Consumer Information
General Consumer Resources
Annual Credit Reports (AnnualCreditReport.com) - Federal law now gives you the right to obtain a free copy of your credit report once every 12 months, from each of the three nationwide consumer credit reporting companies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). Click here for more on credit, credit reports, and credit scoring.
Attorneys General - Links and other contact information for offices of Attorneys General in every U.S. state. (National Association of Attorneys General)
Best Way to Pay: Paper or Plastic? - 'Once you decide to buy something, you then must determine how to pay for it. Do you hand over cash? Write a check? Pay with a credit card? Or use a debit card and have the payment automatically deducted from your bank account?' This page explains the pros and cons of different ways to pay. (Privacy Rights Clearinghouse)
Better Business Bureau - Before dealing with an unfamiliar company, you may want to search here to find out whether the BBB has a report on them. The site also offers an online complaint form, consumer tips, and links to local BBBs.
Consumer Action Handbook - This online version of the Federal Citizen Information Center's Consumer Action Handbook offers information on various consumer issues like buying a car or preventing identity theft, explains how and where to file a complaint (includes a sample complaint letter), and provides links to additional resources. You can also order a free copy of the printed handbook to be mailed to you. (U.S. General Services Administration)
Consumer Reports Blogs - Consumer Reports online now offers a collection of blogs on consumer topics, covering cars, home & garden, money & shopping, babies & kids, electronics, safety, and health. You can read the blogs on the website, or subscribe to them as RSS feeds.
Corporate Consumer Contacts - An extensive directory of corporate addresses, websites, and toll-free customer service phone numbers, arranged alphabetically. Includes a sample complaint letter & email (Federal Citizen Information Center). For more corporate contact info, see Customer Service: Get Human, described below.
Customer Service: Get Human - Many large companies now make it all but impossible for consumers to reach a live representative by telephone to get assistance or resolve problems and complaints. This helpful site not only lists hundreds of hard-to-find customer service phone numbers, but also offers instructions for each number on how to bypass automated response systems and reach an actual human being. You can also click on a company's name to submit a rating on the quality of your customer service experience (personal / commercial site, Paul M. English). See also Corporate Consumer Contacts, described above. Techlore's Electronics Customer Support Contact List is a directory of contact information for electronics products companies (computers, cell phones, audio & video, etc.), arranged alphabetically; gives links to company home page, support page, user manuals page, and FAQ page, plus phone number and e-mail address where available; updated April 2009. Nine Ways to Get a Person on the Phone offers some suggestions that may help you cut through the automated messages and get a response from an actual person more quickly (Reader's Digest; commercial site).
Federal Citizen Information Center - One-stop shopping for free US Government brochures and pamphlets on cars, computers, education, employment, family, food, health, housing, money, small business, travel, and more. You can read the publications online or order printed copies (there is a charge for some printed documents).
Federal Trade Commission: Consumer Information - Online consumer guides on a variety of topics, including automobiles, credit, investment, privacy, telemarketing, health, and others. You can also file an online complaint. If you don't see the topic you're looking for, click on 'Products and Services' for many more. See also USA.gov Consumer Guides & Protection
Financial Information for Consumers - Selected links to advice on bank accounts and services, credit cards, identity theft, leasing, mortgages, and personal finance. (Federal Reserve Board)
Frauds and Scams - Brief tips to protect yourself and your money from a variety of frauds and scams that can reach you by phone, through the door, or in your mailbox (Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco). For information about how to protect yourself from online scams and threats, see E-Commerce and the Internet section, below.
Middlesex County Consumer Affairs Department - Have a complaint against a business in Middlesex County? You can file a complaint online or download a printed form. Website also offers alerts on various consumer topics.
National Fraud Information Center - Information on telemarketing fraud, Internet fraud, and other scams; offers an online complaint form. (National Consumers League, a private, nonprofit consumer advocacy group)
New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs - Provides an online complaint form, and consumer guides on topics such as NJ's Lemon Law, auto repair, charitable giving, and consumer fraud. If you can't find the information you need, check the detailed A to Z Index.
