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How can I get help with a consumer problem?
Although the Federal Citizen Information Center does 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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Where can I file a
complaint?
Use our sample complaint letter 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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Why can’t I find more specific information about my consumer problem?
Because many consumer issues are handled differently in different states, the federal government
can only provide the most basic and universal information about these consumer topics. If you have a specific consumer
question or problem, please contact your local consumer protection office, your local Better Business Bureau, or a consumer protection lawyer.
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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 .html 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:
Handbook
Pueblo, Colorado 81009.
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How much does the Handbook cost?
The Handbook is free for 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.
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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.
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Is the Handbook available in Spanish?
Yes! We have recently released our very first edition
of the Guia del Consumidor! You can order a printed copy or download the PDF. All of our information in Spanish is also available online at www.consumidor.gov.
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How do I find information about recalls?
To find the latest recalls, visit our
Recalls page. We update this page at least once a week to get the information to you as quickly as possible. In addition, we maintain a Recall Resources page. Here, we have compiled a list of
sites that announce product recalls. If you are looking for a specific recall
and didn't find it mentioned on our site, check these sites as well.
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How can I find information on scams and frauds?
We maintain a page with the latest
Scams, Frauds, and Consumer Abuse news items. We also have a
Scams
Resources page. This page lists sites that report scams and frauds committed
against consumers. Some of these sites have toll-free hotlines for reporting scams,
frauds, and consumer abuse.
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How often is the Handbook updated?
Our website is updated constantly.
The print version is updated annually, and the most recent edition came off the
press in May 2009.
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I have a correction or comment for the Handbook or website.
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 or organization 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:
Federal Citizen Information Center (XCC)
Attn: Handbook
Room G-142
1800 F Street NW
Washington DC 20405
You can also e-mail us.
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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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Can I link to the Consumer Action Handbook?
We appreciate your wanting to place a link to the
Consumer Action Handbook on your site or to promote the Handbook in your printed
materials (books, magazines, newspapers, etc.) We have developed some
link text which you are welcome to use.
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Who produces the Handbook?
The Federal Citizen Information Center (FCIC) produces
the Consumer Action Handbook and acts as a distribution center for scores of other
helpful government publications. The FCIC is an outgrowth of the Consumer
Information Center (CIC) that was established in 1970 to coordinate the development
and distribution of federal consumer publications. The new FCIC now serves 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.gsa.gov; or call us
toll-free at 1 (800) FED INFO, Monday-Friday between 9 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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