This everyday guide to being a smart shopper is hot off the press and chock-full of helpful tips about preventing identity theft, understanding credit, filing a consumer complaint, and much more.

In The 2009 Consumer Action Handbook, you'll find updated information about filing for bankruptcy, finding a lawyer, and planning a funeral, along with many other useful topics.

Tips For Using This Handbook
Part I —Be A Savvy Consumer
Read this section for advice before you make a purchase. To quickly locate specific topics and information, look in the Table of Contents (p. ii) and the Index (p. 169).

Part II —Filing A Complaint
Turn to this section for suggestions on resolving consumer problems. The sample complaint letter on page 55 will help you present your case.

Part III —Key Consumer Information Resources
Look here for a list of public resources and contact information.

Part IV —Consumer Assistance Directory Here you’ll find contact information for corporate offices, consumer organizations, trade groups, government agencies and more.

Download 2009 Consumer Action Handbook

PDF format, 14MB, 182Pages.

GSA Federal Citizen Information Center

A searchable version of this Handbook is available online at www.ConsumerAction.gov and in Spanish at www.Consumidor.gov.

As a savvy consumer, you should always be on the alert for shady deals and scams. To avoid becoming a victim, keep these things in mind:

1. A deal that sounds too good to be true usually is! Be wary of promises to fix your credit problems (p. 13), low-interest credit card offers (p. 12), deals that let you skip credit card payments (p. 12), work-at-home job opportunities (p. 16), risk-free investments (p. 35), and free travel (p. 43).

2. Don’t share personal information with someone you don’t trust. Learn how to recognize fraud by following the advice on page 2.

3. Beware of payday and tax refund loans. Interest rates on these loans are usually excessive. Even a cash advance on a credit card may be a better option. For more information, see page 14.

4. Real estate agents represent the seller, not the buyer. When buying, consider hiring an agent or lawyer to represent you (p. 21).

5. Home improvement (p. 24) and auto repairs (p. 9) are the subjects of frequent complaints. Getting a second opinion can help prevent costly mistakes and enable you to make better decisions.

6. Think twice before you rent-to-own. Interest rates on rent-to-own purchases can be very high. If you miss a payment, you could end up with nothing. Consider buying second-hand at a thrift shop or through ads in your local newspaper.

7. Be cautious of Buy Here, Pay Here lots. If you decide to buy a car from a used car lot, be sure to read all of the papers before you sign. Don’t sign contracts that allow the dealership to change the finance rate AFTER you leave the lot.

8. Don’t buy under stress. Avoid making big-ticket purchases during times of duress (e.g., coping with a death or debt).

Comments (1)

Name

Email

Comment

smaller | bigger

Add Comment