Thursday, July 7, 2011

Government Links: Scams, Fraud, Consumer Protection

Here is a list of some sites that can help you better understand and if needed get help if you are a victim of any sort of scam, fraud, etc.

1. Federal Citizen Information Center (USA)
Have a question about Federal programs, benefits, or services? We handle millions of inquiries from citizens trying to find that elusive answer to their question. Pick your favorite way to get out of the government maze!
1 (800) FED INFO
http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/call/text/t_default.htm

2. First Gov - Your official portal to government programs...
Main http://firstgov.gov/index.shtml
Phone, Offices http://firstgov.gov/Contact/Directories.shtml

3. Government Guide
As you move around this site, Government Guide will display your federal, state and local resources.
Main http://www.governmentguide.com/main.adp
Official Agencies http://www.governmentguide.com/officials_and_agencies.adp?id=16101798

4. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
The online Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance gives you access to a database of all Federal programs available to State and local governments (including the District of Columbia); federally -recognized Indian tribal governments; Territories (and possessions) of the United States; domestic public, quasi-public, and private profit and nonprofit organizations and institutions; specialized groups; and individuals.
http://www.cfda.gov

5. Consumer World
Links to almost every consumer agency you can think of throughout the world including the Attorney General offices for each state.
http://www.consumerworld.org/pages/agencies.htm

6. State, County, and City Government Consumer Protection Offices
City, county and state consumer protection offices provide consumers with important services. They mediate complaints, conduct investigations, prosecute offenders of consumer laws, license and regulate a variety of professionals, promote strong consumer protection legislation, provide educational materials and advocate in the consumer interest.
http://www.consumeraction.gov

7. United States Consumer Gateway
The U.S. Consumer Gateway -- "consumer.gov" -- is a "one-stop" link to a broad range of federal information resources available online.
http://www.consumer.gov

8. Federal Trade Commission, Bureau of Consumer Protection
Consumer Alert (202) 326-3137
Consumer Line (877) FTC-HELP
http://www.ftc.gov/ftc/consumer.htm


9. Better Business Bureau
Council of Better Business Bureaus, Inc.
4200 Wilson Blvd., Suite 800, Arlington, VA 22203-1804
Phone: (703) 276-0100
Fax: (703) 525-8277
URL: http://www.bbb.org

Link to Local Better Business Bureau Offices
URL: http://lookup.bbb.org

Consumer Alerts - Scams
URL: http://www.bbb.org/alerts/Scam.asp


10. Complete U.S. Federal Government Agencies Directory
http://www.lib.lsu.edu/gov/alpha

11. GPO Access Online Resources: A-Z Resource List
http://www.gpoaccess.gov/databases.html

12. US Dept of Commerce
http://www.commerce.gov

13. Federal Government Site Index
http://www.statelocalgov.net/index.cfm

14. USP Inspection Service (Scams/Fraud)
http://postalinspectors.uspis.gov