Consumer Law Info
Avoiding Investment Fraud: Don't Get Taken
It is a fact that any investments involve a certain degree of risk. So how does an individual avoid being taken in by a fraudulent investment adviser? There are some principles if followed that can minimize the risk of loss to an investor....Read more about Investment Fraud.
Public Education Program Focusing on Child and Family Rights
- American Association for Justice Keep Our Families Safe Campaign
Keep Our Families Safe is a national volunteer campaign to provide public education focused on family and child rights, safety and health. Some of the programs include a People's Law School where a Lawyer-instructor volunteer provides 6-8 weeks of instruction discussing practical topics for a $5 fee and AAJ's Safety for Seniors Program which is designed to bring information to today's elderly.
Consumer Law Information Centers and Advocates
- American Association for Justice
Formerly Association of Trial Lawyers of America
AAJ offers CLE programs, data bases which include Depositions, Court Documents, Abstracts, etc., a consumer section that follows litigation in several areas. Membership in AAJ allows access to expanded areas. - Avoiding Fraud When Buying Long-Term Care Insurance: A Guide For Consumers
and Their Families
This article gives advice regarding Long-Term Care Insurance. It discusses coverage available, who offers long-term policies, who should buy it, cost of a policy, considerations, and the possibility of fraud. Addendums have been added to this article through July 2000. - Bankrate - Consumer Banking & Credit Information
Information about mortgage rates, rates available for checking and savings, CD rates, IRAs, MMAs, MMMFs, Home equity loan rates, credit cards, insurance and college finance along with general news and advice. Calculators are available on most pages to help with comparisons in rates. - Better Contractors Bureau (National Org)
This non-profit consumer protection agency was formed in 1974. Advice general home issues, Contractor advice for Seniors, and information about the organization. There is also a complaint section to help with resolution of workmanship complaints involving contractors in New York if the issue has not already entered legal channels. - Better Business Bureau of America (National Org)
Reliability reports about businesses within a certain geographic area, Reports on hundreds of national charities that include information about their finances along with an evaluation by the Better Business Bureau, an online complaint form for business, LemonLaw/Auto Warranty, and ID Theft. - The Bureau of Consumer Protection
This section of the Federal Trade Commission site is meant to provide information and links that help the consumer in dealing with unfair or fraudulent practices. Links to the various divisions in the consumer protection section are provided. The Consumer Information Section provides publications with advice to the consumer that is meant to educate the consumer. - Clearinghouse to Assist With Claim issues
Provides information about auto claims, homeowner claims, medical claims, worker's comp. and unemployment claims, and claims regarding unclaimed property. Links are also provided for state specific information and current claims headlines. - Coalition Against Insurance Fraud
Provides information about state fraud laws, current anti-fraud legislation being considered, debated or enacted, current news about fraud schemes, model bills and a search tool for fraud information in specific states. - Consumer Action and Information Center of Hawaii
Although intended to help the consumers of Hawaii, most of the information provided is helpful for consumers everywhere. Telemarketing fraud tips, health issues, home purchase problems, sexual harassment in the workplace, car problems and basic consumer tips are areas discussed. - Consumer Action Org
A non-profit membership-based organization. Hotline Alerts, Consumer Action Newsletter, articles about consumer issues, links to consumer resources and multi-lingual publications are a few of the services offered. - Consumer Action Website
The Federal Citizen Information Center. Information is provided on a number of consumer topics including, but not limited to telemarketing, identity theft, automobiles, banking, credit, employment food, health care, insurance, investing, TV and the internet. Help for filing a complaint, a resource directory and a free consumer action handbook are also available. - Consumer Affairs
Provides up-to-date consumer news, recall information, small claims guide, lemon law information, and consumer resources. - Consumer Credit (FTC)
This Federal Trade Commissions site has consumer information on buying and selling realestate, credit cards and consumer loans, credit reports, ID theft, debt, and mortgages. - Consumer Federation of America
