Car Manufacturers

Car Manufacturers

Most foreign and American car manufacturers have national or
regional offices which handle consumer complaints not resolved by
your local car dealer. The list of "Car Manufacturers" begins on
page 59.

Better Business Bureaus

There are approximately 63 Better Business Bureaus (BBBs) in the
United States. These bureaus are non-profit organizations,
sponsored by private local businesses. They offer a variety of
services. These services include general information on products
or services, reliability reports, background information on local
businesses and organizations, and records of a company's
complaint-handling performance.

The Council of Better Business Bureaus, which is sponsored by
national companies, also offers consumer education programs and
reports on charitable organizations. The address for the council
and a list of BBBs operating in the United States begin on page 63.


Trade Association and Other Dispute Resolution Programs

There are nearly 40,000 trade and professional associations in the
United States, representing a variety of interests (for example,
banking, insurance, clothing manufacturing) and
professions (for example, accountants, lawyers, doctors,
therapists).

Some of these associations and their members have established
programs to help consumers with complaints not resolved at the
point of purchase.

Trade associations have various consumer functions, which are
described in National Trade & Professional Associations of the
United States. Check your local library for this book and
related sources of help.

A list of "Trade Association and Other Dispute Resolution
Programs" begins on page 67.

State, County and City Government Consumer Offices

State and local consumer protection offices can help you resolve
consumer complaints and provide you with consumer education
information. These agencies might mediate complaints, conduct
investigations, prosecute offenders of consumer laws, license and
regulate professions, promote strong consumer protection
legislation, provide educational materials and advocate in the
consumer interest. It is important to report complaints and
suspected frauds and misrepresentations to these governmental
agencies. Consumer complaints form the basis of most consumer
protection law enforcement actions.

If you want to file a complaint, call your local consumer
protection office to learn what you need to do. A list of state,
county and city government consumer protection offices begins on
page 70.

Many states also have special commissions and agencies to handle
consumer questions and complaints about aging, banks, insurance,
utilities, vocational and rehabilitation services, weights and
measures, and securities. These agencies are listed separately,
beginning on page 83.

In addition, a variety of other helpful community services might be
available in your area. For example, county and state
Cooperative Extension Services offer information about health,
safety, product comparisons, financial planning and nutritional
needs. Information about these and other state and local
services can be found at your library and in the telephone
directory in the city, municipal, county or state government
listings.

Selected Federal Agencies

Many Federal government agencies can help you with consumer
questions and complaints. A number of these agencies have
enforcement authority and/or complaint-handling responsibilities.
The Federal agencies listed, beginning on page 105, respond to
consumer complaints and inquiries.

A list of Federal agencies with Telecommunications Devices for the
Deaf (TDDs) begins on page 111.

Military Commissary and Exchange Contacts

Interested consumers will find a list of "Military Commissary and
Exchange Contacts" on page 102. The list includes the regional
offices and headquarters for all the Armed Forces Exchanges and
Commissaries.

Other Sources of Help

Libraries

The local library can be a good source of help. Many of the
publications mentioned in this Handbook can be found in public
libraries. Some university and other private libraries also allow
individuals to use their reference materials. Check your local
telephone directory for the location of nearby libraries. Media
Programs

Local newspapers and radio and television stations often have
"Action Line" or "Hot Line" services. These programs might be able
to help consumers with their problems. Sometimes these programs,
because of their influence in the community, are
successful in helping to resolve consumer complaints. Some action
lines select only the most severe problems or those that occur most
frequently. They might not be able to handle every complaint.

To find these services, check with your local newspapers, radio and
television stations, or local library.

Occupational and Professional Licensing Boards

Many state agencies license or register members of various
professions, including doctors, plumbers, electricians, car repair
shops, employment agencies, beauticians, and television and radio
repair shops. In some states, local consumer agencies license or
register some professions.

In addition to setting licensing standards, these boards also issue
rules and regulations; prepare and give examinations; issue, deny
or revoke licenses; bring disciplinary actions; and handle consumer
complaints.

Many boards have referral services or consumer education
materials to help you select a professional. If you have a
complaint and contact a licensing agency, the agency will contact
the professional on your behalf. If necessary, they might
conduct an investigation and take disciplinary action against the
professional. This action can include probation or license
suspension or revocation.

To find the local office of an occupational or professional
licensing board, check your local telephone directory under the
headings of "Licensing Boards" or "Professional Associations," or
look for the name of the individual agency. If you need help
locating the right office, contact your state or local consumer
office.