Consumer Information
AARP
www.aarp.org/money/wise_consumer
Tips and practical information on the AARP’s website show you how to be a wise consumer.
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.paydayloaninfo.org
Information on pay day loans
Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)
www.cftc.gov
One mission of the CFTC is to protect the public from fraud, manipulation, and abusive practices related to the sale of commodity and financial futures and options. To ask a question, report information, or submit a complaint:
- Use our toll-free line (866) FON-CFTC (866-366-2382)
- Use our online complaint form www.cftc.gov/enf/enfform.htm
- Email enforcement@cftc.gov
www.cftc.gov/cftc/cftccustomer.htm?from=home&page=protectioncontent
Customer Protection page
www.cftc.gov/opa/enf98/opaforexa15.htm
CFTC Advisory on Forex Fraud
www.cftc.gov/files/enf/enfforexbrochure.pdf
Consumer brochure on Forex fraud
www.cftc.gov/cftc/cftcbeforetrade.htm
Before You Trade
www.cftc.gov/cftc/cftcabout.htm?from=home&page=aboutcftcleft
About the CFTC
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.
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 FDIC is a major sponsor of NCPW and provides several consumer-based web products. Check them out at: www.fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/information/NCPW2007/index.html
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
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/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
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!
Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC)
www.occ.treas.gov/customer.htm
The OCC's Customer Assistance Group (CAG) is ready to help customers of national banks with questions or
complaints they have about their financial institution. CAG's toll-free lines are open Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Central Time. You can reach one of OCC's Customer Assistance Specialists by calling 1-800-613-6743.
Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC)
Consumer Protection Information
The OCC offers a variety of information to help consumers protect themselves from fraud and other abuses at its Web site at www.occ.gov. Topics range from identity theft to the risks of non-traditional mortgages.
For more, visit these pages:
-
www.occ.gov/fraudresources.htm
Anti- Fraud Resources - www.occ.gov/Consumer/idtheft.htm
Fighting Identity Theft - www.occ.gov/ftp/release/2004-108a.pdf
Gift Cards: OCC Provides Holiday Tips for Consumers - ww.occ.gov/ftp/release/2006-117a.pdf
Interest-Only Payments and Payment-Option ARMS: Are They For You? - www.occ.gov/Consumer/phishing.htm
Phishing: Internet Pirates Are Trying to Steal Your Personal Financial Information - www.occ.gov/ftp/release/2004-95a.pdf
Protecting Yourself from Overdraft and Bounced-Check Fees - www.occ.gov/homeloan.htm
Putting Your Home on the Line - www.occ.gov/Consumer/checkwriting.htm
Writing a Check: Understanding Your Rights
www.usps.com/postalinspectors/is-pubs.htm
Links to all of USPIS' consumer publications.
Other Resources
GoDirect
www.GoDirect.org
Do you or a loved one receive Social Security payments by paper check instead of direct deposit? Did you know that nine times out of 10 when there is a problem with a Social Security payment, it is with a paper check, not a direct deposit? In 2006, for example, 57,000 Treasury-issued checks, totaling an estimated $54 million, were forged. Protect yourself today by switching to direct deposit. Visit the U.S. Treasury's Go Direct campaign web site, or call their toll-free number,
800-333-1795, to make the switch today.
National Futures Association
www.nfa.futures.org
NFA is a self-regulatory organization for the futures industry that is overseen by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to ensure that investors are fully informed of the risk and due diligence they should perform before considering a futures investment.
Opportunity and Risk: An Educational Guide to Trading Futures and Options on Futures
www.nfa.futures.org/investor/opprisk.asp
An investor guide for any individuals considering trading futures or options on futures.
Investor Bill of Rights
www.nfa.futures.org/investor/BOR.asp
File a Complaint
www.nfa.futures.org/basicnet/complaint.aspx
BASIC search background checks
www.nfa.futures.org/basicnet
Investors can conduct background checks on firms or individuals by utilizing the BASIC Search. BASIC contains CFTC registration and NFA membership information as well as futures-related regulatory and non-regulatory actions about particular firms or individuals.