Table of Contents

Table of Contents


Acknowledgments iv

Using this Handbook 1
What's in the Handbook 1
Other Sources of Help 2
Other Consumer Information 4

Part I. Buying Smart 5
Protecting Yourself 5
Red Flags of Fraud 6
Complaining Effectively 6
Writing a Complaint Letter 7
Sample Complaint Letter 8
Consumer Tips 9
Car Repair, Purchase, Renting and Other Concerns 9
Mail Order 12
Mail Fraud 13
Telemarketing 13
Calls That Cost: 900 Numbers and Other Pay-Per-Call Services 14
Door-to-Door Sales 15
Home Improvement 16
Home Financing 17
Selecting a Financial Institution 18
Credit 19
Consumer Privacy 22
Advance Fee Scams 23
Special Contracts 23
Travel Scams 25
Rent-To-Own 25
Product Safety and Recalls 26
Nutrition Labeling 27

Part II. Consumer Assistance Directory 29
Corporate Consumer Contacts 29
National Consumer Organizations 56
Car Manufacturers 59
Better Business Bureaus 63
Trade Association and Other Dispute Resolution Programs 67 State,
County and City Government Consumer Protection Offices 70 State
Agencies on Aging 83
State Banking Authorities 87
State Insurance Regulators 89
State Securities Administrators 91
State Utility Commissions 93
State Vocational and Rehabilitation Agencies 95
State Weights and Measures Offices 99
Military Commissary and Exchange Offices 102
Federal Information Center 104
Selected Federal Agencies 105
Federal TDD Directory 111

Index 116