Offers press releases and studies that deal with communications, energy, finance, food and agriculture, health and safety, housing and air travel. - Consumer Information Center
National Contact Center information. A toll free number is provided for consumers with questions about Federal programs or services. - The Consumer Law Center at Findlaw
This FindLaw site offers information for the public on accidents, injuries, bankruptcy, car accidents, criminal law, DUI, DWI, Divorce estate planning, real estate and more. Each area then is linked to subcategories and articles for each of the subcategories. - The Consumer Law Page
Almost 200 articles dealing with personal injury, Vioxx news, vehicles, insurance, sexual harassment, toxic chemical injuries and traumatic brain injuries. - Consumer Price Index
Data updated monthly. Information on prices consumers paid for medical services, food, and energy. Price index information for regions and select metro areas. An inflation calculator is also available. -
New York City Department of Consumer Affairs
Provides information for New York City about Licenses, general business information, complaint procedures, free publications to help consumers and businesses, and a summary of New York City's Consumer Protection Law. There are also abstracts explaining Department of Consumer Affairs initiatives that benefit consumers and businesses. - Consumer Reports Magazine on-line
Provides ratings and recommendations for a variety of consumer products. While a subscription is necessary to access some information and to view detailed reports, other informational articles are available free. - Consumer Rights Law Firm Maintained Site
The library contains current news and articles dealing with consumer rights issues. - Consumers Union
A non-profit organization, publisher of Consumer Reports, Consumer Reports.org, Consumer Reports on Health and Consumer Reports Money Adviser. Consumer issues in health care, phones and media, money, product safety, food labeling and food safety. Safety alerts are included as well as links to contact you congressman on current consumer issues. - Consumer World Organization
Price checker allows the user to compare an items price at different online stores. A variety of consumer tips are given: cellphone use overseas, mattress buying, a mouse print section with rotating articles and a bargain of the week section. - Consumer Reports.org (Subscription Service)
Consumer information is available to the subscriber for cars, appliances, electronics, computers, home and garden, health and fitness, personal finance, travel, food and other areas of consumer interest. - Demutualization Blog
This blog deals with Metlife Policyholders' class action taken against Metlife. It explains the complex litigation charges that were a result of the change from a mutual life insurance company to a stock insurance company. - E.B.Williams Law Library Consumer Law Page
503 links to consumer resources available in the Georgetown Law Library. - eConsumer.Gov - eCommerce Consumer Protection
A joint project between agencies from 20 different countries dealing with consumer protection and consumer complaints cross-border. Available in English, Spanish, German, or French. - Electronic Privacy Information Center
A public interest and research center dealing with civil liberties and privacy issues. A list of litigation sponsored by EPIC is available along with news releases about current privacy issues being challenged by EPIC. - Endfraud.com - securities class actions
Explanations of Securities Fraud and Class Actions are given. Recently filed securities class actions lawsuits are listed. A form to report fraud is provided. - FamiliesUSA: The Voice for Health Care Consumers
Provides articles in the areas of Medicaid, children's health, medicare, prescription drugs, the uninsured, private insurance, minority health and global health. The resource center has news, publications, specific state information, links to the Medicaid and Medicare Centers, and links to research/advocacy organizations. - FAMSA Funeral Consumers Alliance
Provides information about preplanning/prearranging funerals, a nationwide directory of Affiliated Funeral Consumer Information Groups, issues of social concern, news and consumer alerts across the country, state specific regulations governing funerals and funeral homes and more. - Federal Citizen Information Center
Consumer information books are offered dealing with cars, computers, housing money, small business, travel, and more. These books are no more than $1 and many are free. Resources to help the consumer with questions or problems, recalls, scams and frauds are also provided. - FCC Telephone Issues Consumer Information
News releases and statements dealing with FCC inquiries, rulings and classifications are provided - Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights
