General Consumer Information
Reviews, Advisories, & More
- Consumer Action Handbook (current edition)
- Online full text version available in .pdf, .htm and ASCII format. "The Consumer Action Handbook, updated each year, is a free resource guide that provides general information on shopping for goods and services and tips about your consumer rights. The Handbook has information to help you file a complaint about a purchase and includes a sample complaint letter that you can use and send to a company. It also includes a consumer assistance directory, with contact information for consumer protection offices in government agencies, and customer service departments at many national corporations."
- Consumer Reports
- Available to members of Thrall. News, ratings, product reviews, and more.
- ConsumerSearch
- Product reviews including ranking, analyzing reviews and summarizing the top-rated. Organized by broad categories. Easy to use.
- Consumers International: The Global Voice for Consumers
- The site provides access to valuable reports and articles on hot issues for consumers.
- Consumer World
- This is a public service site which includes links to consumer rights, discount travel and entertainment, mortgage rates, product reviews, money and credit, car dealer costs, arranged by category - over 1700 resources.
- Epinions.com
- An Ebay company. Provides consumer reviews of products from over 30 different categories
- Product Recalls
- Food products, cars, and more.
- Pueblo.GPO.gov: Consumer Publications
- Full text versions of federal consumer publications organized by subject. "After six years of serving the American public and consumers, the Publications.USA.gov website has been discontinued, [but you can now order] free government publications from Pueblo.GPO.gov.You can also browse the USA.gov site and find hundreds of articles about popular government services and programs. They're all organized by topic."
- Viewpoints - Lets Review
- "Viewpoints Network is a social technology and media company focused on helping consumers make smarter decisions. We specialize in building communities and motivating "social influencers" to share their experiences by writing reviews, blog posts, how to guides, participating in discussion boards and contributing and voting on ideas. We then help organize and present those contributions to help other consumers make well informed purchase decisions."
Consumer Agencies, Organizations, & Advocates
- Clark Howard
- "Clark Howard is a Radio and TV consumer advocate who shows you how to save more, spend less and avoid getting ripped off. His nationally syndicated radio show is heard every day on more than 200 radio stations throughout North America." Topics include: Business/Entrepreneurs, Cars, Consumer Issues/ID Theft, Deals, Economy and Markets, Education, Employment and Military, Environment and Energy, Family and Lifestyle, Health and Health Care, Homes and Real Estate, Insurance, Personal Finance and Credit, Scams and Rip-Offs, Shopping and Retail, Technology, and Travel.
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
- "The central mission of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is to make markets for consumer financial products and services work for Americans-whether they are applying for a mortgage, choosing among credit cards, or using any number of other consumer financial products."
- Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF)
- "Blending the expertise of lawyers, policy analysts, activists, and technologists, EFF achieves significant victories on behalf of consumers and the general public. EFF fights for freedom primarily in the courts, bringing and defending lawsuits even when that means taking on the US government or large corporations. By mobilizing more than 61,000 concerned citizens through our Action Center, EFF beats back bad legislation. In addition to advising policymakers, EFF educates the press and public."
- Environmental Protection Agency
- Targets public health and environmental issues caused by pollution such as radon exposure, pesticides, toxic chemicals and second-hand smoke. Offers ways you and your community can protect the environment.
- Federal Trade Commission
- FTC enforces federal antitrust and consumer protection laws. Emphasis on consumer education including telephone and online scams, bogus business opportunities, timeshare, leasing, credit card fraud and more. Includes current news releases and regional office information.
- Food and Drug Administration
- FDA monitors and ensures the safety and effectiveness of food, cosmetics, medicine and medical devices. Includes hot-lines, FAQs, brochure, an index and is searchable.
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- Site includes Auto Safety Hotline, recalls, crash test information, technical service bulletins, consumer complaints. Has hot topics, news, statistics and information on driver performance and injury prevention.
- Social Security Administration
- Top 10 most requested services including cost of living, hot to replace, correct or change your name on your social security card, Social Security Handbook, retirement benefits and how to contact local offices.
- U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
- CPSC was created to "protect the public against unreasonable risks of injuries and deaths associated with consumer products." Site includes product recalls, consumer research, hotline and contact lists.
- U. S. Department of Agriculture - Food & Nutrition
- Provides information on 15 food assistance programs, consumer education and outreach including food stamps, WIC, the school lunch program, nutrition for the elderly and more. Includes USDA fraud hotline, dietary guidelines and consumer affairs.
- U. S. State Department
- Good source for comprehensive travel information - passports, visas, travel warnings, Consular Offices. includes information on living overseas - cost of living, schools, marriage, dual nationality and career opportunities.
Business & Companies
- Better Business Bureau
- Access business and consumer alerts, charity reports, membership lists as well as online complaint forms. Includes U.S. and Canada.
