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Consumer education 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 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 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/Drugs/EmergencyPreparedness/BioterrorismandDrugPreparedness/ucm133263.htm Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Drugs, Finance, Internet Last updated Sep 9, 2009 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 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 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 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 Eco-Labels: The Consumers Union Guide to Environmental Labels
Explains environmental product labels such as "bird-friendly," "cruelty free," "fair trade certified," "certified organic," and "USDA Organic." Browse labels by name, logo design, product (such as food or personal hygiene), and other factors. Includes a glossary, periodic updates and reports, trivia questions, and other material related to product labeling. From Consumers Union, publisher of Consumer Reports. http://www.eco-labels.org Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Nutrition & Food Safety Last updated May 24, 2006 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://finditconsumer.wa.gov/ Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Finance 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 Good Stuff? A Behind-the-Scenes Guide to the Things We Buy
A guide to the environmental and social aspects of common consumer products. Discusses dozens of products, including beverage containers, CDs and DVDs, cell phones, chocolate, cleaning products, gold jewelry, paint and varnishes, and soap. Includes a brief glossary and "A Consumption Manifesto." From the WorldWatch Institute, "a leading source of information on the interactions among key environmental, social, and economic trends." http://www.worldwatch.org/pubs/goodstuff/ Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy Last updated Jun 7, 2006 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 HealthCORE: Health Communities Online Resource Education
This project addresses health literacy issues through providing access to electronic consumer health information. The website provides links to information for consumers on specific conditions, community/public health resources, and health literacy information for professionals in the medical field. Includes links to information in Spanish. From the Medical Center of Central Georgia (MCCG). http://www.healthCOREinfo.org Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Health Last updated Oct 12, 2005 HealthInsight: Taking Charge of Health Information
This site features "a list of 10 questions designed to help you turn health information into clues and to get you started on becoming your own health risk detective." Part of a project "aimed at helping consumers evaluate health and scientific information." From the Center for Risk Analysis, Harvard School of Public Health. http://www.americanchemistry.com/s_chlorine/sec_content.asp?CID=1232&DID=4680&CTYPEID=113 Topics: Health Last updated May 24, 2009 Home Buyers: Beware of "Flipping" Scams
This brochure alerts potential home buyers how to watch for house "flipping" scams in which "a flipper buys a house cheap and then sells to it an unsuspecting buyer for a price that far exceeds its real value." The flipper entices the buyer into purchasing by promising to arrange a home loan. Includes a list of questions to ask the seller. Opens directly into a PDF document. From the Maryland Office of the Attorney General. http://www.oag.state.md.us/Consumer/flipbrochure.pdf Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Housing Last updated Apr 16, 2006 Infomercials: Believe Them -- or Not?
Brief reviews of seven products offered on infomercials (program-length TV commercials), including kitchen and household appliances, a sewing machine, and exercise equipment. Reviews show examples of the differences in marketing claims and how the products actually perform. From the Good Housekeeping "Savvy Consumer" series. http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/products/infomercials-0603 Topics: Advertising & Marketing, Consumer Research & Advocacy Last updated Jul 28, 2007 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 MLA's Deciphering Medspeak Brochures
This resource helps you decipher the specialized language of health professionals, known as "medspeak." Includes common medical terms and prefixes and suffixes. Also provides a medical shorthand guide, and a list of recommended websites. From the Medical Library Association. http://www.mlanet.org/resources/medspeak/ Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Dictionaries Last updated Dec 5, 2006 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 MyMoney.gov
This site provides annotated links to educational materials "from across the spectrum of federal agencies that deal with financial issues and markets." Some of the topics include budgeting, taxes, credit, financial planning, home ownership, privacy, fraud, retirement planning, and small business. In English and Spanish. From the Financial Literacy and Education Commission, which was established by Title V of the Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act. http://www.mymoney.gov/ Topics: Finance, Investing Last updated Apr 26, 2006 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 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 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 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 Tips on Toys
Ideas for choosing safe toys for children, organized by age group. Provides lists of safe and dangerous types of toys. Mentions concerns such as sharp edges, small parts that could be swallowed, electrical toys, shooting toys, and items with lead. From the Virginia Cooperative Extension. http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/350/350-063/350-063.html Topics: Health, Hobbies, Public Health & Safety Last updated Sep 22, 2009 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 Trouble in Toyland
This annual survey of toy safety "provides safety guidelines for parents when purchasing toys for small children and provides examples of toys currently on store shelves that may pose potential safety hazards." Discusses choking and strangulation hazards, toys that could cause hearing loss, and toys that could expose children to hazardous chemicals. Includes photos illustrating potentially hazardous toys and information about online toy retailers. From the National Association of State PIRGs. http://toysafety.net/toysafety.asp?id2=20594 Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Hobbies Last updated Dec 12, 2005 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 |
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