Consumer Protection

Check in here to find information about how to protect your privacy and ensure your safety using products and services.

Better Business Bureau

BBB system extends over 98% of the U. S. A, including Hawaii, Alaska, and Puerto Rico.

created: 01 Aug 2003 by mbuhmann ::: updated: 07 Aug 2003

Commodity Futures Trading Commission

Government agency providing alerts relating to commodities. A toll free number is provided.

created: 18 Oct 2003 by mflesner ::: updated: 18 Oct 2003

Consumer Federation of America

Advocacy organization working to advance pro-consumer policy.

created: 09 Aug 2003 by mflesner ::: updated: 09 Aug 2003

CPSC Press Releases and Recalls

CPSC provides information in English and Spanish on recalls of all types of products. Users can search by product type, by product description, and by company.

created: 06 Aug 2003 by equinlan ::: updated: 06 Aug 2003

Free Credit Reports

Beginning March 1, 2005 consumers in Illinois may obtain a free copy of your credit report once every 12 months.

created: 08 Jan 2005 by mflesner ::: updated: 08 Jan 2005

Identify theft

U.S. government's central website about identity theft.

created: 09 Aug 2003 by equinlan ::: updated: 09 Aug 2003

Illinois Attorney General

Lists toll-free phone numbers, how to file a complaint and other consumer information.

created: 01 Aug 2003 by mflesner ::: updated: 25 Mar 2004

Illinois Commerce Commission

The Illinois Commerce Commission is responsible for ensuring safety of public utilities by regulating utility companies' financial organization, by inspecting railroads and gas pipelines, and by implementing 911 emergency service throughout Illinois.

created: 06 Aug 2003 by equinlan ::: updated: 07 Aug 2003

National "Do Not Call" Registry

The U.S. Federal Government created this national registry to make it easier for consumers to stop getting telemarketing sales calls.

created: 01 Aug 2003 by mbuhmann ::: updated: 17 May 2004

National Association of Securities Dealers

Helps with fraud or other abuse by brokers.

created: 09 Aug 2003 by mflesner ::: updated: 09 Aug 2003

National Consumer League

Private nonprofit group that advocates for consumers in the areas of child labor laws, privacy, food safety, and prescription medication.

created: 01 Aug 2003 by mflesner ::: updated: 07 Aug 2003

National Fraud Information Center

Established in 1992 by the National Consumer League to fight telemarketing fraud. A toll-free phone number is provided.

created: 01 Aug 2003 by mflesner ::: updated: 07 Aug 2003

Privacy Rights Clearinghouse

Useful site with fact sheets on all types of consumer fraud, especially on how to avoid fraud like identity theft and what to do if you find you've been a victim. The site is based in California, and has many fact sheets in Spanish and English.

created: 06 Aug 2003 by equinlan ::: updated: 06 Aug 2003

Quatloos

Educational website maintained by a California non-profit company on tax scams, investment fraud and law enforcement links.

created: 12 Sep 2003 by mflesner ::: updated: 12 Sep 2003

Securities and Exchange Commission

U. S. government agency with responsibility for regulating the securities industry.

created: 09 Aug 2003 by mflesner ::: updated: 09 Aug 2003

The Enforcement Complaint Center

This department investigates allegations of misrepresentation or omission of material facts concerning securities offered for sale. Victims of fraudlent investment schemes can get information and file a complaint.

created: 28 Jul 2003 by equinlan ::: updated: 07 Aug 2003

Troubleshooter.com

Solving consumer problems, answering questions, taking complaints; provided by consumer advocate Tom Martino and the troubleshooter network.

created: 09 Aug 2003 by mflesner ::: updated: 09 Aug 2003

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Resource for consumer information from the federal government.

created: 01 Aug 2003 by mflesner ::: updated: 18 Jun 2004