- Better Business Bureau of New York
- Locate local bureaus, discover which businesses received the most inquiries and complaints, file complaints online, access consumer alerts.
- Empire State Development
- "Dedicated to creating jobs and encouraging prosperity... providing one-step access to the entire array of the state's products and services for business." International and national, also includes statistics from the New York Data Center.
- New York State - Consumer Protection
- Attorney General, Consumer Protection Board (Division of Consumer Protection), and more.
New York State
- Better Business Bureau of New York
- Locate local bureaus, discover which businesses received the most inquiries and complaints, file a complaint online. Acess consumer alerts.
- Department of Consumer Affairs - New York City
- Includes Top Ten Tips, Consumer Protection Laws, online complaint forms, telephone hotlines plus links to the Office of the Mayor, city services and agencies, business resources as well as attractions and events.
- Department of State, Division of Consumer Protection
- "The New York State Division of Consumer Protection educates and empowers New York's consumers." File a complaint online, check out recalls and alerts, register for the Do Not Call Registry, and find the number for the Consumer Helpline.
- Office of the New York State Attorney General
- Spotlights issues of local interest such as Megan's Law Hotline, patient abuse, on-line child pornography as well as general topics concerning money matters, environment, seniors, health, crime, family, Internet and doing business in New York.
Consumer Information by Topic
Auto
- Auto Values
- New, used, and trade-in values for cars, trucks, and other vehicles.
- Autobytel
- "Through its flagship website Autobytel.com, its network of automotive sites, including Car.com and MyGarage.com and its respected online partners, Autobytel continues its dedication to innovating the industry's highest quality Internet programs to provide consumers with a comprehensive and positive automotive research and purchasing experience, and auto dealers, dealer groups and auto manufacturers with one of the industry's most productive and cost-effective customer referral and marketing programs."
- Buying a Used Car
- Things to consider before purchasing used cars. Includes information on payments and options, automotive dealers and sales, manufacturer's warranty, implied and unexpired warranties, service contracts, vehicles and inspections, private sellers. Also available in Spanish / Español. From the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
- Edmund's Automobile Buyer's Guide
- Check prices on new and used vehicles, read about buyer's advice, road tests, incentives and rebates or use a VIN to perform a "carfax" history on a particular vehicle.
- Governors Highway Safety Association
- Links to highway safety laws by state or topics, such as cell phone use, helmets, child passenger safety, aggressive driving and more.
- Motor Trend
- "Motor Trend Magazine is an industry-leading automotive publication just celebrating its 60th anniversary. Its online presence features its trademark authoritative and unique editorial content including thousands of in-depth new and used car reviews, up-to-the-minute auto news, car videos and a prestigious auto blog run by top Motor Trend editors and contributors. In addition, both new and archived content from Motor Trend's print magazine is available online."
- TireWise
- "Because safety is our top priority, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Department of Transportation want to make sure you have the tools to avoid being in one of those 11,000 crashes. TireWise is your resource to help you make smart decisions to keep you and your family safe, whether you're in the market to buy new tires or want to extend the life and safety of the ones on your car or truck. TireWise is also a resource for tire manufacturers, sellers and other partners to provide essential information to consumers for choosing and caring for their tires."
- U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Automobiles
- Some documents in PDF format require the Adobe Reader. Some documents are also available in Spanish:
- Auto Repair Basics
- Auto Service Contracts and Warranties
- Auto Warranties & Routine Maintenance
- Sections include: Auto Service Contracts, Consider the Alternatives: Alternative Fueled Vehicles and Alternative Vehicle Fuels, Gas Saving Products: Fact or Fuelishness, Low-Down on High Octane Gasoline, Taking the Scare Out of Auto Repair.
- Automobiles: Buying Cars
- Sections include: Auto Service Contracts, Buying a New Car, Buying a Used Car, Car Ads: Reading Between the Lines, Consider the Alternatives: Alternative Fueled Vehicles and Alternative Vehicle Fuels.
- Financing or Leasing a Car
- Sections include: Car Ads: Reading Between the Lines, Keys to Vehicle Leasing, Renting a Car, Understanding Vehicle Financing, Vehicle Repossession: Understanding the Rules of the Road.
- FuelEconomy.gov
- Find and Compare Cars for gas mileage, emmissions, safety and more
- Hybrid Electric and Fuel Cell Vehicles
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory: "NREL works toward developing hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrids and fuel cell vehicles (FCVs); moving them from research and development to the marketplace."
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
- Independent, nonprofit organization "dedicated to reducing highway crash deaths, injuries and property damage losses." Includes crash tests and vehicle evaluations, relevant state laws on DWI, child safety restraints, helmet use, seat belts, statistics, and research.
- Kelley's Blue Book
- Site includes trade-in and retail values for used cars as well as new car pricing. Pick model, make and year; enter mileage, zip code and condition and submit for price information.
