Middletown Thrall Library Internet Resource Guide: Consumer Information

General Consumer Information

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.
Consumer Action Handbook (current edition): Online full text version available in .pdf, .htm and ASCII format. "Thousands of names, addresses, telephone numbers and electronic addresses of corporations, trade groups, state and local consumer protection offices and Federal agencies." Also, how to write a complaint letter, consumer tips and toll free numbers. (Adobe Reader required to view PDF documents.)
Consumer Information Catalog - Pueblo: Full text versions of federal consumer publications organized by subject. Order or download a catalog.
Consumer Reports Online: Some current articles and alerts available for viewing. Access to product safety and evaluations require a subscription.
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
Google Catalogs: Search the catalog database for images of the actual catalogs plus links to the catalog site. Catalogs are submitted by publishers or can be recommended by consumers. The library does not endorse any of the catalogs shown.
US Consumer Gateway: Provides links to federal information sites covering consumer issues under categories such as food, health, home, transportation, children, product safety, money, education and more. Good general site.

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Agencies & Organizations

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.

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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.

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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.
New York State Consumer Protection Board: File a complaint online, read the Consumer Guide to Vehicle Leasing, check out recalls, alerts and consumer tips. Includes hot issues and brochures as well as providing links to other consumer sites. Clear nicely done site.
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.

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Consumer Information by Topic

+ Automotive
+ Classifieds
+ Computers
+ Credit
+ Elections
+ Energy
+ Freedom of Information

+ Health
+ Insurance
+ Job & Career
+ Law
+ Money & Investing
+ Privacy Issues
+ Recalls (Food / Products)

+ Records & Certificates
+ Recycling & Trading
+ Social Security Cards
+ Seniors
+ Telecommunications
+ Travel

Auto

Autotropolis.com: "Autotropolis.com is dedicated to consumers who are researching and buying new or used vehicles. The site provides interactive tools for car shoppers to complete their research. Some of the features include Autotropolis.com's True Internet Price information, a new-vehicle ranking system designed to fit model desires, interactive forums, frequently updated blogs, car-buying advice and much more."
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.
U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Automobiles: Some documents in PDF format require the Adobe Reader. Some documents are also available in Spanish:

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.

Automobiles: Financing, Leasing, or Renting

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.

Automobiles and Automotive 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.

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
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."

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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")
New York Times Classifieds
Times Herald-Record: Classifieds

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Computers

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".
"Social Networking Sites: A Parent's Guide": From the FTC. (PDF file: requires Acrobat Reader)
"Social Networking Sites: Safety Tips for Tweens and Teens": From the FTC. (PDF file: requires Acrobat Reader)

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Credit

AnnualCreditReport.com: AnnualCreditReport.com is the official site to help consumers to obtain their free credit report.
CardRatings.com: A comprehensive site, useful for comparing credit cards and explaining numerous credit issues.
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.
Federal Reserve Board - Consumer Credit: Web articles for Consumers, including: "5 Tips for Getting the Most from Your Credit Card," "5 Tips for Improving Your Credit Score," "Choosing a Credit Card," "Consumer Handbook to Credit Protection Laws," "Your Credit Report: What it Says about You."
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.

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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 2008: Thrall information guide about the 2008 U.S. Presidential election. Contains websites about major parties, issues, voter registration, news, the 2008-2009 Presidential Transition, and more.

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Energy

Consumer Energy Information - EREN: Energy efficiency and renewable energy network from the Department of Energy. 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.
Energy Guide: Complete resource for free, unbiased advice about today's energy choices. Find gas and electricity values in your area and learn about energy efficient products.
Federal Weatherization Assistance Program: The program provides help to low-income families in making their homes more energy efficient.

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Environment

EPA for the Concerned Citizen: Gateway to issues about home, school, work and community, including air and water quality, chemical exposure searchable by zip code, regulations. Provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
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

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Freedom of Information

Using the New York State Freedom of Information Law: Although created by the NYCOSH website, the basics for submitting or appealing a FOIL request in NYS are included.
Freedom of Information, Privacy Act and Web Inventories: Agencies' priorities and schedules for posting information. - includes overviews and FAQs

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Health

Health A to Z - Consumer Health: Keywords searchable, providing connections to articles, advocacy and support groups, consulting, institutes and organizations, journals, mailing lists, newsgroups and products and services.
Health Privacy Project: Includes "Plain English" explanations of individual rights under the Privacy Laws, links to summaries of State health privacy statutes, resources, articles and more user-friendly and understandable.
Healthfinder: 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."
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.
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.
MedWatch: The FDA Safety Information and Adverse EventRreporting Program (includes drugs and medical devices)
New York State Attorney General's Office Prescription Drug Price Website: "On this site, you can now search and compare the prices for 150 commonly prescribed drugs that state law requires pharmacies to disclose to you upon request."
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."

