Current Events, Consumer Info & Popular Culture (Electronic Reference Sources)   Tags: consumers, current_events, electronic_reference, news  

"This central site allows you to request a free credit file disclosure, commonly called a credit report, once every 12 months from each of the nationwide consumer credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion."

Find the BBB that serves your area; file a complaint about a company, new car, or charity; and read online publications including company reports for selected cities.

Information from the BBB Wise Giving Alliance on hundreds of nonprofit organizations that solicit nationally or have national or international program services.

Provides free consumer tips and information, but a subscription fee is required to access the comparison ratings and buying guides.

Part of Academic Search Premier (EBSCOhost), the site provides full-text searching and access to issues of the Buying Guide from 1999 to the present.

Links to hundreds of web resources for product ratings and reviews, product safety, shopping online, food safety, and more.

A public service, non-commercial guide cataloging thousands of consumer resources.

Links to publications with advice on avoiding scams and rip-offs, as well as tips on other consumer topics, and a consumer complaint form.

"A one-stop national resource to learn about the crime of identity theft. It provides detailed information to help you deter, detect, and defend against identity theft."

Rating information and other consumer resources relating to autos, boats, electronics, finance/insurance, healthcare, homes, telecommunications, and travel.

Full-text versions of hundreds of federal consumer publications on topics including education, employment, federal programs, health, and housing. Also on-line ordering for catalogs and print publications.

Price and compare new and used vehicles; obtain the latest automotive news; get information on recalls; and more.

Provides automobile pricing information; extensive automobile reviews; consumer information; information about incentives and rebates; analysis of late-breaking developments in the automotive world; and more.

Millions of pricing reports for new and used cars every month. Site also includes information on financing, insurance, and new car reviews.

Research a new or used car; get the latest prices and reviews; and obtain advice and services on insurance and financing.

From the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the site includes information on safety problems and issues; testing results; regulations and standards; and research and development.

A site intended to give consumers a general understanding of legal issues and the legal process. Includes a information on courts and lawyers.

Links to legal forms and business contracts that are accessible on the Internet.

Links to a variety of legal resources on the Internet.

Includes a consumer-oriented collection of legal forms and documents. Site provides templates of the documents that are commonly used in thousands of routine legal transactions every day.

Official information and services from the U.S. Government.

Provides provides citizens and businesses with a common access point to federal agency forms. Contains many, but not all, of the forms issued by agencies of the Federal governmen

Links to legal documents and forms, including wills, name change, real estate and more. Includes a Select by State option.

Information from the National Center for Health Statistics on where to obtain birth, marriage, divorce, and death records from each of the states and territories.

Provides access to resources, services, and information available throughout the federal government.

Provides information about state and federal government benefit and assistance programs.

Official information and services from the U.S. Government.

Locate federal, state, local, and tribal government agencies; find information on services; and other resources.

An online resource for senior citizens to obtain services and information from the federal government in areas such as health and nutrition; taxes; benefits; and employment.

Provides research reports relating to web credibility and related topics, guidelines for websites, and extensive information for consumers.

Describes and offers advice about common security issues for non-technical computer users. From the U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team, part of the Department of Homeland Security.

"A one-stop national resource to learn about the crime of identity theft. It provides detailed information to help you deter, detect, and defend against identity theft."

Information about recent law enforcement actions against deceptive commercial email and spammers' responsibilities under the CAN-SPAM law. Includes tips on how to reduce the amount of spam email you receive.

From the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center, the site provides a convenient and easy-to-use reporting mechanism that alerts authorities of a suspected criminal or civil violation.

Enables consumers to learn to identify the danger signs of possible telemarketing and Internet fraud and to report suspected incidents to law enforcement agencies.

Register a phone number or file a complaint.

Tips from the federal government and the technology industry to help guard against Internet fraud, secure your computer, and protect your personal information.

"A comprehensive listing of privacy resources currently available on the Internet. These include associations, indexes, search engines as well as individual websites and sources that supply the latest technology and information about privacy and how it relates to you and the Internet."

From the National Cyber Security Alliance, the site offers tips and resources for consumers, educators, families, and businesses.

View the annual picks from CNN and Money Magazine of best places to live in the United States, with statistical details for each city listed.

Offers a variety of moving and relocation resources including salary calculators, city reports, school reports, and other options for researching a location.

Includes a city comparison feature, neighborhood profiles, school statistics, cost of living, crime rates, climate profiles, and more.

This U.S. government agency acts to reduce the risk of injury or death from consumer products. Website features a listing of product recalls; an area for reporting unsafe products; and full-text publications including Consumer Product Safety Review.

Offers unbiased consumer product information and competitive analysis of products.

Browse or search to find health and safety information on household products. From the National Library of Medicine.

Provides the latest recall information, links for reporting dangerous products, and safety tips.

Includes a product safety information database as well as information on how to report an unsafe product.