UNSOLICITED CHECKS AND CREDIT OFFERS CARS

GOVERNMENT FUEL ECONOMY WEB PAGES

BUYING A NEW CAR BUYING A USED CAR DEALER VERSUS PRIVATE-PARTY PURCHASES FINANCING

CHOOSE A SAFE VEHICLE

LEASING RECALLS, “LEMON” LAWS, AND SECRET WARRANTIES

MY DEALERSHIP WENT OUT OF BUSINESS. WHAT HAPPENS TO MY WARRANTY?

RENTING

REPLACE TIRED TIRES

REPAIRS

THE TRUTH ABOUT CAR TITLE LOANS

CAR REPOSSESSIONS CREDIT

COMING SOON: NEW CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTIONS

You Have The Right To: CREDIT CARDS

Comparing Cards Complaints

LOST AND STOLEN CREDIT CARDS

Credit Card Billing Disputes

CARD ACT PROTECTIONS FOR CONSUMERS

Fees Payments Interest Rates

CREDIT REPORTS AND SCORES

FICO Tips for Building a Better Credit Score

FREE CREDIT REPORTS

Negative Information in Your Credit Report

BE ALERT: ‘CREDIT REPAIR’ SCAMS

DEALING WITH DEBT

DEBT MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE BEWARE: OFFERS TO SKIP A PAYMENT

Out-of-Control Debt Personal Bankruptcy

BEWARE: CREDIT INSURANCE

LOANS

Home Equity Loans

Payday And Tax Refund Loans

Installment Loans FINANCING YOUR EDUCATION

PAYING FOR COLLEGE 101

FEDERAL STUDENT AID

STUDENT FINANCIAL AID

BEWARE: SCHOLARSHIP AND FINANCIAL AID SCAMS

Federal Student Aid Information Center College Cost Reduction and Access Act

DIPLOMA MILLS

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES WORK-AT-HOME COMPANIES

MYSTERY SHOPPER JOBS

Multi-Level Marketing Net-Based Business Opportunities UNEMPLOYMENT FOOD AND NUTRITION

HEALTHY FOOD CHOICES FOOD SAFETY

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

WEIGHT LOSS

CANCELING GYM MEMBERSHIPS

GOING GREEN

BUYING GREEN REUSING AND RECYCLING

HEALTH CARE

EXAMINE YOUR LOCAL MEDICAL FACILITIES

CHOOSING A DOCTOR

Filing a Complaint

MEDICARE FRAUD

CHOOSING A HEALTH CARE FACILITY

Naming a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care

PRESCRIPTION DRUGS MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION DRUG COVERAGE HOUSING

BUYING A HOME

BEFORE CHOOSING A LENDER, DO YOUR RESEARCH

Mortgages Mortgage Transfers

MORTGAGE REFINANCING

AVOIDING FORECLOSURE

MORTGAGE & FORECLOSURE SCAMS BEWARE OF FORECLOSURE RESCUE SCAMS—HELP IS FREE!

MOVING COMPANIES HOME IMPROVEMENT AND REPAIRS

LANDLORD IN FORECLOSURE?

RENTING/LEASING

Ten Tips for Renters Landlords

MAKING HOME AFFORDABLE

INSURANCE

AUTO INSURANCE DISABILITY INSURANCE

APPEALING HEALTH INSURANCE CLAIM DECISIONS

HEALTH INSURANCE

New Law, New Coverage, More Choices Group Policies

HEALTH CARE PLANS

MEDICARE BENEFICIARIES

HOMEOWNERS’/RENTERS’ INSURANCE LIFE INSURANCE LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE OTHER INSURANCE

BEWARE: INSURANCE FRAUD

INTERNET

CHOOSING SERVICE PROVIDERS

BUNDLING AND OTHER PROMOTIONS

ONLINE FILE SHARING

PROTECTING CHILDREN ONLINE

ONLINE COPYRIGHT ISSUES PREVENTING ONLINE FRAUD

Phishing Continues to Be a Problem Don’t Take The Bait

SOCIAL NETWORKING

SPAM INVESTING

ONLINE TRADING

BEWARE: INVESTMENT FRAUD

FINANCIAL BROKERS AND ADVISORS

Additional organizations that could be helpful are:

INVESTING IN GOLD RETIREMENT PLANNING

For more information go to:

PHONES

BUNDLING, PROMOTIONS, AND DEALS

SLAMMING AND CRAMMING

Take These Steps to Avoid Slammers and Crammers:

CELL PHONES SMART PHONES PAY-AS-YOU-GO PLANS VoIP PRIVACY PROTECTION AND IDENTITY THEFT

Tips for Preventing Identity Loss REPORTING IDENTITY THEFT PROTECTING YOUR PRIVACY FINANCIAL PRIVACY MEDICAL PRIVACY

MEDICAL IDENTITY THEFT

ONLINE PRIVACY SMART HOME SHOPPING

YOUR RIGHTS: SHOPPING FROM HOME

HOW TO FILE A COMPLAINT ABOUT A SALES CALL

YOUR RIGHTS: 3-DAY COOLING-OFF RULE ONLINE SHOPPING ONLINE AUCTIONS AND SELLERS TELEMARKETING & UNWANTED MAIL

OPTING OUT

NATIONAL DO NOT CALL REGISTRY PRE-RECORDED MESSAGES TELEMARKETING SALES CALLS TRAVEL

AIRLINE FEES

RESOLVING AIR TRAVEL PROBLEMS

Delayed and Canceled Flights Delayed or Damaged Bags Lost Bags Overbooked Flights Tarmac Delays

