HELPFUL CONSUMER LINKS

Federal Government

Consumer Information Center - online catalog of consumer information.

Consumer Product Safety Commission - consumer product recall information.

Federal Trade Commission - information on identity theft and consumer scams, online complaint form.

Federal Communications Commission - information on phone and wireless service, online complaint form.

Federal Reserve Board - information about credit cards, home mortgages and car leasing.

Food and Drug Administration - recalls and warnings of tainted food and drugs.

EPA - fuel economy ratings for new vehicles.

Internet Crime Complaint Center - online complaint form for reporting Internet fraud.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration - auto safety recall information.

Securities and Exchange Commission

U.S. Department of Agriculture - food safety warnings and information.

State Government

Attorney General - Consumer Protection Division - variety of consumer topics, press releases, Health advocacy, list of registered home builders.

Cooperative Extension Service - home and garden information center.

DLLR - Occupational & Professional Licensing - check licensing status of home improvement contractors, handles complaints.

Maryland Insurance Division - insurance information, consumer publications, handles complaints about car and health insurance.

Maryland Office of Cemetery Oversight - handles complaints against cemeteries, information on monument and funeral purchases.

Secretary of State - Charities Division - list of registered charities, tips on charitable giving.

Consumer Organizations and Other Helpful Sites

American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) - consumer and health information and fraud alerts.

American Bar Association - common sense tips for Internet shopping.

American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) - travel information and resources, scam alerts.

Better Business Bureau - Baltimore area or nationwide - check complaint histories.

Consumer World - catalog of consumer resources and news.

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety - vehicle crash worthiness ratings.

National Fraud Information Center - tips on protecting yourself against telemarketing and Internet Fraud.

National Association of Securities Dealers - check out securities firms and brokers.

Privacy Rights Clearinghouse - information on privacy rights, opt-out notification forms.

QuackWatch - information about fraudulent health remedies and scams.