New Jersey Professional Licensing Boards - Find out the current status of the professional license (active, inactive, suspended, or expired) for practitioners of more than 80 professions and occupations in the state of NJ, including doctors, lawyers, dentists, accountants, acupuncturists, social workers, veterinarians, barbers, funeral directors, locksmiths, and many more. (New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs). The South Plainfield Public Library's Doctors, Hospitals & Health Plans page offers more health-related consumer resources.
Public Citizen - Research reports on consumer issues such as product safety, prescription drug prices, HMOs, utility deregulation, patients' rights, and food safety.
Public Records Resource Center - Free links to public records including 'business information, corporate filings, property records, unclaimed property, professional licenses, offenders, inmates, criminal and civil court filings, and much more.' Search by keyword or browse by category or geographic location (BRB Publications). Public Records Free Directory is a similar site. For New Jersey only, the Courier News & Home News Tribune offer Data Universe, with links to property records and taxes, government payrolls, school performance report cards, crime reports and conviction records, and much more. See also New Jersey Public Record. (The previous listings are all are commercial sites.) See Public Records & Info Brokers for consumer information on how the proliferation of online information brokers affects your privacy (Privacy Rights Clearinghouse).
USA.gov Consumer Guides & Protection - Official consumer information and services from the U.S. government on a wide variety of topics such as air travel, bankruptcy, car safety, credit cards, food safety, fuel economy, internet fraud, product recalls, workplace safety, and much more. See also Federal Trade Commission: Consumer Information.
You and the Law in NJ - Information for non-lawyers on a variety of legal issues and problems such as family law, landlord-tenant law, employment, immigration, and many others. (Legal Services of NJ). For more on your legal rights, see the South Plainfield Public Library's Law for Non-Lawyers page.
Charities
Charitable Planning - This consumer guide will help you insure that 'your charitable giving meets not only your philanthropic goals, but is integrated with your financial and personal goals as well.' (National Philanthropic Trust)
Charity Navigator - Rates the financial health of thousands of charities. You can search by keyword, or browse by category or region. If you register (free) you can also receive an occasional e-newsletter, suggest groups you would like to see evaluated, and keep track of charities that interest you. The site also offers special reports on topics of current interest to donors, such as Haiti Earthquake, Support Our Troops and Breast Cancer, as well as an annual study of charities' CEO Compensation.
GiveWell - An independent, nonprofit charity evaluator that assesses how well programs actually work, rather than focusing on financial factors. NOTE: GiveWell's evaluation process requires charities to provide strong documentation of their effectiveness; a rating of 'not recommended' does not necessarily mean the charity is ineffective, only that it has not provided the requested documentation.
Guidestar - 'The donor's guide to the charitable universe.' A searchable database of 1.7 million U.S. nonprofit organizations. Provides financial and management information derived from IRS Form 990 or IRS Form 990EZ. Includes links to each charity's website, where available. Also offers 'Charity News,' and a Nonprofit Center for nonprofit managers. NOTE: Free registration is required to access reports.
Too Many Solicitations? - Is your mailbox bursting with frequent requests for charitable donations? This page from Charity Watch offers help to reduce the flow. For more advice on dealing with aggressive fundraisers, read Charity Navigator's articles on How to Stop Solicitations by Mail, Is Your Charity Selling Your Name?, and What To Do When A Charity Calls.
Wise Giving Alliance - Evaluates the management practices of hundreds of national charities. (Council of Better Business Bureau, Inc.)
E-Commerce & the Internet
See also:
Junk Mail, Privacy, & Identity Theft
To find out more about avoiding internet fraud, computer viruses, and other threats, please visit
South Plainfield Public Library's
COMPUTERS & TECHNOLOGY page: Protect Yourself & Your Family
Dot Cons - A brief overview of the most common online consumer frauds, with links and a toll-free number to get more info or file a complaint if you've been victimized. (Federal Trade Commission)
E-Banking - Explains how online banking works and offers advice on keeping your online bank transactions secure (Federal Reserve Bank of NY). See also Electronic Check Conversion (Federal Trade Commission).
Internet Crime Complaint Center - Use this site to file a complaints over any type of crime committed over the Internet, including credit card fraud, retail fraud, investment fraud, auction fraud, etc. Formerly Internet Fraud Complaint Center (FBI and National White Collar Crime Center). The FBI also offers a web page on new e-scams and warnings.
