Consumer Action Handbook - GPO

1 Consumer ACT ION General Services AdministrationCONSUMERACTIONHANDBOOK Brought to you byCONTRIBUTORSUSAGov would like to express its gratitude to the partners listed below who helped make possible the publication of the Consumer Action Financial Services Association Education FoundationThe Colgate-Palmolive CompanyFinancial Industry Regulatory AuthorityNational Futures AssociationSecurities and Exchange CommissionSociety of Consumer Affairs Professionals1-844-USA-GOV1 (844-872-4681) Consumer Action HandbookPBIT echnology Transformation ServiceApril 2017 Welcome to USAGov s Consumer Action Handbook . I m excited that you added this resource to your Consumer you shop, you want to get the best value, without being taken advantage of.

2 You want to feel confident about your purchases, regardless of what you buy, where you shop, or how you pay. The tips and resources in this Handbook can help you achieve these Consumer Action Handbook brings together Consumer information from across government. It includes practical questions to ask and factors to consider when you buy products and services. The Handbook features topics that affect everyone, such as credit reports and identity theft. It also addresses specific issues, like managing someone else s finances and gas pump skimming. You ll also find tips for detecting and reporting scams, throughout the book. Use our Consumer assistance directory and sample complaint letter to file a Consumer complaint.

3 USAGov guides you to the government services you need to make your life easier. In addition to this Handbook and the Spanish version, the Gu a del Consumidor, we offer other bilingual information. This includes our websites and , government information by phone, toll free at 1-844-USA-GOV1, email, and online chat services. Follow USAGov on social media (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram) to discover more government information and you have questions or ideas for topics, please send them my way at Wishing you all the best,Marietta JelksEditor-in-Chief, Consumer Action HandbookII1 To contact an organization, use the directory beginning on page 64 QUICK Consumer TIPSUSING THIS HANDBOOKThis everyday guide to being a smart shopper is full of helpful tips about preventing identity theft, understanding credit, filing a Consumer complaint, and more.

4 The information and resources you will need are arranged as follows:PART I BE A SAVVY CONSUMERRead this section for advice before you make a purchase. Look in the Table of Contents (p. 1) and Index (p. 138) to quickly locate specific topics and II KEY INFORMATION RESOURCESLook here for a list of public resources for seniors, persons with disabilities, and military III FILE A COMPLAINTTurn to this section for suggestions on resolving Consumer problems. The sample complaint letter on page 60 will help you present your IV Consumer ASSISTANCE DIRECTORYFind contact information for corporate offices, Consumer organizations, trade groups, government agencies, state authorities and more.

5 VISIT US ONLINEV isit and in Spanish at for more Consumer information, resources, and tools. You can also download an electronic version of the Handbook and hundreds of other Consumer publications at Consumer TIPSA lways be on the alert for shady deals and scams. Keep these things in mind to avoid becoming a victim: Be wary of promises of no risks or guaranteed earnings. Beware of emails or calls asking you to confirm your bank account, credit card number, PIN, or social security number. Create unique usernames, passwords for your email and onlline accounts. Use a PIN, two-factor authentication and other security features. Don t sign a contract with blank spaces or incomplete terms.

6 Read and understand any contract, legal document, or terms of service before you sign or click I Agr e e . Don t feel pressured by calls or emails, supposedly from the government or creditors, that threaten you if you don t send payment immediately. Get estimates from several contractors for home or car repairs. Make sure the estimates are for the exact same repairs for a fair comparison. Read retailers refund, return, and early termination or cancellation policies, before you buy. Be cautious of shopping on public wi-fi networks, that don t encrypt your information. Beware if someone calls you, claiming that you owe money, demanding a payment by wire transfer or branded gift card.

7 Look for the padlock icon in the bottom right-hand corner of your screen or a URL that begins with https to ensure that your payment information is transmitted securely. Don t buy under stress. Avoid making big-ticket purchases during times of duress. Notify your lender immediately if you are having difficulty making payments on loans, so that you can work out a payment plan. Protect access and use of your digital wallet (connected to your mobile phone or payment app) with a PIN or your fingerprints. Read the privacy policy and security statement on apps you download to make sure that your personal information is secure. Sign up to receive text messages to alert you when your credit card is used.

8 These texts help you catch fraudulent purchases (844-872-4681) Consumer Action HandbookII1 TABLE OF CONTENTSQ uick Consumer TIps ..IIPART I: Be A Savvy Consumer ..2 Buyer Beware ..2 Before You Buy ..2 Warranties ..2 Shopping From Home ..3 After You Buy ..5 Banking ..6 Savings And Checking ..6 Mobile Cards ..7 Unsolicited Checks And Credit Offers ..8 Prepaid Cards ..8 Cars ..9 Buying A Car ..9 Financing ..10 Leasing ..11 Recalls, Lemon Laws, And Secret Warranties ..11 Repairs ..12 Car Repossessions ..12 Renting ..12 Car Sharing Services ..13 Credit ..13 Loans ..14 Credit Cards ..14 Credit Reports And Scores ..16 Dealing With Debt ..17 Education ..19 Paying For College.

9 19 Employment ..21 Work-At-Home Companies ..21 Unemployment ..22 Food And Nutrition ..22 Healthy Food Choices ..22 Food Safety ..22 Saving Money On Groceries ..23 Organic Foods ..23 Health Care ..24 Choose A Doctor ..24 Choose A Health Care Facility ..24 Medical Billing ..25 Prescription Drugs ..26 Advance Medical Directives ..26 Housing ..27 Buy A Home ..27 Home Foreclosure ..28 Moving Companies ..29 Home Improvements And Repairs ..29 Renting And Leasing ..30 Insurance ..31 Auto Insurance ..31 Disability Insurance ..32 Health Insurance ..32 Homeowners and Renters Insurance ..33 Life Insurance ..33 Long-Term Care Insurance ..34 Other Insurance ..34 Investing.

10 35 Financial Brokers And Advisors ..35 Commodities ..37 Real Estate ..37 Retirement Planning ..38 Privacy And Identity Theft ..38 Report Identity Your Privacy ..39 Education Privacy ..40 Financial Privacy ..40 Medical Privacy ..40 Online ..41 Internet ..41 Phones ..43TV ..45 Telemarketing And Unwanted Mail ..46 National Do Not Call Registry ..46 Pre-Recorded Messages ..46 Telemarketing Sales Calls ..47 Travel ..47 Resolve Air Travel Problems ..48 Cruises ..49Tr a v e l S a f e t y ..49 Utilities ..50 Starting Utility Service ..50 Wills And Funerals ..51 Wills ..51Tr u s t s ..52 Funerals ..52 PART II: Key Information Preparedness ..54 For Persons With Disabilities.