Librarian
General Consumer Information
- AnnualCreditReport.com"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."
- Better Business BureauFind 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.
- Charity NavigatorProvides evaluations and other information for thousands of charities.
- ConsumerReports.orgProvides free consumer tips and information, but a subscription fee is required to access the comparison ratings and buying guides.
- Consumer Reports Buying Guide [Rutgers Restricted]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.
- Consumer WorldA public service, non-commercial guide cataloging thousands of consumer resources.
- Federal Trade Commission: Consumer InformationLinks to publications with advice on avoiding scams and rip-offs, as well as tips on other consumer topics, and a consumer complaint form.
- Federal Trade Commission: Privacy, Identity, & Online SecurityProvides information on limiting unwanted calls and emails, protecting kids online, online security, and identity theft.
- Give.orgInformation from the BBB Wise Giving Alliance on hundreds of nonprofit organizations that solicit nationally or have national or international program services.
- JDPower.comRating information and other consumer resources relating to autos, boats, electronics, finance/insurance, healthcare, homes, telecommunications, and travel.
Automobiles
- Edmunds.comProvides automobile pricing information; extensive automobile reviews; consumer information; information about incentives and rebates; analysis of late-breaking developments in the automotive world; and more.
- Kelley Blue BookMillions of pricing reports for new and used cars every month. Site also includes information on financing, insurance, and new car reviews.
- NHTSA: EquipmentFrom the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the site includes information on recalls; safety problems and issues; testing results; regulations and standards; and research and development.
Complaints | Fraud | Security
- Federal Trade Commission: Privacy, Identity, & Online SecurityProvides information on limiting unwanted calls and emails, protecting kids online, online security, and identity theft.
- Fraud.orgEnables consumers to learn to identify the danger signs of possible telemarketing and Internet fraud and to report suspected incidents to law enforcement agencies. From the National Consumer League.
- Internet Crime Complaint CenterFrom 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.
- National Do Not Call RegistryRegister a phone number or file a complaint.
- OnGuard OnlineTips from the federal government and the technology industry to help guard against Internet fraud, secure your computer, and protect your personal information.
- ReportFraud.ftc.gov."Report fraud, scams, and bad business practices."
- Stay Safe OnlineFrom the National Cyber Security Alliance, the site offers tips and resources for consumers, educators, families, and businesses.
- Student Guide to Internet Safety"This guide is all about the things that students can do to stay safe and secure on the internet. It is intended as a basic backgrounder for college-age students, but the suggestions and best practices on how to increase personal security will work for everyone."
- Tips (U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team)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.
Forms and Legal Resources
- FindLawA site intended to give consumers a general understanding of legal issues and the legal process. Includes a information on courts and lawyers.
- FindLaw: Forms and ContractsLinks to legal forms and business contracts that are accessible on the Internet.
- Law, Patents, and TrademarksLinks to a variety of legal resources on the Internet.
- LawInfoIncludes 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.
- Replace Your Vital RecordsOfficial information and services from the U.S. Government.
- U.S. Legal FormsLinks to legal documents and forms, including wills, name change, real estate and more. Includes a Select by State option.
- Where to Write for Vital RecordsInformation from the National Center for Health Statistics on where to obtain birth, marriage, divorce, and death records from each of the states and territories.
Government Services and Benefits
- Benefits.govProvides information about state and federal government benefit and assistance programs.
- Disability ResourcesProvides access to resources, services, and information available throughout the federal government.
- Replace Your Vital RecordsOfficial information and services from the U.S. Government.
- USA.govLocate federal, state, local, and tribal government agencies; find information on services; and other resources.
- Social Security Benefit CalculatorsIncludes calculators for retirement, disability, and survivor benefits.
Healthcare
- Health Insurance Marketplace Calculator"Provides estimates of health insurance premiums and subsidies for people purchasing insurance on their own in health insurance exchanges (or “Marketplaces”) created by the Affordable Care Act (ACA)."
- Healthcare.govThe Federal government site for information on the Affordable Care Act.
Places to Live
- AreaVibesRanks cities and neighborhoods to showcase the best places to live in the United States. The "Livability Score" is based on metrics for each city, including: amenities, cost of living, crime rates, education, employment, housing and weather.
- Best Places to LiveView the annual picks from CNN and Money Magazine of best places to live in the United States, with statistical details for each city listed.
- City-Data.comDetailed profiles of cities throughout the United States including real estate data, maps, satellite photos, demographic data, crime data, cost of living, city government finances, employment, schools, and more.
- HomeFairOffers a variety of moving and relocation resources including salary calculators, city reports, school reports, and other options for researching a location.
- Living Wage CalculatorLists typical expenses, the living wage and typical wages for the selected location. From MIT.
- OECD Better Life IndexAllows you to compare well-being across countries, based on 11 topics the OECD has identified as essential, in the areas of material living conditions and quality of life.
- Sperling's Best PlacesIncludes a city comparison feature, neighborhood profiles, school statistics, cost of living, crime rates, climate profiles, and more.
Product Information | Safety | Recalls
- Consumer Product Safety CommissionThis 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.
- ConsumerSearchOffers unbiased consumer product information and competitive analysis of products.
- Consumer Products Information DatabaseBrowse or search to find health and safety information on household products.
- Recalls.govProvides the latest recall information, links for reporting dangerous products, and safety tips.
- SaferProducts.govIncludes a product safety information database as well as information on how to report an unsafe product.