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 Order or download the FREE 2010 Consumer Action Handbook. 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.
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. 161).
Part II —Filin g 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 Free eBook: 2010 Consumer Action Handbook
PDF format, 11.9MB, 172Pages.
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, deals that let you skip credit card payments (p. 11), work-at-home job opportunities (p. 17), risk-free investments (p. 35), and free travel (p. 44).
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. 22).
5. Home improvement (p. 25) 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).
Order the Free 2010 Consumer Action Handbook
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I: BE A SAVVY CONSUMER. 1
BUYER BEWARE. 1
Before You Buy. 1
Service Contracts and Extended Warranties. 1
Product Safety Recalls . 1
Identifying and Stopping Fraud. 2
After You Buy. 2
BANKING. 2
ATM / Debit Cards. 2
Prepaid Cards. 3
Savings And Checking . 4
Unsolicited Checks And Credit Offers . 4
CARS. 5
Buying A New Car. 5
Buying A Used Car . 5
Dealer Versus Private Party Purchases. 6
Leasing . 7
Recalls, Lemon Laws And Secret Warranties . 7
Renting . 8
Repairs . 9
Car Repossessions. 9
CREDIT. 9
Credit Cards. 10
Credit Reports And Scores. 11
Dealing With Debt. 12
Loans. 15
FINANCING YOUR EDUCATION. 15
Paying for College 101. 15
Student Financial Aid . 15
EMPLOYMENT. 16
Employment Agencies. 16
Work-At-Home Companies. 17
FOOD AND NUTRITION. 18
Healthy Food Choices. 18
Food Safety. 18
Weight Loss . 18
HEALTH CARE. 19
Choosing A Doctor . 19
Choosing A Healthcare Facility . 20
Prescription Drugs. 20
Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage . 21
HOUSING. 21
Buying A Home . 22
Avoiding Foreclosure. 24
Moving Companies . 25
Home Improvement And Repairs. 25
Renting / Leasing. 26
INSURANCE. 27
Auto Insurance. 27
Disability Insurance. 28
Health Insurance. 28
Healthcare Plans . 28
Homeowner/Renter’s Insurance. 29
Life Insurance. 29
Long-Term Care Insurance. 29
Other Insurance. 30
INTERNET. 30
Choosing Service Providers. 30
Online File Sharing. 31
Online Copyright Issues . 32
Preventing Online Fraud. 32
Spam. 33
INVESTING. 33
Online Trading. 35
Financial Brokers and Advisors . 35
PHONES. 36
Slamming and Cramming. 36
Cell Phones. 37
Pay-As-You-Go Plans. 37
VoIP. 38
PRIVACY PROTECTION & IDENTITY THEFT . 38
Reporting Identity Theft . 38
Protecting Your Privacy. 38
Financial Privacy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Medical Privacy . 39
Online Privacy. 39
SMART HOME SHOPPING. 40
Your Rights: Shopping From Home. 40
Your Rights: 3-Day Cooling Off Rule. 41
Online Auctions and Sellers. 42
TELEMARKETING & UNWANTED MAIL. 42
National Do Not Call Registry. 42
Pre-Recorded Messages. 43
Telemarketing Sales Calls. 43
TRAVEL. 44
Resolving Air Travel Problems. 44
Passports . 46
Travel Safety. 46
TV . 46
Cable. 46
Satellite. 47
Internet TV . 47
UTILITIES. 47
Electricity And Natural Gas . 47
Water. 47
WILLS & FUNERALS . 47
Planning For The End Of Life. 47
Wills. 48
Choose An Executor.. 49
Funerals. 49
Veterans Cemeteries. 50
Part II – Filin g A Comp laint . 51
Contact The Seller . 51
Contact Third Parties . 51
Dispute Resolution Programs. 52
Small Claims Court . 53
Legal Help And Information. 53
Report Fraud & Safety Hazard. 54
Sample Complaint Letter . 55
Part III – Key information resources . 56
For Teachers. 56
For Persons with Disabilities. 57
For Military Personnel. 57
Part IV – Consumer Assistance
Directory . 60
Inde x. 161
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