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Steering Committee
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AARP
http://www.aarp.org |
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AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization dedicated to
making life better for people 50 and over. We provide information and
resources; engage in legislative, regulatory and legal advocacy; assist
members in serving their communities; and offer a wide range of unique
benefits, special products, and services for our members. These include
AARP The Magazine, published bimonthly; AARP Bulletin, our monthly
newspaper; AARP Segunda Juventud, our bimonthly newspaper in Spanish;
NRTA Live and Learn, our quarterly newsletter for 50+ educators; and our
website, www.aarp.org. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the
District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
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Better Business Bureaus
http://www.bbb.org |
| Better Business Bureaus (BBBs) are nonprofit organizations supported primarily by local business members. The focus of BBB activities is to promote an ethical marketplace by encouraging honest advertising and selling practices, and by providing alternative dispute resolution. BBBs offer consumer education materials; answer consumer questions; provide information about businesses, particularly whether or not there are unanswered or unsettled complaints or other marketplace problems; help to resolve buyer/seller complaints; and provide information about charities and other organizations that are seeking public donations. You can access the BBB at www.bbb.org; to obtain business and charity reports, to file a complaint about a company or charity, or to view scam alerts and information about BBB locations and programs. The BBBOnLine web site, www.bbbonline.org; provides information about online merchants that participate in BBB programs to promote consumer confidence on the Internet. |
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Consumer Federation of America
http://www.consumerfed.org |
| Since 1968, the Consumer Federation of America (CFA) has provided consumers a well-reasoned and articulate voice in decisions that affect their lives. Day in and out, CFA's professional staff gathers facts, analyzes issues, and disseminates information to the public, legislators, and regulators.
CFA is first and foremost an advocacy organization, working to advance pro-consumer policy on a variety of issues before Congress, the White House, federal and state regulatory agencies, and the courts. Its staff works with public officials to promote beneficial policies, to oppose harmful policies, and to ensure a balanced debate on important issues in which consumers have
a stake.
CFA is also an educational organization, disseminating information on consumer issues to the public and the media, as well as to policy makers and other public interest advocates. Conferences, reports, books, brochures, news releases, a newsletter, and a web-site all contribute to CFA's education program.
Finally, CFA is a membership organization, providing support to national, state, and local organizations committed to the goals of consumer advocacy and education. Most member organizations are consumer advocacy and education groups -- national, state, or local -- or consumer cooperatives -- credit unions, rural electrics, housing co-ops, and other member-owned service organizations. |
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Federal Citizen Information Center
www.pueblo.gsa.gov |
| The Federal Citizen Information Center serves as a trusted one-stop source for answers to questions about consumer problems and government services. FCIC’s "Pueblo, Colorado 81009" is probably one of the best-known addresses in the country. It's where you can write for the free Consumer Information Catalog and hundreds of low cost Federal publications on everything from your home and car to your health and financial questions. You can also get answers to your questions about the Federal Government and information to deal with everyday consumer issue -- on the web and over the telephone.
On the FCIC web site, you can view hundreds of publications, find out about the latest product recalls and scams, privacy resources, or read about emerging consumer issues and topics. In addition, access the online edition of the Consumer Action Handbook, designed to help citizens find the best and most direct source for assistance with their consumer problems and questions.
Finally, our National Call Center serves as a single point of contact for individuals with questions about Federal Agencies, programs and services. Call 1-800-FED-INFO, that’s (1-800-333-4636) between 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EDT -- our staff can answer your questions about all aspects of the Federal government or direct callers to an appropriate contact. |
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Federal Communications Commission
http://www.fcc.gov/ |
| Whether you're listening to the radio, watching TV, talking on the phone, or using your pager -- you're involved in communications. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is working to make sure the nation's communications systems are working seamlessly and competitively in your best interest.
The FCC was established by the Communications Act of 1934 as a U.S. Government agency independent of the Executive Branch and directly responsible to Congress. The FCC regulates television, radio, wire, satellite and cable in all of the 50 states and U.S. territories.
The FCC publishes fact sheets and brochures on a wide-range of telecommunications and broadcast issues. This information is also available, on request, in accessible formats such as Braille or large print. For a complete list of our publications go to www.fcc.gov/cgb/. Consumers who have questions or need assistance in filing a complaint may contact our Consumer Center at 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322) voice; or 1-888-TELL-FCC (1-888-835-5322) TTY; or email us at www.fccinfo@fcc.gov. |
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Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)
http://www.fdic.gov/ |
Established in 1933 as an independent agency of the federal government, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation promotes confidence in the banking system by insuring deposits in banks and savings associations for up to $100,000. The FDIC examines and supervises state-chartered banks that are not members of the Federal Reserve System (also known as state non-member banks) for compliance with fair lending and other consumer protection laws and regulations.
