Links and More
Consumer Information and Organizations
|
AARP Under the provisions of the Older Americans Act of 1965, as amended, there are a range of programs available regarding services and opportunities for older Americans, especially those at risk of losing their independence. The Act established the Administration on Aging (AoA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which is headed by the Assistant Secretary for Aging in the Department. The website offers a broad range of information regarding the specific needs of the elderly, available services and resources. Features an excellent database regarding recalls and technical service bulletins for vehicles dating back to model years 1961. The company also provides electronic automotive diagnostic and repair information to the automotive repair market. A nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer and its suffering through research, education, advocacy, and service. The Society is the largest source of private, nonprofit cancer research funds in the United States. Prevention programs focus on tobacco control, sun protection, diet and nutrition, comprehensive school health education, early detection, and treatment. Service and rehabilitation programs are available to patients and their families, as well as advocacy programs targeting policy makers. The website has a wealth of information about the nature of cancer, its causes, risk factors, strategies for prevention and early detection, new diagnostic techniques, and the latest treatment options, including alternative and complementary methods. Automated Phone Attendants GetHuman.com For the visually impaired and physically disabled, Bookshare.org is a source of "electronic books" that can be downloaded to Braille printers, or to computers equipped to convert text into voice. This service is in accordance with U.S. copyright laws which permit the reproduction of copyrighted works for the blind and disabled. without requiring permission from each publisher. Users must provide proof of disability, and there is a one-time $25 set up charge, and a $50 annual fee. This office licenses and regulates over 2.6 million workers in a variety of professional fields, including doctors, dentists, building contractors and auto-repair technicians. The site also features an excellent resource guide with active website links to local, state and federal consumer and regulatory agencies. Founded by Consumer's Union and Ralph Nader, the organization advocates for and focuses on safety issues regarding vehicle design and manufacturing, service and operation and traffic safety. A private, non-profit community service, described on their web site as one of America's largest and most influential parenting and parenting education organizations. Established in 1974. It offers training and research about childhood education, and is a major supporter and participant in a nationwide Effective Parenting Movement to improve the overall quality of child rearing and child caring in the United States. A nonprofit, nonpartisan research and policy organization dedicated to protecting homeownership and family wealth by working to eliminate abusive financial practices. CRL is affiliated with Self-Help, one of the nation's largest community development financial institutions. The Center's board of directors features prominent leaders known for their dedication to protecting the rights of citizens and consumers.
The lead federal agency in the United States for protecting public health and safety, providing credible information to enhance health decisions, and promoting health through strong partnerships. CDC serves as the national focus for developing and applying disease prevention and control, environmental health, and health promotion and education activities. A resource site from California's South Coast Air Quality Management District that addresses reduction of air pollution. It looks at air-quality ratings of new cars, as well as tips on making "clean air" consumer choices at home, such as appliances and equipment, and use of household products. An industry database composed of records of auto or property insurance loss. The C.L.U.E. database is indexed by individual claimant, listed property or vehicle, insurers use your insurance claim history information to help determine how much you will pay for coverage. You can order a copy of this report to ensure that no errors are negatively affecting your premium rates! An interactive congressional directory, sponsored by Capitol Advantage. By entering your zip code, search results produce information about your Senate and House representatives, and direct links to send email to each lawmaker is provided. The site also allows you to search for pending legislation, and key issues and action. An excellent resource for California consumers. Have a problem in the marketplace? Call CIC's toll-free number (800) 952-5210, where the staff can help find the right government agency to help with a particular problem, or identify options that consumers may not have yet considered. The CPSC is dedicated to keeping consumers safe by reducing the risk of injury or death from products in the marketplace. Their web site provides valuable information regarding specific products, recalls, safety tips and other vital consumer information. The California Bureau of Automotive Repair, a division of the Department of Consumer Affairs, has an excellent "Consumer's Guide to Purchasing a Used Vehicle." Topics covered include selection, cost, sources, inspection checklists and negotiation tips. Access the site, and search for "Used car." A one-stop investigative internet tool and complaint database. It gives consumers a way to voice their complaints about fraud to law enforcement officials worldwide, via a secure site. It also provides law enforcement agencies with a separate, restricted and secure web site, giving immediate access to Internet and telemarketing scams, and other consumer fraud-related complaints. An international, multi-agency joint project, Consumer Sentinel also enhances cross-border consumer education and prevention efforts. Consumer WebWatch is a project of Consumers Union, and is funded by a number of charitable grants. Consumer WebWatch declares its mission as being to investigate, inform, and improve the