- Lemon Law Guide
- Includes Lemon Law Statutes by State. See also the New York State Attorney General's website on Lemon Law.
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- Site includes Auto Safety Hotline, recalls, crash test information, technical service bulletins, consumer complaints, hot topics, news, statistics and information on driver performance and injury prevention.
- SaferCar.gov
- Presented by the NHTSA administration. Includes links to equipment and safety, recalls and defects, crash tests and complaints forms.
- U.S. Government Auto Auctions
- "GSA is the federal agency that buys fleet vehicles new and leases them to other federal agencies. When these vehicles complete their lease term we sell them to renew the government fleet". The website "provides lists of vehicles for sale, auction locations and times, and a description of the process. It also will link you directly to our available on-line vehicle sales."
Charities
Organizations & Consumer Advisories
- Charity Checklist
- A list of considerations and recommended precautions for consumers from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
- CharitiesNYS.com
- "The New York Attorney General's one-stop resource for charitable organizations, fundraisers, grantmakers and members of the public." Includes "Pennies for Charity" (the Attorney General's Report on Fundraisers in New York State) and a Charities Bureau Registry search engine.
- Charity Navigator
- Self-described as "an unbiased, objective, numbers-based rating system to assess the financial health of over 5,000 of America's best-known charities." Includes Tips for Giving in Times of Crisis.
- Charity Scams
- "Here are tips to help make sure that your charitable contributions actually go to the cause you support." From the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
- Information and FAQs for Charitable Donors
- Sections include: Check Out a Business Charity, Inquire or Complain, Charity Reports and Standards. From the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
- Tax Information for Charities and Other Non-Profits
- Forms and instructions provided by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Classifieds
- Craigslist
- "Local classifieds and forums for more than 550 cities in over 50 countries worldwide." (Please read their Terms of Use and advisory "Avoiding scams and fraud")
- The New York Times:
-
- Jobs: The New York Times
- Find a Home: The New York Times
- New York Times Classifieds
- Times Herald-Record: Classifieds
Computers & the Internet
General Advisories & User Safety Issues
- Better Business Bureau (BBB): Computer, Internet, and Technology
- Alerts, advisories, tips, and related articles of interest to consumers.
- Consumer Protection Facebook Guide
- PDF document. A step by step guide to check and manage your privacy settings on your Facebook account. From the Maryland Office of Consumer Protection.
- Computer Security
- Topics include: "Free" Security Scans, Cookies: Leaving a Trail on the Web, Laptop Security, Mobile Devices, and Networks. From the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
- FairSearch.org
- "FairSearch.org is a group of businesses and organizations united to promote a healthy Internet future, where economic growth is driven by competition, transparency and innovation in search verticals and online services. We believe in enforcement of existing laws to prevent dominant companies from engaging in anticompetitive behavior and to protect investment and choice across the Internet ecosystem."
- Free Software Foundation (FSF)
- "The Free Software Foundation (FSF) is a nonprofit with a worldwide mission to promote computer user freedom and to defend the rights of all free software users."
- Computer Antivirus Software - How to Remove a Virus
- From How Stuff Works.
- National Cyber Security Awareness Month
- From the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
- OnGuard Online - Kids and Socializing Online
- "Social networking sites, chat rooms, virtual worlds, and blogs are how teens and tweens socialize online; it's important to help your child learn how to navigate these spaces safely." site includes a PDF copy of NET CETERA - Chatting with Kids About Being Online.
- OnGuard Online - Your Safety Net
- "The Federal Trade Commission has created this website for consumers and businesses as a source of information about computer security and safeguarding personal information".
- Stop. Think. Connect.
- "The Stop.Think.Connect. Campaign is a national public awareness campaign aimed at increasing the understanding of cyber threats and empowering the American public to be safer and more secure online." From the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
- StopBullying.gov
- "StopBullying.gov provides information from various government agencies on how kids, teens, young adults, parents, educators and others in the community can prevent or stop bullying."
- Tech Support Scams
- Topics include: How Tech Support Scams Work, If You Get a Call, If You've Responded to a Scam, computers, and malware. From the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Buying a Computer - Tips & Product Reviews
- Apple / Mac Reviews
- From Macworld.
- CNET
- Computer product reviews, price comparisons, and related technology news. Includes information about desktop PCs, laptops, netbooks, printers, and other computer parts / equipment / peripherals.
- Laptop Magazine: Buying Advice
- Things to consider before purchasing mobile computing devices such as laptops, netbooks, smart phones, eReaders, and other electronic gadgets.
- PC Magazine Reviews
Credit
- AnnualCreditReport.com
- AnnualCreditReport.com is the official site to help consumers to obtain their free credit report and credit scores. Sponsored by Equifax, TransUnion, Experian credit reporting agencies.