Articles dealing with consumer rights and healthcare, insurance, corporate accountability, medical malpractice, energy, citizen advocacy, current legal projects being developed by FTCR. A consumer complaint form is available to provide input for future projects or litigation. This is not a form that one would use for immediate resolution of a problem. Many articles deal with consumer issues in California. - Federal Government Consumer Information
Links are provided to articles that deal with food nutrition and safety, product safety, health articles including elder care and exercise, insurance, travel health, crime watch, product recalls, banking, credit, investor education and more. - Internet Crime Complaint Center
This website accepts online internet crime complaints. Find internet crime prevention tips as well as internet crime schemes. - FTC Consumer Protection Information
Consumer information in the areas of automobiles, credit, diet, health & fitness, e-commerce, energy, environment, business opportunities, investments, privacy, scholarships, telemarketing, telephone services, tobacco and travel is meant to educate the consumer and help them avoid scams and rip-offs. - Funerals: A Consumer's Guide
This guide provides a check list of items one should fill in with price charged when planning a funeral. Different types of funerals, funeral provider, the extent of services provided effect the cost of a funeral and are discussed. Licensing board contact information for some states is also included. - A Guide to Small Claims Court, By Judges Kaye and Lippman
This Guide is written specifically for New York Small Claims Court.Information provided would help with the type of questions one would need to ask if they were dealing with a small claims issue in another state. - Homeowners Against Deficient Dwellings
Articles include mold-health, predatory lending, and manufactured homes. A form is available to file a complaint and a database to search for complaints about builders is also available. Websites of homeowners who have experienced difficulties with their builders can be accessed. - Household HSBC Watch
Complaints and difficulties dealint with HSBC credit card are discussed. Form complaint letters are provided. - Identity Theft Website from US Gov
Identifies state by state identity theft trends for 2002-2005. Links are provided to file a comlaint, information about ID theft, press releases and FTC ID theft data. - Insure Com
Consumer Insurance Information. Get quotes on car insurance, life insurance, health insurance, home & renter's insurance, dental plan quotes, long-term care insurance, travel insurance, business insurance, and motorcycle insurance. - Inventor Fraud Prevention and Disclosure Site
The National Inventor Fraud Center provides information about invention promotion companies and tips are given to the inventor about steps to follow. Some invention marketing companies are listed in a "Good Guys" section and links are provided to other sources that might be of value to an inventor. - Joint Economic Committee
A synopsis of the latest Press Releases made by the JEC. LInks are provided to IMF & International Economic Policy, Federal Reserve Policy & Inflation targeting, taxation, federal expenditures, energy, Insurance & Tort Reform, and ecomonic conditions as well as links to Hearings, upcoming events and economic indicators. - Mistakes to Avoid Before You Hire a Lawyer, How to Hire the "Right"
Lawyer
Advice is given about the selection process to follow, questions to ask, where to look, understanding the fee agreement, and the importance of creating a working relationship. - Mouse print.org
Focuses on the fine print in ads (mouse print). Has various ad categories and links to Advertising law. - National Association of Attorneys General
This site explains the purpose of the Association and the responsibilities of an Attorney General. Attorney General contact information for the States and territories is also provided. - National Association of Consumer Advocates
Consumer Rights news articles as well as informational articles dealing with Auto Fraud, binding mandatory arbitration, credit reporting problems, debt collection abuse, identity theft, lemon law, military consumer rights, predatory lending practices, and student loans. - National Association of Insurance Commissioners
Links to Department of Insurance Web sites, a National Portal that allows searches for regulatory insurance information, a variety of consumer alerts. Complaints against individual insurance companies can be filed or searched and a link to provide online fraud reporting is provided. - National Consumer Forum
A non-profit organization promoting consumer rights in South Africa. -
National Consumer Fraud Reporting Site
An FTC Consumer Complaint Form is provided. This form can be submitted with a complaint about a particular company or organization. Links are also provided to submit complaints about violation of National Do Not Call Registry, Identity Theft, and online transactions that involve a foreign company. - National Consumer Law Center, Inc.