Online Shopping & E-Payments - A library of useful fact sheets and resources on avoiding all sorts of Internet fraud. Topics covered include spyware, identity theft, Internet auctions, e-payments, e-banking, free and low-cost PC offers, e-mail scams, and holiday shopping. (Federal Trade Commission)
Stay Safe Online - This website gives you the information you need to secure your home computer, including tips on how to safeguard your system, a self-guided cyber security test, educational materials, and other Internet resources (National Cyber Security Alliance). See also Looks Too Good To Be True for advice on recognizing and avoiding all kinds of online scams including identity theft, hacking, phishing / spoofing, spam, spyware, financial fraud, auction fraud, investment frauds, job scams, Ponzi & Pyramid schemes, auction fraud, sweepstakes / lottery Fraud, counterfeit payments fraud, and more; and OnGuard Online for more practical tips to help you be on guard against Internet fraud, secure your computer, and protect your personal information (U. S. Postal Inspection Service, FBI, et al.). Still more cyber-security tips are available at US-CERT (Department of Homeland Security).
Green Shopping, Fair Trade, Recycling, etc.
See also:
AUTOMOBILES
HOME and GARDEN: Home Energy & Water Conservation
Conscious Consumer - Tips and tools for 'using your power as a consumer to create change,' with 'choices that protect the environment and the well-being of people at the other end of the production line.' Offers an online Alternative Gift Registry, which makes it easy to give and receive non-material, homemade, second-hand, and environmentally-friendly gifts. Site may be slow to load and navigate. (Center for a New American Dream). For more practical advice on greener living, see Green Living Tips [UPDATED LINK!], incorporating 'Yes, But How?' and related information (Yes Magazine), This Green Life (Natural Resources Defense Council), Green Tips (Green America, formerly Co-op America) and Sustainable Consumption (Sierra Club).
Co-op America is now Green America, described below.
Environmental Working Group - Reports on the health and environmental hazards of common products & chemicals. Site may be slow to load and navigate in Internet Explorer 6.
Fair Trade Certified - Explains what fair trade is, describes the fair trade certification program, and offers a directory of companies selling fair trade certified food products such as coffee, tea, and chocolate. (TransFair USA)
Good Stuff: A Behind-the-Scenes Guide to the Things We Buy - 'Have you ever wondered where chocolate comes from, if antibacterial soap is good for your family, or how to recycle an old computer?' Good Stuff answers many questions about the environmental and social impacts of the products you buy and use, with tips, facts, and links on making more informed purchases. (Worldwatch Institute, an independent research organization)
Green America - Facts on responsible shopping & investment, and 'green' businesses. Includes money-saving and energy-saving tips. Click on National Green Pages for a searchable directory of companies selling environmentally friendly products and services. The Responsible Shopper page provides information for evaluating the conduct and activities of product manufacturers when purchasing consumer products. (Formerly Co-op America; a non-profit membership organization)
Greener Choices - Information about all kinds of environmentally-friendly products, plus tips on recycling and related topics. Includes a related Eco-Labels page that explains the real meaning of product labels such as organic, natural, free range, biodynamic, etc. (both from Consumer Reports). See Climate Counts to find out whether your favorite company is taking steps to prevent global warming (Non-profit organization).
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Calculator - This online calculator helps you estimate your household's greenhouse gas emissions, then suggests actions you can take to lower your emissions while reducing your energy and waste disposal costs (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency). To balance the emissions you can't reduce, Carbon Offset Purchases offer you an opportunity to fund clean energy and efficiency projects (New York Times).
Green Schools Initiative
- 'Green schools have good indoor air quality, use natural light, save energy, serve healthy food, create green schoolyards, and teach stewardship.' This site offers information and advice for greening the schools in your community. (David Brower Center, a nonprofit environmental organization)
Greenwash Brigade - Reports evaluating the eco-friendly claims of companies, governments and other groups. (National Public Radio)
Home Energy & Water Conservation - Selected links to information about saving energy and water at home. Information on green cars and saving gasoline is available on our Automobiles page. (South Plainfield Public Library)
Meat & Dairy Labels and Animal Welfare - Explains the meaning of common labels found on meat & dairy products, such as Certified Organic; Free-Range, Pasture-Raised or Grass-Fed; Certified Humane; Hormone-Free, rBGH-Free, rBST-Free, or No Hormones Added; Dolphin-Safe; Natural; Grain-Fed; and similar terms (Humane Society of the United States). Seafood Watch helps you choose seafood that is 'good for you and good for the oceans' (Monterey Bay Aquarium). See also Consumer Reports Eco-Labels, described above.
