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| FAQ: The Consumer Action Handbook |
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What is the Consumer Action Handbook and how do I get a copy? The Consumer Action Handbook, is one of the most popular books published by the federal government; an easy-to-read guide offering general buying tips and ways to resolve marketplace problems, as well as information on specific topics such as credit, cars, insurance, and travel. There are thousands of names, addresses, telephone numbers and websites for corporations, trade groups, state and local consumer protection offices and federal agencies. It is available in .pdf and .htm formats. For a printed copy, order online. You can also
call 1-888-8 PUEBLO (that's
1-888-878-3256), or send your name and address to:
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How much does the Handbook cost? The Handbook is free to individuals.
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Is there a limit to the number of copies I can order? Due to high demand and limited quantities, we must limit consumers to 5 copies of the Handbook per order. If you are ordering for an organization or would like additional copies, use our Bulk Order Form (in both English and Spanish).
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How do I order multiple copies for a library, school, community center or other organization? If you represent an organization, like a school, a community center, or a consumer protection office, and would like multiple copies of the Handbook, use our Bulk Order Form (in both English and Spanish).
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How often is the Handbook updated? The web version of the Handbook is updated constantly. The print version is updated annually.
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Why do some companies have stars or symbols by their names? Some companies in the Consumer Assistance Directory have a small Mobius strip by their names. This symbol designates them as a member of the Society of Consumer Affairs Professionals (SOCAP) International. SOCAP Int�l is a valuable partner of the Handbook and is listed with other sponsors on the Contributors' Page. Gold stars next to listings in the Consumer Assistance Directory highlight contributors. These organizations helped fund the printing and distribution of the Handbook to ensure that as many consumers as possible have access to this information.
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Is the Handbook available in Spanish? We have a Spanish-language version.
You can see it online or order printed copies at www.consumidor.gov.
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I have a correction or comment for the Handbook. What do I do? If you have a correction or suggestion for the Handbook, please e-mail us. If you do not have access to a computer, you can call (202) 501-1794.
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How can my company/organization/office be listed in the Consumer Action Handbook? Organizations who would like to be listed in the Handbook must be national, have a business relationship directly with consumers, and be able to respond to consumer complaints and comments. Requests for inclusion in the Handbook will be reviewed periodically, and you will be notified if we plan to include your organization. All information should
be typed on letterhead and sent to:
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The Federal Citizen Information Center (FCIC) produces the Consumer Action Handbook and acts as a distribution center for other helpful government publications. We serve as a trusted, one-stop source for answers to questions about Federal agencies, programs and services. Find answers online at USA.gov; order one of our many useful publications at www.pueblo.gov; or call us toll-free at 1 (800) FED INFO, Monday-Friday between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. EST. Our specially trained staff can answer questions in English and Spanish about all aspects of the Federal government or direct callers to an appropriate contact.
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How can I get help with a consumer problem? Although the we do not handle consumer complaints, we do provide consumer information online and through the publications that are listed in our Catalog. The Handbook contains contact information for federal agencies and local consumer protection offices that respond to consumer complaints. The Handbook also includes Better Business Bureaus, corporate consumer affairs offices, trade associations, national consumer organizations and more. You might want to use our sample complaint letter when contacting these organizations. Another valuable resource is your local library. The reference section is likely to have materials to help answer your questions, and librarians can assist you in finding useful information. If you have questions about Federal
programs, benefits, or services, you can call the FCIC's National Contact Center
at 1 (800) FED INFO, Monday-Friday between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. EST.
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Use our sample complaint letter & e-mail and our WHERE TO FILE A COMPLAINT tab to take action. When you have a complaint, you should always contact the seller or service provider first. We list the contact information for many companies in the Handbook. If that doesn't work, try your local consumer protection office. You might also want to contact your local BBB or a consumer protection lawyer. In addition, FCIC has a great complaint resource page. This page includes a compiled list of organizations that handle consumer complaints. The sources are arranged alphabetically by topic.
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We have two great pages on our site for recalls. The first page is our list of the latest recalls. We update this page at least once a week to get the information to you faster. The second page is our Recall Resources page. Here, we have compiled a list of sites that announce product recalls. You may also go to www.recalls.gov
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How can I find information on scams and frauds? We maintain the latest Scams and Frauds items in the news. We also have a Scams Resources page, which lists sites that report on scams/frauds committed against consumers. Some of these sites have toll-free hotlines for reporting scams, frauds, and consumer abuse.
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| Important Notices - Site Map | ||
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| This service is provided by the Federal Citizen Information Center of the U.S. General Services Administration. E-mail us your comments or questions. |
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