20 Questions:
Empowering Consumers
Question One
• Question:
“I’m interested in giving to a variety of causes. How
can I be sure a charity is reputable?”
• Resource:
• Charity Navigator
• http://www.charitynavigator.org/
Question Two
• Question:
• “I have been very displeased with the management
company of my apartment complex. I’ve called and called,
but nothing seems to work. What next?”
• Resource:
• Department of Housing and Urban Development, Renter’s
Rights by State
• http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/topics/rental_a
ssistance/tenantrights
Question Three
• Question:
• “Well, I tried everything I know to do with the apartment
management company, and now I want to complain in
some meaningful way. What can I do?”
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Resource:
Better Business Bureau
http://www.bbb.org/
Consumer Action Handbook
http://www.consumeraction.gov/
Question Four
• Question:
• “Strange things have been happening to me lately. I think
someone might have stolen my identity. What steps do I
need to take?”
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Resource:
Federal Trade Commission, Identify Theft
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/
Privacy Rights Clearinghouse
http://www.privacyrights.org/index.htm
Question Five
• Question:
• “Another parent told me she was suspicious of a pair of
shoes her kids are wearing—they have a loose bow. She
thinks they may have been recalled! How can I find out of
this is the case?”
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Resource:
Consumer Products Safety Commission, Recalls
http://www.cpsc.gov/
http://www.recalls.gov/
Auto Recalls:
www.safercar.gov
Question Six
• Question:
• “I see those ads for free credit reports every day. I’d like to
see my reports, but there are so many options. Which is the
most reliable/trustworthy?”
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Resource:
Annual Credit Report
https://www.annualcreditreport.com
More info about credit reportshttp://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0155-free-credit-reports
Question Seven
• Question:
• “Now that I know my credit is in good shape, I want
to apply for a new, low interest card with some
benefits. Where can I find the best cards?”
• Resource:
• Card Ratings
• http://www.cardratings.com/
Question Eight
• Question:
• “I’m interested in buying the fancy Google phone. Is it any
good? How does it stack up against the Iphone?
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Resource:
CNET, ZDNET
http://www.cnet.com
http://www.zdnet.com
Question Nine
• Question:
• “I have some beautiful antiques that simply must be
appraised. How can I find a reputable appraiser in my
area?”
• Resource:
• International Society of Appraisers Directory
• http://www.isa-appraisers.org/ISA_form.html
• Or American Society of Appraisers (ASA), and the Appraisers
Association of America (AAA)
Question Ten
• Question:
• “The phone is a constant source of frustration in my life. What will help me with
managing my calls?”
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Resource:
Get Human:
http://www.gethuman.com/
National Do Not Call Registry:
https://www.donotcall.gov/
Who Called Us?
http://whocalled.us/lookup/
• Junk mail?
• http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0262-stopping-unsolicited-mail-phonecalls-and-email
Question 11
• Question:
• “There are lots of great consumer health resources for
people, but fewer for pets! Can you help me find a good site
with information about pet care, pet products, and other
services?”
• Resource:
• American Animal Hospital Association, Healthy Pet
• http://www.healthypet.com
Question 12
• Question:
“I’ve still got an old brick phone from the 90’s lying
around. Where can I recycle it?”
• Resource:
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “e-cycling”
http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/materials
/ecycling/index.htm
Question 13
• Question:
• “I was reading an article on purchasing new cars
that suggested I find out the invoice price.
• “What does this mean? Where can I find that?”
• Resource:
• edmunds.com, Pricing System
•
Question 14
• Question:
• “Before I know what hit me, it will be time to send
my kids to college. Where can I find more
information about college savings plans available
in my state?”
• Resource:
• College Savings Plans Network
• http://www.collegesavings.org
Question 15
• Question:
• “I have little to no understanding of the investment
landscape. At my new job, I have the option of investing in a
401k. I need help understanding how it works!”
• Resource:
• Investopedia
• http://www.investopedia.com/
• Motley Fool
• http://www.fool.com/
Question 16
• Question:
• “I am trying to save some money on legal fees. Are there
resources online where I can get forms?”
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Resource:
Findlaw
http://www.findlaw.com
Nolo
http://www.nolo.com
Question 17
• Question:
• “I need to find good information about the effectiveness of
dietary and herbal supplements—can you help?”
• Resource:
• Office of Dietary Supplements
• http://dietary-supplements.info.nih.gov/
• General consumer health information-Medline Plus:
• http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/
Question 18
• Question:
• “I just had the best experience buying sportswear
at a Jockey outlet store. I really want to send my
compliments to the parent company. How would I
do that?”
• Resource:
• Planet Feedback
• http://www.planetfeedback.com/
Question 19
• Question:
• “New technology is so expensive. Is there a place where I
can find good deals?”
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Resource:
Woot!
http://www.woot.com
Google shopping (formerly Froogle)
www.google.com/shopping
Question 20
• Question:
• “I was just in this online class where I learned about a lot of resources
for consumers, but I know there have to be a lot more. Where can I find
more info?”
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Resource:
Consumer Action
http://www.consumeraction.gov
Clark Howard
http://clarkhoward.com/
Internet Public Library, Consumer Issues and Services
http://www.ipl.org/IPLBrowse/GetSubject?vid=13&cid=1&tid=6615&p
arent=6607
• http://www.consumerworld.org/
Thank You for Attending!
Questions?
•Professional
Development
•1.800.999.8558
– Ext. 4916
•Web: lyrasis.org
•Email: russell.palmer@lyrasis.org