credibility of information published on the World Wide Web. The web site provides articles of interest about popular web sites and internet trends of interest to consumers. It also compares the features of different commercial web sites, with attention to their consumers' needs. A section of the criminal division of the U.S. Dept. of Justice, this organization deals with computer crime and intellectual property violations over the web. Their site contains excellent consumer information regarding a wide variety of internet crimes, e-mail harassment, computer hacking, and violations of copyright, such as anti-piracy and unlawful exploitation of protected material. The site also provides a directory and internet links to assist victims of such crimes to make report to the proper authorities. Each of the 50 United States has its own separate department which deals with motor vehicles. Although each state may differ slightly regarding specific services provided, these offices generally handle these kinds of consumer functions: Recording ownership of vehicles; licensing drivers and maintaining their driving records; issuing identification cards; and the licensing and regulation of vehicle related professionals such as "traffic school" instructors, vehicle manufacturers, transporters, dealers, distributors, salespeople and repair facilities. In connection with regulation of the industry, the DMV also investigates consumer complaints regarding these services. Internet search engines can locate the link to the website of your state's DMV, simply by entering the name of the state plus "Department of Motor Vehicles" Established in 1917, the DMA is the oldest and largest national trade association serving the direct and interactive marketing fields. Their Consumer Assistance site offers direct support and services regarding such consumer matters as removal from telemarketing lists, blocking unwanted solicitations, and filing complaints against direct marketers. Disabled Travelers These excellent sites feature information for travelers with disabilities of all kinds:
A project of Consumers' Union, this site provides information to consumers regarding "environmental labels," about products that carry eco-labels, the organizations that produce eco-labels, and government and private standards for environmentally friendly or "green" products. The site features a search engine to investigate by product, label, or certifying agency. Established in 1970, this federal agency is actively engaged in research, monitoring, standard-setting and enforcement activities to protect human health and safeguard the natural environment. Their site includes a wide variety of information about chemical exposures and proper use of chemicals in the home and workplace, the Food Quality Protection Act, air and water quality, and environmental impacts of transportation, to name just a few topics. The mission of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is to eradicate employment discrimination in the workplace, whether based on race, color, religion, gender, age or national origin. The EEOC coordinates all federal equal employment opportunity regulations, practices, and policies; interprets employment discrimination laws; monitors the federal sector employment discrimination program; provides funding and support to state and local Fair Employment Practices Agencies and sponsors outreach and technical assistance programs. The site features information for employers and employees alike. The FCC's Consumer Information Bureau has facts and guidelines about the communications industries under their jurisdiction, such as Cellular Phones, Telephone, Radio / Television, various aspects of internet use. The site also allows you to file a complaint against companies providing telephone-related services. A division of the U.S. General Services Administration, the FCIC is a one-stop information shop for consumers, including resource booklets and online information for everything from cars, to childcare, to travel. Check the site for their Consumer Action Handbook, a comprehensive guide to consumer guidelines, as well as directories of federal and state regulatory and consumer assistance agencies. The U.S. federal enforcement agency regarding a variety of antitrust and consumer protection laws. The commission works to prevent unfair methods of competition, and unfair or deceptive acts or practices affecting commerce and consumers. To report unwanted e-mail solicitations, also known as "unsolicited commercial email," just forward the spam messages to uce@ftc.gov. An official U.S. Government internet guide and portal to over 30 million pages of government information, services, and online transactions. The site features a topical index, online transactions, links to state and local government, options to contact your government, and other tools that allows you access to certain information without the need to know or identify the name of the government agency responsible. The U.S. government agency promotes and protects public health by ensuring that safe and effective products reach the market in a timely yet considered way. The FDA is also responsible for regulating and monitoring products for continued safety after they are in use. Products such as common food ingredients to complex medical and surgical devices, lifesaving drugs, and radiation-emitting consumer and medical products are regulated by this agency. The website also provides a channel for reporting adverse reactions or other problems with FDA-regulated products. A gateway website that provides links to selected government food safety-related information. An internet resource and free guide to reliable consumer health and human services information, developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, in collaboration with other Federal agencies. An informative site designed to alert “buyers” and “sellers” to common building defects and residential safety hazards. Written by certified building inspector and columnist Barry Stone. A national nonprofit organization that focuses exclusively on identity theft. Their specific goals are to support victims of identity theft in self-advocacy, broaden consumer, corporate, governmental and legislative awareness and understanding of identity theft issues, and to decrease the