- CardRatings.com
- A comprehensive site, useful for comparing credit cards and explaining numerous credit issues.
- Credit Card Repayment Calculator
- "Welcome to the Federal Reserve's Credit Card Repayment Calculator. Based on the information you provide, the calculator will give you an estimate of how long it will take you to pay off your credit card balance. The calculator assumes: •you make no more charges; and •you make only the minimum payment each month."
- Credit Cards
- "The CFPB maintains a database of credit card agreements from more than 300 card issuers"/ Submit a credit card complaint. From the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
- Credit Reporting Agency: Equifax
- See also these agencies: Experian, TransUnion. Credit reports and scores.
- Credit Reporting Agency: Experian
- See also these agencies: Equifax, TransUnion. Credit reports and scores.
- Credit Reporting Agency: TransUnion
- See also these agencies: Equifax, Experian. Credit reports and scores.
- CreditCards.com
- Identity theft sample letters. This step-by-step guide can help you regain your name.
- DebtAdvice.org
- "DebtAdvice.org is designed to help consumers understand the wise use of credit and locate a trained, certified counselor if you are in need of assistance. DebtAdvice.org is a service provided by the members of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, (NFCC), most of them known as Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS)." Also available in Spanish / en Español.
- Federal Reserve Board - Choosing a Credit Card
- Comparison shopping for credit cards, including a Credit Card Owner's checklist, definition of terms and calculation of finance charges.
- Consumer Tools
- From the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), "a U.S. government agency that makes sure banks, lenders, and other financial companies treat you fairly."
- National Foundation for Consumer Credit
- Straightforward information, including addresses and telephone numbers, on how to get a copy of your credit report. Also has information on credit counseling and bankruptcy. Includes FAQs.
- The New Credit Cards
- Information regarding changes (as of October 1, 2015) to credit cards being issued with EMV chips as well as related updates to electronic payment transactions, rules, and practices. Various sources for consumers and businesses in a blog post from Middletown Thrall Library.
E-Commerce
- Business Law & Regulations
- From Small Business Adminstration (SBA).
- E-Commerce: Selling Internationally - A Guide for Businesses
- From FTC Bureau of Consumer Protection - Business Center.
- eCommerce Export Resource Center
- "Learn about digital commerce and explore best practices to sell more online, overseas." From Export.gov.
- How to Start a Successful E-Commerce Business
- Includes six recommendations from seasoned professionals for a successful eCommerce business. From the SBA.
- Internet Purchases: Your Responsibility and Liability
- From U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
See also the Shopping section in this guide.
Elections
- Can I Vote
- "This site was created by the nation's chief state election officials to help make voting as simple and convenient as possible." Includes where and how to register to vote, find a polling place, information on candidates."
- Election 2016
- Thrall information guide about the 2016 U.S. Presidential election. Contains websites about major parties, issues, voter registration, news, and more.
Energy
- Ask PSC
- New York State's Public Service Commission created this website to inform consumers about energy efficiency programs, energy related financial assistance, and energy tax credits. The information will help residential and business consumers get the most out of their energy dollar.
See also:
- Power to Choose
- Allows consumers to search for Energy Service Companies (ESCO) that provide electricity and gas to their utility company and compare historical pricing.
- Energy Saver
- Includes fact sheets on insulation and other ways to save energy, clearinghouse information on energy-efficient applications, solar power, windows, technology and reference briefs on technologies for lighting, heating and cooling. From the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy of the Department of Energy (DOE),
- Energy Star
- "ENERGY STAR is a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency voluntary program that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect our climate through superior energy efficiency."
- Federal Weatherization Assistance Program
- The program provides help to low-income families in making their homes more energy efficient.
- Shopping for Home Appliances? Use the EnergyGuide Label
- From the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Environment
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Find information at the EPA's website for issues regarding home, school, work and community, including air and water quality, chemical exposure searchable by zip code, and regulations.
- Going Green
- "Sustainable Living, Eco-friendly Advice and Alteratives, Environmentally-mindful Lifestyle and Learning Resources for Individuals, Businesses, Organizations, and Everyone Else." Directory of web and library resources. Created by Middletown Thrall Library.
See also: Energy and Recycling
Freedom of Information
- FAQ - Freedom of Information Law (FOIL)
- From the New York State Department of State - Committee on Open Government.
- Office of the New York State Comptroller - Freedom of Information Law (How to file a FOIL request)
- A complete list of FOIL contacts at other state agencies is also available.
Fraud & Scams
- BBB Scam Tracker
- "Spot a business or offer that sounds like an illegal scheme or fraud? Tell us about it. Help us investigate and warn others by reporting what you know." You can search for scams by location or browse recently reported scams. From the Better Business Bureau (BBB). See also their Scam Stopper page.