Provides, helpful publications, articles and information helpful to both the consumer and attorney dealing with consumer issues."- Consumer Info for Seniors
A links to newsletters and pdf's for the older consumer, advocates and service providers - Homeownership and Consumer Credit
Special Reports for the consumer dealing with bankruptcy, credit cards, student loans, foreclosure prevention, bounce loans, credit counseling and more.
- Consumer Info for Seniors
- National Consumer Law Center, Inc.
Publications Available - National Consumer Organizations
A List of over 25 national consumer organizations with contanct information. - National Consumer Organizations
Compiled by the Federal Citizen Information Center, this list of over 30 National Consumer Organizations has contact information for the organizations as well as mission statements for each organization. - National Consumers League
Mobile commerce is discussed with explanations and warnings. Information about other consumer issues include health, telemarketing & internet fraud, money & credit, finances, workers' rights, safety & nutrition, technology, utilities, privacy, et. al. - National Council Against Health Fraud
Most articles on this site are were written in 2003 or earlier. Their Consumer Health Digest Archives are updated weekly. Position papers on acupuncture, amalgam fillings, chiropractic, herbal remedies, homeopathy, diet and criminal behavior, and diploma mills are available. - National Fraud Information Center
Information about telemarketing fraud, internet fraud, elder fraud, sacms agains businesses, counterfeit drugs and current news about fraud. If you have been a victim of telemarketing or internet fraud an online incident report form is provided as well as a telephone number. - Prime rate, Fed funds, COFI
Bankrate.com provides updated prime rate, fed funds, COFI. Information is given for the current week, one month ago and a year ago for comparison. -
Yahoo! Recall Information
Links to articles in the Yahoo News directory that deal with product recall. - Public Citizen
There are 6 public citizen divisions: Auto safety, congress watch, energy program, global trade watch, helath research group, and litigation group. Each division on this website has articles and news releases that track current issues. - Quackwatch - Health Fraud, Quackery Information
Articles dealing with questionable products, services and theories, questionable advertisement, Nonrecommended sources of health advice, consumer protection, health promotion, tips for provider selection, and disease management. A list of other recommended links is also included. - ScamFraudAlert.com
A forum that requires registration before posting. Topics deal with internet security, internet scams, fraud, and consumer alerts. - Public Justice
Public Justice formerly Trial Lawyers for Public Justice has developed a database for public interest advocates that can be searched by state.Information about publications, key cases, and briefs & documents is available. News articles following Public Justice accomplishments are also included. - Washington LawHelp Consumer Information
Self Help Information is provided in 14 different areas: family law, housing, consumer & debt, government benefits, aging/elder law, immigration, civil rights, criminal, Native American issues, employment/farm worker rights, youth law & education, health, domestic violence, antiharassment, housing. A search tool is also provided to help find an attorney who specializes in the consumer's area of interest and the consumer's geographic area. - World Advocacy
Listing of over 50 Advocacy Groups with a short synopsis of the groups mission and contact information.
