General
Consumer.gov
Consumer information provided by the government. Select from topics such as health, money, career, children, food, transportation, and more. Links for affiliated organizations are also provided.
Federal Citizen Information Center
Provides publications on numerous topics ranging from credit card issues, investing, identity theft, and more. The site also includes an extensive consumer assistance directory for government, private sector, and national organization contacts.
Consumer Action Website
Gives information on how to solve consumer problems, as well as addresses, telephone numbers, and websites where you can file consumer complaints. Also provides ordering information the Consumer Action Handbook, the FCIC’s most popular publication. This handbook offers tips on how to be a smart shopper and protect oneself in the marketplace.
File a Complaint
Better Business Bureau
File a complaint, or search for a report on a particular business.
Sample Complaint Letter
Sample complaint letter provided by the Consumer Action website.
Protecting Consumers
Illinois Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division provides recourse for consumers or businesses victimized unjust business practices.
Product Information
Consumer Search
Find detailed reviews and reports on a variety of items. Reviews are gathered from reputable sources and organized into three categories: full story, fast answers, where to buy. Ratings are available.
CNet Reviews
Search for reviews on electronic products.
Consumer Reports
Useful articles on products ranging from cars, appliances, electronics, home & garden, and more. Official ratings are available only to subscribers. Itasca Community Library cardholders may access our database version of Consumer Reports from our Research & Information page.
Dr. Toy.com
Offers information on the most education toys or educational products.
Safe Kids USA
Look for recalls related to children’s products.
Recalls.gov
View recent recalls or search for recalls on a particular product or item. Links to information on motor vehicles, boats, food, medicine, cosmetics, and environmental products are available.
Consumer Product Safety Commission
Provides safety information on numerous products. Recall reports are available as well as an option to report unsafe products.
Household Products Database
Sponsored by the National Institutes of Health. Learn about the health affects of products as well as how to handle them safely.
Autos
Car Talk’s Mechanics Files
Find, recommend, or look-up a mechanic by name. Reviews of auto repair shops are also available.
Edmunds.com / Kelley Blue Book
Find the value of a new or used car. Search for reviews and ratings on a particular vehicle or buy or sell your own. (Make note that these are two separate links).
Fuel Economy.gov
Search for information related to fuel, be it gasoline prices, mileage tips, or energy efficiency.
Credit
MyMoney.gov
Learn tips how to manage, save, and invest your money.
Annual Credit Report
File online for a free credit report. To request a credit report via phone or mail, click here.
National Foundation for Credit Counseling
Offers information about credit debt, bankruptcy, other issues related to money management. Search for a local office by entering your zip code.
Identity Theft Assistance Center
Click on the “consumer” link to learn the necessary steps on how to deal with identity theft.
Fraud.org
Report incidents of fraud or learn how to avoid becoming a victim of fraud.
Telemarketing
Catalog Choice
Eliminate unwanted catalogs.
Opt Out Prescreen
Opt-out of unsolicited credit, or insurance offers. You have the option to opt-out for five years, or permanently.
Direct Marketing Association’s Consumer Assistance
Remove yourself from mail, telemarketing, email lists and more. Information on how to remove individuals in your care or someone who is deceased is also available.
Tonic MailStopper
Reduce junk mail and help the environment. Tonic MailStopper contacts direct mailers and publishers and arranges for you to stay off their mailing lists. Additionally, they plant a tree every month in various parts of the world.
Do Not Call Registry
Register your phone number and to prevent telemarketing calls.
Do-it-Yourself: Stop Junk Mail, Email, and Phone Calls
Detailed instructions on how to stop specific types of telemarketing.
Buy, Sell, or Trade
Craigslist.org
List of classifieds organized by location (we’ve set ours for Chicago). Includes listings for just about any item. You can buy or sell your own item.
Google Product Search
Learn where to buy an item and how much it costs.
Freecycle.org
Network that turns your trash into another’s treasure (or vice versa). Recycle unwanted items by giving them to a neighbor in your area, or get free stuff from the same neighbor.