- Common Scams and Frauds
- "Find information on common scams and frauds that can happen to you." Topics include: Census Related Fraud, Charity Scams, Financial Fraud, Lottery and Sweepstakes Scams, Pyramid Schemes, Tax-Related Identity Theft, and Telephone Scams. From USA.gov.
- Consumers.gov: Scams
- Topics include: Avoiding Identity Theft, Recovering from Identity Theft, Scams Against Immigrants, Job Scams, and Money Wiring Scams. From the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
- FBI: Common Fraud Scams
- "The following are some of the most common scams that the FBI encounters, as well as tips to help prevent you from being victimized. Visit the Bureau's White-Collar Crime and Cyber Crime webpages for information on more fraud schemes." From the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Scam Alerts
- "Stay a step ahead with the latest info and practical tips from the nation's consumer protection agency. Browse FTC scam alerts by topic or by most recent."
- Fraud.org
- "Fraud.org is a project of the National Consumers League (NCL), a nonprofit advocacy organization. Thousands of consumer complaints are collected by the Fraud.org staff and shared with our network of more than 90 law enforcement partners." Also include see also references to New York State - Housing Ready Reference - Lotteries Consumers - Agencies, Indentity Theft, Selling, and Websites
- Scam Alerts
- "News regarding ongoing scams." From New York Department of State's Division of Consumer Protection.
- StopFraud.gov
- Financial Fraud Enforcement Taskforce - includes Identity Theft, Mortgage Fraud and Credit Card Fraud. How to protect yourself, help for victims of fraud and reporting fraud
See also:
the Health section in this guide
as well as:
Health
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review
- "The Cosmetic Ingredient Review was established in 1976 by the industry trade association (then the Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association, now the Personal Care Products Council), with the support of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Consumer Federation of America. We review and assess the safety of ingredients used in cosmetics in an open, unbiased, and expert manner, and publish the results in the peer-reviewed scientific literature." See also Personal Care Products Council and their Consumer Ingredient Information page.
- Health Care Fraud
- From the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
- Health Information Guide
- Library and Web resources. Directory provided by Middletown Thrall Library.
- Health Information Privacy
- Explanations of individual rights under the Privacy Laws, links to summaries of State health privacy statutes, resources, and articles.
- Health Insurance
- Websites to help you learn about and compare health insurance plans in and beyond New York. Directory from the Thrall's Health information guide.
- Healthfinder.gov
- A government web site which acts as a gateway to health and human services information. Site includes "online publications, clearinghouses, databases, web sites and support and self-help groups, as well as ... government agencies and not-for-profit organizations." From National Health Information Center.
- Hospital Compare
- The site includes information on hospitals, quality measures, your rights and more. May be searched using zip code, hospital name or other geographic limits. From U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
- MedWatch
- The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program (includes drugs and medical devices). From the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA).
- New York Prescription Savings Program ProAct Pharmacy Services
- This program has been developed by your County Executives and the County Legislatures to help lower the prescription drug cost for County residents. There is no charge to you or the County to belong to this program.
- Prescription Drug Prices in New York State
- "The New York State Board of Pharmacy publishes an annual list of the 150 most frequently prescribed drugs, in the most common quantities. The New York State Department of Health collects retail price information on these drugs from pharmacies that participate in the Medicaid program and from pharmacies that submit their retail price information directly to the Department of Health. This site allows you to search for specific drugs from the most frequently prescribed drug list."
- Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
- "Skin Deep is a safety guide to cosmetics and personal care products brought to you by researchers at the Environmental Working Group."
- Suspect A Health Care Scam? Here's What to Do
- From the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Identity Theft
Government Information for Consumers
- Avoiding Identity Theft
- "What It Is, What to Know, What to Do." From Consumer.gov.
- Identity Theft
- Sections include: Fraud Hotline, ID Theft, How ID Theft Happens, Reduce Your Risk, What to Do if a Victim, OIG Investigates, School Responsibility, Scholarship Scams, Lessons Learned from Identity Theft Investigations. From the Office of Inspector General. (Some documents require the free Adobe Reader.)
- Identity Theft Affecting Your Tax Records
- From the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.
- Identity Theft And Your Social Security Number
- From the Social Security Administration (SSA).
- Identity Theft and Your Tax Records
- From the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
- Identity Theft: What to Know, What to Do
- PDF document. From the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
- IdentityTheft.gov
- Report identity theft and get a recovery plan. This site is the federal government's one-stop resource for identity theft victims and provides streamlined checklists and sample letters to guide you through the recovery process.
- In the Spotlight: Identity Theft
- Sections include: Facts and Figures, Legislation, Publications, Programs, Training and Technical Assistance, Grants and Funding, Related Resources. From National Criminal Justice Reference Service (NCJRS), U.S. Department of Justice.