PASSPORTS TRAVEL SAFETY

BEWARE: TIMESHARE SCAMS

CABLE SATELLITE INTERNET TV

BUNDLING, PROMOTIONS, AND DEALS

TV OPTIONS

ENERGY STAR TVS

UTILITIES

ELECTRICITY AND NATURAL GAS WATER

WATER SENSE MAKES SENSE

WILLS & FUNERALS

PLANNING FOR THE END OF LIFE

Advance Medical Directives

WILLS

RULES TO REMEMBER WHEN WRITING A WILL

CHOOSE AN EXECUTOR

REVIEW YOUR ESTATE PLAN

FUNERALS

PLANNING WISELY FOR A FUNERAL THE FUNERAL RULE

VETERANS CEMETERIES

PART II: FILING A COMPLAINT

FILING A COMPLAINT

STEPS TO FOLLOW TO RESOLVE A COMPLAINT

CONTACT THE SELLER CONTACT THIRD PARTIES DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROGRAMS

BEWARE: RECOVERY SERVICES

SMALL CLAIMS COURT LEGAL HELP AND INFORMATION

Tips for Choosing An Attorney Once You’ve Identified Some Candidates: What If You Can’t Afford a Lawyer?

REPORT FRAUD & SAFETY HAZARD

SAMPLE COMPLAINT LETTER PART III: KEY INFORMATION RESOURCES

KEY INFORMATION RESOURCES

Federal Citizen Information Center (FCIC) USA.gov Center for the Study of Services Consumers Union (CU) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Libraries EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FOR TEACHERS

SERVICES AND RESOURCES FOR CONSUMERS WITH DISABILITIES

FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

National Council on Disability National Disability Rights Network Department of Education Department of Housing and Urban Development National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped

FOR MILITARY PERSONNEL

U.S. Military Family Centers Air Force Community Readiness and Family Support Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS)

BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU MILITARY LINE

Fleet and Family Support Programs Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command Family Programs MyArmyLifeToo U.S. Coast Guard Military HOMEFRONT

PREDATORY LENDING RESTRICTIONS

Military Sentinel Military OneSource Commissaries and Exchanges Wounded Warrior Resource Center National Resource Directory

PART IV: CONSUMER ASSISTANCE DIRECTORY SOCAP INTERNATIONAL AUTOMOTIVE CONTACTING YOUR AUTOMOTIVE MANUFACTURER

Automotive Dispute Resolution Programs

BETTER BUSINESS BUREAUS CONTACTING YOUR LOCAL BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU

Council Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Puerto Rico Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin

CORPORATE CONSUMER CONTACTS CONTACTING CORPORATE CONSUMER AFFAIRS DEPARTMENTS

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

FEDERAL AGENCIES Contacting Federal Agencies

Commission on Civil Rights Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Department of Agriculture (USDA) Department of Commerce Department of Education (ED) Department of Energy (DOE) Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

Administration for Children & Families (ACF) Administration on Aging (AoA) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

Department of Housing

Department of the Interior (DOI) Department of Justice (DOJ) Department of Labor (DOL) Department of State Department of Transportation (DOT) Department of the Treasury Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Federal Reserve System Federal Trade Commission (FTC) General Services Administration (GSA) National Council on Disability (NCD) National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Small Business Administration (SBA) Social Security Administration (SSA) U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO) U.S. Postal Service (USPS)

NATIONAL CONSUMER ORGANIZATIONS Contacting National Consumer Organizations STATE, COUNTY & CITY CONSUMER PROTECTION OFFICES Contacting Your Local Consumer Protection Offices

Alabama

State Offices

Alaska

State Offices

Arizona

State Offices

Arkansas

State Offices

California

State Offices County Offices City Offices

Colorado

State Offices County Offices City Offices

Connecticut

State Offices City Offices

Delaware

State Offices

District of Columbia

District of Columbia Offices

Florida

State Offices Regional Offices County Offices

Georgia

State Offices

Hawaii

State Offices

Idaho

State Offices

Illinois

State Offices Regional Offices County Offices City Offices

Indiana

State Offices

Iowa

State Offices

Kansas

State Offices County Offices

Kentucky

State Offices County Offices

Louisiana

State Offices County Offices

Maine

State Offices

Maryland

State Offices Regional Offices County Offices

Massachusetts

State Offices Regional Offices County Offices City Offices

Michigan

State Offices County Offices City Offices

Minnesota

State Offices City Offices

Mississippi

State Offices

Missouri

State Offices

Montana

State Offices

Nebraska

State Offices

Nevada

State Offices

New Hampshire

State Offices

New Jersey

State Offices County Offices City Offices

New Mexico

State Offices

New York

State Offices Regional Offices County Offices City Offices

North Carolina

State Offices

North Dakota

State Offices

Ohio

State Offices County Offices

Oklahoma

State Offices

Oregon

State Offices

Pennsylvania

State Offices Regional Offices County Offices

Puerto Rico

State Offices

Rhode Island

State Offices

South Carolina

State Offices

South Dakota

State Offices

Tennessee

State Offices

Texas

State Offices Regional Offices County Offices

Utah

State Offices

Vermont

State Offices

Virgin Islands

State Offices

Virginia

State Offices County Offices City Offices

Washington

State Offices Regional Offices

West Virginia

State Offices

Wisconsin

State Offices Regional Offices County Offices

Wyoming

State Offices

STATE BANKING AUTHORITIES Contacting Your Local Banking Authority

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Puerto Rico Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virgin Islands Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming

STATE INSURANCE REGULATORS Contacting Your Local Insurance Regulator

STATE SECURITIES ADMINISTRATORS Contacting Your Local Securities Administrator

STATE UTILITIES COMMISSIONS Contacting Your Local Utilities Commission

TRADE & PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS Contacting Trade & Professional Organizations

Released: 2011 Item number: 568W ISBN: 978-1-61221-000-1

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