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Insurance

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.
Insurance News Network: Provides access to information on health, auto, home and life insurance. Includes free quotes, articles on recent issues, ratings from Standard and Poors and a glossary of terms.

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Job and Career

InterJob Search

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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.
Consumer Law Page: Includes articles, free consumer brochures and other Internet resources. Offers referral services throughout the US. Subjects range from personal injuries, defective products, financial fraud, to class action suits and more. Site is searchable.

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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 Information Brochures: From the Federal Reserve Board - includes information on credit cards, mortgages, vehicle leasing, home equity, checks and more
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.
Investments and Business Opportunities: Investment Schemes: Includes information on day trading, multilevel marketing plans, investing risks, and buying franchises. From the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Some documents in PDF format require the Adobe Reader. Some documents are also available in Spanish.
Looking for the Best Mortgage: From the Federal Reserve Board
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.
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.

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Privacy Issues

Federal Citizen Information Center (FCIC) - Privacy Resources: Includes Children's Online Privacy Protection Act, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, Consumer Privacy Guide, Electronic Privacy Information Center, and more.
Privacy Law: Websites from Thrall's Law resource web guide.

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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.
Social Security - Top 10 Services: Learn how to replace, correct or change your name on your Social Security card, compute benefits, request a Personal Earnings and Benefit Estimate Statement online or contact a local office.

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Recycling & Trading

General Information about Recycling

Earth911: "Find recycling centers and learn how to recycle."
Going Green: Recycling: A directory of recycling information on the web.
Going Green: Waste: A directory of recycling information on the web

Local Recycling Information (Orange County and New York State)

New York State: Information on Recycling Used Electronics: From the New York State Government website.
New York State: Learn about Recycling: From the New York State Government website.
Orange County, New York Recycling Information: Household Hazardous Waste Days, Notices of Collection Events, Rates

Online Recycling Communities ("Free Recycling" / Gifts & Exchanges / Trading)

Freecycle.org: "Our mission is to build a worldwide gifting movement that reduces waste, saves precious resources & eases the burden on our landfills while enabling our members to benefit from the strength of a larger community." Search for or browse local groups by state/county. (Please read their Terms of Service / Disclaimer)
FreeUse.org: "Our goal is to reduce waste by connecting people (via the power of the Internet) who would otherwise throw away unwanted items with others seeking those same items."
Sharing Is Giving: "This site of group links was made in the love of the idea that we can make a difference in our communities as freecyclers. What are freecyclers you may ask. Freecyclers are folks that have used items that are not being used that are just to good for the landfills. These folks post the items on a freecycling group such as Sharing Is Giving and freecycle it to a neighbor." (Please read their disclaimer.)
Swaptree.com: Books, Music, Movies, Video Games: A place where various items can be traded with other persons. (Please read their Terms of Service)

See also the Classifieds section in this guide.

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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.
Eldercare, Disability and Long Term Care Information: Orange County, New York - Office for the Aging On-line Resource Directory for long term care services and programs.
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."
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

See also: GovSites: Seniors

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Telecommunications

Charges on Your Wireless Phonebill: From the FCC. This site helps explain charges on your wireless phone bill.
TV Converter Box Coupon Program: Provided by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce.
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 and Link-up: "Telephone service is considered a necessity for daily modern life. Yet the cost of starting and maintaining such service may be too high for some consumers. Under Congressional mandate, the federal Universal Service Fund (USF) supports the Lifeline Assistance and Link-Up America programs. These programs provide discounts on basic monthly service and initial installation or activation fees for telephone service at the primary residence to income-eligible consumers. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), with the help of the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), administers the USF."
National Do Not Call Registery
New York State Consumer Protection Board "Do Not Call" Telemarketing Registry: Pre-register to block telemarketers.
SafeLink Wireless: "SafeLink Wireless is a government supported program that provides a free cell phone and airtime each month for income-eligible customers."
TRAC: Telecommunications Research & Action Center: How to file a complaint with the FCC, choosing long distance plans, compare wireless plans, and the latest news in telecommunications.
"Unwanted Faxes: What Can You Do": from the FTC

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Travel

Cheap Tickets Inc.: Includes flights, car rentals, hotels, cruises and more. Register is required.
Currency Rates and Information: Up-to-date foreign exchange rates. Enter any dollar amount to convert to one of 164 foreign currencies. Includes explanation of results.
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: Travelers & Consumers - Air Travel: 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.