Recycling in South Plainfield - Information for local residents on drop-off and curbside pickup, including yard waste and electronics. The South Plainfield Public Library accepts household batteries for recycling, as well as cell phones, and empty ink and toner cartridges from computer printers or copiers. For information about where and how to recycle electronic products, see our E-Cycling links. For tips on how to reduce all kinds of waste, see Reduce.org: 'When you avoid making garbage in the first place, you don't have to worry about disposing of waste or recycling it later.' (Minnesota Pollution Control Agency). For more recycling resources, see Earth 911 (search by product & zip code) and Rodale's 'Recycling A to Z'. Another recycling resource is Throwplace, where you can list excess goods to give to charities, individuals, and businesses to reuse, recycle & refurbish. Freecycle Network is a similar organization with thousands of local groups run by local volunteer moderators. Nike collects used athletic shoes (any brand) at all its U.S. retail locations through the Reuse-A-Shoe Program.
Rugmark Foundation -'The RugMark label is your best assurance that no illegal child labor was used in the manufacture of a carpet or rug.' (Nonprofit organization)
Junk Mail, Privacy, & Identity Theft
See also:
E-Commerce & the Internet
To find out more about avoiding internet fraud, identity theft, and other threats, please visit
South Plainfield Public Library's
COMPUTERS & TECHNOLOGY page: Protect Yourself & Your Family
Catalog Choice - 'The mission of Catalog Choice is to reduce the number of repeat and unwanted catalog mailings, and to promote the adoption of sustainable industry best practices... Consumers can indicate which catalogs they no longer wish to receive, and businesses can receive a list of consumers no longer wanting to receive their catalogs.' Free. (Non-profit organization)
Data Security Breaches [UPDATED LINK!] - 'Have you received a letter informing you that your personal information (such as Social Security numbers, account numbers, and driver's license numbers) may have gotten into the wrong hands?' This fact sheet and linked FAQs offer advice on dealing with data security breaches. Includes a frequently-updated chronological list of corporate and institutional data security breaches since Feb. 2005. (Privacy Rights Clearinghouse; non-profit organization)
Electronic Privacy Tools - Links to electronic privacy tools such as snoop-free email, web or disk encryption, secure instant messaging, cookie busters, firewalls, and many others. (EPIC, Electronic Privacy Information Center; a non-profit public interest research center)
Identity Theft Resource Center - Resources for victims of identity theft, and guidance for protecting yourself from identity theft. (Non-profit organization)
ID Theft, Privacy, & Security - Advice on protecting your privacy and your children's, avoiding identity theft, what to do if your identity is stolen, and related information. (Federal Trade Commission).
Junk Your Junk Mail - Advice on how to get off junk mailing lists. (Center for a New American Dream; non-profit organization)
Mail Preference Service - Register online with the Direct Marketing Association to get off junk mail lists. This page also offers other tips and answers about junk mail. (Industry association)
National Do Not Call Registry - Tired of telemarketers interrupting your dinner? If you put your number on the Federal Trade Commission's national 'do not call' list, it will be illegal for most telemarketers to call you.
'National Do Not E-mail Registry' Scam - There is currently no 'National Do Not E-mail' Registry. See this page for more information. (Federal Trade Commission)
Opt Out of Directory Assistance and Non-public Information - Advice to help you get your name off websites that sell or provide personal information about individuals, gathered from many sources including white pages listings (directory assistance) and public records (Privacy Rights Clearinghouse; non-profit organization)
Pre-Screen Opt-Out - Companies sending 'prescreened' solicitations of credit or insurance to consumers must now provide easy-to-understand notices that explain consumers' right to opt out of receiving future offers. This page explains prescreening and how you can opt-out by phone, or by using the Opt-Out Prescreen website (Federal Trade Commission).