- 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." Sections include: Stop/Think/Click: An Overview of Safer Computing, Identity Theft, Internet Auctions, Spyware, Wireless Security, Phishing, Social Networking Sites, Spam Scams, Online Shopping, Peer-to-Peer File-Sharing, VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), Cross-Border Scams. (To view some documents you may need the free Adobe Reader.)
Onguardonline.gov is also available in Spanish/en español at Alertaenlinea.gov : "Alerta en Línea ofrece recomendaciones prácticas brindadas por el gobierno federal y la industria tecnológica para ayudarlo a protegerse contra el fraude en el Internet, mantener su computadora segura y proteger su información personal."
- Phishing
- "When internet fraudsters impersonate a business to trick you into giving out your personal information, it's called phishing." The FTC guide to how to deal with and report Phishing.
- Privacy and Identity Theft
- Topics include: Data Security Breach Information, Facebook Privacy and Safety Tips, Identity Theft: How to Protect Yourself, Wireless Internet Tips. From the New York State Attorney General's Office.
- Recovering from Identity Theft
- "What It Is, What to Know, What to Do." From Consumer.gov.
- Suggested Steps to Reduce Your Vulnerability to Identity Theft
- From the U.S. Treasury.
- Take Charge: Fighting Back Against Identity Theft
- Sections include: How Identity Theft Occurs, Identity Theft Victims: Immediate Steps, Resolving Specific Problems, Staying Alert, Minimizing Recurrences, Appendix (It's the Law, Federal, State, Instructions for Completing the ID Theft Affidavit, The ID Theft Affidavit, Annual Credit Report Request Form. From the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
- U.S. Postal Inspection Services: Identity Theft
- "Tips to help you avoid identity theft."
- You Can Fight Identity Theft
- "Internet pirates are trying to steal your personal financial information. Here's the good news - you have the power to stop them." From the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)
Other Information
- Identify Theft Resource Center (ITRC)
- Includes a Data Breach List of current and past breaches. Their stated mission is to "provide best in class victim assistance at no charge to consumers throughout the United States; educate consumers, corporations, government agencies and other organizations on best practices for fraud and identity theft detection, reduction and mitigation; provide enterprise consulting and outsourced services related to information breach, fraud and identity theft."
- Medical Identity Theft
- From the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Insurance / Health Insurance
- Financial Ratings Series Online
- Topics include: Automobile Insurance, Elder Care Choices, Health Savings Accounts, Homeowners Insurance, Long-Term Care Insurance, Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage, Medicare Supplement Insurance, Term Life Insurance, Variable Annuities. Available in the library and to members of Thrall at home logging in with their library cards.
- Health Insurance
- Websites to help you learn about and compare health insurance plans in and beyond New York. Directory from the Thrall's Health information guide.
- Protect Yourself from Marketplace Fraud
- From Healtcare.gov.
See also the Health section in this guide
Job and Career
- InterJob Search
Law
- ABA Network - American Bar Association
- Site includes a major heading for Public Information including legal assistance and consumer publications. It is searchable by keyword or includes a comprehensive subject listing leading to relevant sites.
- Center for Responsive Politics
- Nonpartisan, searchable site which includes a lobbyist database, information on PACs, profiles of presidential candidates, links to politicians, political parties and more. Look up your Senator or Representative, search the White House, read articles or find out Primary dates.
- Consumer Law Resources
- From the Law resource web guide provided by Middletown Thrall Library.
Money & Investing
- Bankrate.com
- Mortgage news and rates, CD rates, auto loans, credit cards, and more.
- Commodity Futures Trading Commission
- Division of Enforcement investigates violations of the Commodity Exchange Act. Include consumer warnings. Information is available on the CFTC reparations program, areas of the relavent law, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses necessary to submit a complaint and how to find out if a firm has been found liable by the Commission.
- Consumer.gov
- Learn to keep your money and identity secure with the latest from the FTC, America's consumer protection agency.
- Federal Reserve Board
- Consumer information is available on vehicle leasing, home mortgages, credit cards, filing complaints about a bank and the Community Reinvestment Act. Also includes reports to Congress and links to related web sites, such as FDIC Consumer News.
- Money Matters
- Sections include: Scam Watch, Credit Cards, Managing Your Money, Dealing with Debt, Your Home, Jobs. From the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Also available in Spanish / Español.
- MyMoney.gov
- "MyMoney.gov is the U.S. government's website dedicated to teaching all Americans the basics about financial education. Whether you are buying a home, balancing your checkbook, or investing in your 401(k), the resources on MyMoney.gov can help you maximize your financial decisions. Throughout the site, you will find important information from 20 Federal agencies and Bureaus designed to help you make smart financial choices."
- U. S. Savings Bonds Online
- U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission
- "Its primary purpose is to provide the investing public with a reliable source of investment guidance, advice, and information so that they may make wise investing decisions." Includes information on securities fraud. Best known for the EDGAR Database of company financial filings. Also includes investor assistance and complaints.
