Consumer Information

AARP
Better Business Bureau
Consumer Federation of America (CFA)
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Federal Citizen Information Center (FCIC)
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
National Consumers League (NCL)
Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC)
United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS)
Other Resources

AARP

www.aarp.org/growmoney
Do you know how much money you will need in retirement? AARP has a good, easy-to-use calculator to help you figure out where you are now and what you will need to save to meet your retirement needs.

www.aarp.org/finance
AARP provides information and resources to help consumers effectively save, manage and protect their money to ensure a financially secure retirement.

www.aarp.org/investmentfraud
 This AARP site provides consumers practical tips and resources to guard against investment fraud.

Better Business Bureau

Hundreds of practical tips to help consumers boost their marketplace IQ
and find trustworthy businesses are available at www.bbb.org.

Consumer Federation of America (CFA)

www.americasaves.org
All over America people just like you are proving that you don’t have to be rich to build wealth. As members of America Saves, they are paying off their debts, and saving to reach their financial goals.  We can help, with tips and tools to help you set goals, develop strategies to reach those goals, and start saving.  So what are you waiting for?  Enroll in America Saves and start making your dreams a reality.

www.paydayloaninfo.org
Tempted to borrow quick cash by writing a check to a payday loan store?  Get the facts on payday loan costs and risks, advice on avoiding predatory small loans, and state-specific information on consumer protections and where to file complaints.

www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/money/66ways/index.html
Learn how to get more out of your money and test your consumer savvy with “66 Ways to Save Money.”

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Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

The Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Consumer Center staff is available to answer questions about FCC rules, regulations and policies, and resolve informal complaints about issues regulated by the FCC. They can be reached at 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322); or via TTY: 1-888-TELL-FCC (1-888-835-5322). Consumers may also join the FCC's Consumer Registry to receive updates on FCC issues of interest. The Consumer Registry web site is located at: www.fcc.gov/registry.

Are You Ready? Here It Comes-The Digital Television Transition, Feb. 17, 2009 www.dtv.gov

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) was established by the Communications Act of 1934 as an independent U.S. government agency.  The FCC regulates television, radio, wire, satellite and cable in all 50 states and U.S. territories.   The FCC’s staff is organized by function, with seven Bureaus and 10 staff offices.

 The FCC’s website at www.fcc.gov, provides consumers with information on all of the above issues regulated by the FCC.  The FCC provides information in Large Print, Braille, Spanish, and other languages upon request.  Consumers may file complaints regarding a telecommunications service or cable service, provider service or phone bill online at www.fcc.gov/cgb/complaints.  Consumers may contact the FCC toll-free at 1-888-CALL-FCC, or 1-888-TELL-FCC (TTY).

 On February 17, 2009, television will undergo the biggest change since color was introduced in the 1950s.  On that date, analog television broadcasting will cease, and all full power stations will broadcast only in digital format.  To educate consumers about this change, the FCC has launched a nationwide consumer education program utilizing our web site at www.dtv.gov, and consumer workshops held in conjunction with organizations and groups around the country, and at its headquarters offices.  The switch to digital will allow for: better TV picture/sound and more programming options; and permit the analog spectrum to be re-allocated for Public Safety and advanced wireless services.

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Federal Citizen Information Center (FCIC)

www.usa.gov
The U.S. government's official web portal. USA.gov pulls together more than 180 million federal, state, and local government web pages and makes it easy for the public to get U.S. government information and services on the web. Visitors also can use an e-mail form to send questions and comments in English and Spanish for a response within two business days.

www.pueblo.gsa.gov
Consumers can order, read, print out, or save the current Consumer Information Catalog and the full text of all the publications listed in it. Pueblo.gsa.gov also offers access to additional information on a wide range of topics.

www.consumeraction.gov
The Consumer Action Website is based on the Consumer Action Handbook. It features general advice and information on how to solve consumer problems, as well as addresses, telephone numbers, and websites where you can file consumer complaints.

