Business 3: Consumers and Shopping

Business:

Annual Credit Report.com
"AnnualCreditReport.com is the official site to help consumers to obtain their free credit report." By law, you may request one credit report from them for free each year. Related information at:
- FTC: Facts for Consumers: Credit Scoring
- FCIC: Your Credit Scores
- FICO Score Estimator
- PrivacyRights.org: Your Credit Score: How It All Adds Up
Better Business Bureau
Guidance for consumers and business, product reports, how to file complaints, and statistics. Information on everything from "work at home" schemes to complaint reports on businesses in your area.
Catalog Choice
"Catalog Choice is a free service that allows you to decide what gets in your [paper] mailbox. Use it to reduce your mailbox clutter, while helping save natural resources."
CE Customer Support Contact Numbers
"We will be working to maintain the ultimate list of customer support telephone numbers, links to websites websites, e-mail support, links to user manuals, and FAQs for as many CE [Consumer Electronics] manufacturers as possible."
ConsumerWorld
Bargains, consumer resources, price comparison, product reviews and more; a wealth of information for the savvy consumer.
Federal Citizen Information Center
A collection of documents about a variety of topics, including cars, children, food, health, housing, recalls, scams, travel, and more.
Feed the Pig
"Saving is easy in theory: just spend less than you earn and put what’s left into a separate account. What’s not so easy is keeping track of your daily spending habits." Calculators and helpful advice on tracking and controlling your spending and saving.
FirstGov for Consumers
More resources from the Federal Government. Subject areas include food, product safety, health, home & community, money, transportation, children, careers & education, technology, and more.
FTC: Consumer Information
From the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, a collection of documents in text and pdf format about a variety of consumer issues including advertising, e-commerce, identity theft, senior issues, and telemarketing among others.
HealthyToys.org
"The Consumer Action Guide to Toxic Chemicals in Toys"
Identity Theft
- Deter. Detect. Defend. Avoid ID Theft
  From the Federal Trade Commission, "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."
- Identity Theft and Fraud
  Information from the Department of Justice, including what to do if you become a victim.
- Identity Theft Resource Center
  "ITRC is a nationwide nonprofit organization dedicated to developing and implementing a comprehensive program against identity theft — by supporting victims, broadening public awareness, disseminating information about this crime and decreasing the potential victim population."
- Identity Theft Resources
  From the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, publications including fact sheets, quizzes, stories, and links.
The 'Lectric Law Library: Consumer Rights & Protection
Consumer rights, scams to beware, and related information.
Looks Too Good To Be True
"This website was developed to arm you with information so you don’t fall victim to these Internet scam artists. Education, good judgment, and a healthy dose of skepticism are the best defenses against becoming a victim. Remember, if it looks too good to be true, it probably is!"
NCLC Guides for Consumers
Advice for consumers from the National Consumer Law Center.
New York State Consumer Protection Board
Information and resources for New York State consumers.
Recalls.gov
"Follow the tabs to obtain the latest recall information, to report a dangerous product, or to learn important safety tips."
Teen Consumer Scrapbook
Consumer information and tips by high school students for high school students. Sponsored by the Washington State Attorney General's Office.
Wired Test: Fall 2006
"300+ Products Tested and Rated." Includes technology, home appliances, automotive, cameras, and more.