See also our Investment and Personal Finance guide
Privacy Issues
- Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC)
- "EPIC is a public interest research center in Washington, D.C. It was established in 1994 to focus public attention on emerging civil liberties issues and to protect privacy, the First Amendment, and constitutional values."
- Privacy Law
- Websites from Thrall's Law resource web guide.
Records / Certificates / Social Security Cards
- Address Changes
- Address changes when you move - a one-stop site to change your address for the Post Office, driver's license, IRS, Social Security, veterans benefits and voter registration.
- How to Obtain Birth, Death, Marriage and Divorce Certificates
- Search alphabetically by State for information needed to request birth, death, marriage and divorce certificates. Includes fees and special notes.
- My Social Security
- At each stage of your life, my Social Security is for you. Your personal online my Social Security account is a valuable source of information beginning in your working years and continuing throughout the time you receive Social Security benefits.
- Social Security Administration (SSA): Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Recycling & Trading
General Information about Recycling
Local Recycling Information (Orange County and New York State)
Online Recycling Communities ("Free Recycling" / Gifts & Exchanges / Trading)
Seniors
- American Association of Retired Persons
- Serving the needs of people 50 and older through education, advocacy and community services. Site offers information on managed care, Social Security, reverse mortgages, financial planning and volunteer and community programs, independent living sites and special articles on issues such as learning about the Internet.
- Benefits Check Up: A Service of the National Council on Aging
- "Many older people need help paying for prescription drugs, health care, utilities and other basic needs. Ironically, millions of older Americans -especially those with limited incomes - are eligible for but not receiving benefits from existing federal, state and local programs. Ranging from heating and energy assistance to prescription savings programs to income supplements, there are many public programs available to seniors in need if they only knew about them and how to apply for them."
- Caregiver Resources & Long-Term Care
- Extensive listing of websites from various Federal agencies.
- Eldercare Locator
- Community Assistance for Seniors, search by type of service and geographical location. Sections include: "Locate Medicare Prescription Drug information and assistance in your community" and "Health Insurance Counseling" (option appears after you begin searching).
- Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) Program
- "A New York State sponsored prescription plan for senior citizens who need help paying for their prescriptions."
- Financial Ratings Series Online
- Provides individualized reports on how to pick the best Medigap plan and get the lowest premiums. Available in the library and to members of Thrall at home logging in with their library cards.
- National Clearinghouse for Long-Term Care Information
- "This web site was developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to provide information and resources to help you and your family plan for future long-term care (LTC) needs." Sections include: Definitions and Risks, Services and Providers, Costs and Paying, Planning Steps, Cost of Care, Public Programs, and Private Financing.
- Nursing Home Compare
- "To provide detailed information about the past performance of every Medicare and Medicaid certified nursing home in the country."
- Senior Guide to Fighting Fraud
- From the office of Minnesota's Attorney General Hubert Humphrey III, this site lists particular frauds and schemes directed toward seniors - how to tell if something is a fraud and what to do about it. Site includes a comprehensive guide to Seniors Legal Rights. PDF file: requires Acrobat Reader
- Social Security Administration (SSA): Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
See also: GovSites: Seniors
Shopping
Jump to:
Coupons - Tips and Advisories
- AdMongo.gov
- "This Federal Trade Commission campaign aims to educate tweens (kids ages 8 to 12) about advertising so they can become more discerning consumers of information. The goal of the campaign is to boost advertising literacy by: Raising awareness of advertising and marketing messages; Teaching critical thinking skills that will allow tweens to better analyze and interpret advertisements; Demonstrating the benefits of being an informed consumer." Includes information for parents and teachers.
- Coupons and Bargains
- Couponing 1010, tips on local bargains, Where to Find Coupons and more. From About.com.
- Coupon Information Center
- "The CIC (Coupon Information Corporation)provides education and current information to consumers on coupon misrepresentation and fraud."
- Safe Shopping
- "This informational site, created by the American Bar Association, will help you order safely when shopping online." Topics include: Security (Secure Internet Connections, Phone-In Option, Passwords, Viruses), Privacy, Sellers, Product ("What Are You Buying?"), Terms (Legal Terms, including Warranties and Disclaimers), Delivery, Records, and consumer complaints.
- Shopping Online
- Basic tips for online shoppers. From the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Coupons - Local Coupons and Special Offers
Shopping - Price Comparisons
- PriceGrabber.com
- "At PriceGrabber.com, savvy shoppers can instantly find and compare millions of unique products and services contained in 25 channels, such as Clothing, Babies & Kids, Books & Magazines, Cell Phones, Plans & Accessories, Computers, TV's, Furniture and Cameras. The website also offers shoppers the ability to view and compare over thousands of merchants and sellers and their respective pricing information for products and services, thereby enabling users to ultimately find the right product from the right merchant at the best price."