The FDIC has statutory responsibility to promote and enforce compliance by FDIC-supervised financial institutions with fair lending and other consumer protection laws and regulations. In addition, as part of its responsibility as insurer of bank and thrift institution deposits, the FDIC promotes public understanding of and confidence in the federal deposit insurance system.
The FDIC is committed to maintaining a high standard of service for the public. This is accomplished through the following activities:
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Investigating and resolving complaints received from the general public concerning FDIC-supervised institutions.
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Educating consumers and financial institutions about consumer protection laws and regulations and deposit insurance through outreach activities such as seminars.
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Identifying and analyzing trends or problems in financial institutions that may affect consumer rights and protections.
The FDIC enhances its outreach efforts through its website, www.fdic.gov, which provides the public with ready access to FDIC consumer information, press releases, statistics on banking and other material. Electronic issues of the FDIC Consumer News, a quarterly newsletter for consumers on topics of interest to them is also readily accessible through this website. New information is continually added to the home page as it becomes available. Links to other federal agencies and other resources have been included on the home page to enhance its usefulness. Frequently requested consumer brochures on topics such as correcting bank account errors, safe Internet banking, and preventing ID theft are also available. Consumers are also able to pose questions about the regulations or file complaints about state non-member banks through the website.
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Federal Trade Commission
www.ftc.gov |
| The Federal Trade Commission is the nation's consumer protection champion. The FTC works For The Consumer to prevent fraud, deception and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide the information you need to identify and avoid fraud and deception.
The FTC publishes free brochures on a variety of consumer related issues. For a complete list of publications go to www.ftc.gov and click on Consumer Protection, call 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357); TDD (202) 326-2502, or write for Best Sellers, Consumer Response Center, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, DC 20580.
Consumer who have been the victim of fraud or deception may file a complaint online with the FTC at www.ftc.gov, or call 1-877-FTC-HELP. Although the Commission cannot resolve individual disputes, the information you provide may indicate a pattern of possible law violations requiring action by the Commission. |
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Identity Theft Resource Center
http://www.idtheftcenter.org |
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The Identity Theft Resource Center
is a nonprofit, grant and donation funded organization that focuses exclusively on identity theft.
A victim of identity theft herself, Linda Foley, along with her husband Jay, founded ITRC in 1999,
in response to the growing need for information by consumers and victims. Today, ITRC has a network
of more than 50 people nationwide working with the program and was one of the 2004 U.S. Dept. of
Justice National Crime Victims Service award winners. ITRC provides assistance and information to
victims, consumers, businesses, law enforcement, legislators and the media on the many aspects of
this crime, including family and child identity theft, criminal identity theft and cloning.
ITRC is well known for working with victims for free, as long as it is needed, and is considered
one of the nation’s experts on difficult identity theft cases. Its website,
www.idtheftcenter.org,
includes more than 30 consumer and victim guides in English and Spanish, the results of an in-depth
study on the impact of identity theft on victims (Identity Theft: The Aftermath), and sections
devoted to scams and workplace issues. A teen education program will soon be released.
ITRC also conducts many studies on this crime to understand new trends and victim impact
in its role as a technical advisor and consultant about this crime.
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National Association of Attorneys General
http://www.naag.org |
| The National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) counts among its members the Attorneys General of the 50 states and the District of Columbia and the chief legal officers of the Commonwealths of Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana Islands, and the territories of American Samoa, Guam, and the Virgin Islands.
Attorneys General are the chief legal officers in their respective states and serve as counselors for state government agencies and the legislature and as representatives of the public interest. It is often said that Attorneys General occupy the intersection of law and public policy, dealing in areas as diverse consumer protection, drug policy, and environmental protection. Through NAAG, Attorneys General are drawn together to work collectively on legal and public policy issues of common concern. |
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National Association of Consumer Agency Administrators
http://www.nacaanet.org |
| NACAA works aggressively to support and promote the public agencies responsible for ensuring an equitable and informed marketplace. It fosters a forum for lively exchange on the issues of the day, advances consumer education, and promotes equity in relationships between consumers and businesses.