potential victim population by increasing access. The goal of the Institute is to improve public understanding of insurance -- what it does and how it works. In existence for more than 40 years, they are recognized by the media, governments, regulatory organizations, universities and the public as a primary source of information, analysis and referral concerning insurance. They also publish pamphlets and books, and the web site contains a wide range of information about all aspects of insurance coverage. An excellent resource site regarding internet scams, chain letters, viruses (real and imagined) and urban legends. The site also features subscription to a free "E-zine" with updates about new scams being circulated on the net. A division of the Insurance Information Institute, "Know Your Stuff" is a household inventory program, provided at no cost. It's an easy-to-operate database, which prompts you to record details about valuable items such as their cost, their location in your house, serial numbers, etc. This information is vital to have organized in the event of theft, damage or loss in a home. Two websites offer excellent guidelines to help consumers determine if they are suitable candidates for LASIK eye surgery. The first is offered by the Food and Drug Administration, and the second by the Eye Surgery Education Council. Part of the Center for Auto Safety website, this section allows a consumer to research the particular "lemon laws" applicable in each state. The United States Food and Drug Administration sponsors this internet guide focusing on the risks of buying medications and other medical products on the web or through e-mail ads. Dangers include receiving contaminated or counterfeit products, being lured into buying a product that is illegal according to federal law, buying the wrong product for the medical problem being treated, receiving a drug dispensed in an incorrect dose, or simply receiving no product at all after a chunk of money was paid. The guide gives valuable advice on what to look out for when using web-based "pharmacies," and how to spot a fake site from a legitimate, regulated web pharmacy. An excellent database of medical information. The site is sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the U.S. Government's primary agency for biomedical and behavioral research, and part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The site offers an online medical encyclopedia covering a vast array of health topics, such as back pain, cancers, infectious diseases and sleep disorders. A concise database of prescription drugs allows you to investigate treatment protocol and side effects. In 1863, the United States Congress created the National Academy of Sciences to advise the government in scientific and technical matters. It has been expanded to include the National Research Council, the National Academy of Engineering, and the Institute of Medicine in 1970. Collectively, these organizations are called the National Academies. News and research information, relevant to consumer issues, appear regularly on the website. The National Center for Victims of Crime is recognized as the nation’s leading advocate for crime victims. A non-profit organization, they work with more than 10,000 grassroots organizations and criminal justice agencies serving millions of crime victims. Their stated mission is to forge a national commitment to help victims of crime rebuild their lives. Their toll-free number is (800) FYI-CALL. A private, nonprofit legal resource organization committed to making consumer law work for the interests of the elderly and low income people. NCLC's work covers areas such as debt collection, repossessions, truth in lending, foreclosure prevention, usury and bankruptcy, to utility terminations, rate structure and deregulation, and fuel assistance programs. The National Consumers League is a private, nonprofit advocacy group representing consumers on marketplace and workplace issues. We are the nation's oldest consumer organization. Their stated mission is to to identify, protect, represent, and advance the economic and social interests of consumers and workers. A national non-profit network of 1,450 Member agencies designed to provide low cost assistance to people dealing with debt and creditor situations. A division of U.S. Department of Transportation, the NHTSA was established to administer federal safety and consumer programs. Their jurisdiction covers such areas as safety defects in motor vehicles; enforcement of fuel economy standards; enforcement of drunk driver laws; promotion of the use of safety belts, child safety seats and air bags; investigation of odometer fraud; establishment and enforcement of vehicle anti-theft regulations; public disclosure of consumer information on motor vehicle safety topics. Their website also provides up-to-date recall information involving vehicle and equipment campaigns from 1966 to present. A long-established company that publishes legal forms, guides, and books regarding legal issues. Their website features valuable information and guidlelines for lawyers and laypeople alike. A nonprofit consumer information and advocacy program. It's focus is to educate consumers how to protect their personal privacy by raising awareness of how technology affects personal privacy, and empowering consumers to take action to control their own personal information by providing practical tips on privacy protection, internet fraud and identity theft. They also respond to specific privacy-related complaints from consumers and, when appropriate, refer them to the proper organizations for further assistance. These governmental agencies are engaged in the regulation of telecommunications, energy, and water utilities in the fifty States and U.S. territories. The website for the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners, a non-profit organization composed of the states' agencies, provides links to each state's individual public utility commission's web page. An online source for all government –mandated recalls – including consumer products, motor vehicles, food, medications, cosmetics and environmental products. A non-profit organization that spearheads the "Senior Medication Awareness and Training (SMARxT) Program." This is an educational outreach effort to help increase