- Shopper.com
- "Shopper.com helps you find the right product at the right price when you're shopping online. Shopper.com has an extensive technology catalog, thousands of professional product reviews, user opinions, and the best prices for computers and consumer electronics." From CNET.
Shopping - Tips and Advisories
- Shopping and Saving
- Includes: Buying Plans, Clothing and Textiles, Home Improvement, Jewelry and Art, Legal Services, Travel, and Rights. From the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
- Shopping Safely Online
- How to shop safely online. From the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Also see the FTC's article Shopping Online.
- Shopping Tips
- From the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Shopping - Directories and Search Engines
Small Business
- USAGov for Small Business
- Annotation: Areas include Starting Your Own Business, Business Tax Information, Financing Your Business,State Business Resources, Importing and Exporting, and more.
Telecommunications
- Charges on Your Wireless Phonebill
- From the FCC. This site helps explain charges on your wireless phone bill.
- Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation (CALM) Act
- The Commission adopted rules on December 13, 2011 that require commercials to have the same average volume as the programs they accompany. The rules became effective on December 13, 2012, one year after the date of their adoption.
- Do Not Call Registry
- The New York State Do Not Call Law became effective in 2001, allowing consumers to place their home landline and personal mobile telephone numbers on one central national Registry to reduce the number of unsolicited telemarketing calls they receive. The New York State Department of State's Division of Consumer Protection enforces the New York State Do Not Call Law. In 2003, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) collaborated to create the National Do Not Call program and Registry. Consumers may register on either site: New York State Consumer Protection Do Not Call Registry or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
- Federal Communications Commission (FCC) - File a Complaint
- Includes complaint forms and instructions for experiencing issues in the following categories: Television, Telephone, Internet, Radio, Access for People with Disabilities, and Emergency Communications.
- Federal Communications Commission (FCC) - For Consumers
- Find answers to your questions on Internet, radio, satellite Dish, telephone, cellular phone and TV and cable broadcast. File a complaint.
- Lifeline Program for Low-Income Consumers
- "Since 1985, the Lifeline program has provided a discount on phone service for qualifying low-income consumers to ensure that all Americans have the opportunities and security that phone service brings, including being able to connect to jobs, family and emergency services. Lifeline is part of the Universal Service Fund. The Lifeline program is available to eligible low-income consumers in every state, territory, commonwealth, and on Tribal lands. From FCC.
See also:
- New York State Lifeline Discounted Telephone Service
- "New York State Lifeline Discounted Telephone Service is an assistance program offered by many telephone providers, including some wireless and cable companies, to help income-eligible consumers save money on their phone bills."
- SafeLink Wireless
- "SafeLink Wireless is a government supported program that provides a free cell phone and airtime each month for income-eligible customers."
- Stop Unwanted Robocalls and Texts
- From the FCC.
- Telemarketing Scams
- Topics include: Signs of a Telemarketing Scam, How They Hook You, Why They're Calling You, and How to Handle an Unexpected Sales Call.From the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Travel
- Aviation Consumer Protection
- "Consumer protection compliance and enforcement activities relate to areas such as unfair and deceptive practices and unfair competition by air carriers and travel agents, deceptive airline advertising (e.g., fare, on-time performance, schedule, code sharing, etc.), and violations of rules concerning denied boarding compensation, ticket refunds, baggage liability requirements, and charter flights."
- Cheap Tickets Inc.
- Includes flights, car rentals, hotels, cruises and more. Register is required.
- Currency Rates and Information
- Up to date foreign exchange rates. Access current and historical rates for all the world's currencies, and four metals.
- FAA - Air Traffic
- Check here for flight information including airport status and delays; includes links to airports, regulations, aircraft and training.
- Health Information for International Travel
- Site lists disease outbreaks, sanitation inspection of cruise ships, immunization recommendations and food and water precautions.
- National Traffic and Road Closure Information
- Click on a State and get road conditions, weather alerts, construction sites and more. Follow your travel route, even includes some real time camera views!
- Passport/Visa Services
- Download an application, read information about lost or stolen passports, go to links for visas and vital records. List passport agencies.
- Transportation Security Administration: For Travelers
- Includes travel tips, wait times, prohibited items, FAQs and more.
- Travel Warnings
- U. S. Department of State recommends that Americans avoid travel to certain countries due to terrorist threats or local conditions. Site has Consular Information Sheets with location of embassies, health conditions, security information and more.
Websites
- Common Sense Media: Websites
- Website reviews and recommendations for families / parents / guardians.
- SiteJabber
- Described as "a consumer protection service which helps people avoid fraudulent websites." You can read reviews posted by other people or submit reviews of your own as a member of the SiteJabber community. Community members and their reviews are rated (please see their Authority FAQ for more details).