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the insurer of deposits in banks and savings associations; and federal supervisor of state-chartered nonmember banks, is committed to supporting the goal and mission of National Consumer Protection Week.  The FDIC offers financial literacy and consumer protection information, in a number of formats.  The FDIC’s award winning Money Smart training program helps individuals, particularly those outside the financial mainstream, enhance their money management skills and create positive banking relationships.  The FDIC Consumer Affairs Program provides information about consumers’ financial rights, and the role and responsibility of the FDIC’s Consumer Response Center, FDIC Deposit Insurance coverage, and a number of consumer web-based products designed to educate against ID theft and fraud among other relevant topics.  For these resources and a wealth of additional information, click on ww.fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/information/ncpw/index.html
ww.fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/moneysmart/mscbi/mscbi.html
www.fdic.gov/news/news/press/2007/pr07006.html

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Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

www.ftc.gov/idtheft
This site is a one-stop national resource with detailed information to help you Deter, Detect, and Defend against identity theft.

www.ftc.gov/credit
Almost every day, you're involved in some type of financial transaction requiring an educated decision. This site has information for you, whether you’re shopping for a mortgage or auto loan, checking the accuracy of your credit report, dealing with debt collectors, or looking for ways to protect your personal financial information.

www.onguardonline.gov
Onguardonline.gov provides practical tips from the federal government and the technology industry to help you be on guard against Internet fraud, secure your computer, and protect your personal information.

www.ftc.gov
Education is a key tool to prevent consumer injury. At the FTC’s website, you can get publications with advice on avoiding scams and rip-offs, as well as tips on other consumer topics.

National Consumers League (NCL)

www.nclnet.org/ncpw2007
Be a Badger: Ten Tips for Making Your Complaint Count
If you have a problem with a purchase, a rental, or a service you’ve received, or you simply want to suggest how a company could improve its business, speak up! Consumers can often solve their own problems and positively influence the way companies do business by making complaints. Visit www.nclnet.org for tips from the nation's oldest consumer advocate about how to tell companies what you want and get it!

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Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC)

www.occ.treas.gov/index.htm
On this site you will find information about the OCC as well as links to Community Affairs, Community Reinvestment Act Information, Consumer Complaints and Assistance, New Releases, Public Information, Electronic Banking Assistance, the Freedom of Information Act, Home Mortgages, Financial Literacy and more!

Consumer Protection News
This is an invaluable page for getting information on the current trends and concerns relating to consumers in the financial industry.  Among many resources available are the following:

Financial Literacy Resource Directory
This directory provides descriptions and contact information for a sampling of organizations that have undertaken financial literacy initiatives as a primary mission. These activities are organized under the following categories:

Help With My Bank
The OCC’s Customer Assistance Group, HelpWithMyBank.gov, helps customers resolve issues with their national banks.  Specialists can answer questions, provide guidance, and when necessary, intercede with banks on behalf of customers.  HelpWithMyBank.gov tells people how to contact the OCC, what to provide when filing a complaint, and what to expect.  Customer Service Specialists are available 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern, Monday through Friday, at 1-800-613-6743 or by e-mail at Customer.Assistance@OCC.treas.gov. ^ Back to Top

United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS)

Fake Checks.org
Created by the Alliance for Consumer Fraud Awareness, this Web site serves as the primary vehicle to educate Americans on the scenarios of fraudulent financial scams and learn why - if the offer looks too good to be true - it probably is!

www.usps.com/postalinspectors/is-pubs.htm
Links to all of USPIS' consumer publications.

Other Resources

America Saves Week

www.americasavesweek.org
During America Saves Week, individuals will be encouraged and assisted to assess their savings progress and take action to meet their savings goals.  This encouragement and assistance will be provided by organizations and professionals with an interest in improving the financial security of individuals and families.  To learn more please go to www.americasavesweek.org.

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National Futures Association

www.nfa.futures.org
NFA is a self-regulatory organization for the U.S. futures industry dedicated to safeguarding the integrity of the futures markets and protecting investors. NFA has developed a number of tools to help investors understand the risks inherent in futures trading and the due diligence they should perform before participating in the futures markets.

  • NFA's Investor Learning Center
    /www.nfa.futures.org/investor/investorLearningCenter.asp
    NFA offers several investor education materials available at NFA's Investor Learning Center, including a publication about how to avoid becoming a victim of investment fraud and publications relevant to futures trading. NFA's Investor Learning Center also offers investor alerts and online learning programs to help individuals understand the complexity and risk of futures trading and the foreign currency (FOREX) market. 
  • Firm and individual background checks
    www.nfa.futures.org/basicnet
    Investors can conduct background checks on firms or individuals by utilizing NFA's Background Affiliation Status Information Center (BASIC). BASIC contains CFTC registration and NFA membership information as well as futures-related regulatory and non-regulatory actions about particular firms or individuals.