Pretexting Scam: Your Personal Information Revealed - Pretexting is the practice of getting your personal information (Social Security number, telephone records, bank and credit card account numbers) under false pretenses. Pretexters sell your information to people who may use it to get credit in your name, steal your assets, or to investigate or sue you. This page explains how pretexting works, how you can protect yourself, and what to do if you think you're a victim.(Federal Trade Commission).
Privacy Rights Clearinghouse - News, practical tips, and fact sheets on preventing or coping with identity theft, and safeguarding your personal privacy on the Internet and elsewhere. A good place to start is the Privacy Basics and Opt-Out Strategies page and Privacy Survival Guide. The site also links to many other groups addressing privacy issues such as the World Privacy Forum. (Non-profit organizations)
Public Records & Information Brokers - Consumer information on how the proliferation of online information brokers affects your privacy (Privacy Rights Clearinghouse).
Social Security Numbers: Frequently Asked Questions - Advice on using and protecting your Social Security Number. (Privacy Rights Clearinghouse; non-profit organization)
Tame Intrusive Advertising - Suggests a variety of services and technologies that can help you fight back against aggressive advertising techniques on TV, in your mailbox, and online (New York Times, November 2008). See also Behavioral Advertising Opt-Out which allows you to opt out of some Internet ads that are specially tailored to you by tracking your Web preferences and usage patterns. NOTE: This opt-out service only works if you allow and retain cookies in your browser (Network Advertising Initiative).
Telemarketing Opt-Out - As of December 1, 2008, any telemarketing call that delivers a prerecorded message must include a quick and easy way to opt-out of receiving future calls. This site offers additional details on the new rules, and information on how to file a complaint (Federal Trade Commission). As of September 1, 2009, another new law requires businesses to get your permission before they can call you with prerecorded telemarketing messages, also known as robocalls. See New Rules for Robocalls for more information. (Federal Trade Commission)
What Have They Got On Me? - The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) covers a lot more than simply credit reports. 'Nationwide specialty consumer reporting agencies' may also have records of your medical history, residential or tenant history & evictions, check writing history, employment background checks, and homeowner & auto insurance claims. Read this online publication to learn more about the kinds of information these companies collect about you, and your rights to obtain that information. (Privacy Rights Clearinghouse; non-profit organization)
Money Management
Go to: USEFUL WEBSITES: Business - Money Management
Product Review Sites
Consumer Guide - Online edition of Consumer Guide magazine (not to be confused with Consumer Reports, below) offers evaluations of new and used cars, electronics, home products, and office equipment. (Commercial site; now part of HowStuffWorks, Inc.)
Consumer Reports - General advice and recommendations in each category are free to read online; in-depth product ratings are available online only to paid subscribers (but you can read them in the magazine at the library). Consumer Reports online now also offers a collection of blogs on consumer topics (described in the General Consumer Resources section above).
Consumer Review - Consumer-generated reviews of audio, photography, computing, automotive, and outdoor recreation equipment. These reviews may provide useful information, but they are NOT written or screened by experts, so information obtained from this site should be used with extra caution! (Commercial site, Invenda Corporation)
Consumer Search - A collection of product evaluations from sources such as Consumer Reports, Better Buys for Business, PC World, and many others. Click on 'Full Report' tab for an in-depth report and list of sources. Re-designed site may be slow to load and navigate. (Commercial site)
Product Safety
See also:
Specific Products & Services
Consumer Product Safety Commission - Information on unsafe products and product recalls. You can also file complaints online.
FDA Recalls, Market Withdrawals and Safety Alerts - Information on unsafe food and medical products.
Healthy Stuff - Provides test results for toxic chemicals such as lead, cadmium, chlorine, arsenic, and mercury found in everyday products. Items tested include toys & other children's products, pet products, apparel & accessories, and automobiles. (Ecology Center; nonprofit organization)
Recalls.gov - A 'one-stop shop' for government recalls on food, drugs, autos, and other consumer products. You can also sign up for email alerts for any and all categories.