Today, with a quarter century of results behind it, NACAA focuses on emerging consumer issues in North America and around the globe. NACAA members exchange creative new approaches to consumer education. Through dialogue and advocacy, they help formulate and modify consumer laws, policies and regulations. NACAA helps its members meet the challenges posed by new technologies and develop effective methods for reaching a changing population.
To assist the consumer, NACAA’s website provides consumer education tips and information about filing a complaint with state consumer protection and other government officials. |
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National Consumers League
http://www.nclnet.org |
| The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America's oldest nonprofit consumer organization. Dedicated to promoting fairness in the workplace and the marketplace, NCL's three-pronged approach of research, education and advocacy has made it an effective representative and source of information for consumers and workers. NCL offers educational materials on a wide variety of subjects, including child labor, credit, electronic commerce, food and drug safety, protecting the environment, and telecommunications. NCL also operates the National Fraud Information Center/Internet Fraud Watch programs, which provide advice about telemarketing and Internet fraud and relay information from consumers about suspected telemarketing and Internet fraud to law enforcement agencies. |
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Office for Victims of Crime, Department of Justice
http://www.ovc.gov |
The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) is a federal agency within the Office of Justice Programs (OJP), U.S. Department of Justice. It was established by Congress in 1988, through an amendment to the 1984 Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), to provide leadership and funding on behalf of crime victims. OVC's primary source of funding is VOCA's Crime Victims Fund, which is financed by fines, penalties, and special assessments imposed on convicted federal defendants and from gifts, bequests, and donations.
OVC's mission is to enhance the nation's capacity to assist victims of crime and provide leadership in changing attitudes, policies, and practices to promote justice and healing for all crime victims. OVC is a member of OJP's working group on identity theft.
OVC funds victim compensation and assistance programs (e.g., a searchable database; provides training for diverse professionals who work with victims (e.g., the annual Economic Crime Summit with a track on identity theft and fraud victim issues); develops and disseminates publications (e.g., fraud victims; supports projects to enhance victims' rights and services (e.g., a demonstration program at the Ohio Attorney General's Office to address identity theft victims' needs); and educates the public about victim issues.
One of OVC's newest tools to help service providers and allied professionals exchange lessons and practices in victim services is the OVC web forum. February's online guest host will be the executive director of the Identity Theft Resource Center. |
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Office of Privacy Protection,
California Department of Consumer Affairs
http://www.privacy.ca.gov |
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California is the first state to have an agency dedicated to promoting and protecting the privacy rights of consumers. Started in 2001, the Office of Privacy Protection assists consumers with identity theft and other privacy concerns, publishes educational materials, coordinates with law enforcement, and makes privacy practice recommendations to businesses and other organizations.
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Privacy Rights Clearinghouse
http://www.privacyrights.org |
The Privacy Rights Clearinghouse is a nonprofit consumer information and
advocacy organization based in San Diego, Calif. It was established in
1992. The PRC provides consumers in-depth information on ways to safeguard
their personal privacy. Its web site, www.privacyrights.org, offers
individuals a wealth of self-help information on a wide variety of topics,
among them: identity theft, credit reporting, financial privacy, the
Internet, medical records, telemarketing, wireless communications, direct
marketing solicitations, workplace monitoring, and employment background
checks.
The PRC invites consumers to contact its staff with complaints and
questions, by telephone (619-298-3396) or via its web site inquiry form,
http://www.privacyrights.org/inquiryform.html. In addition to its consumer
information role, the PRC represents consumers' interests in public policy
proceedings at the state level (California legislature) and the federal
level (regulatory agencies).
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U.S. Postal Inspection Service
http://www.usps.gov/websites/depart/inspect/ |
| Founded by Benjamin Franklin, the United States Postal Inspection Service is one of our country's oldest federal law enforcement agencies. The United States Postal Inspection Service has a long, proud and successful history of fighting criminals who attack our nation's postal system and misuse it to defraud, endanger or otherwise threaten the American public. As the law enforcement arm of the United States Postal Service, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service is tasked with the enforcement of over 200 federal laws covering investigations of crimes that adversely affect or fraudulently use the U.S. Mail and postal system. |
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U.S. Postal Service
http://www.usps.gov |
| The United States Postal Service (USPS) is an independent agency of the U.S. Government. Created in 1775 as the Post Office Department, with Benjamin Franklin as the first Postmaster General, it is the second oldest department of the United States of America. Handling 650 million pieces of mail a day, the Postal Service provides mail service in the United States to virtually everyone, everywhere, everyday, with regular service six days a week and Express Mail service on Sunday. USPS also serves 7 million retail customers a day through a retail network of more than 38,000 post offices. |
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