the proper use of medication, to improve the quality of life for seniors and their families. It includes sections on questions you should ask your pharmacist or doctor, medication problems to look out for, and other hints about managing prescription drugs. This comprehensive online guide clarifies, explains debunks, and dismisses popular internet scams, petitions and urban legends. Search by keyword for myths and rumors such as the supposed plan of the post office to begin charging for email usage, or the "official" email regarding Microsoft's and AOL's campaign to pay users to circulate email messages. An excellent way to research the latest story or rumor before passing on the false tales. A comprehensive link to a broad range or federal information websites. Organized by category, you can link to specific areas within individual federal web sites containing related information. A government sponsored web site with warning information about all sorts of consumer schemes and scams! The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is the investigative and security arm of the U.S. Postal Service, and is responsible for enforcing criminal and civil statues against individuals who attack the postal system and misuse it to defraud, endanger or otherwise threaten the American public; and for security and crime prevention programs. Learn about fraudulent Sweepstakes and Lotteries, Personal Finance-Related Schemes, Employment Schemes, Telephone Solicitations, as well as other Consumer Frauds. An excellent one-stop resource for learning about new ways that con artists are coming up with to separate you from your money, the laws that protect you, and what you can do about it! If you've been a victim, your next stop is the United States Postal Inspector, who has jurisdiction over various types of activities, including mail fraud. This Postal Service website features a wide variety of brochures and guidelines online, in either Adobe or text files. Simply log onto www.usps.gov, and search for "Consumer Protection." A comprehensive index of web-based tax and accounting resources. It includes directories for state and federal tax agencies, regulatory bodies, and other information pertaining to accounting information, products, and services. It is a non-commercial, private site maintained by a professor of accounting at the University of Northern Iowa.
|
Energy Conservation Organizations & Information Sources
|
|
FirstGov.gov is the U.S. government's official web portal to all federal, state and local government web resources and services. It is the catalyst for a growing electronic government, helping citizens navigate through the bureaucracy of government red tape. At FirstGov you can apply for benefits online, contact a government agency, or use the Internet’s most comprehensive search of government websites—all from one easy location.
The website acts as the gateway to over 51 million web pages from federal and state governments, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories. FirstGov is described as having the most comprehensive search of government anywhere on the Internet.
Job Scams
Tempted to sign up for that "work at home" program? How about that "easy job" that let's you make $5,000 your spare time each month? Don't fall for any of these age-old employment scams!
Check out the information on the Federal Trade Commission web site, www.ftc.gov, which provides tips to help avoid falling victim to these ripoffs.
Another kind of job-related scam involves companies that offer "guarantees" for federal or postal service jobs .... in exchange for a fee, of course. Learn more about how these and other employment scams work, and how to avoid being ripped off by these offers when looking for a job, on the FTC's "Making A Buck" web site!
Utility Bill Assistance Programs
With the extreme spiking in energy costs in recent years, consumers across the nation have found themselves unable to afford the cost of heating or cooling their homes. Many residents are trapped in a cycle, as they carry over high bills from one year to the next.
Hardest hit are the elderly and indigent, as well as those with specific medical needs, dependent upon uninterrupted power for life support or respiratory equipment. To meet the needs of these citizens, many government and private agencies provide financial and conservation programs for their eligible customers. Here are a few:
|
U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services funds the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to help eligible low income households meet their home heating and/or cooling needs, including financial assistance, energy crisis intervention, low-cost residential weatherization and other energy-related home repair.
Utility companies also are reaching out to assist their customers with special programs. Check out the programs offered by these California companies. For other states, search the web for “Energy Assistance” or “Utility Assistance” programs.
Los Angeles Department of Water & Power offers a number of different options to help customers meet the rising costs of energy needs. Their programs range from Project ANGEL (Assist Neighbors by Giving Energy for Living) for low-income and the elderly, to discounted rates for customers with certain disabilities or who require the use of life-sustaining systems such as respirators. The web site also includes references for other local assistance resources for Los Angeles residents.
|
Contact Your Elected Representatives!
Make sure your elected representatives hear your opinion about serious consumer issues! Locate your state's members of the United States Senate, by visiting their federal web site, www.senate.gov. Each individual representative presents their own method of how to contact them over the internet. To locate your community's member of the United States House of Representatives, and also to generate an e-mail to him or her, simply access the House of Representatives' web site at www.house.gov/writerep. For contact information for both federal and state legislators, as well as links to issues under debate, log onto www.Congress.org
Consumer Site for Young Buyers!
Bookmark the site at pbskids.org/dontbuyit. Funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
©2008 Fight Back! Inc. All Rights Reserved.