Shopping, Coupons, and Price Comparisons
See also:
Money Management
Best Time to Buy Everything - Gift wrapping paper is cheapest after New Year's Day; patio furniture prices are slashed after Labor Day weekend. This page lists the best time to buy everything from airplane tickets or appliances to wine or wedding dresses. For more tips on getting great deals when you shop, see
Deal of the Day (Smart Money Magazine; commercial site). See also Calendar of Deals: What's on Sale When (Consumer Reports).
Catalogs from A to Z - Links to an enormous number of mail order and online retail catalogs, plus phone numbers. Despite this website's title, the catalogs are actually arranged by subject rather than alphabetically. Though extensive, some well-known sites are omitted.
Coupon Codes: Retail-Me-Not - Enter a store's name, web address, or keyword to find coupons for thousands of stores. You can also contribute publicly-available coupon codes to share with other users. Coupon Zone offers tips and links on coupons and grocery savings, food buying & storage, buying in bulk, grocery store discount cards, and lots of other information to help you be a smart shopper (commercial site: About.com, a New York Times Company). You can find more coupon links at Online Coupons Are Catching On (New York Times).
IndieBound Independent Store Finder - Enter your address or zip code to find independent retailers (i.e., stores
that are not part of national or regional chains) in your area. This is a growing (but currently far from complete) listing which will include indie bookstores, arts, crafts & yarn shops, bike shops, clothing stores, coffee shops, florists, gift & home stores, hardware stores, movie theaters, music/DVD retail & rental, pet stores, pharmacies, restaurants, specialty food stores, toy stores, and other indie businesses. (American Booksellers Association)
Outlet Shopping [UPDATED LINK!] - Helpful tips from Consumer Reports' Shop Smart Magazine on how to make the most of outlet shopping.
Price Comparison Websites - Links to sites that offer price comparisons on a variety of consumer products. (Google Directory)
Shop Local - The name of this site is misleading: it actually covers only the local outlets of nationwide chain stores (as well as online stores), NOT locally-owned businesses (for independent local businesses, see IndieBound, described above). Enter your zip code or city/state to find out about 'sales, specials, and deals at stores near you.' Once you get your local page, you can browse by categories of products, or view a store's weekly print ads.
Shop Smart Magazine - This colorful spinoff from Consumer Reports, tailored to women, 'offers unbiased, easy-to-read advice on all the best products to buy from a wide variety of categories including Flooring & Paints, Big-Screen TVs, Digital Cameras, Vitamins, Cookware, Wine, Cosmetics, and many more!'
Ten Things They Won't Tell You - An archive of columns with useful consumer advice on buying a wide variety of products & services: pre-schools, eye doctors, dentists, caterers, yoga instructors, and many others. (SmartMoney.com, Dow Jones & Company / Hearst Communications)
Specific Products & Services
For information about computers and other electronic products
(TV, video, camera, cell phone, etc.) see our Computers & Technology page.
Appraisers - A searchable directory of certified appraisers who can estimate the value of your personal property such as jewelry, art, antiques, etc., plus a Consumer's Guide to Hiring a Competent Person Property Appraiser (International Society of Appraisers). For more resources on finding a qualified appraiser for personal property, real property, or business, see the Appraisal Foundation.
ATM Safety Tips - Advice on protecting yourself and your money when using ATMs (automated teller machines). (American Bankers Association)
Automobiles - A selection of the best consumer links for consumer information on cars. (South Plainfield Public Library)
Baby Products - This helpful online guide includes shopping and safety tips for car seats, strollers, cribs, changing tables, play pens, clothing, bathtubs and more. (March of Dimes & Consumer Reports)
Bankrate.com - Use this site to compare interest rates for mortgages, credit cards and money markets. Also offers information on related subjects such as auto loans, credit cards, budgeting, and more (commercial site). The FDIC offers a variety of bank- and finance-related consumer information, including a list of Failed Banks, with useful information for customers of these banks; and EDIE the Estimator, an easy interactive calculator you can use to determine whether your bank deposits are fully insured. (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation).
Cell Phone Health Risks [Link opens a PDF document] - Explains the need for caution in the use of cell phones, based on advice from an international expert panel (University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute).
Limit Your Exposure To Cell Phone Radiation is a 'user-friendly interactive online guide to cell phone emissions, covering more than 1,000 phones currently on the market.' Site may not work in Internet Explorer 6 (Environmental Working Group).