Consumer Protection Laws
- Consumer Handbook to Credit Protection Laws
Articles explaining the cost of credit, applying for credit, how to build credit histories, electronic fund transfers, how to file a credit complaint. A glossary of terms used when discussing the various forms of credit, consumer pamphlets available, a directory of Federal Reserve Banks and Federal banking agencies are also included. - Consumer Information: Florida Attorney General's Office
A consumer protection page provided by the Office of the Attorney General of Florida. Links to articles dealing with consumer issues including economic crimes, antitrust, identity theft, lemon law, and more. - Consumer Information: New Jersey's Attorney General's Office
The New Jersey Office of Consumer Protection provides information about automobile leasing, charities and fund-raisers, e-commerce, Halal Food, Home improvement contractors, identity theft, Kosher food, Lemon law, public movers and telemarketers specific to New Jersey. Online complaint forms are also provided. - Consumer Information: Washington State's Attorney General's Office
Articles about Antitrust/Unfair Trade Practices, Consumer alerts specific for the state of Washington, Internet Safety, Lemon Law, tabacco, regulated utilities, and a variety of consumer issues (cellular phones, charities, contractors, credit, disputes, health clubs, internet safety, junk mail, et.al.) - Consumer Protection Laws
This article explains consumer protection laws that protect against deceptive advertising and pricing. Links are also provided articles that discuss patents, copyright & art, wills & estate planning, property & money, business & human resources, rights of renters, employees and consumers. -
Consumer Product Safety Act
October 2008 Version of this Act compiled by CPSC staff. - Department of Consumer Protection for the State of Connecticut
An extensive list of consumer topics most frequently raised by callers to the Department. The process for filing a consumer complaint in the state of Connecticut is also explained - Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
Enacted Sept. 30, 1996 this Act is available in PDF form here. Staff Commentary and Staff opinion letters are also available. - Fair Credit Reporting Act
As amended Oct. 13, 2006, full text is available in PDF form as is the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003. -
Florida Lemon Law (Defective Cars)
Florida specific information about the lemon law and a list of FAQ. - Maryland's Lemon Laws (Defective Cars)
Maryland's Lemon Law is explained step by step. - Statutes Relating to Consumer Protection Mission (FTC)
A synopsis of different sections to Title 15 as they relate to consumer protection and links to their full copy. A link to the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 and a summary of this is Act is also provided. - Kids.gov
The Federal Citizen Information Center has developed this as the Official Kids' Portal for the US Government. Information is presented, often in game or puzzle format, about a variety of kid topics. -
An international nonprofit organization focusing on the prevention of childhood injury. This site links to each of the member countries web sites.
Government Actions
- FTC lawsuits(pdf)
This 109 page Quarterly Federal Court Litigation Status Report was published Dec. 31, 2006 and lists summaries of cases. -
Florida AG Active public consumer-related investigations
A listing of commercial enterprises that have active consumer related investigations. The case number, subject of investigation, address, business, and allegation are available.
Bank Regulation/Complaints
- Bank Regulation
Available on Wikipedia, banking regulations are listed. Some of the regulations have a short explanation after them. - Chase Manhattan Bank Complaints
Consumer reviews for Chase Manhattan Bank and credit card problems that were not resolved to the consumer's satisfaction. - Consumer Bank Complaints
A list of over 20 banks with links to consumer complaints. - Federal Deposit Insurance Corp
Information about deposit insurance, consumer protection resources, and an industry analysis. Links to explanations of laws and regulations and FDIC examinations are also available. - Federal Reserve Board
Links to Banking information and regulations. - How to File a Consumer Complaint About a Bank
The Federal Reserve Board provides a step by step procedure explaining what you should do if you find it necessary to file a complaint about a bank or other financial institution. - US Bank Complaints
A list of complaints banking consumers have had with US Bank/USBancorp that cover a wide variety of topics.
Consumer Complaints/ Internet Sites
- Complaints.com - Consumers in Control
This site offers consumers a chance to post complaints and share personal consumer experiences. Your complaints are posted for other consumers and web visitors to view. Complaints can be searched using company name, product details or by dates. - Call For Action, Inc. (CFA)
Find Consumer Help publications and projects, consumer tips taken from weekly reports, and a network of consumer hotlines. CFA is an "international, nonprofit network" that assists individuals and small businesses. Call For Action reports 90% case resolution.
Public Insurance Adjusters/Government Actions
- National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters
The role of a public adjuster (who is retained by the policy holder) is explained and a search tool for finding public adjusters in specific states is included. - Insurance Information Institute
An explanation of a public adjuster is given and what you should consider when you decide to hire a public adjuster.