Consumer Services Guide (CSG)
Consumer Action Edition
The Consumer Services Guide is searchable directory of resources which can help you with consumer problems and questions. There are multiple editions of the ‘Guide’, some which deal with specific issues such as housing or credit. The full directory, the Consumer Service Guide Edition, provides access to all the resources collected by Consumer Action.
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- Federal Maritime Commission (FMC)
The FMC protects shippers, carriers and others engaged in the foreign commerce of the U.S. from restrictive rules and regulations of foreign governments and from the practices of foreign-flag carriers that have an adverse effect on shipping in U.S. trades; * Investigates, upon its own motion or upon filing of a complaint, discriminatory, unfair, or unreasonable rates, charges, classifications, and practices of ocean common carriers,…
(added October 2006) - Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), (DOT)
To assist consumers moving across State lines (Interstate), FMCSA has developed the following Web site section, http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/factsfigs/moving.htm If you experience a problem with your motor carrier (mover), you can file a complaint online at http://nccdb.fmcsa.dot.gov/HomePage.asp
(added October 2006) - Federal Railroad Administration
FRA's Office of Safety promotes and regulates safety throughout the Nation's railroad industry. Inspectors specialize in the following five safety disciplines and promote numerous grade crossing and trespass-prevention initiatives: Hazardous Materials Motive Power and Equipment Operating Practices Signal and Train Control Track Highway-Rail Grade Crossing and Trespassing Prevention Programs By law, the Office of Safety is responsible for promoting railroad safety nationwide and enforcing safety…
(added October 2006) - Federal Reserve Consumer Help
Contact about complaints against state-chartered banks that belong to the Federal Reserve System. Also answers questions about consumer credit protection laws and regulations.
(added October 2006) - Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Enforces federal consumer protection laws concerning false advertising, deceptive business practices, inaccurate credit reports and handles complaints regarding credit cards, failure of banks to disclose credit terms, denial of credit because of discrimination and inaccurate disclosure of credit reports. May be able to assist with problems of abusive collection agencies.
(added October 2006) - Fish and Wildlife Service - DOI
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is the Department of Interior’s (DOI) Bureau charged with the mission to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, and plants and other habitats for the American people.
(added October 2006) - General Services Administration (GSA)
GSA’s mission is to "help federal agencies better serve the public by offering, at best value, superior workplaces, expert solutions, acquisition services and management policies." GSA consists of the Federal Supply Service, the Federal Technology Service, the Public Buildings Service, the Office of Governmentwide Policy, and various Staff Offices. Eleven Regional Offices extend GSA’s outreach to federal customers nationwide. GSA Regional Offices are located in…
(added October 2006) - Geological Survey Service - DOI
Federal source for science about the Earth, its natural and living resources, natural hazards, and the environment.
(added October 2006) - Home Improvement Branch, (HUD)
Facts and pitfalls of home improvement. Sources that can help includes: federal loan programs, community-based programs, and consumer information.
(added October 2006) - IndependenceFirst
This non-profit organization provides education, advocacy, independent living services, independent living skills training, peer counseling, and information and referral services to persons with disabilities in the counties of Waukesha, Washington, Ozaukee, and Milwaukee. The website contains details about the organization’s programs and services, as well as news, disability-related information, and resources and links.
(added October 2006) - National Park Service of the Dept of the Interior (NPS)
The NPS works with communities to preserve and care for neighborhood treasures. It also works with teachers to create unique opportunities for students to learn about history at the real places where events unfolded.
(added October 2006) - National Passport Information Center - U.S. Department of State
For information on U.S. passports, including the status of pending applications, as well as locations of the over 4,500 passport acceptance facilities.
(added October 2006) - Office of Consumer Affairs (OCA), Postal Regulatory Commission
The mission of the OCA is to be a vigorous, responsive, and effective advocate for reasonable and equitable treatment of the general public in proceedings before the Postal Regulatory Commission. The Commission holds hearings and makes recommendations to the Governors of the Postal Service on proposed changes in postal rates and mail classifications. The OCA represents the interests of the general public in such cases.…
(added October 2006) - Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO), HUD
HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity administers federal laws and establishes national policies that ensure all Americans have equal access to the housing of their choice. Particular activities carried out by the Office include implementing and enforcing the Fair Housing Act and other civil rights laws.
(added October 2006) - Office of Recapitalization, (HUD)
The Office of Recap is responsible for the preservation and recapitalization of federally assisted affordable housing and oversees and processes financial transactions to ensure the long-term physical and financial viability of affordable rental housing. In conducting the business of preservation of affordable housing, Recap is also responsible for ensuring compliance with relevant laws and statutes.
(added October 2006) - Office of The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) (HUD)
Provides information about The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA), a consumer protection statute first passed in 1974. The purposes of RESPA are 1. to help consumers become better shoppers for settlement services and 2. to eliminate kickbacks and referral fees that unnecessarily increase the costs of certain settlement services. Provides information about RESPA's required disclosures and enforcement, how to file a complaint and others.
(added October 2006) - Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights (PACER)
The mission of PACER Center (Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights) is to expand opportunities and enhance the quality of life of children and young adults with disabilities and their families, based on the concept of parents helping parents. Founded in 1977, PACER Center was created by parents of children and youth with disabilities to help other parents and families facing similar challenges. Today, PACER…
(added October 2006) - Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation
PBGC was created by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to encourage the growth of defined benefit pension plans, provide timely and uninterrupted payment of pension benefits, and keep pension insurance premiums at a minimum. Defined benefit pension plans promise to pay a specified monthly benefit at retirement, commonly based on salary and years on the job.
(added October 2006) - People With Disabilities Foundation (PWDF)
People With Disabilities Foundation (PWDF), an IRS § 501(c)(3) public, nonprofit agency whose mission is to provide education and advocacy for people with psychiatric and/or developmental disabilities, so that they can achieve equal opportunities in all aspects of life. PWDF’s Advocacy Program provides legal services in eight San Francisco Bay Area counties. PWDF’s Public Awareness and Education Program presents free educational seminars and sells interactive…
(added October 2006) - Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC)
The PRC is an independent regulatory agency. It is composed of five Commissioners each appointed to a six-year term of office by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The Commission reviews Postal Service requests for new domestic mail rates, fees and mail classifications. It then makes recommendations to the Governors of the Postal Service after reviewing the request in public proceedings. In addition to…
(added October 2006) - Safe Drinking Water Hotline, (EPA)
The hotline answers questions on the Safe Drinking Water Act, rules and regulations, and consumer questions.
(added October 2006) - Social Security Administration (SSA)
The Office of Public Inquiries (TEH) provides a central receipt, control, acknowledgment, response and referral program for high priority and other inquiries addressed to SSA Headquarters. The office develops correspondence policy and procedure and guide language on recurring topics and issues for use throughout the Agency.
(added October 2006) - Surface Transportation Board (STB), Dept. of Transport
The STB was created in the Interstate Commerce Commission Termination Act of 1995 and is the successor agency to the Interstate Commerce Commission. The STB is an economic regulatory agency that Congress charged with the fundamental missions of resolving railroad rate and service disputes and reviewing proposed railroad mergers. The STB is decisionally independent, although it is administratively affiliated with the Department of Transportation. The…
(added October 2006) - The Arc
The Arc promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.
(added October 2006) - United States Coast Guard, (DHS)
The United States Coast Guard is a military, multimission, maritime service and one of the nation’s five Armed Services. Its mission is to protect the public, the environment, and U.S. economic interests in the nation’s ports and waterways, along the coast, on international waters, or in any maritime region as required to support national security.
(added October 2006)
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