Credit Reports (AnnualCreditReport.com) - Federal law now gives you the right to obtain a free copy of your credit report once every 12 months, from each of the three nationwide consumer credit reporting companies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). Beware of Experian's FreeCreditReport.com, which is NOT free. The FTC's Free Credit Reports explains your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). If you don't have a secure internet connection to request your credit report online, you can request your free credit report by mail or telephone. For more on managing credit cards, loans, and other consumer debt, visit the FTC Website on Credit & Loans. Credit Scoring explains the credit scoring system which creditors use to help determine whether to give you credit. Includes suggestions for improving your score (Federal Trade Commission). See also Credit Scores (Federal Citizen Information Center) and Your Credit Score: How It All Adds Up (Privacy Rights Clearinghouse). Shopping for Credit explains what you need to know to get the best credit card terms at the lowest cost (Federal Reserve Board), and New Credit Card Provisions summarizes new regulations governing the credit card industry (Consumer Action). See also Best Way to Pay: Paper or Plastic? (Privacy Rights Clearinghouse) and Money Management.
Doctors, Hospitals & Health Plans - A selection of the best consumer links for choosing and dealing with health care providers. (South Plainfield Public Library)
Food Safety Fact Sheets - A collection of fact sheets on safe food handling & preparation, foodborne illnesses, food labeling, and related topics (USDA). See also FoodSafety.gov. For more on food & nutrition, see South Plainfield Public Library's
Nutrition & Food Safety Links.
Funerals: A Consumer Guide - 'Funerals rank among the most expensive purchases many consumers will ever make...Yet even if you're the kind of person who might haggle with a dozen dealers to get the best price on a new car, you're likely to feel uncomfortable comparing prices or negotiating over the details and cost of a funeral.' This online guide can help you plan ahead (Federal Citizen Information Center). See also Consumer Rights: Funerals (Federal Trade Commission).
Gift Cards - Consumer advice on buying, giving, and using gift cards. (Federal Trade Commission)
Housing Discrimination in NJ - Explains your rights under the Fair Housing Act, with guidance on filing a complaint if you feel your rights have been violated. (NJ Department of Community Affairs)
Insurance Information 
- Helpful advice from an insurance industry association on choosing and using different kinds of insurance, including auto, home, health, long-term care, and others, plus videos, facts & statistics, checklists, related safety information, and tools such as free home inventory software (Insurance Information Institute). See also CLUE: How Insurers Size You Up, which explains how claims you file and even inquiries about your coverage can appear in the insurance 'score' you receive, and may affect how much you pay for homeowner's or automobile insurance. Includes useful links (Privacy Rights Clearinghouse).
New Jersey Professional Licensing Boards - Find out the current status of the professional license (active, inactive, suspended, or expired) for practitioners of more than 80 professions and occupations in the state of NJ, including doctors, lawyers, dentists, accountants, acupuncturists, social workers, veterinarians, barbers, funeral directors, locksmiths, and many more (New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs). Our Doctors, Hospitals & Health Plans page offers more health-related consumer resources.
Personal Care Products - Describes the potential health risks in common adult and baby products such as soaps, shampoos, cleansers, lotions, antiperspirants, mouthwashes, toothpastes, cosmetics, and many others. You can search by product category, brand name, or ingredient. (Environmental Working Group)
Phone Bill Charges - Explains the various fees, taxes, and other extra charges that appear on your bills for traditional (wired) phone service. (Federal Communications Commission)
Thrift Store Safety - Tips to help you make sure the second-hand items you buy at thrift shops and yard sales are safe to use. (CPSC)
Toys - The Healthy Stuff site provides information on toxic chemicals in toys, including test results for more than 1,200 toys and other children's products. Each product tested has an overall rating, as well as an individual chemical rating for cadmium, chlorine, lead, arsenic and mercury. Includes a related page about Toy Safety, with links and buying tips. (Ecology Center; non-profit organization)
Water Filters - This consumer guide explains the different types of home water filters, what they do, and how to select the right filter for your needs (Natural Resources Defense Council). See also Home Water Treatment Devices (NSF International, a World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Drinking Water Safety and Treatment)
