NCJ Number
69168
Editor(s)
M SHUBOW
Date Published
1979
Length
80 pages
Annotation
THIS CONSUMER GUIDE IDENTIFIES BOTH GOVERNMENTAL AND NONGOVERNMENTAL SOURCES FOR SATISFACTORILY RESOLVING PROBLEMS WITH PRODUCTS AND SERVICES. IT IS ALSO A DIRECTORY OF FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL AGENCIES.
Abstract
THE BOOKLET BY THE WHITE HOUSE OFFICE OF THE SPECIAL ASSISTANT FOR CONSUMER AFFAIRS IS ORGANIZED IN THREE PARTS. SECTION I OUTLINES STEPS TO TAKE TO RESOLVE CONSUMER PROBLEMS AND HIGHLIGHTS THE OFFICES AND ORGANIZATIONS--BOTH GOVERNMENTAL AND PRIVATE--THAT CONSUMERS CAN CONTACT FOR ASSISTANCE. SECTION II LISTS AND DESCRIBES FEDERAL OFFICES ACCORDING TO SUBJECT AREAS RANGING FROM 'ADVERTISING' TO 'WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.' A KEY AND LEGEND SYSTEM HELPS DETERMINE WHETHER AN AGENCY HANDLES CONSUMER COMPLAINTS; ONLY PROVIDES INFORMATION; COLLECTS CONSUMER COMPLAINT DATA BUT WILL ACT ONLY IF THE PUBLIC INTEREST WILL BE SERVED; OR IF SOME OTHER AGENCY OR ORGANIZATION SHOULD BE CONTACTED. ADDRESSES AND PHONE NUMBERS OF FEDERAL REGIONAL OFFICES ARE LISTED. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON CONSUMER LAWS AND RIGHTS IS ALSO PROVIDED FOR THOSE AREAS WHICH CAUSE THE MOST PROBLEMS FOR CONSUMERS. FEDERAL REGIONAL OFFICES ARE REFERRED TO, WHEN THEY ARE THE MOST APPROPRIATE OFFICES TO BE CONTACTED FOR ASSISTANCE. SECTION III LISTS APPROXIMATELY 800 STATE AND LOCAL OFFICES WHERE CONSUMERS CAN GET HELP IN RESOLVING PROBLEMS. AN INTRODUCTION TO THIS SECTION EXPLAINS WHAT THESE OFFICES DO AND HOW TO CONTACT THEM. AS IN THE FEDERAL SECTION, TOLL-FREE PHONE NUMBERS ARE PRINTED IN BOLD-FACE TYPE. THIS SECTION ALSO INCLUDES LISTINGS OF STATE OFFICES DEALING WITH SPECIFIC SUBJECT AREAS, INCLUDING STATE OFFICES ON AGING, STATE CHARTERED BANKS, ENERGY, INSURANCE, TRANSPORTATION AND UTILITIES. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)