Research Central: Consumer Information

Research Central

Consumer Information

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Protect your money! Use the resources highlighted on this page to research purchases and companies, avoid scams and make smart financial decisions. If you've already been the victim of a bad company, you can also find information on how to file a complaint and resolve disputes.

Be sure to check out our Money Sense guide for Investing & Retirement Modules from FINRA and other online resources that focus on making the most of your money.

Featured Database

Consumer Reports

Databases

Books & More

Web Links

Library Events

Databases

Consumer Reports

Features ratings and recommendations on thousands of products and services.


Statista.com

Direct access to quantitative data on media, business, finance, politics, and a wide variety of other areas of interest or markets.



Consumer Protection

Better Business Bureau (BBB)
A mutually trusted intermediary helps to resolve disputes between businesses and consumers, facilitate communication, and provide information on ethical business practices. Visit the BBB Web site to research a business or charity, file a complaint or go to the BBB Video News Center to watch a video addressing topics such as home improvement, financial tips, auto repair and identity theft.

Consumer Product Safety Commission
The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard or can injure children.

FTC Consumer Information
Get accurate, complete, and concise government information from the Federal Trade Commission; when, where, and how you need to make important life decisions.

National Consumer Law Center
America's foremost advocate for low-income consumer justice, and its leading expert on low-income consumer issues.

National Consumers League
Provides government, businesses, and other organizations with the consumer’s perspective on concerns including child labor, privacy, food safety, and medication information.

Ohio Attorney General Consumer Protection
Learn about the state’s consumer protection laws. Also file a consumer complaint, report or search for scams.

Recalls.gov
Six federal agencies with vastly different jurisdictions have joined together to create this "one stop shop" for U.S. Government recalls.


Free Product Reviews

BestReviews
From toys to tools, this website provides access to free digital designs that can be created using a 3D printer or laser cutter.

CNET Reviews
Unbiased reviews of the latest technology.

ConsumerSearch.com
Report the truth about what experts and users are saying.

FurnaceCompare.com
Ratings and reviews on furnaces, central air conditioners, and heat pumps. There are more than 10,000 reviews from homeowners and contractors, as well as extensive collections of product details, such as ratings, efficiency and capacity.

Wirecutter.com
A free web site for recommendations of the best gear and gadgets. Owned by the New York Times.


Consumer Advice

Clark Howard
Well-known consumer advocate and talk show host.

Consumer Information Center
One-stop shopping center for both print and electronic federal consumer information.


Opt Out Services

Catalog Choice
Reduce the amount of unsolicited mail in your mailbox, while helping to preserve the environment.

Direct Marketing Association
DMA's Mail Preference Service will help to remove your name and address from prospect mailing lists.

Donotcall.gov
Subscribe to no longer receive telemarketing calls.


Credit & Debt Resources

AnnualCreditReport.com
Request a free credit file disclosure, commonly called a credit report, once every 12 months.

Credit Karma.com
The Do's and Don'ts of Getting a new credit card.

Federal Trade Commission – Credit & Loans
Find FTC information and consumer publications on credit topics such as Fixing Your Credit and Fair Debt Collection.

Topic List

Books & More

Events